Caracas Arepa Bar (summer only)

- 106-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway Park, NY 11694

When the summer sun hits New York City, there’s one seasonal spot that instantly comes to mind for New Yorkers seeking authentic flavor and unbeatable beach vibes: Caracas Arepa Bar at Rockaway Park. This vibrant, temporary outpost brings the best of Venezuelan street food directly to the Rockaway Beach boardwalk, offering a perfect marriage of Latin American comfort food and a quintessential NYC summer experience. More than just a meal takeaway, it’s a destination that captures the lively spirit of the city’s beach culture, making it a beloved annual tradition for locals from all boroughs.

Caracas Arepa Bar has long been a fixture in the New York dining scene, with its roots starting in the East Village and expanding to Williamsburg. However, the Rockaway Park location, which opens mid-May through September, holds a special place in the hearts of beach-goers. It’s an essential part of the Rockaway experience, a place where you can grab a quick, delicious, and filling bite without ever having to leave the salty air and ocean view. It embodies the perfect casual beach concession—offering fast, friendly counter service and an array of satisfying snacks and drinks to fuel a long day by the water. The core of their offering, the arepa—a crispy, griddled cornmeal pocket stuffed with savory fillings—is the ideal handheld food for a day at the beach, proving why this Venezuelan staple has become such a hit in New York City.

The atmosphere here is a major part of the draw. It’s laid-back, festive, and always buzzing with energy. Imagine taking a break from the sand, walking up to the counter, ordering a hot, perfectly stuffed arepa and an icy frozen drink, and then settling down at one of the communal picnic tables right on the boardwalk. Reviewers consistently praise the "amazing beach vibes" and "lively crowd." On top of that, the management frequently enhances the experience with live music, creating a fantastic soundtrack for your meal. This combination of great food, a vibrant atmosphere, and a prime beach location is what makes the seasonal Caracas Arepa Bar an absolute must-do for New Yorkers every summer. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, a late lunch, or an early dinner, the experience is always memorable and authentically New York.

Caracas Arepa Bar proudly identifies as Latino-owned, bringing a true taste of South America to the shores of Queens. It’s a place that welcomes everyone, being family-friendly, good for kids, and an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space. The emphasis is on fresh, quality ingredients and a commitment to consistency, ensuring that the arepas you get at Rockaway are just as excellent as those served at their more permanent city locations. Even those who miss the full menu of the now-closed city locations note that the essential Venezuelan flavor and the famous house-made sauce at the Rockaway outpost are a powerful draw, proving that sometimes, a focused, smaller menu in a perfect setting is all you need for an unforgettable summer bite.

Location and Accessibility

Caracas Arepa Bar’s summer-only location is perfectly situated right on the Rockaway Beach boardwalk, making it highly accessible for anyone visiting the popular Queens shoreline. Its precise address is:

106-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway Park, NY 11694, USA

This location places it at Beach 106th Street, a known hub of activity on the boardwalk. For local New Yorkers, the Rockaway Ferry is a popular, scenic way to reach the area, offering a free transfer from the NYC Ferry route at Wall Street / Pier 11 for those coming from parts of Brooklyn or Queens. The A train to Broad Channel followed by the shuttle train to Beach 106th Street is another well-trodden path for subway riders. Once you arrive, you will find a vibrant concession area with a fantastic view of the ocean. The venue is also committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, which is vital for serving all members of the community enjoying a day out. For those driving, free street parking is available, a welcome amenity in the often-crowded city. The counter-service setup with communal outdoor seating is perfectly designed for a beach environment, inviting patrons to enjoy their Venezuelan meal right by the sea.

Services Offered

Caracas Arepa Bar at Rockaway Park is tailored for the perfect beach day experience, focusing on fast, friendly, and efficient service.

• Counter Service: Orders are placed at the counter, ensuring quick turnover so you can get back to the beach quickly. Expect lines during peak times, a testament to its popularity.
• Takeout Service: The nature of the food—easily portable arepas and empanadas—makes it an ideal meal takeaway option for eating on the sand or while strolling the boardwalk.
• Outdoor Seating: The location offers ample seating with communal picnic tables right on the boardwalk.
• Onsite Services: The venue provides amenities like a restroom for customer convenience.
• Beverage Service: A full array of drinks is offered, including a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, in addition to non-alcoholic beverages and coffee.
• Dining Options: Serving Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner throughout its operating hours, typically 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM during the summer season.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments for easy transactions.

Features and Highlights

The Caracas Arepa Bar at Rockaway Park offers several distinct features that set it apart as a premier summer dining destination.

• Seasonal Beach Outpost: Open only during the summer season (typically mid-May through September), this exclusive timing enhances its status as a highly anticipated yearly event.
• Live Music and Events: A highlight of the atmosphere, live music (often featuring DJs or live acts) contributes to the lively, festive, and trending beach party vibe, especially on summer weekends.
• Venezuelan Comfort Food Focus: Specializing in the Venezuelan staple, the arepa—a naturally gluten-free corn flour pocket—filled with classic ingredients like shredded beef, cheese, beans, and plantains.
• Signature Frozen Drinks: Famous for its cocktails, particularly the Frozen Sangria, which is praised as a perfect, icy accompaniment to a hot summer day and is available in red, white, or twisted varieties. Customers have also raved about unique seasonal offerings like a frozen pineapple hot honey Rita.
• Dietary Inclusivity: The menu is accommodating with a focus on naturally gluten-free arepas and offering clear options for diners seeking Vegan and Vegetarian dishes, along with comforting meat-based options.
• Authentic Cuisine: Recognized as a must-try for Latin American and South American cuisine, delivering homemade Venezuelan food with great attention to quality and flavor.
• High Praise for the House Sauce: Diners consistently mention the amazing house-made sauce—a spicy, sweet, and tangy creation—as a crucial element that elevates all the dishes, making it a star attraction.

What is Worth Choosing

While the entire menu is lauded for its quality and authentic flavors, there are a few standouts that have become legendary among New York patrons and are essential choices for anyone visiting the Rockaway Park location.

• The Arepas: The main event! The Venezuelan corn cakes are the foundation of the menu. Specifically, the Pabellon ($8.00), stuffed with shredded beef, black beans, fried sweet plantains, and white cheese, is a classic, hearty meal. Another highly recommended choice is Gato ($7.00), a popular option praised by customers for its combination of handmade white cheese, sweet fried plantains, and avocado sauce, sometimes referred to as 'La del gato'. For vegetarian options, the Super V ($7.00) features black beans, avocado, plantains, and jalapeño, offering a flavorful and filling bite. The naturally gluten-free nature of the arepas makes them a fantastic alternative to traditional beach fare.
• The Empanadas: Don't overlook the deep-fried wheat flour pockets. The Chicken ($4.50) and Black Beans & Cheese ($4.00) empanadas are called 'bomb' by patrons and offer a crispy, flavorful snack or side to your meal.
• Frozen Sangria: Whether you choose Red, White, or a 'Twisted' version ($12.00 or $7.00), this icy, refreshing cocktail is repeatedly highlighted as a perfect pairing for the spicy, savory Venezuelan food and a cooling antidote to the heat of the beach.
• Sides: To round out your authentic meal, choose the Sweet Plantains ($5.00), which provide a perfect sweet and soft counterpoint to the savory arepas, or the Green Plantains ($6.00) served with cheese and herb mayo for a more savory, substantial side.

In summary, what is most worth choosing at Caracas Arepa Bar is the entire experience: a piping hot, perfectly stuffed arepa, a legendary house sauce, and an ice-cold frozen sangria, all enjoyed with your toes in the sand or a view of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an essential part of the Queens summer scene and a true New York gem.

Contact Information

Address: 106-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway Park, NY 11694, USA

Please note that phone contact information was not consistently provided across public data for this seasonal concession location. For the most current opening dates and hours (typically 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily during the season), or for event information, visitors are advised to check the official website or social media channels.

Caracas Arepa Bar (summer only)

106-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway Park, NY 11694, USA