Prospect Heights eatery Tom’s Restaurant, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in DUMBO, and now Zito’s Sandwich Shoppe in Park Slope all plan to open outposts in Coney Island this summer — proof that a Brownstone Brooklyn takeover of the People’s Playground has begun. But the invasion won’t be complete until a few more shops open new locations on the Boardwalk and Surf Avenue. Here’s a few Downtown businesses we’d like to see open in the Amusement District:
• Brooklyn Bowl: Who better to take over the Boardwalk’s historic Childs Restaurant at West 21st Street than Williamsburg’s wildly popular Brooklyn Bowl? A bowling alley-music venue in Coney Island would be a perfect strike.
• American Apparel: The trendy clothing store has locations in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Park Slope. Why not expand to Coney Island, where hipsters could shop till they drop between rides at Luna Park?
• Barcade: Coney Island has plenty of places to play games, and plenty of places to drink beer. If Barcade opens a satellite suds shop near the beach, people can do both under one roof.
• Peter Luger’s: Forget about seafood. What beach-goers really want are heaping portions of prime rib. A name-brand steakhouse with waterfront views would give Gargiulo’s — Coney Island’s reigning white tablecloth eatery — a run for its money.
• Junior’s: Have a Junior’s cheesecake — then go throw it up during a ride on the Cyclone. If the city really wants to highlight Brooklyn-born businesses on the Boardwalk, the borough’s most iconic diner needs a seat at the table.
• Bark Hot Dogs: Nathan’s monopoly on the Coney Island’s wiener market has gone on for far too long. Bark, a popular food spot in Park Slope, would give visitors gourmet alternatives such as the Bacon Cheddar Dog, the Bark Slamwich and Smoked Brat.
—Dan Bush
Reach reporter Daniel Bush at [email protected] or by calling (718) 260-8310. Follow him at twitter.com/dan_bush.
