Hamptons Guide: Best Bars And Restaurants

It's summer, and for some lucky New Yorkers, whether they take the Jitney, hop on the Friday afternoon cannonball, or have a car to get them through the parking lot of 495, it means getting out of the city and out to the Hamptons. There's plenty of stops in the Hamptons, including West, Bridge, South, and East, to name a few, and that means lots of places to eat and drink. To direct you to the best food and drinks of the Hamptons, we narrowed it down to a list of our favorite restaurants and bars (both old and new) that can be found all over the southern fork of Long Island.

From classic burgers and fries at John's Drive-In, the freshest of lobster rolls at Clam Bar, to Tom Colicchio's hyped new restaurant at the Topping Rose House, there's plenty to keep you satisfied in the Hamptons this summer. But many of the top restaurants offer more than top-notch food; charming locations, such as a spot tucked away on the waterfront of a marina, contribute to an overall experience that is a filling and soothing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

When it comes to nightlife, people crave different things when they go out. Some just want the cheapest drinks they can find (don't miss the $1 drafts at Liar's Saloon), while others seek a big dance club so they can get all hot and sweaty and feel younger than they really are (Pink Elephant is making a come back this summer). 

But regardless of your preference, nothing beats grabbing a drink (or three) with friends at The Crow's Nest Inn or The Sloppy Tuna after a long day at the beach. Check out our guide for the best of the establishments, as well as notable newcomers. 

What is your favorite spot to go to when spending summer weekends in the Hamptons? Leave a comment below.

View the full list of restaurants.

View the list of bars/clubs.

Cook Editor Annie Dolce contributed reporting to this article.

American

BLT Steak — Southampton
New to the Hamptons this year is BLT Steak at The Capri. It has a casual, bistro feel with signature dishes such as popovers, tuna tartare, sautéed Dover sole, classic dry-aged steaks, and peanut butter chocolate mousse.

281 Country Rd 39A Route 27
Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 504-6575

Delmonico's — Southampton
The Delmonico group has already taken over Manhattan with a variety of New York dishes. Now, their year-round Hampton location, Delmonico's, is open. The restaurant serves classic dishes as well as some lighter meals, which makes it the perfect spot for both New Yorkers in search of the food they know and love, and Hampton vacationers who want to fit into their bikinis.

268 Elm Street
Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 283-0202

Goldberg's Famous Deli & Restaurant — East Hampton and Southampton
Goldberg's offers the perfect breakfast if you appreciate old-fashioned, quality bagels. The lox is fresh and the cream cheese is whipped. In addition to the classic, chewy bagels, Goldberg's other specialty is a "flagel," or a flattened, square bagel. The line can be long, but it moves quickly. Add a cup of iced coffee to your order and you can't go wrong.

100 Pantigo Place (Route 27)
East Hampton, NY 11937
(631) 329-8300

Joni's Kitchen — Montauk
Owned by a former Upper East Sider who craved the beauty of Montauk year-round, Joni's is a casual, organic café located just off Montauk Village. It's great for takeout, but there are also large picnic tables outside if you want to eat on the spot. The menu offers many varieties of breakfast wraps, smoothies, salads, and burgers. Bring cash — that's all that is accepted.

34 S Etna Plaza #9
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-3663

Ruschmeyer's — Montauk 
This deliberately no-frills Montauk hotel is only steps away from Fort Pond, and a short drive from the beach. Ruschmeyer's restaurant has a new chef team with executive chef Brian Loiacono and The Smile's (Manhattan) Matt Kliegman, Carlos Quirarte, and Melia Marden. Together they built a new menu that pairs organic wines with the freshest Montauk ingredients. At night, Ruschmeyer's is a low-key spot to grab drinks with your friends.

161 Second House Rd
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-2877

The Beacon — Sag Harbor
Located right on the water, The Beacon serves new American food in a small, intimate setting. The menu features tempting options such as the lobster rigatoni and the sesame crusted tuna, but don't miss out on the sunset, which is said to be one of the most beautiful on Long Island.

8 West Water Street
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
(631) 725-7088

Topping Rose House Restaurant — Bridgehampton
Housed in the Topping Rose House hotel, Tom Colicchio's Topping Rose House Restaurant is the epitome of elegance and fine dining in the Hamptons. The American menu utilizes produce from the Topping Rose Farm and other ingredients from local farms and fishermen. The staff is phenomenal — friendly, helpful, attentive — everything you would expect at a restaurant as nice as this, without the stuffiness sometimes seen at fine dining establishments. If you're looking to splurge, this is well worth the cost.

1 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike
Bridgehampton, NY 11932
(631) 537-0870

Bakery

Tate's Bake Shop — Southampton
Even though this small bakeshop delivers around the country, it is worth stopping in the original quaint store for the freshest and best selection. Tate's Bake Shop sells almost everything — cookies, cakes, pies, brownies, bars, and more. The shop's claim to fame is its chocolate chip cookie, which is known throughout New York for its crispy, buttery, chocolaty perfection.

43 N Sea Rd
Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 283-9830

Burgers

Bay Burger — Sag Harbor
"Our menu may be understated, but is thoughtfully created with the care of an upscale restaurant" — that's an understatement. Bay Burger's buns are hand-crafted, homemade every day, the Joe & Liza's ice cream is hand-churned, and the meat is ground in-house. The prices are extremely reasonable, especially for the Hamptons, and there is live jazz every Thursday night. What more do you need to know? 

1742 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
(631) 899-3915

John's Drive-In — Montauk
John's Drive-In is the quintessential burgers-and-fries joint. It's like stepping back in time with its homemade ice cream and old-fashioned milkshakes, seasoned waffle fries, and, of course, diner cheeseburgers. John's Drive-In is sure to satisfy any fast-food craving.

695 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-5515

Deli

Herb's Market — Montauk 
This gourmet grocery is known for many things, but most notably the crispy, tender fried chicken and prime meats. Located in the heart of Montauk Village, Herb's Market is perfect for picking up sides like macaroni and cheese or potato salad for a barbecue. The staff is friendly and helpful, and although sometimes the deli sandwich line can take a while, it is worth the extra wait.

778 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-2335

Italian/Mediterranean

Nick & Toni's — East Hampton
This local gem is reminiscent of a Tuscan farmhouse, complete with a center oven in the dining room decorated with beautiful mosaics. Nick and Toni's menu changes seasonally, depending on what is locally available, but it always has Mediterranean and Italian influences. This place is a local favorite, and the result is consistently fresh and satisfying.

136 North Main Street
East Hampton, NY 11937
(631) 324-3550

Latin/Caribbean 

La Fondita — Amagansett
La Fondita serves authentic Mexican street-style food using fresh ingredients as seen in traditional taquerias. You can't go wrong with the enchiladas, quesadillas, or tostadas, but the must-try is the Burrito de Camarrones — a flour tortilla filled with shrimp, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, sweet peppers, rice, lettuce, and avocado.

74 Montauk Hwy
Amagansett, NY 11930
(631) 267-8800

Rumba — Hampton Bays
Find your favorite seafood, chicken, and steak recipes at Rumba — but with an island twist. Every dish is filled with color, reminiscent of an island in the Caribbean. But you can't be on island time without a rum-filled cocktail or margarita in hand, which Rumba has plenty of.

42 Canoe Place Rd
Hampton Bays, NY 11946
(631) 594-3544

Pizza

Pizza Village — Montauk
It's late, you've been drinking for hours, and the bars are about to close. We've all been there — when nothing will do except a fresh, hot, cheesy pizza. And that's exactly what Pizza Village is there for. It is open late-night for takeout only until 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. Not to say it doesn't satisfy at normal dining hours, but if it's late and you're hungry... visit Pizza Village.

700 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-2232

Sandwiches

BreadZilla — Wainscott
Sure, the staff maybe couldn't care less about you, but that is because they are more concerned with the quality of their food. BreadZilla inarguably has the best sandwiches in the Hamptons. The bread is fresh-baked and chewy — pure perfection. Try the shrimp salad, crispy soft-shell crab, oven-roasted turkey and Brie, and the grilled cheese with avocado and bacon.

84 Wainscott Northwest Rd
Wainscott, NY 11975
(631) 537-0955

Naturally Good Foods and Café — Montauk
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, this is the place for you. But even if you're not, Naturally Good Foods and Café is worth visiting. Try the fresh juices, burritos, homemade soups, and its signature sandwich, The Bruce, with fresh-caught yellowfin tuna (no canned here). There's even a private garden with outdoor seating, in addition to room indoors.

38 S Etna Avenue 
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-9030

Seafood

668 The GigShack — Montauk
This unique and chic café offers delicious food made with local ingredients, and there is live music on most nights. 668 The GigShack is family-owned by the Gardell family, and there isn't a night you won't find one of them around the shack. The signature dish is the Montaco, a fish taco made with the local catch of the day.

782 Main Street
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-2727

Canal Café & Market — Hampton Bays
Canal Café is the ultimate Hamptons secret. Located within a marina, it is a charming spot for a casual lunch on the dock. It serves some of the best food you'll find served on a paper plate. Try the seafood salad, crabcakes, Thai mussels, and crab fritters.

44 Newtown Rd
Hampton Bays, NY 11946
(631) 723-2155

Clam Bar — Amagansett
With a casual roadside setting, the Clam Bar is perfect whether you are headed out to the beach or returning from a long day in the sand. The clear favorite menu item is the lobster salad roll. It doesn't have too much mayo, and you can taste the freshness in the lobster. Other favorites include Cajun popcorn shrimp, spicy crab and sweet corn chowder, and fried clams. Bring cash, though, as they don't accept cards.

2025 Montauk Hwy (Route 27)
Amagansett, NY 11930
(631) 267-6348

Dave's Grill — Montauk
If you can get a reservation, Dave's Grill is a must-try. Reservations are only allowed to be made the day of, over the phone, beginning at 4:15 p.m. So if you take that risk and get in, enjoy what The New York Times described as the best place in Montauk to find seafood "fresh off the docks." For dessert, try the "Chocolate Bag"— a Belgian chocolate bag with scoops of Tahitian vanilla ice cream, strawberry compote, fresh whipped cream, and raspberry and mango sauces.

468 West Lake Drive
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-9190

South Edison — Montauk
A traditional seafood restaurant in the Hamptons, South Edison strives to put interesting twists on classic seafood dishes such as house-curried shishito peppers, olive oil braised baby octopus tacos, and seared yellowfin tuna. There is also an extensive raw bar, but the must-try is the signature Pickle Martini, garnished with house-made local vegetables.

17 S Edison Street
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-4200

Swallow East — Montauk
What do you get when you combine a great view,  awesome atmosphere, and incredible food? If you're a Montauk local, you might very well answer with Swallow East. An offshoot of the original Swallow in Huntington, N.Y., this spot offers new American small plates that emulate all of the classic dishes you'd expect from a quaint, seaside town. The lobster roll, Montauk corn chowder, and asparagus fries are among some of the dishes that will steal your heart. Be warned, though: the charming waitstaff and live reggae band that plays every Sunday night might just make you drop everything you're doing and become a Montauk local, too.

474 W Lake Drive
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-8344

The Coast — Montauk
Enjoy innovative cuisine prepared by chef George Anthony Berkhofer in the relaxing seaside atmosphere of The Coast. It is the perfect causal escape to withdraw from the real world for a bit. The shellfish are fresh from Montauk's waters and never disappoint.

41 S Euclid Ave
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-3212

Vine Street Café — Shelter Island
All the ingredients used at Vine Street Café are sourced from local farmers, fishermen, and vineyards. Chef Terry Harwood creates everything on the seasonal menu in-house. A small market just opened behind the restaurant where you can pick up takeout or purchase items to stock your pantry. 

41 S Ferry Rd
Shelter Island, NY 11964
(631) 749-3210