Where to eat at the ferry

St George Terminal

So, tomorrow "Law and Order SVU" is filming in my neighborhood.  One of the local merchants was complaining that this meant his establishment would be "off limits" to his normal Friday evening foot traffic from the ferry terminal cutting into his weekend profits.  "But, perhaps", he said, "Some of the actors or crew will stop by, so I will be open."




There are a few places in the ferry terminal where one can grab a hot coffee, a newspaper, a sandwich, a hot dog, a pastry or a slice of pizza.  The best of these in my humble opinion, is "Au Bon Pain" a local chain.  The pastries are fresh, and the hot chocolate is good.  There is also a new Sub-Way Sandwich store in the terminal.  Two or three convenience stores/delis sell newspapers, water, coffee, and packaged cakes and pastry, and a new pizzeria actually sells a somewhat decent slice, but why eat here when so much better fare awaits you close at hand?


Well, if they are coming from Manhattan via the ferry they will have a good choice of places to grab a bagel, a pizza, a steak , some classic Italian food, and some decent Spanish cuisine all within walking distance of the ferry. It amazes me that more tourists don't take the opportunity to grab a good meal on Staten island at interesting local dining spots that are excellent values for the money when compared to Manhattan....and they are a stone's throw from the ferry terminal.
Exit the terminal up the steps and onto the promenade that ends at the convergence of Bay Street and Richmond Terrace.  If you cross the street and venture right you are on your way to two interesting "beef" places on the island. 




Simon's Steaks S.I., NY

"Simon's Steaks" is a small hole-in-the-wall kind of joint that serves up some of the best Philly-style cheese steak sandwiches outside of the City of Brotherly Love. Other crafted fast foods are sold, but the Chicken Cheese steak sandwich is definitely king at Simon's. There is limited seating.




Ruddy and Dean

Next door is "Ruddy and Dean's", a classic NY steakhouse without the Manhattan prices.  Many of the folks who work in the nearby courts can be found here.  The steaks are excellent, the burgers are tasty and the classic salads are fresh and crisp. There is full bar service here, but I will tell you that they also brew a really good fresh iced tea.

If you decide to take a short walk further afar, you will stumble upon Schuyler Street.  Turn left and go to Beso Restaurant, a Spanish gem.  On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings they have a special prix fixe menu for a three course dinner for $20.14.  They also do a nice Sunday Brunch.  If you decide to stop by for a drink, they have a nice Tapas menu at the bar. 



Karl's Klipper on Bay Street

Going left from the confluence of Bay and Richmond Terrace, you will stumble upon several more dining or quick food options starting with Karl's Klipper a local restaurant/bar/diner with an interesting take on food.  Their solid menu includes the normal diner fair such as club sandwiches, omelets and burgers, but it also includes chicken marsala, jambalaya, soft-shell crabs, when in season, and vegetarian fare. It is a comfortable place and worth the walk from the ferry.

Pier 76, where the pizza is really good.  And why not? It's owner is the son of one of the owners of the beloved "Joe and Pat's" pizza joint on Staten Island known for great pizza.  And Pier 76 does not disappoint.  The pizza is crisp and tangy, a good pie.  It also offers some traditional Italian classics in a family atmosphere.  If you stop by , I don't think you'll be disappointed. 

Continue walking toward Victory Blvd, and you will come upon Bagel Mercato, a great addition to the neighborhood.  Fresh bagels baked every day provide the blank canvas for some interesting breakfast and lunch fare for those on a budget.  Wraps, paninis and interesting pastries are also offered. Have a coffee with whatever you decide on and take a load off your feet at one of the cute bistro tables in the shop.

The 120 Bay Café is across the street from my condo building and my "go-to" place for lunch or early dinner.  The menu is limited, but they always have interesting specials and are accommodating to all.  It is also "kid friendly". Live music and karaoke are also offered, so check their website to see what's up.  It is a short walk from the ferry with some great views of the harbor. I do like their calamari and the pesto chicken wrap is excellent.

If you have brought cash along with you, I suggest you take the climb up the hill to the left of Borough Hall and go to Enoteca Maria on Hyatt Street near the St George Theater.  This Italian wine bar and restaurant is open Wednesdays through Sunday.  Each day a different Italian "grandmother" is in charge of the meals.  Last time I went I had a wonderful rabbit stew with a wonderful Pinot Bianco, but bring cash and call ahead to see if they have room...space is limited, but the food is great.

So, there you go-- a list of places to eat when you come off the ferry.  Now don't tell me there is nothing to do on Staten Island...that is purely Manhattan-centric propaganda.  If you decide to have a meal here, you will have an excellent meal in wonderful surroundings without the "Big-City" prices, and you get to take a boat back.