Jones Beach Boardwalk Cafe Reopens

On Friday, the ribbon was cut to officially open the new $20 million Jones Beach Boardwalk Cafe, bringing more dining options to the beach's Central Mall.

"The grand opening of the Boardwalk Café highlights New York's progress in restoring the historic vitality of Jones Beach State Park," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. "I encourage everyone to visit Jones Beach this summer and experience for themselves the transformation that has taken place at one of Long Island's true natural wonders."

The new 7,700-square-foot café, featuring an open and airy Market Hall dining concept and distinctive tensile roof, will bring back food and beverage to the Central Mall that has been absent since 2004, when the previous building was demolished due to structural failure. The café will be operated by Centerplate, a concessionaire offering hospitality services at the park. There will also be a Taste NY Grab and Go component to the café with more than 20 New York-produced items.

The new cafe is designed to withstand hurricanes. It is elevated 20 feet above sea level and is built upon reinforced piles. It offers outdoor seating with fantastic views of the ocean, beach and boardwalk.

Photo courtesy New York State Parks Department