From today's New York Post....
Development threatens legendary boardwalk bar
By SARA STEWART
"Ruby's," says Joe Costantino, "is the singles capital of the world. It's the friendliest place. Anyone can come here and meet someone."
The 55-year-old from Lindenhurst is one of hundreds of regulars who show up at this Coney Island landmark all summer and fall for cheap cocktails, drunken conversation with strangers, and priceless people-watching.
Ruby's sits on the main drag of Coney's boardwalk, next to Shoot the Freak. There is no place like it in the world.
And there may be no place like it, period, if the park's new owner, Zamperla, an Italian amusement-design company, has its way.
Last week, the company issued letters to 11 boardwalk tenants, demanding "updated" business plans and giving no guarantees that any would return for next season.
It's been a good run for Ruby's, which began in 1934 as a Hebrew National Deli and expanded into a bar/restaurant in the '50s.
On a recent Saturday evening, business was jumping. At the bar with Costantino were longtime regulars Steve "Popeye" Evans, a 50-something truck driver who lives nearby, and blond East Villager Holly Lane, 49.
"I've always been treated like family here," said Lane, who stores her boogie board in the back of the bar.
Recently, the Travel Channel voted Ruby's one of the world's "Top 21 Sexiest Beach Bars." But the women we spoke to weren't looking to hook up. Cabaret singers Grace Garland and Natasha Zubova were here mostly to enjoy a $7 cocktail in a plastic cup, and relax.
"This is a cool place," said Garland. "It's old-school Coney Island, like you see in the movies."
At the bar, an older -- and visibly tipsy -- patron lit up a cigarette.
"My friend," said bartender Matt Sarrel, "you can't smoke in here."
"I know," the man slurred, weaving toward the boardwalk. "I was just reminiscing."
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