‘Gaux-To The Hamptons: Our Guide to Heading Out East

‘Gaux-To The Hamptons: Our Guide to Heading Out East

The only thing that New York city dwellers enjoy more than living the urban life? Escaping it for a weekend – especially during the dog days of summer. For residents of the Big Apple, there’s no greater summer oasis than The Hamptons. This small string of villages is known for its bustling nightlife, easy beach access, and delicious local seafood – and although heading Out East for a weekend is likely to cost you a bit of money, the payoff is definitely worth it.

Although international travel is back in full swing, finding exciting getaways in our very own backyard is one of our favorite things to do here at Argaux. For any of our East Coast-based (or bound) friends, we can’t recommend adding The Hamptons to your to-visit list enough.

However, like anywhere, knowing where to eat, drink, and stay is key. Curious to learn more about this coastal, saline-tinged oasis? We’ve got everything you need to know (including where to go) here.

The Bigger Picture:

The Hamptons are located about 90 miles east of New York City – though make no mistake, depending on which day of the week (and time of day) that you leave, the ride could take anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours.

While Westhampton and Hampton Bays are closest to NYC, most New Yorkers tend to feel that The Hamptons truly begin with Southampton. Following Southampton, the most popular villages are Water Mill, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk, with Sag Harbor and Sagaponack located on either “coast” of the island between the two extremes. While driving is a preferred option, the Hampton Jitney is also a popular means of getting Out East, as is the Long Island Railroad (though the former is much quieter and generally more comfortable than the latter).

Note: For Hampton Jitney schedules, click here. To access the Long Island Railroad schedule, click here, choose Penn Station as your departing station from NYC, then select the final village destination of your choice.

First Things First:

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Here are a few of our favorite coffee spots, bakeries, and breakfast joints Out East:

• Hampton Coffee Company (Southampton, Water Mill) – Quick and easy coffee spot with drive-thru access
• The Golden Pear (Southampton, Bridgehampton) – Great for breakfast sandwiches
• Goldberg’s Bagels – Self explanatory – a local staple!
• Carissa’s Bakery (East Hampton) – Fresh-baked bread and local pastries
• Joni’s (Montauk) – Healthy breakfasts, smoothies, and juice, as well as larger fare
• John’s Pancake House (Montauk) – For those who like their breakfasts big!

Ready for Round Two:

While there are endless places to dine in The Hamptons, we tend to feel that certain spots are better for lunch than dinner. Here are a few of our afternoon recs:

• Salt (Shelter Island) – Excellent for those with a boat, perfect for pulling up in the water, parking, and jumping off for lunch and drinks.
• Hamptons Beach Bowls (Bridgehampton) – Healthy bowls and smoothies.
• Bostwick’s Chowder House (East Hampton) – Seafood, lobster, and of course, chowder!
• The Golden Pear (Southampton, Water Mill) – Mentioned above for breakfast, easy spot for takeaway sandwiches, omelets, wraps, and more.
• Clam Bar (Amagansett) – Variety of fresh and fried seafood with ample outdoor seating.
• Hooked (Montauk) – Casual seafood joint for lobster rolls, fried clams, and more.

Time for Drinks!

No trip to The Hamptons is complete without a few rounds of drinks. While the majority of locals tend to imbibe on their boats or in their backyards, there are still plenty of bustling places to stop in for a drink or two.

• Salt (Shelter Island) – See above, excellent for those with a boat!
• Armin & Judy (Bridgehampton) – Fun bar vibes open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, although a bit isolated from center of Bridgehampton (15-min walk).
• American Hotel (Sag Harbor) – Bible-like wine list with great raw bar options.
• Lulu’s (Sag Harbor) – Mediterranean-inspired favorites made in a wood-burning grill and oven with cocktails and wine by the glass.
• Morty’s Oyster Stand (Montauk) – Great for lunch, dinner, or anytime between the two! Excellent cocktails.
• Shagwong (Montauk) – Montauk dive bar staple for draft beer, fried calamari, and bar snacks.

Summertime Supper:

As mentioned, there certainly isn’t a shortage of places to dine in The Hamptons. However, your dining decision will likely be based around two things: where you’re located (and how far you’re willing to drive), as well as the type of cuisine you’re looking to enjoy. Check out a few of our go-to spots for various cuisines below:

• Pierre’s (Bridgehampton) – French bistro favorites on main street
• Highway (East Hampton) – New American favorites with a solid bar; brunch on weekends
• Main Street Tavern (Amagansett) – American pub fare in beautiful setting
• Calissa’s (Water Mill) – Greek and Mediterranean-inspired favorites with a buzzy ambiance
• Duryea’s (Montauk) – “Seen and be seen” seafood-focused joint with massive outdoor deck – expect to wait!
• Rita Cantina (Montauk) – Probably the best Mexican food and margaritas Out East

Night Caps for All:

While most places in The Hamptons don’t generally stay open until the wee hours of the morning, there are definitely a handful of bars that keep their doors open late at night. Here are a few places we love dropping into before heading home:

• North Sea Tavern (North Sea)
• Fellingham’s Restaurant Sports Bar (Southampton)
• Murf’s Backstreet Tavern (Sag Harbor)
• Moby’s (East Hampton)
• Navy Beach (Montauk)
• Surf Lodge (Montauk)
• Grey Lady (Montauk)

Farmers’ Markets Galore:

If you aren’t staying in a hotel—that’s to say, should you be staying with friends or renting an AirBnb—stocking up on fresh produce and locally-baked goods is a no-brainer. While there are definitely a handful of supermarkets, heading to local farmers’ markets is definitely the way to go. Find the nearest one to you, depending on which village you’re staying in:

• Serene Green Farm – North Sea (accessible from Southampton and Sag Harbor)
• Round Swamp Farm – East Hampton
• Balsam Farm Stand – Amagansett
• Amber Waves of Grain – Amagansett
• Vicki’s Veggies – between Amagansett and Montauk
• Farmers’ Market at Duryea’s – Montauk

Additional Things to Do (beyond eating and drinking):

• Post up at one of the many public beach options (Cooper’s Beach, Montauk, etc.)
• Rent a boat and take a ride on the Peconic Bay
• Visit the famous lighthouse in Montauk
• Head for a wine tasting at Channing Daughters Winery, one of the only South Fork-based tasting rooms on Long Island
• Visit the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center & Museum
• Rent bicycles (or bring your own) and bike along the backroads
• Dive into the restorative salt caves in Montauk
• Scope out some art at the Parrish Art Museum
• Shop the main streets in East Hampton and Sag Harbor

R&R: Rest and Relaxation

Having a solid place to lay your head at night is key, and while you’re likely going to pay a pretty penny for any form of accommodation, here are our recommendations of where to look, depending on the vibe you’re seeking:

• American Hotel (luxury) or Sag Harbor Inn (affordable) – Sag Harbor
• Topping Rose House (Bridgehampton) – Pricey “see and be seen” accommodation in the heart of Bridgehampton
• Gurney’s (Montauk) – Oceanfront resort with beach access, large outdoor bar, and restaurant
• Montauk Blue (Montauk) – More modest, oceanfront hotel in downtown Montauk
• AirBnb – For closest access to the city, look to Southampton or North Sea. For waterfront harbor vibes, look no further than Sag Harbor. For shopping and nightlife, East Hampton is where it’s at. Surfers, beach lovers, and those looking for a more “chill” than luxurious vibe, Montauk is the place for you.

While The Hamptons may not be the most affordable trip of your life, we firmly believe that everyone should experience this coastal New York oasis at least once. Cheers!