Destination: The Hamptons

Updated: April 04, 2002

A cluster of Long Island hamlets, towns and villages as famous for their beauty as their glam factor, the Hamptons have become a rite of passage for native New Yorkers and those just pretending to be. And, like Manhattan, it's full of vastly wealthy socialites who think the island's their playground. Here's how you can enjoy the sand, sun and after-dark fun--even if you don't own a manse on Georgica Lane.

On this page:Beaches, Fine Dining, Hotels, Booze and Food, Hot Spots.

Beaches

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Hither Hills State Park
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    Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954 (map)

  2. 2 Indian Wells Beach
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    98 Indian Wells Hgwy, Amagansett, NY 11930 (map)

    Seven-hundred-foot stretch of sand, with lifeguards on watch on weekends.

  3. 3 Atlantic Avenue Beach
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    End of Atlantic Avenue, Amagansett, NY 11930 (map)

    Wade in the water and refuel at the concession stand on a strip of sand in Amagansett.

  4. 4 Big Albert's Landing Beach
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    End of Albert's Landing Road, Amagansett, NY 11930 (map)

    Three-hundred feet along Napeague Bay.

  5. 5 Louse Point Beach
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    Flaggy Hole Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

    Small, but a coveted spot of bay-front beach.

  6. 6 3 Star Rating: Average Coopers Beach
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    268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968 (map)

  7. 7 Cupsogue Beach
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    950 Dune Rd, Westhampton, NY 11978 (map)

    Spend the day (or the night) in historic Westhampton.

  8. 8 Tiana Beach
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    90 Dune Rd, East Quogue, NY 11942 (map)

    Perfect for sports lovers looking to windsurf or play on the sand.

  9. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended W Scott Cameron Beach
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    425 Dune Rd, Bridgehampton, NY 11032 (map)

    Perfectly prepared for day trippers and locals alike.

Fine Dining

  1. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Nick & Toni's
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    136 N Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

    For years, the wood-burning oven at this East Hampton hot spot has turned out consistently praiseworthy food to a loyal clientele. Getting a table isn't easy--but the food (and the scene) is worth the wait.

  2. 11 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Bamboo Restaurant and Sushi Lounge
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    47 Montauk Highway, East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

    Reminiscent of its urban counterparts, you might expect to see a giant Buddha inside, but after a few drinks and a handful of wasabi peas, you'll feel miles away from the city--and miles away from sober.

  3. 12 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Palm Restaurant
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    94 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

    Craving a steak, and a picturesque setting in which to eat it? For an excellent cut of cow and a high likelihood of celebrity sightings, head to this world-renowned steakhouse and staple of East Hampton's Main Street.

  4. 13 3.5 Star Rating: Average Saracen
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    108 Wainscott Road, Wainscott, NY 11975 (map)

  5. 14 3.5 Star Rating: Average Sen
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    23 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 (map)

  6. 15 4 Star Rating: Recommended Jeff & Eddy's
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    62 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 (map)

    Sag Harbor hot spot--with sister seafood shop next door--lives up to most of the hype.

  7. 16 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended American Hotel
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    Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 (map)

  8. 17 4 Star Rating: Recommended Della Femina Restaurant
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    99 N Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

    A sceney Hamptons spot with genuinely good Italian food incorporates exotic flavors into local staples, as with the spicy Montauk fluke tartare with wasabi tobiko. Although the $30 prix fixe menu is only available in the off season, you can still reduce costs with the option to take out.

Hotels

  1. 18 1 Star Rating: Poor Harborside Resort Motel
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    371 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954 (map)

    With access to a neighboring boat ramp and amenities like free wash down service, this is a favorite for fisherman. But for everyone's purposes it's a cozy, accomodating motel nestled away from Montauk's main stretch.

  2. 19 4 Star Rating: Recommended Royal Atlantic Beach Resort Hotel
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    S Edgemere St, Montauk, NY 11954 (map)

    Bring your family for a stay in a deluxe one bedroom suite outfitted with kitchen and dining facilities. The laid back vibe transmits throughout this motel hybrid on the Montauk shore.

  3. 20 3.5 Star Rating: Average Bassett House Inn
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    128 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

    Centrally located, the historic house embraces an informal setting which is welcoming of both guests and their pets year-round.

  4. 21 3.5 Star Rating: Average East Hampton Inn
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    488 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

  5. 22 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Hunting Inn
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    94 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

    Situate yourself in the middle of East Hampton village on historical grounds which feel more country than beachy. As a bonus dine at The Palm there too.

  6. 23 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Southampton Inn
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    91 Hill St, Southampton, NY 11968 (map)

    There's no shortage of activities to entertain visitors, given the wineries, art galleries, antique shops and beaches all located nearby the beautifully manicured five acre plot.

  7. 24 Driftwood Motel & Cottages
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    2178 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954 (map)

  8. 25 Hampton Maid Motel
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    259 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays, NY 11946 (map)

    Established in 1959, this family owned bed and breakfast has always focused on comfort first, with a patio adjacent to each of its 30 rooms overlooking Shinnecock Bay.

  9. 26 3 Star Rating: Average Grassmere Inn Bed and Breakfast
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    7 Beach Ln, Westhampton Bch, NY 11978 (map)

    A social, family-oriented air separates this cheerful bed-and-breakfast where bocce ball courts and a communal grill are available to satisfy the guests' whims.

Booze and Food

  1. 27 2 Star Rating: Below Average The Lobster Roll (aka Lunch)
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    1980 Montauk Highway, Napeague, NY 11930 (map)

    The New England clam chowder and, of course, the famous lobster rolls (served on a hot dog bun) are reason enough to stake out a table at this casual restaurant, located off the highway between Amagansett and Montauk. But don't go in the off-season; it's only open in summer months.

  2. 28 3.5 Star Rating: Average Sunset Beach Restaurant
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    37 Shore Rd, Shelter Isle HTS, NY 11965 (map)

  3. 29 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Red Bar Brasserie
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    210 Hampton Rd, Southampton, NY 11968 (map)

    An Old South setting and modern homestyle cooking keep this place buzzing year round.

  4. 30 1 Star Rating: Poor Rowdy Hall
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    10 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

    In the center of town, dine on a favorable combination of English pub food and French bistro cuisine at the copper-topped bar, or grab a table in the main dining room. Either way, don't miss one of the best burgers in all of East Hampton.

  5. 31 Estia Little Kitchen
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    1615 Sag Harbor Tpke, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 (map)

    Garden-fresh dining that updates the Hamptons' 300-year-old farming tradition.

  6. 32 4 Star Rating: Recommended World Pie
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    2402 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 (map)

    Choose from a plethora of pizza pie varieties, then grab a seat inside at the redwood bar or outside (weather permitting).

  7. 33 Yama-Q Food Inc
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    2393 Main St, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 (map)

    Pop into this small, twenty-person sushi joint for a charming atmosphere and healthful fare that'll appeal to vegetarians and carnivores alike.

  8. 34 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Duryea's Lobster Deck
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    65 Tuthill Rd, Montauk, NY 11954 (map)

    Chomp on moderately priced lobster and shellfish while dining on a deck that offers a dual view of Fort Pond and Gardiner?s bays.

  9. 35 4 Star Rating: Recommended Cigar Bar
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    2 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 (map)

    Get your caffeine fix with cappuccinos and espressos by day at the internet cafe, or swing by after dinner for a late-night port or cognac.

  10. 36 2 Star Rating: Below Average Montauket Hotel
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    88 Firestone Rd, Montauk, NY 11954 (map)

    Local surfers and fisherman mingle with summer tourists, all reveling in the waterfront space. Grab a beer with ease from the window bar, which conveniently caters to outdoor patrons.

  11. 37 Cittanuova
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    29 Newton Ln., East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

    Unwind from a day at the beach with a personal pizza and a glass of rose at this relaxed, elegant and airy Italian spot, smack in the middle of town--a perfect choice for pre- or post-movie dining.

  12. 38 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Cyril's Fish House
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    2167 Montauk Hwy, Amagansett, NY 11930 (map)

    Situated between Amagansett and Montauk, the cheap drinks and beach eats are Island-renowned at this lively stop on the highway.

  13. 39 3 Star Rating: Average Stephen Talkhouse
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    161 Main St, Amagansett, NY 11930 (map)

    Tired of testy DJs refusing to play your song? Treat yourself to live music at this drinker-friendly, pretentious-free Amagansett classic. Every night's a party at the Talkhouse, and on weekends it transforms into a meet-market filled with city kids--chances are you'll run into someone you know ... And then go home with them.

Hot Spots

  1. 40 Surf Lodge
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    183 Edgemere Street, Montauk, NY 11954 (map)

    From the owners of NYC's Cain nightclub, a glamorous hideaway on the shore that wears a mask of understatement. Stay at the hotel, or just go to enjoy the spacious outdoor patio, specialty cocktail in hand, while you woo bronzed beauties fresh from a day at the beach.

  2. 41 4 Star Rating: Recommended La Playa
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    125 Tuckahoe Lane, Southampton, NY 11968 (map)

    Formerly Stereo by the Shore (and Tavern before that), the owners of Pink Elephant reinvent the space once again for share-housers and party-goers of all types.

  3. 42 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Cabana
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    281 County Rd 39A, Southampton, NY 11968 (map)

    Missing Manhattan already? Sip champagne in a cabana at the Southampton outpost of the rousing Manhattan club, complete with its signature aphrodisiac cocktails.

  4. 43 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Madame Tong's
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    256 Elm Street, Southampton, NY 11968 (map)

    Transition from your dinner table to the d-floor, properly stuffed and prepared for late night partying at this Chinese-themed spot right near the Southampton train station.

  5. 44 3 Star Rating: Average Lily Pond
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    44 Three Mile Harbor Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937 (map)

    Unik Ernest and Michael Satsky (of the now-shuttered NYC clubs P.M. and Stereo, respectively) join forces and open a tropically-themed hot spot in the space formerly known as Flirt (and Resort before that).

  6. 45 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Jet East
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    1181 N Sea Rd, Southampton, NY 11968 (map)

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