NYC's 6 Best Restaurants For Beach Dining

(credit: Place To Beach)

Coney Island's Place to Beach is a casual, beach-themed Mexican restaurant and bar offering an outdoor dining experience across the bustling boardwalk from Coney Island beach. Soak up the sun on their cabana-style patio and full-service bar. The patio turns into a dance floor at night with live DJs and bands performing weekly events all summer long. Start yourself off with fresh guacamole and chips or golden-fried shrimp served with a spicy chipotle mayo. Get into the spirit of the boardwalk with the Mexican Chili Dogs stuffed with jalapeno and cheddar cheese, topped with chili beans and cheese sauce, served on a bun with a side of crispy waffle fries.

(credit: Playland Motel Facebook)

Call it the Hamptons for the hipster set. Partygoers can get a taste of the "out East" nightlife without hopping on the Jitney by heading to Playland Motel. Much like a beach getaway, there is sun, sand and fun to be had. This summer, Playland Motel teamed up with Bolivian Llama Party to provide an eccentric and unique menu, offering chicken, beef & vegetarian Cemitas, the BLP Burger using a blend of beef heart, short rib & brisket, and Bolivian street style sandwiches. Wade in the inflatable pool or play a few rounds of ping-pong or cornhole with your crew for a full day of summer fun.

(credit: Garrett Ziegler)

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The photo at this shack just a few steps away from the Atlantic Ocean in Queens doesn't do its fish tacos justice. Beneath the skinny rectangles of lettuce and circles of radish are planks of fish that somehow retain their moist meatiness despite serious time in the fryer. Also terrific are the fried plantains sprinkled with cotija. Beloved by skaters and surfers, this summertime institution is even stronger, and more revered, post-Hurricane Sandy.

(credit: Cafe Glechik)

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This authentic Ukrainian restaurant is a classic in Brighton Beach. The recipes were passed down from the owner's grandmother, with specialties like a heaping bowl of Borscht, Vareniki (Ukrainian handmade dumplings) stuffed with cabbage, meat or cheese and the fall-off-the-bone Glechik Stew beef served with pan-fried potato vareniki. This family-style cafe is great for a leisurely lunch or dinner when spending the day at Coney Island or Brighton Beach.

(credit: BeekmanBeerGarden.com)

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You can expect a "beach" feel at Beekman Beer Garden at South Street Seaport. Kick back in a hammock or lounge chair while sipping on a craft beer, challenge friends to a game of ping pong, pool or foosball, while taking in the gorgeous view of the Brooklyn Bridge. With an array of events like concerts and parties, there's always something happening on Pier 17. Dine on casual eats like barbecue or burgers for a backyard cookout vibe by the water.

(credit: Sarah M. Shaker / Bright Lights, My City)

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Open May through September, Lobster Joint's Rockaway Beach location is serving up lobster and crab rolls to hungry beach goers. What better way to enjoy a day on the water than to dine on delicacies from the sea? Try one of their combos for a delicious meal deal, like a lobster roll with a pickle, chips and a drink. There's a larger menu available at their Lower East Side and Greenpoint locations for those looking for even more seafood delights.