Riis Beach Bar & Concessions

- 16702 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Neponsit, NY 11694

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking the ultimate summer escape without leaving the five boroughs, the Riis Beach Bar & Concessions at Jacob Riis Park offers a complete, vibrant beach experience that is far more than just a typical boardwalk stand. Located on the beautiful Rockaway Peninsula, this spot has transformed Riis Park—already one of NYC's most cherished public beaches—into a premier destination for food, drink, and entertainment. It’s an inclusive, high-energy locale where the sun, sand, and city culture converge. Local patrons consistently praise its welcoming atmosphere, describing it as a "cute and welcoming" venue that has fundamentally improved the overall beach experience. Visitors appreciate the ample seating, shaded areas, and the exciting schedule of planned events that ensure there's always a reason to linger long after the last swim. Beyond the essential beach day amenities, the Riis Beach Bar & Concessions functions as a fully-fledged beach bar and restaurant, offering a quality selection of dishes and well-crafted drinks, with customers frequently noting that the beverages are "well made and strong!" This establishment is a vital part of the Rockaway social scene, perfect for families, friends, and solo visitors looking to soak up the sun and the spirited community vibe of Queens. It stands out in the New York City landscape as a truly unique beachfront venue that caters to both your hunger and your desire for a great time.

Location and Accessibility

The Riis Beach Bar & Concessions is centrally situated at 16702 Rockaway Beach Blvd in Neponsit, New York. This puts it right in the heart of the action at Jacob Riis Park, often referred to as 'The People's Beach.' For local New Yorkers, Jacob Riis Park is a vital summer institution, and this specific location is easily identifiable as a key hub within the park's cooperative of food and retail vendors, often located near the main building at Bay 9. Accessibility, particularly for those traveling from other boroughs, is manageable. While a long trip for some, it is directly accessible via public transportation, specifically buses and the seasonal NYC Ferry service which connects directly to the Rockaways, making it an achievable day trip destination. For those driving, the location includes a paid parking lot, which is a significant convenience for a popular beach destination in the city. The Rockaway Beach Boulevard address places it directly along the shore, meaning patrons are never more than steps away from the water. Its placement in a bustling area ensures a vibrant crowd and easy access to the main beach areas, vendor stalls, and restroom facilities. The combination of a spectacular beachfront setting and relative ease of access solidifies its status as a must-visit spot in the New York City region for a true seaside experience.

The sheer volume of offerings and the welcoming nature of the venue means it quickly becomes a home-away-from-home for beachgoers. It serves as a social anchor in the Rockaways, drawing in a diverse crowd from across the city, all united by a desire for good times and great refreshments under the sun.

Services Offered

• Takeout Service: Convenient options are available for beachgoers who prefer to enjoy their food and drinks right on the sand.
• Full Bar Service: Serving a wide array of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, cider, and seltzers.
• Live Performances: Regularly hosting live music, bands, and DJs, often featuring local talent like 'Rho and the Nomads,' transforming the concessions area into an energetic entertainment venue.
• Seating Area: Providing ample seating and shaded areas for patrons to relax and dine comfortably off the sand.
• Food and Drink Menu: Offering a diverse selection of appetizers, beach fare, healthy bowls, and unique specialty dishes.
• Restroom Facilities: Accessible and essential amenities are available on-site for public use.
• Wi-Fi Access: Providing wireless internet connectivity for customers.
• Catering and Events: Opportunities to book private events, work parties, or open bar packages at specific sections like 'The Cove.'
• Payment Flexibility: Accepting debit cards and NFC mobile payments for quick, cashless transactions.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Designated as "Good for kids," ensuring it is a welcoming environment for families during all operating hours.

Features / Highlights

• Vibrant Live Music Program: A major draw, the venue is known for its high-quality live music, featuring everything from rock bands to acoustic sets, creating a continuous party atmosphere that patrons frequently praise.
• Diverse and Quality Food Menu: The menu extends beyond typical beach fare to include health-minded bowls, like the Ahi Tuna Poke, and elevated beach snacks such as Maryland-Style Crab Cakes and Coconut Shrimp.
• Specialty Cocktail and Liquor Selection: Featuring a solid roster of spirits, including Old Forester Bourbon, Don Q Rum, Jose Cuervo Tequila, Banhez Mezcal, Albany Vodka, and Forged Gin, allowing for expertly mixed drinks like the "bourbon lemonade" that customers rave about.
• Inclusion and Community Focus: Clearly marked as an LGBTQ+ friendly space, fostering an environment of hospitality and safety for all members of the New York community.
• Local Craft Beer and Hard Seltzer Offerings: Stocking popular and refreshing brands like Merman IPA, Kona Big Wave, Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, and Angry Orchard Cider, alongside standard domestic options.
• A Full Beach Hangout Experience: More than just a bar, it is part of the larger Riis Beach Co. cooperative, positioning it within a diverse marketplace of food vendors, retail, and constant entertainment, making it the ultimate destination for a full day at the beach.
• Customizable Super-Beach Drinks: Offering not just the standard array of drinks but also homemade specialties and premium energy boosters like Ded Bull, Gold Brew, and Hat Coffee, ensuring the perfect refreshment for any time of day.

Contact Information

For New York residents planning a trip to the Rockaways, finding the Riis Beach Bar & Concessions is simple. The physical address for the Jacob Riis Park location is:

16702 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Neponsit, NY 11694, USA

Please note that contact methods for concessions in public parks often rely on general park or management information, and a direct phone number for the specific bar may not be publicly listed for individual inquiries. It is always recommended to check the Riis Beach Co. official online platforms or social media for the most current information, event schedules, and contact methods for large groups or private bookings.

What is worth choosing

For New Yorkers accustomed to high-quality dining and entertainment, the Riis Beach Bar & Concessions offers a compelling and multi-layered value proposition that transcends a typical day at the beach. What makes this establishment truly worth choosing is its ability to deliver a full-scale, vibrant cultural experience directly on the sand. You are choosing a destination where the beach is not merely a setting, but a stage.

First and foremost, the food and beverage program is a significant differentiator. You can go beyond a standard hot dog with a menu that includes sophisticated options like Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls and Maryland-Style Crab Cakes, alongside quick, satisfying beach bites like Togarashi Fries. This fusion of healthy and indulgent food caters to the diverse palates of the NYC local. The bar itself is highly praised, providing quality cocktails crafted with an impressive liquor selection—from local favorites like Don Q Rum to more artisanal spirits like Banhez Mezcal—ensuring that every mixed drink is worth the premium. The availability of diverse domestic and craft beers, including IPAs and hard seltzers, guarantees a refreshing option for every preference.

However, the single most defining reason to choose Riis Beach Bar is the live entertainment and atmosphere. As one local enthusiastically mentioned, there's always a "band... kickin'," which elevates a beach day into a full-blown event. The commitment to live music and live performances means you get to enjoy the sunshine and ocean breeze accompanied by a fantastic, energetic soundtrack. This blend of strong drinks, quality food, and live entertainment is unmatched in a New York City beach setting.

Furthermore, the welcoming community atmosphere, which is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and good for kids, makes it a safe and inclusive spot for everyone in New York. The presence of amenities like ample seating, restrooms, and Wi-Fi, along with convenient payment options, removes the minor hassles of a typical beach day. Ultimately, you are choosing a professionally run, lively, and inclusive beachfront bar and restaurant that transforms a visit to Jacob Riis Park into a memorable, full-day summer celebration, truly living up to the idea that the "best beach in NYC just got better." It’s an authentic slice of New York's dynamic culture, with a tropical twist.

Riis Beach Bar & Concessions

16702 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Neponsit, NY 11694, USA