Bar of the Week: Beer Island

Fourth of July at Coney Island will probably slightly overwhelming, but those of you staying in the city this three-day weekend, should take advantage of the less-crowded July 5th and 6th to check out CI's new archipelagic additions: Beer Island and Barbeque Island. Beer Island, run by John Ciarcia of nearby favorite Cha Cha's, is a former miniature golf course that's been covered over with sand and transformed into a fake beach. Aside from that fact that an ersatz waterfront right next to a real one is a tad silly, having a place to take a breather from all the hot-dog-gorging and freak-shooting this summer certainly isn't a bad thing. Housed in a wood shack right off Stillwell Avenue, Beer Island has an extensive list of drafts and bottles on its menu, including Coney Island Lagers, UFO Wheat, Rodenberger, Moretti and Blue Moon all for $5. Patrons can order at the window, or grab one of the many tables (the space seats 500) for table service. A built in jukebox, stocked with James Brown and the Rolling Stones is a major one-up on faux beach competitor Water Taxi Beach, which blasts unfortunate house music as soon as the sun sets. Definitely, definitely stop by Barbeque Island next door where Chris McGee of Blue Smoke and Jean Georges and his lovely wife Kate Larson serve up grilled treats including apple brined chicken wings with blue cheese dipping sauce ($5) and spare ribs and brisket (sandwiches are $6, platters $9). There are good ol' hot dogs for $2 and cole slaw and slices of watermelon for $1. Whether you're nursing whiplash from the Cyclone, or taking in Coney Island for last time (again), a trip to the isles Beer and Barbeque is in due order.

Photo from Gowanuslounge.com