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21st Century Bars: Coney Island’s Freak Bar Featured in New Book

Posted in Books, Food & Drink, historic preservation, tagged 21st Century Bars, book review, Childs Restaurant, Coney Island USA, Freak Bar, Philip Tusa, Photography, Surf Avenue on May 11, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Coney Island USA New Freak Bar & Museum Gift Shop designed by Philip Tusa, Architect and photographed by Paul Warchol; Freak Bar View. Photo via Philip Tusa Architect’s flickr

We’re not surprised to find Coney Island USA’s Freak Bar among the more than 60 architecturally interesting new bars profiled in a coffee table art book. Editor Andrew Hall describes 21st Century Bars, published this month by Images Publishing, as a globe-trotting “journey to some of this century’s most interesting bars.”

Designed by architect Philip Tusa and completed in October 2008, the Freak Bar has been a shining oasis on Surf Avenue amid the desecration of swaths of Coney Island by real estate speculation. What a pleasure it has been to meet our freaky friends at the bar on Mermaid Day and New Year’s Day!

Of the 1917 Childs Restaurant Building, which is owned by Coney Island USA and currently under consideration for New York City landmark designation, Tusa has this to say in the book…

Of historical note, hidden underneath aged plywood signs were the beautiful arches that were part of the historic facade; these are now revealed and incorporated in all their splendor. Decoratively, the ‘Coney-esque’ style has been successfully employed. Historically, Coney Island USA has sought to evoke an atmosphere that signifies the nostalgia that Coney is to all people worldwide, whether they remember it personally or have just heard of it.

Cheers to Coney Island and Coney Island USA!

The Freak Bar, Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, 718-372-5159

Coney Island USA says: “Currently the Freak Bar hours are Thursdays and Fridays 8pm to ?? (1am-ish) for Burlesque At The Beach. Saturdays and Sundays 12pm to ?? (10 pm or later depending on customer flow.) The hours will change after Memorial Day, and we will be open seven days a week. The earliest we will open any given day is Noon, and the closing time will depend on the typical factors of a Coney Island day.”

21st Century Bars, edited by Andrew Hall, Published by Images Publishing, 2010. Hardcover, $50

Coney Island USA New Freak Bar & Museum Gift Shop designed by Philip Tusa, Architect and photographed by Paul Warchol; Exterior View looking toward the Coney Island Wonder Wheel amusement ride. Photo via Philip Tusa Architect’s flickr

Cinco de Mayo at Ruby’s on the Coney Island Boardwalk

Posted in Food & Drink, tagged bar, Cinco de Mayo, Coney Island Boardwalk, Ruby's on May 5, 2010| 1 Comment »

Rubys Spring 2010. Photo © Rubys Host via flickr

From the ATZ Inbox: On this gorgeous spring day Rubys Host invites you to Coney Island to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Ruby’s Bar & Grill. If you’re new in town, Ruby’s is the oldest bar & grill on the Coney Island Boardwalk and one of our fave places to have a beer…

Hey gang – I’m at Ruby’s – it will be 85 – sunny out- 2 mph winds- and its Cinco de Mayo!!!! I’m hoping to be open till 7:30 or so tonight – since we are having great weather. It’s a great suntan relaxing day with friends – cold Corona or frozen Margarita on the Boardwalk.

Ruby's Crowd April 20, 2010. Photo © Rubys Host via flickr

Ruby’s Bar & Grill, 1213 Riegelmann Boardwalk, Coney Island. 718-372-9079

Foodie Alert: Brooklyn Bread Cafe Opens on Coney Island Boardwalk

Posted in Food & Drink, tagged Boardwalk, Brooklyn Bread Cafe, Coney Island, New in 2010 on April 26, 2010| 1 Comment »

Brooklyn Bread's Yummy Tuna Bella Comes to Coney Island! Photo © Tricia Vita//me-myself-i via flickr

Among the welcome new arrivals on the Coney Island Boardwalk this season are Brooklyn Bread’s Grilled Vegetable Salads, Broccoli Rabe Wraps, and Tuna Bella Sandwiches. You’ll also be able to get a latte, espresso or cappuccino at the cafe’s new satellite location in Coney Island next door to Ruby’s Bar. After a soft opening on Palm Sunday, Brooklyn Bread is expected to be fully open in May, according to Rob Suh, owner of the Coney Island Souvenir Shop. Suh has partnered with friends from the Park Slope cafe and bakery to bring their delicious Italian sandwiches, breads and salads to the Boardwalk.

On opening day we sampled the #1 sandwich on Brooklyn Bread’s menu–the Tuna Bella–which has already gotten rave reviews from Brooklynites. Two cans of Italian tuna, roasted peppers, two kinds of cheese—mozzarella and creamy Balpaese, balsamic vinegar and Tuscan olive oil on a homemade roll. Some lovely arugula too. Delizioso!

Sandwiches are large enough for two people to share and range in price from $6.50 to $9.50. Vegetarians can look forward to #5 The Vegetarian Special and three different eggplant sandwiches. Bagels, breads and a variety of beverages are also on the menu. Did we mention that Coney Island’s Brooklyn Bread will deliver to the Beach and Boardwalk?

Brooklyn Bread in Coney Island, on the Boardwalk next door to Ruby’s, 718-266-7885

Update: This Brooklyn Bread location is closed.