5 Best Bars in Fire Island, Long Island

There is no gambling at this oceanfront "Casino," but it's always a party here, with live bands on weekend afternoons, a D.J. for dancing at night, and drink specials. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the views, come during the week; this place packs out, and it's shoulder to shoulder on weekends. A $5–$10 cover is charged when there’s a band. Dinner is served daily at the adjacent Casino Cafe. Get here via the ferry from Patchogue.

Whatever you do, don't ask the bartender for an iced tea at this bayfront bar, famous for having some of the best cocktails on the island. Here, it's about drag queens, D.J.s, and some of the wildest parties, all under the famous red and white-striped big top. The crowd is predominantly gay but everyone here is welcome, as long as you're happy. Get here by ferry from Sayville.

This Fire Island institution, steps away from where the ferry from Bay Shore docks, overflows with not-long-out-of-college singles enjoying drinks and live music. If you want to skip the scene, come for lunch. Their dinner cruise (July and August, Tuesday–Thursday, departing at 7; $39, plus $14 for the ferry) includes a big buffet of seafood, sliced roast, ribs, and all the fixings, and attracts people of all ages.

Famous for poolside drag-queen shows (with some of the most beautiful queens anywhere), this is one of Fire Island's most famous gay bars, but it's something that anyone with an open mind and a wild sense of adventure should experience at least once in a lifetime. Grab a cocktail, lounge by the pool (or buy a day pass to jump in), and enjoy the show.

Live music, dancing, karaoke, drink specials, Christmas in July, and toga parties—this is the place to party in Ocean Beach if you're post-college age, or want to feel as if you are.