Rikers Island — Local services in New York

A hidden gem with river views 🏝️

I don’t normally leave reviews for government-operated institutions, but Rikers Island deserves a moment of recognition. Tucked away between the Bronx and Queens, this secluded destination offers a truly immersive experience you won’t forget.

Let’s start with the location. Accessible only by a charming little bridge (very exclusive), the island is surrounded by the gentle breeze of the East River. If you’re lucky enough to have a window or a moment in the yard—you’ll enjoy some of the most underrated waterfront air in all of NYC. Think Roosevelt Island, but with more bars. And I don’t mean nightlife 😉

The accommodations are minimalist in design, evoking a sort of post-industrial brutalism. Cinderblock chic, if you will. Mattresses are thoughtfully pre-softened by years of use, and there’s a communal vibe to the bunk arrangements. It’s like a hostel, but with more structure. And less Wi-Fi.

Let’s talk fitness. Rikers is a wellness-forward destination. The yard is essentially a CrossFit paradise bodyweight workouts are the norm, and let’s just say, motivation is never lacking. You’ll find yourself getting in shape whether you meant to or not. I dropped ten pounds and gained perspective.

The meal plan is… consistent. Nutritious? Debatable. But you’ll never go long without a meal, and there’s something comforting about a menu that circles back every seven days like clockwork. Shoutout to the Wednesday meatloaf truly unforgettable, no matter how hard you try.

Staff are ever-present and maintain a strong “hands on” approach. They don’t overdo the friendliness, which I appreciated. It’s nice to see public servants so committed to their roles. Very immersive.

One downside? The check-out process is unpredictable. You might be expecting a quick exit, but bureaucracy here is truly next-level. Still, it gives you time to reflect.

In closing: Rikers Island isn’t for everyone, but if you’re seeking an unforgettable stay with regimented routines, strong community vibes, and a forced opportunity for personal growth look no further.

Would I return? Hopefully not. But do I recommend it? Five stars, baby.

their roles. Very immersive.

One downside? The check-out process is unpredictable. You might be expecting a quick exit, but bureaucracy here is truly next-level. Still, it gives you time to reflect.

In closing: Rikers Island isn’t for everyone, but if you’re seeking an unforgettable stay with regimented routines, strong community vibes, and a forced opportunity for personal growth, look no further.

Would I return? Hopefully not. But do I recommend it? Five...

After months of looking for a place to host my kids birthday party and almost giving up on the whole cost my uncle told me about this great place that is family friendly and welcoming of minorities like myself. Let me start off with telling you about the beautiful view of the flushing bay one of the luxurious bodies of sea on the east cost. My sons love for boats really caught my attention when picking n these. As I entered the facility I was greeted with firm pat down by the guard. From head to toe they gripped me to ensure my child's safety. After the party down, I was greeted by men of many talents. I approach one of the cells and was greeted by a man, big, black with very soft hands. He told me how I would be fresh meat in this place as a welcoming. Right of the bat, I could tell that this was a family friendly place excepted me in my family. After the cell visits I was shown the cafeteria which was in tip top shape. The smell of old fruit and urine drenched the air in a heavinly sent which grabbed my attention right away. As I entered the kitchen I was shown the glorious displays of food. Everything from chicken fried and grilled to calamari straight from the Hudson was right at my hands, I had to try this food myself after all the rave I heard from the guards. I was given a plastic fork and I started chewing away bite by bite savoring each warm bite of my steak corn and orange juice an all time favorite here as I was told by an inmate named little rock. After lunch I was shown the basketball court and gymnasium where I played a quick game of 21 with the security guards as I got a little work out in as well burning off the 1600 calorie consumed at lunch. The game was Intense and physically draining on my body as my body took a beating inside and out. Coming to the end of the tour I got a chance to talk with some of the guards who work on the island. This one man who had the complexion of a milk dud and odor of a wet dog was telling me how for years this place has been bringing joy to men all over the prison for years and how my sons 9th birthday would be a beautiful experience if it was hosted here. I no longer needed convincing I told them to sign me up as I took the Bx 36 back home with my sons student metro card knowing I did good for not only my son by the inmates who will be attending...

From a visitor point of view. I went to visit at Rose M. Singer (women). Quite organized. No parking outside for security reasons. You can get the Q100 bus from outside the public parking lot on Hazen/77 St. Or further down opposite the Hertz car hire lot. Google maps does not give direction. Basically type in Hazen Street. There’s a free bus from the Salvation Army on W125 st. Same bus stop as the M125 & M101. Sometimes late. Look to see if others are waiting. Wednesdays &Thursday or Saturdays and Sundays. Time time available on the doc website. Last photo is April 2024 timetable. Also from Brooklyn by the Jay Metro station. Different time table but also every 45 minutes. It was the same for February and March. The Q100 is free between Hazen and Rikers (one stop) but starts and terminates in Queens - fare payable. Once at the entrance, you can go to collect valuable property, drop money (if needed over $100 & write the prisoner # on each bill) or visit W&T 14:00-18:00 for registration. S&S 08:00-12:00. No late entry. You need 2 quarters for the lockers. You need ID. You can take in a bank card, id and cash for the vending machines. The visits days are alphabetical. A-L or M-Z. Fill in a seven section form. Prosoner # preferred. Rose M. singer all visits days (W,T,S&S but well other houses (Male) are strictly the day. Find out on the doc website. Screened security. Hand swab (wash them several times if you’ve ‘smoked’ - or screened or denied visit) 🆔 photo taken. Then subject to the cutest sniffer dogs. Vending machine. Take a school bus over to the housing unit. Screened again. If the machine goes off you’ll be pat searched if you consent. Footwear turn out. Everything in the lockers and given a key only to proceed to visit. No jeans with rips below the waist - given an ankle length t shirt to wear. No HOODIES. - you’ll have to remove them. Hand stamped with ultra violet ink for security. Then through to visits. Views of La Guardia are nice and sunsets are phenomenal. I’m tempted to go over for the solar eclipse on 4/8! Get there early as the queue can be over an hour as visitors dress up - which holds the queue for searching. Officers are civil. But reflect your attitude. Doesn’t hurt to be polite - they’re...