Outdoor Dining Area

- 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

When it comes to quintessential New York City summer experiences, few things rival a day at Coney Island—and no visit is truly complete without a stop at the original, world-famous Nathan's. While the iconic storefront on Surf Avenue is legendary, the site is also home to a unique and essential component of the Coney Island dining experience: the expansive Outdoor Dining Area. Far more than just a place to eat, this space functions as a vibrant outdoor food court, offering patrons the perfect spot to savor their classic New York-style meal amid the sounds and sights of this historic seaside destination.

For over a century, the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues has been a Brooklyn institution, and the evolution of the dining experience here reflects the spirit of Coney Island itself. Historically, guests often had to eat their legendary hot dogs standing up or leaning on narrow ledges. Recognizing the need for a comfortable, dedicated space for visitors—especially during the bustling summer months—the establishment developed this welcoming Outdoor Dining Area. It provides a much-needed respite and gathering spot, offering both locals and tourists a true taste of American nostalgia and seaside fun. This open-air food court is where classic American fare meets the lively, casual atmosphere of the Brooklyn coast. It’s an essential part of the modern Coney Island experience, making it easier than ever to enjoy the area’s signature cuisine.

The designated outdoor eating space elevates the experience of enjoying Nathan’s extensive menu, providing a casual, family-friendly environment that is perfectly suited to the atmosphere of the amusement district and the nearby boardwalk and beach. It's a key part of the modern Coney Island day trip, blending fast-casual accessibility with the timeless charm of an open-air gathering place.

The Outdoor Dining Area is strategically located right where the action is, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the Coney Island neighborhood. It serves as an open-door welcome to everyone arriving for a day of fun, history, and delicious food.

Location and Accessibility

The heart of the Coney Island entertainment district is the perfect setting for this energetic outdoor food court. Situated at the famous intersection of Surf and Stillwell Avenues, the Outdoor Dining Area is essentially the front courtyard of the original Nathan's Famous restaurant, which first opened its doors in 1916. Its location is arguably the most recognizable and convenient in all of Coney Island.

Primary Location: The outdoor food court is located at 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224. This address places it directly across from the Stillwell Avenue Subway Terminal, which is the terminus for several major NYC subway lines (D, F, N, and Q trains). For New Yorkers, accessibility could not be simpler, as you literally step off the subway and are mere feet away from grabbing a hot dog and finding a seat. This makes the area a highly efficient and natural meeting point for groups visiting the amusement park, the beach, or a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game at nearby Maimonides Park.

Accessibility for All: In keeping with modern standards and New York’s commitment to inclusive public spaces, the Outdoor Dining Area is designed with excellent accessibility. It features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests, regardless of mobility needs, can easily navigate the space and enjoy their meal comfortably. This ease of access is a significant benefit for families and visitors of all ages.

The setting itself is a quintessential Brooklyn scene—a vibrant, open-air plaza where you can people-watch while soaking up the history and energy of one of the city's most enduring cultural landmarks.

Services Offered

The Outdoor Dining Area functions as a high-traffic, quick-service food court, serving the complete and extensive menu of the original Nathan's Famous. The focus is on providing flexible and convenient options for customers looking to refuel during a busy day at the beach or the amusement park. The main services available through this outdoor setup include:

• Takeout: As a fast-casual environment, all orders are served ready for immediate takeaway, whether to be enjoyed at one of the many outdoor tables or taken onto the nearby boardwalk.
• Dine-in: The primary service is its comfortable, al fresco dining experience. Patrons can take their order and immediately find a comfortable spot within the dedicated outdoor seating area.
• Comprehensive Menu Service: Guests can order everything from the legendary hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries to specialty items like New York-style burgers, chicken sandwiches, and the Coney Island Seafood offerings, including chowders, shrimp, and even fried clam platters.
• Condiment Stations: The area is equipped with self-serve stations for the essential additions, such as mustard, ketchup, and sauerkraut, allowing guests to customize their dogs and sandwiches to perfection.
• Family-Friendly Experience: The open layout, quick service model, and casual atmosphere are perfectly suited for families, making it a good choice for kids and larger parties.

Features and Highlights

The unique appeal of the Outdoor Dining Area is rooted in its functional design and historical context, offering several distinct features that enhance the customer experience in Coney Island:

• Iconic Location: Dining here means eating at the original 1916 site of Nathan's Famous—a piece of New York history where the International Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place every Fourth of July.
• Dedicated Al Fresco Seating: The area features stone tables and rounded stone benches, providing a durable, comfortable, and organized space for outdoor dining, which is a major upgrade from the original stand-up service.
• Sun Protection with Umbrellas: A crucial feature mentioned in customer feedback is the inclusion of large umbrellas, providing vital shade from the intense Brooklyn summer sun, though patrons are advised to choose their table carefully for optimal comfort.
• Vibrant Coney Island Atmosphere: The space is highly casual and energetic, perfectly capturing the spirit of Coney Island. It’s an ideal spot for people-watching, situated close to the subway, the amusement park entrance, and the boardwalk.
• The Full Menu Experience: Unlike smaller carts, this central outdoor area gives customers access to the full, expanded menu, including the often-sought-after classics and unique items like the famous Coney Island Chowder.
• Highly Casual Environment: The atmosphere is relaxed, informal, and non-pretentious. It's designed for quick turnover and maximum enjoyment, making it a reliable and accessible lunch or dinner spot on any Coney Island excursion.

Contact Information

To plan your visit to this legendary Brooklyn food court and dining area, use the following contact details for the original Nathan’s Famous location:

Address: 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA

Phone: (718) 333-2202 (Original Location/Primary Number)

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing the Outdoor Dining Area at 1310 Surf Ave means choosing a piece of genuine New York history and an unparalleled slice of Americana. It is highly recommended for solo dining, a quick family meal, or a vibrant group stop before or after hitting the rides.

For the History and Atmosphere: This location is more than just a place to eat; it is an experience. The chance to dine al fresco where the world's most famous hot dog contest takes place is a bucket-list item for many New Yorkers. The atmosphere is authentically Coney Island—a little gritty, a little wild, and always exciting. The customer review speaks to this perfectly: "It’s Coney Island; it never claimed to be perfect. Except to me." This area embodies the neighborhood's unique, unvarnished charm.

For the Food: While the setting is a highlight, the core offering is the food itself. The original, all-beef Nathan's Famous Hot Dog with the "proper snap" is the definitive choice. Pair it with the signature thick-cut crinkle fries, which are just as legendary as the dog. Beyond the classics, the broad menu at this flagship location offers unique Coney Island-specific selections not found in other franchises, making it worth the trip. The chance to try the Coney Island Chowder or even the historic Fried Clams is a unique culinary delight.

For Comfort and Convenience: The purpose-built outdoor seating with stone tables and umbrellas makes for a much more comfortable dining experience than what was available in decades past. Its proximity to the subway terminal and the main attractions makes it the most convenient spot to grab a bite immediately upon arrival or just before heading home. In a bustling amusement zone, having a secure, dedicated space for a quick, casual, and tasty meal is priceless. For New York residents seeking an authentic, iconic, and easy-to-access Coney Island meal, the Outdoor Dining Area is an unbeatable choice.

Outdoor Dining Area

1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA