The Insider’s Guide to Montauk

by Natasha Wolff | July 21, 2014 5:03 pm

Montauk has long been regarded as a casual beach town with a decidedly bohemian vibe—and it still is—but the easternmost point of Long Island is also flush with an impressive culinary scene, chic waterfront bars and more. We asked five loyal Montauk lovers to share their local recommendations. Here’s what they came up with. 

Dario Wolos

Owner of Montauk’s La Brisa[1], a restaurant serving up traditional coastal Mexican dishes

A taco from La Brisa

Brunch: I know I’m biased, but after I get an acai smoothie at Happy Bowls, I head to La Brisa for my favorite brunch in Montauk: a double espresso, fresh pineapple and ginger juice and a breakfast taco. 
Nighttime haunt: Liar’s Saloon
Beach: There are a lot of incredible beaches all over the Peninsula of Montauk, like Camp Hero. You have to walk to the southernmost part of the park and take the path down just before the cliffs.
Daytime hangout: Melet Mercantile and then a walk down to Surf Lodge[2] for early afternoon drinks. 

The Surf Lodge

Drink: Montauk Brewery[3]
Restaurant: Crow’s Nest[4] 
Coffee: La Brisa[1] has the best coffee for my taste. 
Lobster Roll: St. Peter’s Catch 
Place to Watch the Sunset: Montauket and Duryea’s[5]
Montauk’s Best Kept Secret: Everyday, especially weekends during September and October. The water is really warm and the temperature is perfect. 

Jennifer Oz LeRoy

Food and Beverage Director at Gurney’s Montauk Resort[6] & Seawater Spa

Navy Beach

Brunch: Swallow East[7]
Nighttime haunt: The Harbor[8] is a new favorite spot, especially on Sundays!
Beach: Gurney’s hands down the most gorgeous beach around. 
Daytime hangout: Navy Beach[9]
Drink: The Montauk Vice, a piña colada and passion fruit cocktail with a rum float—at Gurney’s Beach Club, or Montauk Brewery Beer- delicious and local! 

Calypso

Restaurant: Swallow East, Navy Beach
Coffee: I’m off coffee, but I love Sweet ‘Tauk [10]lemonade as a pick-me-up in the morning!
Lobster Roll: Dave’s Grill [11]
Place to Watch the Sunset: Navy Beach
Montauk’s Best Kept Secret: Calypso[12] for shopping—they have everything you would want for a weekend in the Hamptons!

Randi Lee

Director of Operations at Bond Street Hospitality, the company behind Ruschmeyer’s hotel and restaurant in Montauk

Ruschmeyer’s

Brunch: Ruschmeyer’s[13] about is amazing in the dining room or outside in the magic garden. I always start off with the Bloody Caesar (gin, clamato juice, celery salt, spicy pickles), banana pancake, (rum banana sauce, whipped crème fraîche, walnuts), the Black Seed wood-fired bagel, (smoked salmon, lemon-caper cream cheese) or eggs benedict (blue-claw crab, poached egg, hollandaise, chives).
Nighttime haunt: I love Liars Saloon for a nightcap. It’s a locals-only hang out—don’t go there if you’re looking for a scene or anyone dressed in heels.
Beach: The great thing about Montauk is that you are surrounded by beaches. I usually go to Ditch Plains to surf and hang out, or the lighthouse in the afternoon for a beer and sunset.
Daytime hangout: Surfing!
Drink: Rosé, Rosé, Rosé! There are a number of Long Island wineries on the way out to Montauk. Channing Daughters [14]in Bridge Hampton or Wolffer Estates[15] off Highway 27.

Montauk

Restaurant: Ruschmeyer’s for all the local dock/farm-to-table eating. Chef Roy Wolhars knows his way around the local farms and has daily deliveries from the farmers directly. I also enjoy The Dock for lunch and a beer. It’s right in the harbor next to Gosmans. Or Crow’s Nest for a romantic setting.
Place for coffee: Ruschmeyer’s joined forces with Stumptown this year and we have an amazing barista, Emily Dunn, that oversees the coffee program.
Lobster Roll: St. Peter’s Catch next to the brewery.
Place to Watch the Sunset: Anywhere with a glass of rosé in hand, but Hither Hills[16] overlook is pretty special.
Montauk’s Best Kept Secret: At heart it’s still a fishing town.

Seth Levine

Chef, The Seawater Grill at Gurney’s, an oceanfront, seafood-focused restaurant 

Montauk Yacht Club

Brunch: Montauk Yacht Club[17]
Nighttime haunt: Ruschmeyer’s
Beach: Ditch Plains. It’s great for families and I love playing with my niece and nephew at the beach there. 
Daytime hangout: Surf Lodge because they have a great venue and it’s always a fun party with the classic laid back vibe of Montauk

Bliss Kitchen

Drink: Cyril’s
Restaurant: Crow’s Nest
Place for coffee: Bliss Kitchen[18]
Lobster Roll: Duryea’s
Place to Watch the Sunset: Navy Beach
Montauk’s Best Kept Secret: Realizing what may no longer be a secret: Gurney’s would be the best answer to all of the above questions. 

Ian Gerard

Founder of Sound Waves, an invitation-only event series that takes place each summer in Montauk

South Edison

Brunch: The Gulf Coast at Montauk Yacht Club…it’s a Ham, Cheddar and Bell Pepper Omelet with Hash Browns. Great way to start the morning looking out on the sunny Marina.
Nighttime haunt: The Heaven & Hell party at Sloppy Tuna’s[19]. Where else can you dress up like it’s Halloween during the summertime? 
Beach: Main Beach in Montauk. There’s free parking and nearby watering holes. What more could you want?
Daytime hangout: Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Sea Water Spa.  Especially in July and August when “Sound Waves @ The Beach” is happening! Where else can you get your dance and drink on while partying on a private 30,000 square foot deck overlooking the Atlantic:
Drink: It’s still the B.B.C. at Cyril’s, a Bailey’s Banana Colada. And despite the rumors, Cyril is still alive and kicking. 

The Crow’s Nest

Restaurant: South Edison
Coffee: Coffee Talk. Perfect to re-energize from day-drinking pre-dinner.
Lobster Roll: Duryea’s Lobster Deck. It’s A Montauk staple of decades and this is the last year as the property has been sold so make sure to stop by!
Place to Watch the Sunset: Crow’s Nest[4] waterfront bar area. It’s so fun to waltz down the back lawn to find this secret bar/lounge area with amazing view.
Montauk’s Best Kept Secret: Anything that happens at Memory Motel after 2am. Need I say more? With kegs in the parking lot, it’s only downhill from there.

MORE:

The Most Requested Room at Gurney’s [20]
Two Locals Reveal their Montauk Musts [21]
4-Tips for Commuting to the Hamptons[22]

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