Jones Beach State Park (or Jones Beach, as it's always called) sits on a barrier island in the Long Island Sound, just south of Nassau County. It features excellent beaches that attract serious surfers and swimmers, as well as families with kids who can happily wile away the hours playing on the shore. The park is also home to an large outdoor arena; crowds from New York City regularly come out for a day at the beach or to catch a summer concert by major pop musicians. Jones Beach features a variety of restaurants that offer tired beach-goers a good meal after a long day in the sun.
The Schooner Restaurant, situated just north of Jones Beach State Park, features an upscale dining room with elegant decor and floor-to-ceiling picture windows with ocean views, as well as a casual dining patio dining on a deck overlooking the coast. The family-owned restaurant offers an upscale menu with a good selection of salads, sandwiches and seafood dishes, as well as steaks and surf-and-turf platters. The house specialty is Maine Lobster and a fresh oyster bar. The restaurant also offers catering services and hosts events.
Schooner Restaurant?
435 Woodcleft Avenue
Freeport, NY 11520-6341
516-378-7575
theschooner.com?
Jo Jo Apples Cafe? is located across a narrow channel from Jones Beach, on the outskirts of the adjacent Nassau Beach County Park. The charming beachside eatery features a laid-back atmosphere with cheerful interior and a quaint, awning-covered patio lined with flower-filled planters. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Jo Jo Apples has a diner-like menu with a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers and seafood dishes. It also offers catering services.
Jo Jo Apples Cafe?
85 Lido Blvd.
Point Lookout, NY 11569
516-432-6494
jojoapples.com?
Koban Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar is located about five miles from Jones Beach, in Merrick across the Bay of Fundy right off the Sunrise Highway. It bills itself as having \"contemporary Manhattan-style, and it features a sleek, modern interior that's likely to help urbanites transition back to the city after a day at the beach. The menu features traditional Japanese fare, as well as a good selection of nigiri and sushi rolls. There's also a kid's menu for little beach bums who'd prefer French fries and ice cream to a spicy tuna roll.
Koban Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
2016 Merrick Road
Merrick, NY 11566
516-223-9200
kobansushi.com
