Connolly's Bar

- 1-55 Beach 95th St, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693

**Connolly's Bar** stands as a beloved institution and a quintessential part of the Rockaway Beach experience in Queens, New York. More than just a bar, it embodies the relaxed, resilient, and friendly spirit of the Rockaway community. Operating as a classic neighborhood bar and pub, Connolly's offers an atmosphere that is uniquely split: a "time-warped beach basement" downstairs that provides a cozy, authentic feel, and a bright, vibrant patio bar that allows patrons to soak up the sun and the salty air.

For decades, this establishment has been the go-to spot for locals and beach-goers alike, known for its inclusive crowd and consistently good times. While the menu includes a full selection of food and drinks, the bar's reputation is inextricably linked to one iconic beverage: the **Piña Colada**. Described by regulars as the "best in the land," this creamy, icy, and deceptively potent concoction is a central part of the Connolly’s ritual and a must-try for anyone visiting the Rockaway peninsula. Whether you're seeking a lively night out with dancing, a quiet beer while watching a game, or a legendary beach cocktail, Connolly's Bar offers an authentic, unpretentious New York experience.

Connolly's Bar is perfectly positioned at **1-55 Beach 95th St, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693, USA**. This prime location places it right in the heart of Rockaway Beach, making it exceptionally convenient for anyone spending a day—or a lifetime—by the ocean. The proximity to the sand and surf means that stepping off the beach with "sandy feet" and sun-kissed skin leads you directly to their welcoming doors.

The location on Beach 95th Street is highly accessible for those using transportation to and from the Rockaways. The NYC Ferry stop is relatively close, and the A train's Beach 98th Street station is a short walk away, linking the pub easily to the rest of the city for Manhattan and Brooklyn residents. For those driving, accessibility is further enhanced by the provision of both a **Free Parking Lot** and **Free Street Parking**, a welcome amenity in a popular coastal neighborhood, especially during the busy summer season.

Connolly's Bar offers a diverse range of services and amenities, positioning itself as a full-service social hub rather than just a place to grab a drink. The services are tailored for maximum enjoyment, whether socializing, relaxing, or celebrating:

• Full Bar Service: Providing a comprehensive selection of beverages including a wide variety of **Beer, Cocktails, Hard Liquor, and Wine**.
• Food Service: Offering a menu of satisfying food items to complement the drinks, making it a great spot for a full meal or substantial bar bites.
• Outdoor Seating: Featuring a popular **Patio Bar** area, allowing patrons to enjoy the coastal air and sunshine while sipping their drinks.
• Dine-in Seating: Ample indoor seating, including the famous "beach basement" area, suitable for year-round patronage.
• Entertainment & Social Activities: Hosting **Live Performances, Trivia Night, and Bar Games**, creating an interactive and energetic environment.
• Dancing: The atmosphere often transitions into a lively dance setting, especially during weekend evenings and live music events.
• Convenience Amenities: Providing **Restroom** facilities and complimentary **Wi-Fi** for customer use.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepting **Debit Cards and NFC Mobile Payments** for quick and modern transactions.

What truly makes Connolly's a Rockaway legend is its combination of signature drinks, energetic atmosphere, and role as a community gathering spot. The most compelling highlights are:

• **The Legendary Piña Colada:** The unquestionable star of the menu. It is widely hailed as one of the best, known for being "creamy, icy, and deceptively strong," with the recommended rum floater being "a must" for the ultimate experience.
• **Dual Atmosphere:** The bar offers two distinct experiences—the nostalgic, cozy, slightly dark "time-warped beach basement" downstairs and the bright, airier **Patio Bar** upstairs or outside, catering to different moods and weather.
• **Vibrant Entertainment Calendar:** A consistently active venue featuring **Live Performances** (including great music outside), **Trivia Night**, and general **Bar Games**, ensuring there is always a reason to visit.
• **Sports Viewing:** Known as a spot to watch **Sports**, with multiple screens and a crowd ready to cheer on New York’s favorite teams.
• **Friendly, Inclusive Crowd:** Attracting a diverse, multi-generational, and consistently "truly friendly" crowd, reflecting the welcoming nature of the Rockaway community.
• **Year-Round Relevance:** While a beach bar at heart, its indoor setting ensures it remains a viable and essential social spot long after the summer beach season ends.

To inquire about the schedule for live performances, confirm current operating hours, or ask about specific menu items, New Yorkers can use the following contact details for Connolly's Bar:

• **Address:** 1-55 Beach 95th St, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693, USA
• **Phone:** (718) 474-2374
• **Mobile Phone:** +1 718-474-2374

Given its location on the beach, hours may seasonally vary, so a quick call or check of their social media channels is always advisable, particularly when planning a visit for a specific event or performance.

Choosing Connolly's Bar means choosing an authentic slice of Rockaway life. It is worth visiting not just for a drink, but for the complete, authentic New York beach town experience. For Manhattan and Brooklyn residents making the pilgrimage to Rockaway, or for local Queens dwellers, the bar offers a genuinely restorative and fun environment.

The primary draw, of course, is the legendary **Piña Colada**. It's more than a drink; it's a "ritual" and a rite of passage for many visiting the area. The combination of its creamy texture, perfect temperature, and potent kick is unmatched, proving why it has earned the moniker of the "best in the land."

Beyond the famous cocktail, the bar’s ability to cater to multiple moods—offering a lively spot for dancing and sports viewing, as well as a relaxed patio for soaking up the sun—makes it universally appealing. It has an essential, grounding quality; as one patron summarized, "You didn’t really do Rockaway if you didn’t end up at Connelly’s." By providing a consistent atmosphere where the crowd is genuinely friendly and the entertainment is lively, Connolly's Bar stands out as a foundational New York pub that perfectly captures the energy and camaraderie of the coastal Queens community.

Connolly's Bar

1-55 Beach 95th St, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693, USA