There's only one Coney Island and there's more to this stretch of thrill-seeking than just sand, sun, and the Cyclone. The boardwalk is also a great place for awesome eats and definitely worth taking a stroll down, especially when it's time to take a break from the Brooklyn sun.
There's also plenty more than hot dogs to be had (although Nathan's did make this list because it's a rite of passage) and even though you can't go wrong with any food stop, there are just some that can't be missed. It's easy to spend a weekend in places like Greenwich Village or to plan a full two days splurging in Midtown, but when it comes to Coney Island, the good news is this: You only need one day to experience it like a true New Yorker!
Paul's Daughter
For lunch, a good place to start is Paul's Daughter. This all-American eatery isn't just food... it's fun, too! Located right next to a row of carnival-style games, this is the perfect place to chill out and grab a bite. The variety on the menu here is practically the perfect summer combination: anything from burgers to lobster rolls and even sausage heroes, a staple of New York carnival cuisine. It's fast, affordable, and delicious - the three things that make up perfect beach food. Wash it all down with a cold brew and take in all that boardwalk atmosphere.
Totonno Pizzeria Nepolitana
No trip to Coney Island or any city destination is complete without the option for pizza, right? Especially when one of those options is Totonno Pizzeria Nepolitana. For starters, the sheer age of this place, since its roots go back to the Prohibition Era, is amazing. It's nearly one-hundred-year standing has left it plenty of time to garner a reputation with both locals and tourists alike, each falling in love with the combination of crispy crust and slightly sweet tomato sauce on their pizzas. Customers should know that they sell pizza by the pie, but you'll be happy to have so much to eat.
Nathan's Famous
Of course, hot dogs must be on the menu for Coney Island. While it's easy enough to stop at a stand in Manhattan to grab a New York-style dog, there's just something magical about visiting Nathan's Famous. For more than 100 years, Nathan's has been rocking the hot dog scene and has been outmatched by no one, at least as far as New Yorkers are concerned. The beautiful thing is that this stand is always easy to find and there's even a Nathan's Clam Bar, for those who want to represent a New York staple but are in the mood for something a little more sea-worthy.
William's Candy Shop
No beach trip is complete without some sweets! To solve that problem, William's Candy Shop is ready to make everyone's sweet-tooth dreams come true. It's a true beachside confectionary, with options for just about everyone. Even if there's no room after all the other good grub on Coney Island, it never hurts to take a second to peruse the options for cotton candy, candy apples, and, of course, soft-serve ice cream. When all else fails, one of the best comforts after a sunburned, sand-blasted day is a huge scoop of New York soft-serve!