We’ve all heard it before – “you’re from Staten Island? What do you do for fun there?”
Our hometown gets a bad rep for being boring and not having much to do. Well I’m here to tell you, you’re just not trying hard enough. Staten Island has its flaws, like every borough, but it’s a unique and fun place to live.
Don’t believe me? Here’s a list of six places that are unique to Staten Island, for college students to visit when Friday night just gets a little too boring.
Burrito Bar
I just was introduced to the Burrito Bar about a week ago, and it is safe to say I am a believer. I have truly converted. If you’re looking for ridiculously good Mexican food without paying the bridge toll and waiting four hours at Jose Tejas, this is the place for you. Better yet, when you’re done you get to go downstairs to the bar and drink deliciously strong margaritas.
Indoor Extreme Sports Paintball and Laser Tag
Besides the unnecessarily long name, this place is perfect to spend some quality time with friends. They have dozens of different packages for laser tag, including one where zombies chase you in the arena. Tell me you think this is not fun and I’m calling you a liar.
Staten Island Zoo
I feel like the only Staten Island citizens who truly appreciate this place are under the age of 8 and that’s a crime. They have every staple zoo animal, with some surprises like pigs and lemurs. They even have a nursery for visitors to observe newborn animals. If that doesn’t convince you to go, there’s no hope for you.
Tiki Island
If partying is more your thing and all the sports bars on the island aren’t cutting it, Tiki Island in Tottenville is the place to go. It is only open for the spring/summer season, but the outdoor bar is right on the water, with a dance floor and plenty of drinks to go around.
Pinot’s Palette
This place lets you paint beautiful pictures while eating snacks and drinking glasses of wine (Have you noticed I’ve included a lot of drinking options? You’re welcome, my friends). They even have special-themed nights, that let you paint wine glasses or pictures of your pets.
Staten Island Yankee Stadium
This is a way to get all the fun of going to a baseball game on a serious budget. It’s something fun and different to do with your friends, and you don’t even have to leave the island to do it. The stadium has food available to buy, merchandise and of course, the legendary Scooter the Holy Cow.
