
Great Kills Staten Island
Great Kills offers a slice of authentic Staten Island life, known for its historic bakery, community bowling alley, and waterfront park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

Great Kills Staten Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere
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.
"Discover the quiet charm of Great Kills, a Staten Island neighborhood with a rich history and local flavor."
🚗 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rab's Country Lanes
Bowling Alley
A beloved local spot for bowling and comfort food, famous for its 'deep fried burger'.
Holtermann's Bakery
Bakery
A historic bakery operating since 1878, potentially one of NYC's oldest family-run establishments.

Great Kills Park
Park and Harbor
Offers waterfront views and is home to FDNY's Marine Company 8, serving the summer boat program.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Transportation is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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!
💈 Get a Fresh Cut
Retro Barbershop on Amboy Rd offers walk-ins and a family-friendly atmosphere.
🌳 Enjoy Waterfront Views
Great Kills Park offers scenic spots by the water, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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!
💈 Get a Fresh Cut
Retro Barbershop on Amboy Rd offers walk-ins and a family-friendly atmosphere.
🌳 Enjoy Waterfront Views
Great Kills Park offers scenic spots by the water, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. If coming from Manhattan, you can take the Staten Island Ferry and then connect to the SIR.
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.
The Staten Island Railway is convenient for longer distances within Staten Island. For local exploration, walking or using ride-sharing services are good options.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Great Kills Park itself is generally free to enter. However, specific facilities or events within the park might have associated costs.
Rab's Country Lanes operates on a pay-per-game basis for bowling. Food and drinks are purchased separately.
Yes, Holtermann's Bakery is a public establishment where you can purchase baked goods. It's a historic spot worth visiting for its legacy.
Events can vary. Keep an eye on local community boards and social media for announcements regarding events in Great Kills or nearby areas.
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.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Great Kills offers a local experience with spots like Rab's Country Lanes for bowling and comfort food, and historic Holtermann's Bakery. You can also enjoy the waterfront at Great Kills Park or explore the neighborhood's residential charm.
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.
You'll find a range of local eateries, including comfort food at Rab's Country Lanes and traditional baked goods at Holtermann's Bakery. Reddit users also mention good Sri Lankan restaurants in Staten Island.
Holtermann's Bakery is a significant historical landmark, operating since 1878. The neighborhood itself has a rich, though often untold, history.
Capture the waterfront scenery at Great Kills Park, the vintage charm of Holtermann's Bakery, or the local streetscapes. The Staten Island Railway trains also make for interesting shots.
📸 📸 Photography
Great Kills Park offers scenic waterfront views and opportunities to photograph the harbor. The historic Holtermann's Bakery provides a charming, vintage subject. Capturing the Staten Island Railway trains, especially the newer R211 models, can also be visually interesting.
Yes, you can photograph the Staten Island Railway trains. They are a common sight and part of the local landscape.
Generally, photography is permitted in public areas like parks and streets. However, always be mindful of private property and any specific signage.
Photography in Great Kills often focuses on local life, historic establishments like bakeries, and the natural beauty of the waterfront.
Look for the unique architecture of local homes, the community hubs like barbershops, and the everyday scenes that define this Staten Island neighborhood.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Charm of Great Kills
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. 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.
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.
Navigating Staten Island's Public Transport
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. 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.
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.
Local Flavors and Community Hubs
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. 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.
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. These local spots are more than just businesses; they are integral parts of the Great Kills community fabric.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit