Brooklyn/Coney Island and Brighton Beach

• Coney Island. Ah, the famous Coney Island. The Cyclone, a 1927 roller coaster, is the most famous of the amusement park rides at Coney Island, for good reason: It packs a lot of thrill into a small lot. There is also a great view of Manhattan from the top of the Wonder Wheel (a large ferris wheel). Otherwise, the amusement park is somewhat seedy, which is part of its appeal. The high concentration of public housing projects in the area does make the neighborhood around the amusement park somewhat unsafe. Precaution should be taken if exploring these areas.
• Brighton Beach is home to the largest Russian-speaking community outside of the former USSR. It's unlike any other neighborhood in the city. Mosey on along the famous boardwalk and have a shashlik (shish kebab) with a shot of vodka for lunch.
• Sheepshead Bay is not far from the Coney Island amusement parks. It is a traditionally Italian and Jewish neighborhood and is now populated by many Chinese and Russian immigrants. There are piers along the bay on Emmons Avenue where anyone can cast a line out onto the water for a day of fishing. Includes restaurants along the bay.
• Gravesend was the oldest English settlement in New York. Parts of it are now a Syrian Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, populated by many people in the rug trade who live in lovely houses, many of them very tasteful and worth walking past just to admire the architecture and landscaping, such as for example on Ave. S east of the Kings Highway stop on the F train. There is also a small Chinese neighborhood on Ave. U near the Ave. U Q train station that has some worthwhile Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants and shops. Perhaps fittingly, Gravesend is also home to huge graveyards that are visible from the F subway line.

• 🌍 Coney Island ( D  F  N  Q  trains to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave). 
• 🌍 The Coney Island Cyclone ( D  F  N  Q  trains to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave or  F  Q  trains to W 8th St-NY Aquarium). Opened in 1927, the Coney Island Cyclone or (the Cyclone) is one of the world's oldest and still operating wooden roller coasters and was declared a New York City Landmark on July 2, 1988. It was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 26, 1991. Although in 1927 the roller coaster cost only 25 cents to ride, it now costs $10. 
• 🌍 New York Aquarium, Boardwalk and W 8th St (Subway:  F  Q  to W 8th St or  D  N  to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave). Opens 10AM daily, closing varies by season. Although it looks small, the New York Aquarium is a nice place for children and adults to spend an hour or two. Highlights include a shark tank, a sea lion show, sea cliffs (with penguins, sea otters, and harbor seals), and a conservation hall (rays and eels). >= age 13: M–Th $26.95, F–Su $29.95; >= age 65: M–Th $24.95, F–Su$26.95; ages 3–12: M–Th $22.95, F–Su $24.95; <= age 2: free. 
• 🌍 Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese Monument, Surf Ave at W 19th St (Subway  D  F  N  Q  trains to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave or  F  Q  trains to W 8th St-NY Aquarium). Statue of Jackie Robinson, first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Pee Wee Reese was a strong supporter of his. These two Hall of Fame players were on the Dodgers together from 1947 to 1956. (updated Oct 2020)

• 🌍 Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk (Subway  D  F  N  Q  to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave or  F  Q  trains to W 8th St-NY Aquarium). Sandy beach, open to the public. Free. (updated Oct 2020)
• 🌍 Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier (Subway  D  F  N  Q  trains to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave or  F  Q  trains to W 8th St-NY Aquarium). Daily 6AM - 1AM. Fishing pier with views of the ocean. (updated Oct 2020)
• 🌍 Sheepshead Bay Piers, Emmons Ave between Ocean Ave & E 26th St ( B  Q  Sheepshead Bay). You can catch a fishing excursion or a dinner cruise from one of the ten piers on the bay. (updated May 2021)

• 🌍 Kalinka Gifts, 402 Brighton Beach Ave (between Brighton 4th and Brighton 5th Sts; Subway:  B  Q  trains to Brighton Beach), ☏ +1 718 743-4546. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Trinkets from Russia and elsewhere in the world. 
• 🌍 Lola Star, Coney Island Boardwalk between W 12th St and Stillwell (Subway:  D  F  N  Q  trains to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave). M-Th 11AM-7PM, F 11AM-10PM, Sa Su 10AM-9PM. Boutique and souvenir shop on the boardwalk. 
• 🌍 Mosvideofilm, 421 Brighton Beach Ave (between Brighton 4th and Brighton 5th Sts; Subway:  B  Q  trains to Brighton Beach), ☏ +1 347 673-8548. Russian films, books, music, and more. 
• 🌍 Saint-Petersburg Trade & Publishing House, 230 Brighton Beach Ave (at Brighton 1st Rd; Subway:  Q  train to Ocean Pkwy), ☏ +1 718 368-4128. Russian books, CDs, DVDs, and more. 

Coney Island is a varied neighborhood of old pizzerias, Nathan's Original hotdog stand and newer Russian restaurants and others. Brighton Beach is a huge Russian neighborhood, with immigrants from other parts of the former Soviet Union, too. You can find all kinds of Russian gourmet shops, bars and restaurants in that neighborhood. If you have Russian friends, ask them which restaurants are good at the moment, as these things tend to be very changeable. Sheepshead Bay is a traditionally Italian neighborhood, and also Jewish. It's historically been a place to go for seafood, although Lundy's, its most famous seafood restaurant, closed some time ago.

• 🌍 John's Deli, 2438 Stillwell Ave (between Harway Ave and Bay 50th St; Subway:  D  train to Bay 50th St), ☏ +1 718 714-4377. Great roast beef heroes. 
• 🌍 Kashkar Cafe, 1141 Brighton Beach Ave, toll-free: +1-718-743-3832. M–Th 10AM–10PM, F 10AM–11PM, Sa Su 10AM–11:45PM. Really flavorful, inexpensive Uyghur food, big portions, friendly service. The personnel are observant Muslims, so no alcoholic drinks; consider washing your meal down with ayran (yogurt drink) or green tea. Appetizers: $2.50-10.50, kebabs are mostly $3.50-4.00 per skewer, fish dishes: $6.50-9.95, soups: $6.00, salads: $7.00-7.50. (updated May 2021)
• 🌍 L & B Spumoni Gardens, 2725 86th St (between W 10th and W 11th Sts;  N  to Avenue U or 86th St-Gravesend, or  D  to 25th Ave), ☏ +1 718 449-1230, e-mail@spumonigardens.com. Noon-11PM daily. Consistently rated by many as one of the best pizzerias in the city. Talk to any Brooklynite and they will tell you to get an "L & B Square". 
• 🌍 Nathan's Famous, 1310 Surf Ave (at Stillwell Ave;  D  F  N  Q  to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave), ☏ +1-718-333-2202. Daily 10AM–10PM. Nathan's original location, opened in 1916, offers great hot dogs, fries, grilled chicken, etc. Prices are somewhat high, with a hot dog costing $3.25. On July 4th, they host their world-famous hot dog eating contest. 
• 🌍 Randazzo's Clam Bar, 2017 Emmons Ave, ☏ +1-718-615-0010. 11:00AM-11:00PM. This is a classic Italian-American seafood specialist right across the street from the water in Sheepshead Bay, in operation since 1932. It's consistently good, the portions are large, and the atmosphere is informal and convivial. The marinara sauce comes in mild, medium and hot varieties. Clams: $9.00 (half dozen)-20.95, other seafood mains mostly in the 20s, pasta: $12.95-$29.95 for a full order. (updated May 2021)
• 🌍 Tatiana Restaurant, 3152 Brighton 6th St ( B  Q  Brighton Beach), ☏ +1-718-891-5151, tatianarestaurant@yahoo.com. M–Th 11AM–10PM, F–Su 11AM–11PM. This Russian restaurant has beach-view tables on the boardwalk. There's a Vegas-style floor show. Tatiana's Grill is a few doors down. (updated May 2021)

• 🌍 Totonno's, 1524 Neptune Ave (between W 15th and W 16th Sts; Subway:  D  F  N  Q  trains to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave), ☏ +1 718 372-8606. M-Sa 11AM-11PM. A family pizzeria that's been continually operating since 1905. The crust produced in their coal-fired oven is one of the very best around - thin, crisp, and charred with a sweet sauce. Whole pies only, no slices. A few blocks from the Coney Island boardwalk. Cash only. (updated Nov 2016)

There are Russian bars in Brighton Beach. The more expensive ones tend to be right on the Boardwalk, and they also offer full meals and sometimes a floor show. However, you may be able to get some inexpensive vodka and good homey Russian food a few blocks from the beach. Or hey, just grab a beer like many New Yorkers do, but keep in mind that if you openly drink alcohol outside, you can get a summons, which is why convenience stores normally sell beer in paper bags.

• 🌍 Coney Island Brewery, 1904 Surf Ave (in MCU Park), ☏ +1 718 996-0019. Daily. Brewery offering about twelve beers, an outdoor patio, and food. (updated Oct 2020)
• 🌍 Wheeler's Restaurant, 1705 Sheepshead Bay Rd, ☏ +1 718-646-9320. 11:30AM–11:30PM daily. Wheeler's has creditable food, with a fairly extensive menu and many mains below $20, but it's also a sports bar with a good and well-priced drink selection, including some excellent whiskeys, and friendly bartenders and clientele. Look for their bar hours to be extended again as the pandemic ebbs. (updated May 2021)

• 🌍 Best Western Brooklyn-Coney Island Inn, 2632 W 13th St ( D  F  N  Q  Coney Island–Stillwell Ave). Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Wi-Fi, free breakfast, free parking. $134-196. (updated May 2021)
• 🌍 Best Western Plus Brooklyn Bay Hotel, 3003 Emmons Ave ( B  Q  Brighton Beach to B4). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Wi-Fi, free breakfast. $159-417. (updated May 2021)
• 🌍 Comfort Inn, 3218 Emmons Ave ( B  Q  Brighton Beach to B4), ☏ +1-718-368-3334. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, fitness center. $133-322. (updated May 2021)
• 🌍 Sleep Inn Coney Island, 2586 Stillwell Ave ( D  F  N  Q  Coney Island–Stillwell Ave), ☏ +1-718-975-6702. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Free full breakfast, free WiFi, free daily newspaper, free coffee and free parking (first come, first serve basis). (updated Feb 2016)

• Brooklyn Public Library (Brighton Beach branch), 16 Brighton First Rd (at Brighton Beach Ave; Subway:  Q  train to Ocean Pkwy or  B  train to Brighton Beach), ☏ +1 718 946-2917. M 10AM-6PM, Tu 1PM-8PM, W 10AM-6PM, Th 1PM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM. 
• Brooklyn Public Library (Coney Island branch), 1901 Mermaid Ave (at W 19th St; Subway:  D  F  N  Q  trains to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave), ☏ +1 718 265-3220. M Tu 10AM-6PM, W 1PM-8PM, Th 1PM-6PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM. 
• Brooklyn Public Library (Gravesend branch), 303 Avenue X (at W 2nd St; Subway:  F  train to Avenue X or N train to 86th St-Gravesend), ☏ +1 718 382-5792. M 10AM-6PM, Tu 1PM-8PM, W 10AM-6PM, Th 1PM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM. 
• Brooklyn Public Library (Highlawn branch), 1664 W 13th St (at Kings Hwy; Subway:  N  train to Kings Hwy or  D  trains to Bay Pkwy), ☏ +1 718 234-7208. M Tu 10AM-6PM, W 1PM-8PM, Th 1PM-6PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM. 
• Brooklyn Public Library (Homecrest branch), 2525 Coney Island Ave (between Avenue V and Gravesend Neck Rd; Subway:  B  Q  trains to Neck Rd), ☏ +1 718 382-5924. M 1PM-8PM, Tu W 10AM-6PM, Th 1PM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM. 
• Brooklyn Public Library (Kings Bay branch), 3650 Nostrand Ave (between Avenues W and X; Subway:  B  Q  trains to Sheepshead Bay, then transfer to B36 bus to Nostrand Ave and Avenue X, or  2  5  trains to Flatbush Ave-Brooklyn College, then transfer to B44 bus to Nostrand Ave and Avenue X), ☏ +1 718 368-1709. M Tu 10AM-6PM, W Th 1PM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM. 
• Brooklyn Public Library (Kings Highway branch), 2115 Ocean Ave (at Kings Hwy; Subway:  B  Q  trains to Kings Hwy), ☏ +1 718 375-3037. M 10AM-6PM, Tu-Th 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 1PM-5PM. 
• Brooklyn Public Library (Sheepshead Bay branch), 2636 E 14th St (between Sheepshead Bay Rd and Shore Pkwy; Subway:  B  Q  trains to Sheepshead Bay), ☏ +1 718 368-1815. M Tu 10AM-6PM, W Th 1PM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM. 
• Brooklyn Public Library (Ulmer Park branch), 2602 Bath Ave (at 26th Ave; Subway:  D  train to 25th Ave), ☏ +1 718 265-3443. M 1PM-8PM, Tu W 10AM-6PM, Th 1PM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM.