Rockaway Beach Surf Club

- 3-02 Beach 87th St, Far Rockaway, NY 11693

The Rockaway Beach Surf Club is an iconic and essential stop for anyone visiting the New York City coastline, especially those exploring the vibrant beach and surf culture of Queens. More than just a bar or a restaurant, this venue operates as a cultural event space and community hub, dedicated to promoting the love of surfing, environmental conservation, and local neighborhood support. It’s the perfect embodiment of the unique convergence of surf and urban culture that defines Rockaway Beach itself.

For New Yorkers seeking an escape that feels both distant and distinctly city-adjacent, the Surf Club offers a laid-back, rustic, and incredibly inviting atmosphere. It’s a place where you can transition seamlessly from a day of riding the waves—or simply soaking up the sun—to enjoying excellent casual food and refreshing drinks. The venue is adorned with surfboards and exudes a California-meets-New York beach vibe, creating a positive and fun destination for visitors to the peninsula. The Club’s mission extends beyond hospitality; it actively works to inspire the community and its residents, a commitment that has been long-standing, including leading on-ground recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy.

The culinary experience at the Rockaway Beach Surf Club is largely defined by the presence of Tacoway Beach, a highly acclaimed, simple, yet phenomenal taco operation located within the premises. This partnership is what cemented the location’s reputation as the home of some of the best beachside tacos in New York. Patrons flock here for the incredibly fresh and satisfying casual eats, particularly the fish tacos, which are regularly highlighted as a must-try. Paired with a cocktail, beer, or a fresh juice, the Surf Club experience is an integral part of any perfect Rockaway beach day. Whether you’re a local surfer, a day-tripper from Manhattan or Brooklyn, or a Queens resident, the Surf Club promises good vibes, great food, and a genuine slice of beach life.

Conveniently located in Far Rockaway, the Rockaway Beach Surf Club makes an ideal post-beach hangout and is easily reachable for all New York City residents.

The bar is situated at 3-02 Beach 87th St, Far Rockaway, NY 11693, USA. Its proximity to the subway makes it highly accessible via public transit. Commuters from other boroughs can take the legendary A-Train to Far Rockaway, change at Broad Channel, and then take the Shuttle (S) to the Beach 90th Street stop, or walk from the Beach 87th Street station. The location is on the corner of Beach 87th Street and Rockaway Freeway, situated conveniently under the elevated A train line.

Accessibility is well-considered, as the establishment features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring all members of the community can enjoy the venue’s offerings and atmosphere. The layout is perfect for a crowd, making it a great setup for large groups to gather and enjoy the communal seating. Though it may be a slight walk from the immediate beachfront, customers consistently note that the destination and its setup are well worth the short hike. Restroom facilities are also available on site for guest comfort.

The Rockaway Beach Surf Club offers a range of services designed to maximize guest convenience and enjoyment, especially for those spending a full day at the beach.

• Outdoor Seating: The venue is famous for its spacious and festive patio area, strewn with picnic tables for al fresco dining and drinking. This is a central part of the experience, offering plenty of space to relax.
• Dine-in Service: Guests can enjoy the full menu of food and drinks in the indoor area, which is perfect for escaping a sudden downpour or enjoying the evening atmosphere.
• Takeout and Online Ordering: For beachgoers who prefer to enjoy their meal on the sand or need a quick pick-up, takeout service is available. This is often recommended during busy peak times to expedite the process.
• Full Bar Service: Offering a wide range of beverages, including Beer, Wine, and Cocktails, in addition to non-alcoholic offerings.
• Cultural Event Hosting: The venue is a noted cultural event space, frequently hosting events like the Women’s Surf Film Festival, community gatherings, and often features live music or DJs on weekends.
• Flexible Payment Options: The club accepts Debit Cards and NFC Mobile Payments, though it is a good idea to note that the bar area sometimes operates on a cash-only basis, a classic dive bar trait.

The enduring appeal of the Rockaway Beach Surf Club is tied to a distinctive set of features that combine community focus with exceptional casual dining.

• The Vibe: Exudes a highly sought-after, laid-back "surfer dude" and casual atmosphere, perfect for decompressing after a day outdoors. The décor, often adorned with surfboards, reflects its cultural roots.
• Iconic Fish Tacos: Widely renowned across NYC, the battered Fish Taco is a staple and a must-order. The simple menu, provided by the Tacoway Beach operation, is known for its fresh, quality ingredients.
• Superior Sides: The menu features excellent complementary items, including housemade Chips and Guacamole, and the Mexican street corn dish, Elote, which customers specifically highlight as "really good."
• Community and Cultural Hub: More than a simple bar, the club actively promotes surfing, environmental conservation, and local arts, frequently hosting various cultural and community events.
• Proximity to Transit: Its location near the A-Train and Rockaway Shuttle makes it an easy day trip destination for all New Yorkers.
• Ample Outdoor Space: The large patio with picnic tables provides extensive outdoor seating, making it a prime location for summer hangouts and large groups.

To plan your visit or for more details about events, here is the official information for the Rockaway Beach Surf Club:

Address: 3-02 Beach 87th St, Far Rockaway, NY 11693, USA

Phone: No public phone number is generally provided for general inquiries or ordering, as most ordering is done in person or through online platforms.

For first-time visitors to the Rockaway Beach Surf Club, making the right choice from the straightforward menu is key to experiencing what makes this spot so beloved.

The single most recommended item is undoubtedly the Fish Taco. Customers rave about the battered fish, which is filling and perfectly complements the toppings of cabbage, radish, cilantro, lime, and spiced mayo. It's a classic for a reason and has earned a reputation as one of the best in New York.

Alongside the famous tacos, you absolutely must order the Elote (Mexican street corn), which is frequently singled out as delicious and the perfect casual snack. To complete the beach-day meal experience, pair your tacos and corn with the Tortilla & Plantain Chips and the housemade guacamole. Given the simple, limited menu, these items represent the highest quality of casual beach eats.

For drinks, a cold Beer or one of their Cocktails is the ideal accompaniment to the laid-back setting. The full bar offerings ensure you have the perfect beverage to complement the casual eats and the youthful, lively energy of the club. The combination of excellent, casual food and the relaxed, social atmosphere is what makes the Rockaway Beach Surf Club an absolute necessity on any Rockaway itinerary. It’s the quintessential spot that rounds out a perfect day at the beach.

Rockaway Beach Surf Club

3-02 Beach 87th St, Far Rockaway, NY 11693, USA