Only a few years ago, Rockaway Beach was a desert when it came to exciting cuisine, leaving visitors to lug heavy ice chests from home or snag something uninspired from a boardwalk cart. Thanks to a handful of enthusiastic, creative locals, there’s now a myriad of options that are elevated far beyond that of simple, sand-filled beach fare. There’s something for everyone, including tacos, pelmenis, piña coladas, and artisanal ice cream only a swipe of your MTA card or a pleasant bike ride way. Here are some of our favorites: