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Destination: The Hamptons Destination: The Hamptons RSS

By Melanie Berliet, New York

The bar at The Surf Lodge (photo by Joe Termini)
The bar at The Surf Lodge (photo by Joe Termini)
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: Booze and Food, Hot Spots, Fine Dining, Beaches, Hotels

Booze and Food

Generally flip-flop friendly, these places keep the schmoozing--and the attitude--to a minimum.

  1. The Stephen Talkhouse

    161 Main St, Amagansett, NY
    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.

  2. The Lobster Roll (aka Lunch)

    1980 Montauk Highway, Napeague, NY
    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.

  3. Cittanuova

    29 Newton Ln., East Hampton, NY
    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.

  4. Montauket Hotel Incorporated

    88 Firestone Rd, Montauk, NY
    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.

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  5. Cigar Bar

    2 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY
    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.

  6. Duryea's Lobster Deck

    65 Tuthill Rd, Montauk, NY
    Chomp on moderately priced lobster and shellfish while dining on a deck that offers a dual view of Fort Pond and Gardiner’s bays.

  7. Rowdy Hall

    10 Main St, East Hampton, NY
    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.

  8. Yama-Q

    2393 Main St, Bridgehampton, NY
    Pop into this small, twenty-person sushi joint for a charming atmosphere and healthful fare that'll appeal to vegetarians and carnivores alike.

  9. Estia's Little Kitchen

    1615 Sag Harbor Tpke, Sag Harbor, NY
    Garden-fresh dining that updates the Hamptons' 300-year-old farming tradition.

  10. Cyril's Fish House

    2167 Montauk Hwy, Amagansett, NY
    Situated between Amagansett and Montauk, the cheap drinks and beach eats are Island-renowned at this lively stop on the highway.

  11. World Pie

    2402 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY
    Choose from a plethora of pizza pie varieties, then grab a seat inside at the redwood bar or outside (weather permitting).

  12. Red Bar Brasserie

    210 Hampton Rd, Southampton, NY
    An Old South setting and modern home-style cooking keep this place buzzing year-round.

  13. Sunset Beach

    37 Shore Rd, Shelter Isle HTS, NY
    The sunset over Shelter Island Bay steals the spotlight from stiletto-clad socialites at this outdoor bistro.

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Hot Spots

The beach is nice, but everyone knows the Hamptons are about nightlife--grab a group of friends and party the night away at these top hot spots.

  1. La Playa

    125 Tuckahoe Lane, Southampton, NY
    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.

  2. The Surf Lodge

    183 Edgemere Street, Montauk, NY
    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.

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  3. Lily Pond

    44 Three Mile Harbor Rd, East Hampton, NY
    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).

  4. Pink Elephant

    | Website

    281 County Rd 39A, Southampton, NY
    Missing Manhattan already? Sip champagne in a cabana at the Southampton outpost of the rousing Manhattan club, complete with its signature aphrodisiac cocktails.

  5. Madame Tong's

    256 Elm Street, Southampton, NY
    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.

  6. Dune

    1181 N Sea Rd, Southampton, NY
    Nautical-themed club promises late nights with party DJs and big-name backers from New York's Marquee, Cain and Tao Las Vegas.

Fine Dining

New Yorkers' favorite summer getaway doubles as a destination for noteworthy dining.

  1. Bamboo Restaurant and Sushi Lounge

    47 Montauk Highway, East Hampton, NY
    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.

  2. Nick & Toni's

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

  3. The Palm

    94 Main St, East Hampton, NY
    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. Della Femina

    99 N Main St, East Hampton, NY
    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.

  5. Sen

    23 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY
    A popular Hamptons' sushi spot puts the emphasis on the freshness of its fish and the creativity of its rolls.

  6. The American Hotel

    Main St, Sag Harbor, NY
    An historic maritime inn serving contemporary American fare and celestial wines.

  7. Jeff & Eddy's

    62 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY
    Sag Harbor hot spot--with sister seafood shop next door--lives up to most of the hype.

  8. Saracen

    108 Wainscott Road, Wainscott, NY
    Mediterranean restaurant in the Hamptons turns into an unofficial nightclub on Saturday nights.

Beaches

Where to station yourself--whether in the sand, or on the waves--to get that summer glow.

  1. Hampton Main Beach

    Ocean Ave, East Hampton, NY
    Life's not just a beach--it's an entire social scene in the Hamptons.

  2. Coopers Beach

    268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY
    Five-hundred feet of beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

  3. Tiana Beach

    90 Dune Rd, East Quogue, NY
    A destination for sports lovers looking to windsurf or play on the sand.

  4. Cupsogue Beach

    950 Dune Rd, Westhampton, NY
    In Westhampton, 296 breathtaking acres on the Atlantic Ocean.

  5. W Scott Cameron Beach

    425 Dune Rd, Bridgehampton, NY
    A scenic destination for local beachgoers and their friends.

  6. Hither Hills State Park

    Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY
    Roll out your sleeping bag and wander the dunes at this Hamptons sanctuary.

  7. Indian Wells Beach

    98 Indian Wells Hgwy, Amagansett, NY
    Seven-hundred-foot stretch of sand, with lifeguards on watch on weekends.

  8. Big Albert's Landing Beach

    End of Albert's Landing Road, Amagansett, NY
    Three-hundred feet along Napeague Bay.

  9. Louse Point Beach

    Flaggy Hole Rd, East Hampton, NY
    Small, but a coveted spot of bay-front beach.

  10. Atlantic Avenue Beach

    End of Atlantic Avenue, Amagansett, NY
    Wade in the water and refuel at the concession stand on a strip of sand in Amagansett.

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Hotels

Unless you're paying through the nose for a summer share, you're going to need a place to stay.

  1. Southampton Inn

    91 Hill St, Southampton, NY
    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.

    Compare deals using: DealSearch

  2. Huntting Inn

    94 Main St, East Hampton, NY
    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.

  3. Driftwood Motel & Cottages

    2178 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY
    You don't have to rent a house on Georgica for beachfront views--opt for a cozy cottage in the dunes off Montauk Highway, and get away for a weekend or a week.

  4. Hampton Maid

    259 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays, NY
    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.

  5. Royal Atlantic Beach Resort

    S Edgemere St, Montauk, NY
    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.

  6. The Grassmere Inn Hotel

    7 Beach Ln, Westhampton Bch, NY
    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.

  7. East Hampton Inn

    488 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton, NY
    Formerly the Dutch Motel & Cottages, the rebranded motel features refrigerators, microwaves, climate control and cable TV in every room, plus jacuzzi-outfitted suites.

  8. Harborside Motel

    371 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY
    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.

  9. Bassett House

    128 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton, NY
    Centrally located, the historic house embraces an informal setting which is welcoming of both guests and their pets year-round.

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