The Hamptons offers so many interesting eating opportunities for practically all tastes and budgets. This includes practically everything imaginable from clam shacks and taco stands to renowned sit-down restaurants. This is mainly because of the popularity of the area, since you can rent a house in the Hamptons and arrange a great base of operations for a New York visit. If you want to check out some of the best restaurants while in the Hamptons, you absolutely need to consider the following.
Highway Restaurant And Bar
Just as the name suggests, this restaurant is placed right on the highway, even if in the Hamptons this practically means a 2-way road. It is located between Wainscott and East Hampton, a rather big restaurant that offers great food. Once you sit down, you can pick out of numerous foods, ranging from seafood pastas to pork buns.
Photo credit: Geoff Peters
The Highway Restaurant And Bar is one of the nicest East Hampton restaurants, all without being too fancy. Just be aware of the fact that prices are usually considered to be a little higher than they should be, by around 30%. This means you need to expect to pay more than what you initially expected.
EMP Summer House
The EMP Summer House features the team at Eleven Madison Park. This is a restaurant where many want to eat. Because of this, you want to be sure that you make a reservation, especially for the main dining room. This is where the menu served is summer-inspired. A patio reservation is also possible but here you can expect to be served foods like hot dogs, burgers or lobster rolls. As expected, you can be sure that most reservations are taken, with walk-ins rarely covering anything else except some lawn tables.
The Palm
Photo credit: The Palm
The East Hampton The Palm location can easily be seen as a very special one. You can find it as you get to town inside an inn, on the ground floor. Vibes there are often described as being charming but a little weird. You can easily describe The Palm here as being a country club, not a steakhouse chain. While most people are going to order steak, you can also enjoy really tasty seafood.
Cove Hollow Tavern
Vine Street Café stands out as one of the best restaurants in East End but it is sometimes difficult to reach Shelter Island. The great news is that the team there does now have a restaurant that is more central in Cove Hollow Tavern. This establishment was in the past occupied by the East Hampton Café Max.
Food will be pricey but according to reviews, it is really good, normally being mentioned as among the best restaurants you can consider in the region. As opposed to many of the Hamptons restaurants, the team here will take great pride in the hospitality and service offered.
Service Station
Nichol’s and Winston’s were previously housed at the location of the new Service Station. This is a great low-key destination that is perfect for a bigger group. No reservation is needed and although the menu is not actually massive, there are different highlights that are respected. If you sit down at a table at the Service Station, you absolutely should try the tasty buttermilk fried chicken sandwich.
While you cannot expect a truly high-end culinary experience, Service Station does give you great quality for your dollars. The only annoying thing is that there is a ding that will go on every single time there is a human or a car that is entering the parking lot. This can end up being quite annoying if you decide to dine outside.
Bay Kitchen Bar
The Bay Kitchen Bar (locally referred to as BKB) has a menu that is surprising, being fish-centric. It is varied and the location does have an interesting beachy vibe. The view is wonderful as it allows you to look at the bay, offering a tremendous opportunity to view a photogenic sunset you will want to photograph.
La Fondita
Beach communities should always have great taquerias and in the Hamptons, it is La Fondita that gives you access to that. You will order at a counter and then sit down at an outdoor picnic table. Do be sure that you try chorizo tacos, refried beans, salsa verde plantains and daily specials. If you want something even more different, consider some Mexican wedding cookies and aguas frescas.
The Maidstone
If you just walk by The Maidstone you will most likely not be tempted to sit down but this boutique hotel has so much character that it would be a shame not to. In their restaurant, The Maidstone, you can expect many local dishes, with seasonal American options being very popular. This includes big fresh salads and seared Montauk fluke. In the past the restaurant was known for smoked trout and Swedish meatballs but this does not mean the food here is not tasty.
Pierre’s
Pierre’s is perfectly located in Bridgehampton, being a really interesting lively French Bistro. It was designed to be great for the crowd in the Hamptons, with food that is particularly good. Most people that visit will tell you that they had a great time.
Round Swamp Farm
Last but not least, farm stands are very common in the Hamptons, featuring an impressive selection of produce. However, the Round Swamp Farm does offer the best operation. Prepared foods are simply incredible, with all items from guacamole to chicken buffalo balls being a highlight. If you decide to eat here, be sure to try the desserts. Just be sure that you know how much you will pay since a price tag is not present on anything. You can expect to pay a lot.
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