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Great Kills Staten Island

4.6
·491k reviews·, United States

Great Kills offers a slice of authentic Staten Island life, known for its historic bakery, community bowling alley, and waterfront park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

CrowdLow
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love the details!

Great Kills Staten Island

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Great Kills offers a slice of authentic Staten Island life, known for its historic bakery, community bowling alley, and waterfront park.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Discover the quiet charm of Great Kills, a Staten Island neighborhood with a rich history and local flavor."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Explore Local Eats

Discover hidden culinary gems, especially Sri Lankan restaurants, for an authentic taste of Staten Island.

🚆 Ride the SIR

The Staten Island Railway (SIR) is your best bet for getting around. Look out for R211 trains!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rab's Country Lanes

Rab's Country Lanes

Bowling Alley

A beloved local spot for bowling and comfort food, famous for its 'deep fried burger'.

Holtermann's Bakery

Holtermann's Bakery

Bakery

A historic bakery operating since 1878, potentially one of NYC's oldest family-run establishments.

Great Kills Park

Great Kills Park

Park and Harbor

Offers waterfront views and is home to FDNY's Marine Company 8, serving the summer boat program.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Great Kills is primarily a residential neighborhood, offering a glimpse into authentic Staten Island life. While it lacks major tourist attractions, its charm lies in its local eateries and community feel. Plan for a relaxed exploration rather than a packed itinerary.

Transportation is Key

Getting around Great Kills and Staten Island relies heavily on public transport, particularly the Staten Island Railway. Consider purchasing a MetroCard for easy access. Exploring beyond Great Kills might require more planning with bus routes.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively local dining scene
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The comfort-food at @Rab’s Country Lanes on Staten Island in NYC is 🔥🔥🔥! By far the most DEVOUR-worthy bowling alley we’ve ever been to! 🎳🍔🍦🍕🤤 Their DEEP FRIED BURGER is insane! Who’s hungry?? 💪 #DEVOURPOWER #fyp #foryou #foodtiktok #rabscountrylanes #statenisland #statenislandny #newyork #nyc #bowlingalley #comfortfood #burgers #nycburger #burgersnyc #newyorkcityfood #statenislandfood #deepfriedb...
@devourpower
48.1K likes • 536.1K views

🚗 Explore Local Eats

Discover hidden culinary gems, especially Sri Lankan restaurants, for an authentic taste of Staten Island. Reddit

🚆 Ride the SIR

The Staten Island Railway (SIR) is your best bet for getting around. Look out for R211 trains! Instagram

The same family has been operating this bakery since 1878. But this might be the last generation. 📍 Holtermann’s Bakery 405 Arthur Kill Rd, Staten Island, NY 10308 Follow me for more big hearted stories about people and food. 🫶🏻
@eatingwithrobert
36.3K likes • 255.5K views
📍 3937 Amboy Rd, Great Kills Walk-ins only — just put your name on the list ✍️ No appointments needed, no waiting stress ✅ 👦 Family friendly | 💪 8 professional barbers ready to serve you | ✂️ Quality cuts every time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated by the community — thank you Staten Island! . . . #RetroBarberShop #BarberLife #BarberProfessionals #BarberConnect #BarberNation #BarberWorld #StatenIsland #GreatK...
retrobarbershop_ny
175 likes • 8.2K views

💈 Get a Fresh Cut

Retro Barbershop on Amboy Rd offers walk-ins and a family-friendly atmosphere. Instagram

🌳 Enjoy Waterfront Views

Great Kills Park offers scenic spots by the water, perfect for a peaceful stroll. Instagram

🏡 Certified Pre-Owned Home™ – Great Kills, Staten Island This isn’t your average home — it’s a Certified Pre-Owned Home™, designed to give you total confidence from inspection to closing (and beyond). Here’s what sets it apart 👇 ✅ Full Licensed Home Inspection Report provided before you buy ✅ 12-Month Limited Home Warranty for added protection ✅ 24-Month Buy-Back Guarantee — if you’re not hap...
hal.blake
6 likes • 78 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Explore Local Eats

Discover hidden culinary gems, especially Sri Lankan restaurants, for an authentic taste of Staten Island. Reddit

🚆 Ride the SIR

The Staten Island Railway (SIR) is your best bet for getting around. Look out for R211 trains! Instagram

💈 Get a Fresh Cut

Retro Barbershop on Amboy Rd offers walk-ins and a family-friendly atmosphere. Instagram

🌳 Enjoy Waterfront Views

Great Kills Park offers scenic spots by the water, perfect for a peaceful stroll. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Great Kills is appreciated for its authentic residential feel and local community spots like Rab's Country Lanes and Holtermann's Bakery. Visitors enjoy the relaxed pace and the chance to experience a less-touristed side of Staten Island. Some find it lacks major attractions, emphasizing its role as a quiet neighborhood rather than a tourist destination.

What People Like

Authentic neighborhood feel
Local eateries and bakeries
Community atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited major attractions
Primarily residential

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Great Kills is via the Staten Island Railway (SIR). The Tottenville-bound express trains stop at Great Kills station. TikTokInstagram If coming from Manhattan, you can take the Staten Island Ferry and then connect to the SIR. Instagram

Yes, Great Kills is accessible by car via major roadways on Staten Island. Parking can be found in local lots and on streets, though it may be limited during peak times. Instagram

The Staten Island Railway is convenient for longer distances within Staten Island. For local exploration, walking or using ride-sharing services are good options. Instagram

Yes, various MTA bus routes serve the Great Kills area, connecting it to other parts of Staten Island and beyond. Check MTA schedules for specific routes and times. TikTok

The Staten Island Ferry offers views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, but it does not directly pass by Great Kills. You'll need to take the SIR from the ferry terminal to reach Great Kills. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Great Kills Park itself is generally free to enter. However, specific facilities or events within the park might have associated costs. Instagram

Rab's Country Lanes operates on a pay-per-game basis for bowling. Food and drinks are purchased separately. TikTok

Yes, Holtermann's Bakery is a public establishment where you can purchase baked goods. It's a historic spot worth visiting for its legacy. TikTok

Events can vary. Keep an eye on local community boards and social media for announcements regarding events in Great Kills or nearby areas. Instagram

Operating hours for local businesses like Retro Barbershop and Holtermann's Bakery can vary. It's best to check their specific hours online or call ahead. TikTokInstagram

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Great Kills offers a local experience with spots like Rab's Country Lanes for bowling and comfort food,TikTok and historic Holtermann's Bakery.TikTok You can also enjoy the waterfront at Great Kills Park Instagram or explore the neighborhood's residential charm. Instagram

Yes, Great Kills has a family-friendly atmosphere. Rab's Country Lanes is a fun activity for all ages, and the residential streets offer a safe environment. TikTokInstagram

You'll find a range of local eateries, including comfort food at Rab's Country Lanes TikTok and traditional baked goods at Holtermann's Bakery.TikTok Reddit users also mention good Sri Lankan restaurants in Staten Island. Reddit

Holtermann's Bakery is a significant historical landmark, operating since 1878. The neighborhood itself has a rich, though often untold, history. TikTokInstagram

Capture the waterfront scenery at Great Kills Park,Instagram the vintage charm of Holtermann's Bakery,TikTok or the local streetscapes. The Staten Island Railway trains also make for interesting shots. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Great Kills Park offers scenic waterfront views and opportunities to photograph the harbor. Instagram The historic Holtermann's Bakery provides a charming, vintage subject. TikTok Capturing the Staten Island Railway trains, especially the newer R211 models, can also be visually interesting. Instagram

Yes, you can photograph the Staten Island Railway trains. They are a common sight and part of the local landscape. TikTokInstagram

Generally, photography is permitted in public areas like parks and streets. However, always be mindful of private property and any specific signage. Instagram

Photography in Great Kills often focuses on local life, historic establishments like bakeries, and the natural beauty of the waterfront. TikTokInstagram

Look for the unique architecture of local homes,Instagram the community hubs like barbershops,Instagram and the everyday scenes that define this Staten Island neighborhood. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Great Kills offers a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Rab's Country Lanes is a fantastic option for a fun-filled outing with kids, combining bowling with casual dining. TikTok The neighborhood's residential nature means plenty of safe streets for exploring. Consider packing snacks and drinks, especially if venturing to Great Kills Park, which offers open spaces for children to play. Instagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

Staten Island, including Great Kills, is budget-friendly. The Staten Island Ferry is free and offers great views. Reddit Getting around via the Staten Island Railway is also cost-effective with a MetroCard. Instagram For dining, look for local delis and diners, or enjoy the affordable comfort food at Rab's Country Lanes. TikTok Holtermann's Bakery offers delicious treats at reasonable prices. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Great Kills provides unique subjects. Capture the waterfront scenery at Great Kills Park,Instagram the historic charm of Holtermann's Bakery,TikTok and the distinctive Staten Island Railway trains.Instagram The neighborhood's residential streets also offer opportunities for capturing local life and architecture. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Charm of Great Kills

Great Kills, a name that hints at a rugged past, is a neighborhood on Staten Island with a story often overlooked. Its origins are rooted in old Dutch history, giving it a unique character distinct from the bustling Manhattan landscape. While primarily residential, this South Shore gem offers a glimpse into a more tranquil side of New York City life. Instagram+1

The area is known for its tree-lined streets and a sense of community that resonates with residents. It's a place where local businesses, like the historic Holtermann's Bakery, have been serving generations, preserving a legacy of tradition and craftsmanship. TikTok This blend of history and everyday life makes Great Kills a fascinating area to explore for those seeking an authentic New York experience beyond the typical tourist trails. Instagram

Understanding the local context is key to appreciating Great Kills. It's a neighborhood that thrives on its community ties and local establishments, offering a peaceful retreat with its own distinct charm. Instagram

Navigating Staten Island's Public Transport

For visitors exploring Great Kills and the wider Staten Island, the Staten Island Railway (SIR) is an essential mode of transport. This commuter rail line connects various neighborhoods, with the Tottenville-bound express trains making a stop directly in Great Kills. TikTokInstagram The SIR is integrated with the MTA system, meaning a MetroCard is your ticket to ride. Newer R211 trains are being introduced, adding a modern touch to the commute. Instagram

Reaching Staten Island itself is famously done via the free Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan. Once you disembark at the St. George Terminal, you can easily transfer to the Staten Island Railway to head towards Great Kills. InstagramReddit While the ferry offers iconic views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, it's the SIR that will take you into the heart of neighborhoods like Great Kills. Reddit

Beyond the SIR, MTA buses serve the Great Kills area, providing connections to other parts of Staten Island. For shorter distances within the neighborhood, walking is a pleasant option, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere. Ride-sharing services are also available if you prefer door-to-door convenience. Instagram

Local Flavors and Community Hubs

Great Kills offers a taste of authentic Staten Island cuisine, with a particular nod to comfort food and local favorites. Rab's Country Lanes is a standout spot, not just for bowling but for its highly-rated comfort food, including a legendary 'deep fried burger'. TikTok This bowling alley serves as a community hub, blending recreation with a satisfying culinary experience. TikTok

For a historical culinary journey, Holtermann's Bakery is a must-visit. Operating since 1878, this family-run establishment is a testament to enduring tradition and offers a chance to savor baked goods with a long legacy. TikTok Reddit users also highlight the presence of excellent Sri Lankan restaurants in Staten Island, suggesting a diverse and rich food scene beyond the immediate Great Kills area. Reddit

Community life in Great Kills is also visible in its local services. Retro Barbershop on Amboy Road is noted for its walk-in service and family-friendly environment, embodying the neighborhood's accessible and welcoming spirit. Instagram+1 These local spots are more than just businesses; they are integral parts of the Great Kills community fabric.

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