Coney Island in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Childs Restaurant Building
1208 Surf Avenue
| — | New York City Designated Landmark | — |
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, July 7, 2026
1. Childs Restaurant Building Marker
This two-story building constructed in 1917 was the site of the first of two Childs restaurants to operate in Coney Island. Established by brothers Samuel and William Childs in 1889, this successful dining chain was known for serving good food at reasonable prices for visitors who flocked to Coney Island to enjoy the beach and famous amusements. Designed by architect John C. Westervelt, the structure features Spanish Revival-style elements, including broad round arched openings, paired brackets, and a red tile roof. The building was acquired in 2008 by Coney Island USA, the non-profit cultural arts organization dedicated to preserving Coney Island’s history and culture. The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Childs Restaurant Building a New York City Landmark in 2011.
Erected 2025 by New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.
Location. 40° 34.524′ N, 73° 58.792′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is on Coney Island. It is at
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New York City and on Long Island. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cyclone (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Cyclone (about 600 feet away); Wonder Wheel (about 600 feet away); Air Race (about 600 feet away); Tilt-A-Whirl (about 600 feet away); Carousel (about 700 feet away); Boat Ride (about 700 feet away); Sky Fighter (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.
Also see . . . Coney Island Museum.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, July 7, 2026
2. Childs Restaurant Building Marker
The building is now home to the Coney Island USA Museum.
Established in 1983, the Coney Island Museum is the only collecting institution in the world singularly dedicated to preserving, protecting, and interpreting the rich history of the People’s Playground. It houses the world’s premier collection of Coney Island photographs, paintings, ephemera, amusement-related objects, architectural elements, and vintage signs on view to the public.(Submitted on September 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, July 7, 2026
3. Childs Restaurant Building
The building offers tickets to the famed Sideshows by the Seashore.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 21 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
