Ellis Island
Island · Ellis Island ·
Learn immigrant history, see artifacts, research ancestors, explore museum
Information
Ellis Island New York, NY 10004 Get directions
Learn immigrant history, see artifacts, research ancestors, explore museum
Ellis Island New York, NY 10004 Get directions
"From the 1910s through the 1950s, this immigration processing site doubled as an early introduction to American food culture when company representatives handed out square samples of brightly colored powdered gelatin to arriving newcomers; one German immigrant recalled being frightened by a wiggling piece of orange gelatin. Those distributions helped frame the product as part of the assimilation process—anthropologists later used possession of gelatin molds at community potlucks as a crude measure of acculturation—so the location functioned not only as a gateway to the country but as a literal point of culinary onboarding for many immigrants." - Aimee Levitt
"Serving as many immigrants' first American meal, officials on the island began handing out ice cream by the summer of 1921 as a symbol of welcome and assimilation, using the treat to greet newcomers arriving at the nation's gateway." - Matt Siegel
"I found that The Island at Ellis, a hidden tiki pop-up inside The Front Yard, will stick around through August 1; decked out in Hawaiian-themed decor with tiki-style vignettes throughout, it serves a teriyaki chicken burger, a tiki quesadilla, and coconut shrimp, and offers 10 boozy island-themed specialty drinks — including beer cocktails and Ellis Island spins on tiki classics — with hours Sundays through Thursdays from 5 to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to midnight, and reservations available through OpenTable." - Susan Stapleton
"Opening for one month from June 3 to July 4 on the restaurant’s second floor, this temporary tiki pop-up recreates an island vibe with a 15-foot swordfish, staff in tropical-themed attire, and tiki-style vignettes. The exclusive second-level food menu features items such as a teriyaki chicken burger, a tiki quesadilla and coconut shrimp, while a 10-drink cocktail list includes beer-based cocktails and unique spins on tiki classics served as individual cocktails or in punch bowls; the venue’s beers are poured in specialty glassware made for the pop-up. The regular brunch and dinner offerings remain available, with dishes like stuffed crunch toast, salmon-and-lox flatbread, bacon mac and cheese and a giant pretzel. Entertainment includes two blackjack tables and a variety of slot machines in a lounge by the Terrace Bar, and hours vary by day (weekend and weekday schedules with midday and evening service)." - Susan Stapleton
"Reopening its casino on June 4 at 8 a.m., the property will run Village Pub & Cafe and the casino bar 24 hours, operate the BBQ with early evening hours on weekdays and later hours on weekends, and open the lounge with late‑evening weekday shifts and shortened weekend hours." - Susan Stapleton
