For the past couple of years, we keep hearing that this will be “the last summer for Coney Island.” Whether the retro amusement park is on the chopping block or not, the annual Siren Music Festival (noon to 9pm Saturday) continues to be one of the best reasons to haul out to this beloved freakish carnie outpost. Indie favorites the Islands and Ra Ra Riot have been added to the lineup, giving us even more incentive to go. And since we all know free outdoor concerts are an invitation to partake in every summer indulgence (getting sunburned, dancing freely, and drinking until inebriated) here are some suggestions on where to get the party started beforehand or savor the scene and keep it going long after.
Beer Island 3070 Stillwell Ave. (@ Coney Island Boardwalk)
(no phone)
Formerly a mini-golf course now covered with sand, Coney Island’s newest hotspot is similar to Water Taxi Beach. A recently added Kansas City-style BBQ truck operated by Chris McGee, a veteran of Blue Smoke and Jean-Georges, serves treats like apple-brined chicken wings ($5) and spare ribs ($9). Find choices such as Blue Moon, Rodenberger, Yuengling, and Coney Island Lager on draft for $5, and more than a dozen brews by the bottle or can. Just take our advice and hit this one up after you’ve taken a ride on the Cyclone.
Lola Staar’s Dreamland Roller Rink
3052 W. 21st St. (@ Coney Island Boardwalk)
(no phone)
Reopening this Saturday after a hiatus, Lola Staar (real name Dianna Carlin) has secured enough funding to operate her Dreamland Roller Rink in the Childs Building during weekends through September. Originally created after she won a contest, the all-pink roller skating rink is the kind of freewheelin’ place where you can skate with bikini-clad burlesque dancers to a soundtrack by a live DJ.
Peggy O’Neils
1904 Surf Ave. (@ 18th St.)
718.449.3200
After all that Budweiser (the official sponsor of Siren Fest), you’ll probably want to hit up Peggy O’Neils afterwards. The 20-oz. bottles of Coney Island Lager served here will keep the buzz going. If you’re all beered out, the cheap well drinks will also do. Have enough of those and you’ll probably gather the courage to get yourself up on stage for a solo karaoke number.
Cha Cha’s Club Atlantis
1229 Riegelmann Boardwalk (15th St. & Stillwell Ave.)
718.946.1305
Sure, the Music Hall of Williamsburg has booked the Siren Fest after-party, but for those too drunk to travel that far, this bar will packed after the show. Let the rock continue as you watch punk bands perform in this bar that doubles as a small performance venue. You can keep the cocktailing going too—there are plenty of frozen drinks and beers to go around. For some fresh air, take the drinks upstairs to the rooftop and enjoy the salty breeze and Coney Island views.
Coney Island Circus Sideshow Freak Bar
1208 Surf Ave. (12th St. & Stillwell Ave.)
718.372.5159
If you think all the vintage-clad hipsters at Siren are a quirky bunch, come to the Freak Bar afterwards to get a dose of some real freaks. Rub elbows with circus workers taking a break from swallowing swords while you sip a bottle of Coney Island Lager depicting a picture of said swallower on its label. After a few drinks, many of the oddities here won’t seem so odd after all.
Footprints Café
1521 Surf Avenue (15th & 16th Sts.)
Coney Island 718.265.2530
As good as it is, all that cotton candy and popcorn is not going to soak up the festive liquids you’ve ingested. It’s probably time to grab a hearty bite at this restaurant with a menu full of Caribbean dishes like Rasta Pasta and coconut shrimp. That’s not to say you can’t pair the dish with tropical concoctions like the Coney Island Iced Tea. After all, who doesn’t want to party like a rock star?
