Sheepshead Bay

Was the site of a large Canarsee Indian village and was named for the principal fish catch of the time, the sheepshead. Once famous for seafood from its waters, the fish are now long gone, depleted or killed off by pollution. In 1877 farmlands were subdivided and developed, prompting permanent growth in the area. The area was once home to the Coney Island Jockey Club, which was then replaced by Sheepshead Speedway, which was demolished in 1923. In 1931, in an effort at conservation, the city took possession around the basin to preserve and revitalize the area. The piers along Emmons Avenue were built in the 1930s. Today, the many fishing boats moored to these piers cast off into the ocean waters in search of striped bass, flounder, fluke and blues. On a summer's day lone anglers can be seen casting their lines into the water. The entire wharf area is customarily brimming with people in the warm summer evenings. The many fine restaurants in the area, seafood and otherwise, provide outdoor tables for alfresco dining. Patrons can choose their preferred bill of fare, including a variety of raw shellfish, a full meal, or a frothy cappuccino, accompanied by any one of a variety of dissolute desserts. Served by Community District 15
Zip Code: 11235