The Not for Tourists Dining Guide
Coney Island: Gargiulo’s
We have no problem at all with recommending the original Nathan’s Famous to tourists. In fact, we think it’s one of the very few guide book-approved destinations that actually live up to the hype. But if you’re looking for a white tablecloth alternative to griddled hot dogs and deep fried frog’s legs (does anyone ever actually order those?) get thee straight to the 100-year-old Gargiulo’s. Patrons of this seriously old guard Italian eatery know exactly how they want things…sauce=tomato, vegetables=fried, price point=low, portions=huge. And no counting calories here. Recipes for dishes like the pancetta and cream-laced Penne Pasqualina haven’t changed one iota over the years, in order to accommodate our health and diet-obsessed generation.
2911 W 15th St., (718) 266-4891