rockaway – ME SO HUNGRY

The Cookout at Rockaway Beach Surf Club

Rusty’s been surfing hardcore at Rockaway for the past year (even in the winter). I went to check out his locker at the Rockaway Beach Surf Club. Apparently when it gets warm, it turns into a happening hangout. They have a food truck called The Cookout (from the people behind the Lodge and Urban Rustic in Williamsburg). I got the Backyard Burger (blend of ground short rib, brisket & chuck, aged white cheddar, red pepper relish $11) with a side of Sugar Snap Slaw. They gave me Matthew McConaughey table sign to find me for my food.

It was a lot of fun. People watching the World Cup. The bar was open. Kids from my neighborhood were being bussed in. A lot of hot chicks. And you also have some quality beach time. Just don’t feed the seagulls. There were a bunch hovering over this African-American family next to us on the beach. It was hilarious how they freaked out. It was like Martin (the TV show). I’m not sure if that’s racist, but it was funny.

Rockaway Beach Surf Club – 302 Beach 87th St. Far Rockaway, NY 11693

The Tap & Grill Clambar at Rockaway Beach

The weather’s been great for us to check out Rockaway Beach. First stop was to get a beer of course. And that first bar we past was The Tap & Grill. It’s Rockaway’s oldest clambar since 1934. Some cool old pics on their site.

I ordered some fish tacos. Glad I did. The Rockaway Taco line around the corner was nuts. I just want to eat, not buggin out waiting. Fish tacos were great. Fish was like the kind you’d get if you ordered fish & chips. Cod I believe. The ceviche-style salsa punched up the flavor.

Rockaway Beach was cool. Not crowded and stinky like Coney Island and closer than Long Beach. Huge recycle bins you can lock your kid in and a prison-style concrete picnic yard.

Grabbed another beer on the way back to the train at the divier Rockaway Beach Inn. The bartender there said Rockaway Tacos are “out of this world.” I started to regret not trying them.

Everyone was really nice in Rockaway …at both bars. Even the lady wearing double denim (jeans and jacket) with the black eye. I can’t wait to come back.

The Tap & Grill Clambar – 97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd. Rockaway Beach, NY 11693