Riis is the Word

By Katie McFadden

The beach at Jacob Riis Park isn’t called “The People’s Beach” for no reason. This mile-long stretch of beach on the west end of Rockaway is where thousands of beachgoers from near and far flock to each summer.

Within close access from the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, a direct connection by the Q35 and Q22 buses and a parking lot that can hold more than 6,000 vehicles for $20 a day or $100 per season (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day), it saves drivers the headache of spending hours trying to fight for a parking space on a city street, so it is an accessible choice for many. From the LGBTQ+ friendly area of Bay 1 on the east to 13 other “bays” frequented by diverse families, couples and individuals from across the city, “The People’s Beach” has a little something for everyone, including some awesome concession options to pair your day at the beach with food, drinks and fun.

In May 2022, the National Park Service announced that Riis Beach Cooperative (RBC), a group of Rockaway locals, including Eugene Brennan, Michael Reen, Dylan Sirgiovanni and Brian Keane, were awarded the lease to operate Riis Park’s main concession at Bay 9 and a few surrounding smaller spots, replacing previous operators, Riis Park Beach Bazaar. With two summers down, they are ready to head into summer 2024 with full force. They already hit the ground running with a big grand opening bash on May 18 with local band, The Rockawades kicking off a full lineup of music all summer long.

Wanting to draw in more people from the peninsula to Riis, RBC will be hosting local bands on Saturday afternoons at 3 p.m. through June. On June 1, The Pointers from Breezy Point will play. On June 8, party band Wine with Sue takes the stage. Jahstix brings in the reggae on June 15 and Rho and the Nomads will keep it going on June 22.

When Rockaway Beach Volleyball League’s season kicks off later in the summer, RBC will host a Wednesday night concert series. So far, Big Squid will kick it off at the end of June, Wine With Sue will be back July 10 and The Knobs take the stage on July 24. Throughout the summer, they’ll also hold Locals’ Nights on Fridays with drink specials for residents and local bands like The Knobs, Patsy, The Grayriders, The In-Laws, and more. However, there will be live music with performers from all around every weekend, all summer long, so there will be plenty of entertainment this summer.

As for food, nobody will go hungry at Riis. They’ll once again have Space Burgers serving up out of this world burgers and fries, Davey’s Ice Cream serving up cold homemade sweet treats for kids young and old, Le Cevicheria bringing back ceviche, Shanty’s serving up poke bowls and more, and this summer, they’re bringing a taco vendor into the mix, all at Bay 9. At Bay 2 toward the east, Spectro returns with their burgers and hot dogs. For those who may have forgotten some beach gear at home, local surf shop Boarders will be selling sundries at Bay 2 and Bay 9.

And the drinks will be pouring this summer. As the only beach concession in Rockaway that has a full liquor license, RBC can serve up your beer, wine, cocktails and even frozen drinks. With more frozen machines in the mix, there will be an even bigger variety of frozen options to keep you cool on those hot summer days. Drinks are served at Bay 9’s Beach Bar, and the recently revamped Cove Bar area in the east of Bay 9. This chill, courtyard area, with new seating, and plants to give it a garden feel, will be open to the public when it’s not being rented for private parties.

For those wondering about the rest of the Riis concessions, in October 2022, a lease was awarded to Brooklyn Bazaar, which formerly operated Bay 9, for the historic Riis Bathhouse near Bay 4. In a $50 million renovation plan, Brooklyn Bazaar and their partners are expected to bring a rooftop restaurant and other eateries, bars, a pool and a hotel with 28 rooms to the historic space. The first phase was supposed to be ready this summer, but allegedly supply chain issues put construction on halt, and they’re now hoping for a summer 2025 opening.

In the meantime, RBC has got you covered and they’re ready for a great summer ahead. “It’s an amazing opportunity to run these concessions. I know the National Park Service had a lot of choices, so for them to go with a group of locals over more competitive bids, we really commend them for that,” partner Michael Reen said. “We’ve all been working at these concessions since we were kids, and we understand the highs and lows here and we want what’s best for the neighborhood of Rockaway and this incredibly diverse beach that brings people from around the world. It’s fun to create an environment for every type of person. Riis is a beautiful beach, so come for our fun options, food, music, and frozen cocktails.”

For more info about Riis Beach Cooperative and all it has to offer, check out the website:

Riisbeach.nyc or follow them on Instagram at riisbeach.nyc. For party inquiries, email: info@riisbeach.nyc