You ever drive to the very end of a peninsula just to see if the world stops? That’s basically what getting to Breezy Point feels like. It’s tucked away, a private cooperative where the streets are narrow and the vibe is aggressively "old New York." But right there, perched on the edge of Jamaica Bay with a view of the Manhattan skyline that looks like a matte painting from a movie, sits a place that shouldn't exist anymore.
Kennedy's Restaurant Breezy Point is more than just a place to grab a steak. Honestly, it’s a miracle it’s still standing.
If you aren't from the Rockaways, you might not know the history. Back in 2012, Superstorm Sandy absolutely leveled this community. Fire and water basically conspired to wipe Breezy off the map. Kennedy's was gutted. Most people would’ve taken the insurance money and run. Instead, they rebuilt. They reopened exactly two years later—to the day—on October 29, 2014. That tells you everything you need to know about the people who run this place.
The Weird History of a Building on the Move
Most restaurants are built on a foundation. Kennedy's was basically delivered.
Back in the early 1900s, a guy named Maxwell Kennedy decided he wanted a pavilion. He didn't just hire a contractor; he reportedly barged a structure over from the old Sheepshead Bay racetrack in Coney Island. He set it down on pilings right there on the bayside.
Back then, it was "Kennedy's Casino." No, not the gambling kind—more like a social hall. In 1919, the whole place almost got blown to bits. A group of sailors was transportng a 120-pound TNT depth bomb across the sand. It exploded just 500 feet from the restaurant. The sailors vanished, the crater was massive, but the restaurant survived.
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Jimmy Buckley and Gerard Casey took over the reins in 1980. They kept the Kennedy name, mostly because of the "Kennedy's Casino" legacy. Today, it’s still a family affair, run by the next generation of Buckleys alongside Casey.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
Look, if you’re coming here, you’re probably looking for two things: seafood or a serious piece of meat.
The menu is kinda "upscale classic." You aren't going to find molecular gastronomy or foam made out of grass. You’re going to find:
- Baked Little Neck Clams: These are legendary. Garlic, parmesan, Italian oregano. Simple.
- The Shepherd’s Pie: A nod to the heavy Irish-American roots of the neighborhood.
- Dry-Aged Steaks: They take their beef seriously here. The 16oz Prime NY Strip is the go-to.
- Seafood Linguine: Loaded with mussels, shrimp, and clams in a white wine garlic sauce.
Prices aren't "cheap beach snack" prices. Entrees usually range from $30 to $50. You’re paying for the quality, sure, but you’re also paying for that view. When the sun starts to dip behind the Manhattan skyline and the lights of the Marine Parkway Bridge start to twinkle, you won't care about the bill.
The Wedding Scene and the "Private" Vibe
One thing that trips people up is how to actually get there. Breezy Point is a private co-op. You can’t just roll through the security gate like you own the place unless you’re headed to the restaurant.
Because of its location, it’s a massive wedding destination. They can fit up to 180 people. If you’re planning a wedding here, you basically own the property on Saturday afternoons. It’s got that "Hamptons vibe" without having to sit in three hours of traffic on the LIE.
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Why locals love it
It’s the community hub. They host the "Buckley’s to Kennedy’s Run" every year, which raises money for HeartShare and a scholarship in memory of Elizabeth Buckley. It’s one of those places where the bartender probably knows your father’s middle name.
Is it worth the trip in 2026?
Honestly, yeah.
In a world where every restaurant feels like it was designed by an Instagram algorithm, Kennedy's feels real. It’s a bit formal but not stuffy. You can wear a nice shirt and feel fancy, or you can come in after a day on the boat and feel at home.
The glass-enclosed atrium is the place to be. Even in the dead of winter, you can sit by the fireplace, look out at the icy bay, and feel like you’ve escaped the city entirely.
Pro-Tips for your visit:
- Reservations are a must. Especially on weekends. Don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Time it for sunset. Check your weather app. Get there 30 minutes before the sun goes down.
- The Pub Menu is a secret weapon. If you want the vibe without the full three-course dinner price tag, the bar/pub menu has a killer burger and wings.
- Mention the gate. Tell the security guard at the Breezy Point entrance you're headed to Kennedy's. They’ll point you the right way.
If you want to experience what remains of the "Old New York" waterfront—the kind that survived 100 years of storms and change—this is the spot. Just make sure you bring an appetite and a camera for that skyline view.
Next Steps:
If you're planning a visit, call (718) 945-0202 to confirm their seasonal hours, as they often shift between winter and summer schedules. Make sure to specify if you want a table in the atrium versus the main dining room to ensure you get that waterfront view.