Hamptons in the offseason: Summer hot spots without the crowds
Macey Haberman, of Westhampton, enjoys a glass of wine with her husband and friends on the back terrace of Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
The Hamptons are hardly deserted post-Labor Day, but there is definitely more breathing room at some of the area's most popular restaurants, clubs and shops. If you failed in August to get into an East End hot spot, or if you balked at waiting in line for a viral Hamptons breakfast biscuit, now is your time. Reservations and advance ticket sales are always a good idea, even in the offseason. And call ahead for seasonal store hours before making the trek, because business owners may start to limit their days and hours as things slow down.
Stroll down Coopers Beach
268 Meadow Ln., Southampton
Its cleanliness, safety and tranquil vibe put Coopers Beach as the nation's best beach, according to a Florida researcher's new rankings. Credit: Randee Daddona
This East End beach consistently tops Dr. Beach's annual rankings for its white quartz sand, iconic dunes, and grand beach houses. In summer, parking is available for out-of-towners but comes at a cost of $40 if you can find a spot. After Labor Day, however, parking is free and easy. Through September, the ocean holds on to some of its summer warmth, and depending on the weather, you might want to get your feet wet (although note that lifeguards will no longer be on duty at this time of year; concession stands close as well). On cooler days and late afternoons, put on a sweater to collect shells along the tideline, enjoying views of autumn swells and golden beach grass as you stroll.
Shop at Sagaponack General Store
542 Sagg Main St., Sagaponack
The Sagaponack General Store on Sagg Main Street in Sagaponack has become a popular spot following its recent makeover. Credit: Glen Allsop
A vintage oak- and marble-clad emporium straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie has attracted crowds since its recent renovation and reopening. The line for coffee and flaky breakfast biscuits this summer stretched almost out the door. But the General Store is more than a coffee shop. It's a place to rediscover nostalgic candy bars, compare artisanal olive oils and indulge Fido with gourmet dog treats. Owner Mindy Gray expects things to quiet down considerably come fall, but on the advice of her retail mentor, none other than Ina Garten, she is committed to staying open all year long. "Ina told me, before we even opened our doors, that the community needs to know that you're there for them," she says. Buy a sweatshirt printed with the store's address and post office box number to remember you were a part of a true village happening.
More info 631-536-5242, sagaponackgeneralstore.com
Pick up the famous chicken salad at Round Swamp Farm
184 County Rd. 40, East Hampton
Janist Harris, left, and Reima Russell, both from Queens, shop at Round Swamp Farm in Bridgehampton. Credit: Morgan Campbell
You may know this spot because of its TikTok famous chicken salad, which is both beloved and priced at an eye-watering $35 per pound. This and other comparatively high numbers ($15.99 for a pint of blueberries!) don’t discourage the crowds. In fact, in July and August, the tiny parking lot is bursting with BMWs before the shop opens its doors.
Salsa, guacamole, and chicken salad at Round Swamp Farm in Bridgehampton. Credit: Morgan Campbell
To be fair, the quality of the prepared foods and baked goods at this cult farm stand is top notch. And not everything is beyond the average day tripper’s means. A four-pack of freshly baked, giant, golden-brown assorted berry muffins is $22.99 and will feed a family for breakfast.
More info 631-324-4438, roundswampfarm.com
See a show at Stephen Talkhouse
161 Main St., Amagansett
Catch a performance by Black Uhuru at Stephen Talkhouse in September. Credit: Redferns/Ebet Roberts
The divey music venue has a laid-back, egalitarian vibe — no $5,000 tables or velvet ropes here. Yet it hardly flies under the radar. On summer nights, music fans wait for an hour or more in line to grab a good seat, maybe with the hope that a surprise guest star like Paul McCartney or Dave Grohl might take the stage. Post-Labor Day, the crowds thin, says owner Peter Honerkamp. "By November, there are maybe one-tenth the number of people in here." But nationally recognized talent including Deer Tick (Sept. 6), Willie Nile (Sept. 12), Eli Young Band (Sept. 13) and Black Uhuru (Sept. 28), are on the schedule, along with up and comers and local party bands. The cover charge decreases as the days shorten, notes Honerkamp, "from $50 on a summer weekend to as low as 10 bucks."
More info 631-267-3117, stephentalkhouse.com
Grab a bite at Bagatelle
500 W. Lake Dr., Montauk
Bagatelle, at Gosman's Dock, is Montauk's newest hot spot. Credit: Bagatelle Group
Montauk's newest hot spot is at one of its oldest landmarks, the 80-year-old Gosman's Dock. With a menu inspired by the Côte d'Azur and nautical decor, including blue-and-white striped banquettes to match, it has been packed since the Fourth of July and will be a lovely place to enjoy the sunset well into October. Chefs Rocco Seminara and Manon Santini plan to serve the summer menu, including grilled rock octopus with chili and lemon, local lobster fettuccine, and marinated lamb chops with black garlic chutney, until the restaurant closes for the season later in the fall.
More info 934-336-4446, bagatelle.com
Chow down on Mexican cuisine at El Verano
10 Windmill Ln., Southampton
The Tacos de langosta at El Verano in Southampton. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
In late July, the friendly host at this restaurant was busy confirming the weekend's reservations, hoping for a few cancellations so she could accommodate some names on her waiting list. In September and October, it won't be quite as difficult to secure a table, says chef and owner Julian Medina, who keeps his elevated Mexican restaurant, with its dusty rose dining room and wood-paneled bar, open year-round so locals coming out of hiding can enjoy menu favorites, including Long Island duck carnitas with a tamarind-chocolate-habanero glaze, lobster tacos with togarashi mayo and huitlacoche quesadillas.
More info 631-377-3050, elveranony.com
Sip wine at Wölffer Estate
139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack
The back terrace of Wolffer's Wine Stand on Montauk Highway overlooks the vineyard in Sagaponack. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
Outdoor tables overlooking the sprawling vineyards at the winery are booked well in advance during July and August. However, the slightly less busy harvest season, from September to October, is arguably the most beautiful time of year to enjoy the view while sampling Wölffer's crisp rosés. When a chill is in the air, retreat to the expansive wood-beamed tasting room and warm up with a Long Island Malbec or a glass of Wölffer's own brandy, made from the estate's chardonnay grapes.
More info 631-537-5106, wolffer.com
Hang on the outdoor deck at Le Bilboquet
1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor
This restaurant has been a top pick for movers and shakers and a tough summer reservation. Celebrities including Hugh Jackman and Gwyneth Paltrow have sampled its bistro specialties, which include duck leg confit and steak frites. Its walkable location, at the end of Sag Harbor's lively Main Street, and water views (the biggest yachts dock within touching distance) also contribute to the appeal. There are comfy banquettes along the walls of an airy dining room. The deck remains open during good weather in the fall. Either position is great for seeing and being seen.
More info 631-808-3767, lebilboquetsag.com
Spend the night at LDV at the Maidstone
207 Main St., East Hampton
LDV at the Maidstone, a boutique hotel and restaurant in East Hampton, has become a go-to spot this summer, attracting celebrities and influencers. Credit: Letizia Cigliutti
Just across the street from East Hampton's iconic windmill, it has cultivated a glamorous crowd by hosting celeb-packed parties all summer for fashion and design brands including Gucci, Sezane, and Ginori 1735. But the restaurant is not a mere stage set for pretty faces. Chef Jorge Espinoza delivers a seaside Italian experience, with fluke and scallop crudos and creative salads like one made with charred zucchini and Castelmagno cheese.
Have a meal or enjoy a cocktail at the onsite restaurant. Credit: Glen Allsop
His dish of charred prawns with lemon butter sauce and grilled filone is a personal favorite, he says. "The way the sauce interacts with the bread is truly what makes it so comforting. It’s a simple pleasure that always brings a feeling of ease and familiarity." Spend the night, with room rates starting at $425 in September and $395 in October for a standard queen room.
More info 631-324-5006, themaidstone.com
Have a romantic evening at Il Buco al Mare
231 Main St., Amagansett
The burger with taleggio at Il Buco al Mare in East Hampton. Credit: Newsday/Scott Vogel
Now might be the best time to experience the rustic Italian menu at this restaurant, not just because a reservation at this highly regarded spot is easier to secure, but because of the kitchen's enthusiasm for the changing seasons. Says general manager Stephanie Dowd: "As fall approaches, there’s a noticeable shift. Things slow down — both in the dining room and on the farms ... it also allows us to breathe, to reflect, and to lean more intentionally into preservation, warmth, and depth of flavor." Expect seasonal specials, including Il Buco’s signature ancient grains flatbreads, from the wood-burning oven that is the restaurant’s focal point.
More info 631-557-3100, ilbuco.com
