Hamptons Drinks and Dining

The Golden Pear Café and the Hamptons go together like sandwiches and the beach. Indeed, you can pick up nicely prepared foods here for an outing or sit down and sip tea in any one of their four locales in Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton or Sag Harbor. As one might expect, it’s a popular gathering place for both visitors and residents of the Hamptons.

Shippy’s Pumpernickels Restaurant ranks as another favorite local’s spot in Southampton. Since the fifties, they’ve been serving up German specialties along with fresh seafood, fish and steaks to hungry diners in for lunch or dinner. Thirsty folk fare well here, too!

Looking to be on the water? Head over to Hampton Bays, the “un-Hamptons’ part of the Hamptons. A long walk on Ponquogue Beach (on the Atlantic Ocean side) serves as a great primer for lunch or dinner at Sundays on the Bay or Oakland’s Restaurant & Marina. Both specialize in outdoor decks with pretty Shinnecock Bay views, super fresh seafood and fish and great service. Take your attire up a notch for Oakland’s but no worries if you don’t; life is laid-back in these parts, especially here.

Food and drink taste better with a waterfront view. You can enjoy both while overlooking the picturesque Shinnecock Canal at The Canal Cafe. Watch the boats pull into the marina and stay and love life for a while.

In terms of something historic and elegant, The American Hotel in Sag Harbor, wins hands down as the most authentic establishment around. Once you’ve arrived at Sag Harbor–by car, bike, boat or foot-look for the cupola of this historic property, an East-End fixture built in 1846 during the whaling heydays. Stepping inside here is like stepping back in time. Subdued lighting, rich wainscoting, handsome fireplaces, white tablecloths, a treasure chest of antiques, fresh flowers and more harken back to an era when people lived in a grander style. If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat or two at the bar, stay a while and enjoy the scene, the near-legendary barmen and perhaps a happy hour drink or bite that won’t break the bank. For a big splurge, book one of their prized tables at their restaurant.

Families are best served at LT Burger, also on Main Street in Sag Harbor, where you can enjoy a great burger within a lively scene. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a good place to go to watch sports or grab a coffee, too.

There’s nothing like a Sea Breeze at the water’s edge and you can delight in one of those along with an abundance of other food and drink options at Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor. If it’s chilly outside, belly up to the bar at the Lobby Lounge or snuggle next to your sweetie on the cobalt blue banquet in the dining room. It’s a great place to indulge in surf and turf or blueberry pancakes (in the morning, of course!). Their live entertainment serves as a big draw for locals and visitors alike.