Day 253—Sunday, September 19th, 2010
Ruby’s Coney Island Bar
I’ve been meaning to travel out to Coney Island all summer. Now that summer’s over, I better get out there before it closes. And speaking of closing, the last couple years I keep hearing rumors the legendary Coney Island dive bar, Ruby’s is going to be closing. So let’s get out there before it does!
Through the magic of the internet, you're spared an hour-long ride out here on the subway with long stops and announcements no one can understand. Anyway, without any further bitching, here we are!
And the first stop is Ruby's Bar and Grill.
These guys are playing the blues out front on the boardwalk.
Here's the bar, let's grab a seat.
Mike the bartender flashes the 365 card...
And seves me up an ice-cold bottle of Budweiser.
Vintage photos of Coney Island line the wall behind the bar. They should make a history book out of these.
A long shot of the bar, featuring a beer and a shot.
Harpo, peanuts and Cracker Jacks, behind the bar. Perfect.
The jukebox features such Coney Island favorites as Dean Martin, Louis Prima, Sam Cooke and The Duprees.
Here's the backroom where the beer inventory is housed.
Photos of the Mermaid Parade are plastered on the walls.
If chairs could have sex, it might look something like this.
A classic shot of Marilyn Monroe on the wall at Ruby's.
There's a food station at the front of the bar.
And here's some of the food on display.
Here's a collage of more Mermaid Parade photos.
A shot from the back end of the bar.
Looks like the booze inventory is dwindling. Oh well, it is the end of the season.
There's a lounge area opposite the bar complete with a mini motorcycle on a table.
Ruby's neon sign inside at the front of the bar.
Okay, I've had my three beers here, time to check out some more of Coney Island.
Whirley Pops!
Clams, cold beer and soft ice cream, a winning combination.
And check it out, corn dogs! Time to start eating.
And this gentleman happily served one up.
It was delicious!
Funnel cakes, Italian Ices, Slushies and soft ice cream...
Right over here. Step right up!
The merry-go-round in the amusement park.
And there's beer in the amusement park! And it's a great bargain, a bottle of Heinekin is just three bucks!
And it's served up by Steve and Stacy who own the amusement park and are nice people.
After the beer, it's time for a little more food. I think I'll sample something here.
I got the chicken wings and fries.
Paul Michael was seated at the table with me and was enjoying the end of the season at Coney Island.
The sun sets on the boardwalk.
Cha Cha's is another legendary bar on the boardwalk.
Shoot the freak!
You're never far from food or drink at Coney Island.
Steve and Stacy told me this was the last night for the Wonder Wheel till next season.
And here it is, taking one of the last spins of the year.
This guy made me think of John Belushi.
And here's the legendary Cyclone ride.
You have to ride this thing at least once when you come out here. I have ridden it once and never will again, it scared the shit out of me!
The amusement park is closing up for the evening, one last shot through the chain link fence.
As I call it a night I take a stroll down the boardwalk...
And take a final shot of Ruby's bar.
On my way back to the subway station I happen along the original Nathan's hot dog stand. I think I have room for one more treat.
It's kind of hectic in here, but I finally made my way to the front and placed my order.
I got a cheese dog with mustard and a bottle of Corona for the road.
One last shot of Nathan's and it's off to the subway. My Coney Island day is done.
And an obligatory subway window shot of the train pulling into Manhattan closes the evening. Goodnight, everybody!
Review
Ruby’s Coney Island Bar is the oldest bar on the Coney Island Boardwalk. They opened in 1934 and they are open from April till October. The bar is long, wooden and tables and booths are located opposite in the cavernous, somewhat roughshod space. Vintage photos of Coney Island and the Mermaid Parade line the walls and grizzled regulars drink their drinks from plastic cups at the 45-foot-long bar.
It’s a full bar, but I wouldn’t suggest ordering a Cosmopolitan here. It’s strictly a beer and shot joint with the odd Rum and Coke thrown in for good measure. Some of the bottled beers available include: Sam Adams, Brooklyn Lager, Becks and Coney Island Lager. There’s also a large food menu including such offerings as: Clams on the half shell, jumbo fried shrimp, fried chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers and of course, funnel cakes.
There’s always a rumor that Ruby’s will be shut down, let’s hope that rumor never comes true. This joint is a real slice of Coney Island history.
Ruby’s Coney Island Bar
1213 Riegelmann Boardwalk (Near 12th St.)
718-372-9079