Locals Collective NYC

- 1-90 Beach 69th St, Arverne, NY 11692

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine slice of beach life and a fantastic cup of coffee, the Locals Collective NYC is the essential destination. Nestled in the heart of Rockaway Beach's Arverne community, this unique establishment transcends the typical coffee shop model. It is a modern, cozy cafe founded by life-long Rockaway residents and owners of Locals Surf School, Mike Reinhardt and Mike Kololyan, who aimed to create a collective space that unifies the area's rich surf culture with everyday community life.

The atmosphere at Locals Collective NYC is immediately captivating—it’s characterized by a laid-back, surf-inspired vibe and a beautifully decorated, cool setup that truly invites relaxation. Patrons consistently praise the relaxed welcome and attentive service, making it an ideal spot for solo dining, a quick bite, or settling in for a productive session on your laptop. While the fantastic coffee is the core offering, the menu extends to healthy, prepared foods, a selection of beer and wine, and numerous dietary options, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices. This commitment to quality and community has cemented its reputation as a must-visit spot in the neighborhood.

Beyond being a cafe, Locals Collective serves as a vital cultural and learning center for the Rockaways. It acts as a convenient and secure home-away-from-home for the metropolitan surfer, offering essential amenities like surf gear storage, changing rooms, and warm indoor showers. The collective’s mission extends into the community with initiatives like monthly beach cleanups and environmental programming, embodying a deep-rooted passion for the Rockaways and its coastal environment. Whether you're a seasoned surfer, a beach-goer, or a Queens resident in search of a great latte and a cozy workspace, Locals Collective NYC offers a welcoming and enriching experience.

The menu selection is tailored for coastal living and healthy eating. You'll find a full espresso bar featuring everything from a classic Flat White ($5.53) and Americano ($5.20) to popular specialty drinks like the Matcha Latte ($6.83) and Golden Latte ($6.83). For a substantial start to the day, favorites include the hearty Breakfast Burrito ($15.60), Avocado Toast ($14.30), and the refreshing Açaí Bowl ($19.50). The selection of specialty smoothies, such as the Green Dream ($14.30), ensures plenty of nourishing options are available.

Location and Accessibility

Locals Collective NYC is situated in the heart of the Arverne section of Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York, in a prime spot for anyone accessing the coast.

Address: 1-90 Beach 69th St, Arverne, NY 11692, USA.

The location is incredibly convenient for surfers and beach visitors, as it’s located right up the street from one of NYC’s best surfing beaches and is only one block from the boardwalk. It is also located directly across the street from the subway station, offering easy access for commuters and visitors traveling via public transportation.

In terms of accessibility for all patrons, the cafe is well-equipped:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

The cafe welcomes pets in its outside seating area, providing outdoor seating where dogs are allowed. While there is no dedicated private parking, the easily accessible location near transit and the beach makes it simple to reach.

Services Offered

As a multifaceted space, Locals Collective NYC offers an array of services that cater to both the local community and the visiting metropolitan surfer.

• Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery: Offering flexible options for enjoying high-quality coffee and bites, including online ordering for pick-up.
• Full Coffee and Beverage Bar: Serving a wide selection of espresso drinks, drip coffee, lattes (including specialty ones like Matcha and Golden), and a great tea selection.
• Full Food Service: Offering breakfast, lunch, and dessert, with specialty healthy options, prepared foods, and quick bites.
• Beverage Selection: In addition to coffee and tea, the cafe offers beer and wine, making it a great spot for an afternoon gathering or early dinner.
• Surf Storage and Rentals: Providing secure, 24-hour accessible, climate-controlled surf storage lockers with full bath access for the local surfing community. Surfboard and wetsuit rentals are also available.
• Community Events: Hosting monthly beach cleanups, yoga classes, breath-holding workshops, and surf-related cultural events.
• Retail: Selling their own Locals Rockaway, NYC line of merchandise and apparel.
• Amenities: Offering comfortable seating, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi, making it a great location for working on a laptop.
• Dietary Options: A strong focus on healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices.

Features and Highlights

Locals Collective NYC stands out from typical New York cafes due to its unique combination of amenities, atmosphere, and community focus.

• Surf Culture Integration: The core identity is deeply tied to Rockaway's surf scene, serving as a hub for surfers and the Locals Surf School. This includes services like surfboard storage and warm indoor showers—a major convenience for year-round surfers.
• Excellent Coffee and Fast Service: Customers frequently rave about the fantastic coffee and great tea selection, paired with consistently fast service and excellent customer care.
• Dietary Friendly Menu: The comprehensive selection of healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free items ensures that diverse dietary needs are easily met without sacrificing flavor or quality.
• Work-Friendly Environment: With Wi-Fi access and a cozy, trendy atmosphere, the cafe is popular among those looking for a comfortable place to work or study on their laptop.
• Sustainable Practices: The cafe is recognized for its environmental responsibility, including being an early adopter of going totally strawless and using sustainable, eco-friendly to-go products, aligning with the Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Restaurants program.
• Dual Cafe/Bar Offerings: The ability to transition from coffee and smoothies in the morning to a selection of beer and wine in the afternoon extends its usability throughout the day and into the evening.

Contact Information

To grab a coffee, learn more about surf lessons, or inquire about their community programs, you can reach Locals Collective NYC at the following:

Address: 1-90 Beach 69th St, Arverne, NY 11692, USA

Phone: (518) 418-0393

The cafe’s operating hours are generally morning through the late afternoon/early evening, typically opening early (7:00 AM) to catch the early birds and surfers.

What is Worth Choosing

Locals Collective NYC is worth choosing not just for its high-quality coffee and delicious, healthy food, but because it offers a truly authentic, coastal New York community experience. For locals in the Arverne and Rockaway Beach area, it’s a non-negotiable meeting point and a comfortable extension of home, praised for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where you can grab a top-tier Latte or Breakfast Sammy and immediately feel a part of the local scene.

For the metropolitan New Yorker traveling out to the Rockaways, choosing Locals Collective is choosing convenience and culture. Its proximity to the subway and the beach is unmatched, and the additional services—especially the surf storage and gear rentals—eliminate the logistical headaches of surfing in NYC. The cafe's commitment to sustainability and community engagement, organizing events like beach cleanups, adds a layer of purpose to your visit that goes beyond a transaction.

If you are someone who enjoys a trendy, cozy setting for working remotely, the free Wi-Fi and pleasant indoor and outdoor seating make it an ideal temporary office. Similarly, if you have specific dietary needs, the wide array of well-executed vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options is a significant draw. In a city full of cafes, Locals Collective NYC distinguishes itself by building a successful business around a unique local passion—surfing—and extending genuine warmth and exceptional service to everyone who walks through its doors. It is a true collective space that nourishes both the body and the community spirit.

Locals Collective NYC

1-90 Beach 69th St, Arverne, NY 11692, USA