Seaside Cafe

- 508 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

When visiting one of Brooklyn’s most cherished institutions, the New York Aquarium, New Yorkers might not expect the dining options to be a highlight of their day. However, the Seaside Cafe on Surf Avenue defies these expectations, earning a reputation not just as a convenient pit stop, but as a genuinely pleasant and surprisingly high-quality spot to grab a meal. Conveniently located right on the Aquarium Plaza, the Seaside Cafe is much more than your standard attraction cafeteria; it's a dedicated dining experience that enhances any trip to Coney Island.

The cafe specializes in classic American and family-friendly comfort food, perfectly suited for a day out by the ocean. The menu is robust, featuring everything from hearty burgers and chicken tenders to oven-fired pizzas and artisan salads and sandwiches. It manages to balance these familiar favorites with options that cater to various tastes, ensuring everyone from the smallest New Yorker to the most discerning palate finds something satisfying.

One item, in particular, has garnered exceptional praise: the Boardwalk Fries. Customers are enthusiastically calling these "unironically some of the best fries" they've had in NYC. This is high praise in a city known for its diverse food scene, suggesting that the kitchen at the Seaside Cafe takes even the simplest items seriously, turning a side dish into a main attraction. The experience is so positive that some locals, who are members of the Aquarium, admit they "sometimes come just for the food," showcasing the cafe's standalone appeal beyond the exhibits.

Beyond the food quality, the service and environment at Seaside Cafe consistently impress visitors. Patrons frequently highlight the friendly and attentive staff, noting that the team works hard to make sure "everything turned out perfect." Moreover, cleanliness is a celebrated feature; customers have been "pleasantly surprised by how great" the cafe was, specifically noting how clean the restaurant remained, even during the busiest hours of the day. This attention to detail in service and sanitation contributes significantly to the overall positive dining experience.

With both indoor and outdoor seating available, the cafe provides a great atmosphere to relax and recharge. It’s the perfect place to pause between viewing the marine life or to cap off a wonderful day in Coney Island. It truly provides a "perfect way to finish off" a visit to the Aquarium, proving that convenience does not have to come at the expense of quality.

The Seaside Cafe is a testament to the fact that even places designated as a "cafeteria" can offer a delightful and memorable meal. It provides delicious, quickly prepared food in a clean, welcoming environment, making it a highly recommended dining option for any visitor to the New York Aquarium and the surrounding Brooklyn area.

Location and Accessibility

The Seaside Cafe is located at 508 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA, which places it centrally within the New York Aquarium. This location is ideal for visitors, situated right on the Aquarium Plaza. Being on Surf Avenue, it is part of the lively Coney Island environment, easily accessible by public transportation—the D, F, N, and Q subway lines stop nearby at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue—and close to the famous boardwalk.

Its placement within the Aquarium complex means access is generally tied to Aquarium admission. However, the convenience of the location, offering both Indoor and Outdoor seating, makes it a valuable amenity for those spending the day exploring the aquatic exhibits. The designated location on the plaza is a welcome respite, allowing visitors to take a break without having to leave the park grounds.

Services Offered

• Full Meal Service: Offers a wide-ranging menu including sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and chicken items for a substantial meal.
• Snacks and Beverages: Provides a variety of snacks, soft drinks, and specialty items like Icee and Popcorn.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Offers 16oz Beer and Wine, providing adult visitors with options to unwind.
• Flexible Seating: Features both Indoor and Outdoor seating on the Aquarium Plaza for dining flexibility.
• Desserts and Baked Goods: Serves a selection of sweets including Baked Goods, Brownies, Rice Krispies Treats, and Dippin Dots.

Features / Highlights

• Exceptional Fries: Home to Boardwalk Fries that are highly praised by local customers as being "unironically some of the best fries" in NYC.
• Diverse Menu: Features a balanced selection of artisan salads and sandwiches alongside classic comfort foods like Double Cheeseburgers, Chicken Tenders, and Oven-fired Pizzas.
• High Service Standards: Visitors consistently report extremely friendly and attentive staff, ensuring a positive experience.
• Remarkable Cleanliness: Noted for being exceptionally clean, even during the middle of the day when crowds are at their peak, a major positive for a high-traffic attraction.
• Venue Convenience: Perfectly situated on the Aquarium Plaza with daily operating hours from 10:00 AM to park closing, offering a convenient dining solution for visitors.

Contact Information

Address: 508 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA

Phone: (718) 265-3474 (or +1 718-265-3474)

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers planning a visit to the New York Aquarium, or simply looking for a great bite on Surf Avenue, the Seaside Cafe has several items that are definitely worth choosing. The undeniable standout, as confirmed by repeat customers and enthusiastic reviews, is the Boardwalk Fries. They are legendary in this part of Brooklyn, offering a crispy, satisfying experience that is a must-try whether you order them as a standalone snack for $5.99 or as part of a meal combo.

For a complete, satisfying meal, the Double Cheeseburger & Fries or the Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Fries are excellent choices for classic comfort food, both priced at $15.99. These items represent the core of their high-quality, quickly prepared fare. If you’re looking for a lighter, or perhaps slightly healthier option, the menu also features well-received choices like the Chicken Caesar Salad ($14.49) or the Black Bean Burger & Fries served with guacamole ($15.29), offering great value for a park setting.

Finally, the cafe offers convenient and fun beverages, with the Icee being a perfect way to cool down on a warm Coney Island day for $8.99. For those wanting a quick sugar fix, any of the Baked Goods or Brownies are worth grabbing for $4.99 each. Ultimately, choosing the Seaside Cafe means opting for a guaranteed clean environment, friendly service, and surprisingly delicious food that successfully elevates the typical cafeteria experience.

Seaside Cafe

508 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA