It's the weekend, New Yorkers! What's that mean? For some, that means heading out East to bask in the sun, eat a lobster roll (or two) and see the same people that wear the standard suit and tie or office- casual shift dress sporting a naughty two-piece or Vilbrequin shorts. You get it. It's the summertime migration. We are loving Montauk this year not only because it's vibe is more relaxed and less ootz ootz-y then other parts of LI, but it's becoming a culinary and social paradise. Here is the best of the best in Montauk. Enjoy our Guide to Montauk - 2012. by Lauren Saiger
Casual dinner in town
South Edison 17 S Edison Street.
Brought to you by Chef Todd Mitgang of Manhattan's Cascabel Taqueria, he has created the perfect venue for a casual, cool dinner just steps from the beach. The seafood-focused American fare features dishes such as seared yellowfin tuna and my personal favorite - the best fish and chips on the island. They've also got an overflowing raw bar and an impressive cocktail menu that is a great option for happy hour.
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| Photo: wanderfly.com |
Joni's South Edison Ext.
Whether you are hungover from the night before or you just finished a grueling session at the Barry's Bootcamp, Joni's got it all. For breakfast, grab a fruit smoothie, oatmeal, health cookie, muffins, and my all-time favorite egg wrap. There's almost always a line, but don't be overwhelmed - it moves quickly and in the end, you'll have one happy tummy! My favorite combination? Eggs, spinach, bacon, swiss, avocado and caramelized onion in a spinach wrap. After you've scarfed down a little nutrition for the day, it's time to hit the beach.
668 The Gig Shop 782 Main Street.
Need to get out of the sun for a quick lunch? Not only is this place speedy and no nonsense, it's the home of the Gigshack's famous blackened fish or grilled shrimp Montacos accompanied with their mango salsa and is made in-house and crispy corn tortillas.
Crow's Nest 4 Old West Lake Drive
Yet another one of Montauk's gems, a restaurant with a magnificent view of the lake and always a great scene. If you're spending a short weekend in Montauk, the Crow's Nest is a must. It's first-come, first-served, but the truth is - you'll never be bothered by the wait. The energy of the people along the numerous fire pits and complimentary marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers make you own s'mores make it a pleasure. As soon as you snap a table, you will surely enjoy the locally-driven and delicious menu.
Harvest on Fort Pond 11 S Emery Street
I'm starting to feel repetitive, but the view here is spectacular like most views in Montauk tend to be. Surprisingly, the view here isn't the main draw - it's the food! Italian cuisine inspired by local seafood and produce. Depending on the season, the menu is continuously changing but during the summer you'll be sure to enjoy their fresh corn and heirloom tomatoes. It's family style so be sure to come with an appetite or with friends that like to eat!
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| Photo: Sprout Daily |
Ditch Witch 40 Deforest Road
The Ditch Witch truck is located at the entrance of Ditch Plains - the Surfer beach of Montauk. Whether you are looking for a yummy piece of fruit to cool you down or the best and most indulgent option - a Ditch Witch. My favorite is the buffalo chicken wrap with yummy blue cheese dressing oozing from the sides.
Dave's Grill 468 W Lake Drive
Set your alarm for 4PM on the dot and save their number in your phone - (631) 668-9190. In case your wondering, that's when Dave's Grill starts answering their phones to accept reservations. Dave's is a waterfront bistro located by the fishing docks on the Montauk Harborr. If you were to ask me my favorite food anywhere, I'd kindly reply - hands down - Dave's 'Original' Cioppino: fresh fish, lobster, scallops, clams, shrimp, mussels and calamari in a think, rich fish and tomato reduction. Are you calling yet?
Group/Family Dinner
Navy Beach 16 Navy Road
Navy Beach is located on their own secluded piece of waterfront so if you're with young kids they can frolic on the sand while waiting for your table. Navy Beach serves comfort food at it's finest in addition to some healthier options as well. Their buttermilk fried chicken, cheddar cornbread, house made slaw and spicy honey drizzle rivals some of the most noteable fried chicken out there. Dining with a large group? No problem. Navy Beach offers a fantastic group prix fixe menu for $45 per person, served family style. It's always crowded, so make sure to call ahead for reservations.
Duryea Lobster Deck 65 Tuthill Road
A family run business for nearly 80 years, Duryea consists of an outdoor dining deck, live lobster holding tanks and a retail fish market. Just pick you lobster, have them prepare it and sit back and watch the waves on the dining deck. Start with their steamed mussels and end with a juicy lobster or their delicious lobster roll. Aside from the lobsters stealing the show, it's BYOB so bring your favorite bottle of rose and waste the night away with your red-clawed friends of the sea.
Surf Lodge 183 Edgemere Street.
Morning, afternoon and night, The Surf Lodge is always bustling with a fun and good-lookin' crowd of beach goers. It's avery hot hotel, but even if you don't have a room, you'll find yourself there at some point over the weekend. Whether you're in the mood to sit on their porch looking over the lake for an afternoon drink or dining with friends at The Byron Restaurant, you will have a great time. Continue the fun sipping on drinks and dancing to a always decent live band. The menu is focused on clean, organic and seasonally driven ingredients - one of the many reasons to stop in and chow down.
Ruschmeyer's 161 2nd House Road
Who says your too old for camp? This is every camp lover's dream come true. Ruschmeyers has a courtyard in the middle of the renovated cabins that have been turned into hotel rooms. The courtyard is filled with a huge teepee, paddle board, ping pong tables and swings! Inside, they've got a delicious restaurant brought to you by The Fat Radish team in Manhattan, and two bar rooms to enjoy cocktails and dance the night away.
Sloppy Tuna 148 South Emerson Avenue
The name is just as amazing as the bar. Whether you stroll in after a day at the beach or after dinner for live music and fun DJs on Fridays, you are bound to have stories to tell the next morning. You'll find a young, fun crowd encouraging you to 'get your sloppy on!'
Best Dive Bar
The Dock Montauk Harbor
You know a place is great when all the locals go there, right? Enter The Dock, a charming bar with a lot of character. It's one of the few places that is lively even before high season. Grab a beer, sit at one of their tables and do yourself - order some appetizers. The steamed little necks and Montauk clam chowder scream to me each time I walk in the door.
Gosman's Topside 500 West Lake Drive
Enter Gosman's and look for the stairs that will lead you to Gosman's Topside, a restaurant and bar. It's just the place to cool off after a hot day at the beach while taking in the views of the water, the passing boats below and the always epic Montauk sunset. Before you know it, it will be time to go back to work and you'll be calling in <cough cough> sick on Monday. That's what Montauk will do to you, folks.
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