Let’s journey back one hundred years to the 1920s when Canoe Place Inn first opened its doors on the east end of Long Island. The legendary American architect, William L. Bottomley, was the mastermind behind Canoe Place Inn’s signature Dutch Colonial Revival-style. Originally intended to replace an inn that had burned down in a fire in 1921, CPI quickly became the hottest meeting place for politicians and celebrities.

Fast forward seventy years, Canoe Place Inn transformed into a trendy east-end night club throughout the nineties and early 2000s. However, in the early twenty-first century, CPI sat vacant and neglected until its refurbishment by Rechler Equity Partners in 2018. Now, it has been revitalized as a magical dinner spot, wedding venue, and inn, returning to its stylish 1920s roots, but with a modern twist.

With an impressive scale, including a 350-person catering hall, a 90-person tap room and library, and 20 guest suites and 5 cottages, Canoe Place Inn has reemerged as a landmark in the hamlet of Hampton Bays.

Behind the extensive bar is bartender Andre Hines, who sat down with me to discuss the secrets behind CPI’s charming atmosphere. Originally from Jamaica, Andre has been bartending on the east end for the last six years. Hines recalled, “I had a great meal and conversation with Bartender Jake, and that was it.” After witnessing the meticulous design and intentionality of the bar and restaurant, Andre couldn’t help but envision himself working there.

Stepping into their library room transports you to a lodge in the woods. Adorned with luxurious leather couches and intimate booth seating, all centered around a blazing fireplace, the library room is my go-to spot for a cozy drink with friends. This room is just steps away from the main dining area and an elongated bar that overlooks all diners. CPI’s attention to detail doesn’t stop at design and construction; it extends to all aspects, particularly their cocktail and dinner menu. Hines’s favorite cocktail to make from the menu is the Spiced Margarita. “Tequila is my favorite spirit, along with mezcal, and I’d say the Margarita, when made with fresh ingredients as we do at Canoe Place, is my favorite cocktail,” said Hines.

Canoe Place Inn exudes an alluring and inviting vibe that is challenging, even for a writer, to put into words. There’s a room or seat for everyone here. Hines alludes to this point when he says, “We strive to create a memorable experience for all guests, and you can feel it the moment you step onto the property.” It was difficult for Hines to pick a favorite bartending memory from his time at CPI, but what he said reflects the magic that comes with being behind the bar at Canoe Place Inn. “No one memory stands out as a favorite, but the best ones stem from meeting amazing people and the interactions and relationships that form not only with me but also with other guests. It’s wonderful to see people meeting, coming together, and having a great time,” said Hines.

When not tending the bar at CPI, you can find Andre working at the new Watermill hotspot, Kissaki, or enjoying a drink with Cris and Ali over at Dopo Argento. If you stop by CPI, be sure to order Andre’s favorite drink, a mezcal negroni. See you there!

The post Behind the Bar: Canoe Place Inn appeared first on Hamptons.com.

In the Hamptons, where luxury living meets exquisite dining, The Culinistas stands as a beacon of culinary excellence. Founded and led by remarkable women and based in the Hamptons, this private chef company offers a seamless connection between clients—many of them celebrities—with top-tier private chefs. Whether it’s an intimate dinner party, a special event, or simply an exceptional meal at home, The Culinistas make every meal a memory.

For me, I can 100% admit that dinner-related stress is REAL—shopping, prepping, cooking, plating, serving—not really my favorite way to spend a Summer day in the Hamptons! Obviously, I must not be alone because The Culinista’s mantra is “Never Stress About Dinner Again.” Needless to say, I was intrigued.

Hamptons.com spoke with The Culinstas’ founders Tiana and Jill to find out their recipe for success!

Can you describe your services for those who haven’t had the pleasure of experience?

Tiana: The Culinistas is a culinary resource that empowers people to gather. Our mission is to give everyone the freedom and confidence to connect around a meal. We match vetted private chefs with households for weekly meal preps, gatherings (dinner parties, brunches, etc.), and all sorts of custom needs—from full-time placements to travel to postnatal nutrition. All of our recipes are developed by our culinary team, and our menus are tailored to your diet and preferences. No matter the job, our chefs handle the prep, shopping, cooking, and cleaning, so you can focus on having fun and making meaningful connections at the table.

Private Chef Content is definitely having a moment. What can you share with us about Culinista Kitchen, your upcoming content platform?

Tiana: We are currently creating a dynamic content platform that will provide the ease of gathering to everyone. Looking forward, The Culinistas will be a one-stop shop for booking chefs plus discovering cooking tips, menus, recipes and hosting must-haves — all in an effort to make it easier to connect around the table.

What was the inspiration behind The Culinistas?

Jill: While attending Barnard College in the early 2000s, I was working in restaurants and as a personal chef in New York City, and for Rebecca Ynocencio, the former managing editor of Gourmet, who went on to own a catering business. My work with Rebecca helped me understand the value of providing an intimate, beautiful culinary experience. So around 2006, I founded The Culinistas to provide small-scale, in-home chef services: everything from weekly meal preps to dinner parties and special occasions to placing live-in chefs in homes.

Tiana: I came in about a decade later, after studying business and working at JP Morgan Chase for five years. I was ready to explore other avenues, so I took a course at NYU in culinary entrepreneurship and through that, I met Jill. I loved her story, loved her business, and wanted to help her scale it. So we partnered with the goal of scaling a private chef platform and becoming a resource for chefs and hosts alike.

Everyone I’ve spoken with about The Culinistas raves about the experience. What do you think separates your services and makes them stand out?

Jill: We work exclusively with chefs who are trained and vetted, and we handpick chefs for our clients based on their unique preferences and needs. This is not just a job for Culinista chefs. Cooking is their life and calling.

Our chefs work each job from start to finish — they hand-select the product that they will cook. They manage the evening…make sure the kitchen is clean…[a] hand-held approach. Our client services team is extremely dedicated and works in the background to make sure every service is exceptional.

Then, of course, there’s the food. We develop all of our dishes and menus in-house so that there is consistency but develop them in such a way that encourages Culinista chefs to take a receptive approach to their clients’ preferences, altering recipes to accommodate.

Lastly, it is transformative and special to take part in a meal cooked by a chef entirely in your home. Many of our clients work with the same chef or chefs on a regular basis, and we’ve witnessed incredible bonds grow. We are living in a world where connecting with one another isn’t always easy. Our services unite those to gather…

I remember an ad you ran—you have fantastic marketing, btw—that said, “Have your Dinner Party and Eat it Too.” Can you elaborate on what that means?

Jill: We are so often bogged down and anxious about the planning, the menu, the guest list, the weather, the dietary restrictions, the glassware, the seating chart, the music, and all the other minutiae… when will I get to blow dry my hair? It can be enough to distract the hostess from sitting down to enjoy the actual gathering. We make sure you’ll be able to have the party as well as enjoy it.

What trends in tastes have you seen over the past years that you’re most excited about? How do you feel about the “Butter Board”?

Jill: Oh la la the butterboard. I love vessels so am sad about any trend that foregoes the vessel. The relationship between the food and vessel is an important one in that it holds the nourishment. Vessels protect, preserve, and present. I like trends that use special vessels — fondue, tagine. That reminds me, I’ve liked to see the zeitgeist go in the direction of embracing spices from all over the world. People try harissa-spiced florets of cauliflower and soon they are curious about Moroccan food. The trendiest trend I find delightful is the hasselbacking of everything. We hasselback a butternut squash and the crowd goes wild.

Can you share any memorable moments or success stories that stand out in your journey?

Tiana: Having Gwyneth Paltrow come on board as an advisor was a big moment for us, same with Dana Cowin, the former EIC of Food & Wine. We landed a major partnership with Casa Dragones tequila, which was a huge testament to the brand we’ve built. Oh, and the business survived the pandemic!

The Hamptons is known for its discerning clientele. How do you tailor your services to accommodate these distinct tastes?

Tiana: Our services—weekly meal preps, gatherings, cooking classes—are all tailored to a discerning clientele. All dishes and menus are customizable to account for family size, appetites, dietary restrictions, and other preferences. For clients like those in the Hamptons who need a chef for a certain period of time, we offer seasonal and long-term placements. These placements are also fully customizable, whether you need a chef for weekend gatherings only, meals during the week, or full-time for the duration of the summer.

As a female-led company, what advice would you give to other start-ups run by women?

Tiana: Stay focused and avoid getting distracted by people’s perception of your business. Focus more on actual accomplishments. When hiring, don’t worry so much about the title. Hire people who are smart and eager to get involved.

Jill: Discipline yourself to learn. Learn to understand. Avoid mimicry. This will help define what you want so that you can lead the conversation.

Where did your passion for food come from? What were dinners like in your families?

Tiana: My passion for food came from my grandpa. He lived close to me when I was a kid, and on Sundays he’d pick me up for church, then afterward, we’d spend two hours doing the food shopping for the week. We’d get a newspaper at one place, coffee at another, cinnamon twists and black and white cookies somewhere else, then meat at the butcher, cold cuts and cheese…you get the idea. He ran a wine shop, so after we did our shopping, we’d go to his shop and make bologna and cheese sandwiches for lunch. Beyond that, my family always ate around the table, and the food was simple but always homemade. We weren’t fancy, but I never ate anything from a box.

Jill: I caught the eye of a guy named Chris Wilson in Cincinnati, Ohio, who worked in a restaurant, and moments later, we were eating expertly cut pineapple excessively drizzled with chocolate out the back door of the kitchen. We bonded, and I realized the power of sharing deliciousness. Food is power. If you can cook then you can host, and if you can host then you’re the one running the show.

We ate together as a family every night — Mom, Dad, my two brothers, and me. Mom cooked most nights but there were dad meals peppered in as well. Mom always made and still makes a huge salad. We ate mostly fish. My dad shapes pizza dough in the air. We ate healthy but made room for ice cream often. I grew up a walk away from a Graeter’s Ice Cream parlor. A walk and an ice cream after dinner was standard summer protocol.

Fall is here in full swing – are you available all year?

Tiana: Yes, we have chefs available throughout the year, both Out East and across the NYC metro area. We also service LA and DC, so tell your friends!

The post The Culinistas, Private Chef Services Share Recipe for Success in the Hamptons appeared first on Hamptons.com.

2023 Long Island Restaurant Week: Fall Edition starts Sunday, October 29th and ends on Sunday, November 5th. Enjoy delicious 3-course meals at your favorite restaurants on Long Island. Check out the list below and plan the perfect lunch or dinner date. 

East Hampton

Cove Hollow Tavern

85 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton, NY 11937
Covehollowtavern.com

View Menu

The Clubhouse

174 Daniels Hole Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937
Clubhousehamptons.com

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Sag Harbor

Page at 63 Main

63 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 
www.page63main.com

View Menu

Bridgehampton

Bobby Van’s Restaurant

2393 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
Bobbyvansbridgehampton.com

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Elaia Estiatorio
95 School Street, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
www.elaiaestiatorio.com

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Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House
1 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
www.toppingrosehouse.com/dine/

View Menu

The Bridgehampton Inn & Restaurant
2266 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
www.loavesandfishes.us/bridgehampton-inn-restaurant

Water Mill

Bistro Ete

760 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976
www.bistroete.com

View Menu

Calissa

1020 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 
www.calissahamptons.com

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Southampton

LUNCH/Lobster Roll Restaurant

32 Montauk Hwy, Southampton, NY 11968
Lobsterroll.com

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Saaz Indian Restaurant

1746 County Rd 39, Southampton, NY 11968
www.saazsouthampton.com

Southampton Publick House
62 Jobs Ln, Southampton, NY 11968
Publick.com

Hampton Bays

Centro Trattoria & Bar

336 W Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
Centrohamptons.com

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Cowfish

258 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
Cowfishrestaurant.com

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Rumba

43 Canoe Place Rd, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
rumbahamptonbays.com

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Raire at the Hampton Maid

259 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
www.hamptonmaid.com

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Riverhead

Bistro 72 

1830 West Main Street, Rt, 25, Riverhead, NY 
www.bistro-72.com

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The Preston House Restaurant4

428 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901
theprestonhouseandhotel.com

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Westhampton Beach

Flora

149 Main St, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
www.florawhb.com

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Fauna

6 Parlato Dr, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
Faunawhb.com

View Menu

For more info, visit www.longislandrestaurantweek.com

The post 2023 Long Island Restaurant Week: Fall Edition Guide appeared first on Hamptons.com.

[Insert introductory paragraph about a clichéd description and romanticization of the city of love, accompanied by the idealization of us sitting in a tiny Parisian café that clings to the edge of Rue Desaix, overlooking La Tour Eiffel, with a slight rainfall beginning outside, and a cup of hot tea steaming in front of me, amidst the chatter in French around us…]

Okay, great! Now that you’re with me, and we have that out of the way, we can get to the closest slice of France this little island has to offer. Both a restaurant and a bar, leading the top of my list for the crunchiest and saltiest fries east of the canal, stocked with a wide selection of Long Island and French wines, closely nestled between the busy shops on Main Street in Southampton. Drumroll, please… Le Charlot!

With street-side seating adorned by plants and heat lamps, Le Charlot is undoubtedly a prime location for people-watching in the heart of the Hamptons. Just inside their entryway, and behind the bar, works the head bartender, Irving Reyes, whose calm confidence is an anchor amidst the buzzing crowds known to Le Charlot on weekends. From the moment I first met Irving, his jovial demeanor and ability to memorize my order showed proof of a great bartender.

Irving is originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, but grew up in Riverhead and has been with Le Charlot for almost seven years, taking over the bar for the last 4 years. Never short of captivating stories, Irving has the ability to make any night out interesting. In our interview, Irving said, “My favorite drink to make is the espresso martini,” describing to me the delight on a customer’s face when they’ve found it has come out extra foamy.

On the corner of the bar sits an antiqued hat stand that pairs well with accents of what I like to call French rouge found across the restaurant. As you enter the restaurant, you’re met with a large ‘carotte rouge,’ or red carrot, which, since 1906, has been the symbol for the Bureau de Tabac, indicating that a store sold tobacco products. A large gold bell dangles on the wall next to the glass shelves lined with differently shaped bottles of liquor. One night I had to ask, “What’s that bell for?” Birthdays, Irving explained, letting me give it a ring even though it wasn’t my special day. “I want people to feel a positive and welcoming vibe,” Irving said of his hopes for diners and drinkers alike – and I must say, his kindness and cocktails accomplish just that.

With rosy dim lighting enveloping the entire restaurant in a romantic warmth and beautifully large windows overlooking Main Street and the tiny alley between Le Charlot and Sant Ambroeus, this feels like the perfect spot for a first date, after-work drinks with a friend, or an autumnal Sunday afternoon glass of wine.

When not behind the bar at Le Charlot, Irving jokes that you can find his “twin” working the bar at Page at 63 Main in Sag Harbor, alluding to his friend’s (strangely enough, also named Irving Reyes) bartending gig. Outside of Le Charlot, Irving enjoys going to the dog park or the beach with his pups. If you stop by Le Charlot, make sure to order Irving his go-to drink, an Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve Bourbon.

Cheers and see you there!

The post Behind the Bar: Le Charlot appeared first on Hamptons.com.

Fini Pizza will donate a % of this week’s revenue to the Israel Emergency Fund.

The post Every Fini Pizza Purchase This Week Will Support The Israel Fund appeared first on Hamptons.com.

In an exciting collaboration, the minds behind Long Island Restaurant Week have joined forces with two ardent oyster enthusiasts to unveil the inaugural Long Island Oyster Week, scheduled from October 10th to 15th, 2023. Spearheaded by Richard Remmer, owner of The Snapper Inn Waterfront Restaurant, and Chuck Westfall, President of the Long Island Oyster Growers Association, along with Nicole Castillo of Long Island Restaurant Week, this event promises to pay homage to the delectable Long Island oyster.

Participating restaurants during this extraordinary week-long celebration will present enticing oyster specials sourced directly from local oyster growers. The offerings encompass a wide spectrum, from $1 oysters and $2 oysters to tantalizing oyster samplers, appetizers, and full-blown oyster entrées. 

Prepare your taste buds and join us in celebrating the succulent treasures of Long Island’s waters at the first-ever Long Island Oyster Week. It’s an event where gastronomy meets conservation, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary.

Hamptons Restaurants

Featuring Oyster Specials

The Bell & Anchor
3253 Noyac Rd, Sag Harbor, NY
www.bellandanchor.com

Calissa
1020 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 
www.calissahamptons.com

The comprehensive list of participating restaurants, offering one or all of these delectable oyster specials, can be found on the Long Island Oyster Week website at www.oysterweekli.com.

The post The First Annual Long Island Oyster Week Guide appeared first on Hamptons.com.

We have all waited eagerly for the highly anticipated return of the 29th Hamptons International Film Festival, and their prime selection of films from all over the world. Hamptons.com has curated a selection of fine local restaurants that you can’t miss in-between your movie experience. 

East Hampton

Nick & Toni’s 
Located at 136 N Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937

Enjoy the Tuscan farmhouse setting, wood burning oven, extensive wine selection and art! Their exquisite and seasonal inspired menu will have everything you crave from local Littleneck clams to Local Squid Ink Spaccatelli. 

1770 House
Located at 143 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937

Under one historic roof, The 1770 House guests can enjoy the best of two dining scenes with Chef Michael Rozzi’s refined contemporary American cooking. In the main dining room and on the seasonal patio is a sophisticated fine dining menu. In the downstairs Tavern is more casual and traditional pub fare. Each setting has a distinctive atmosphere with The 1770 House signature quality and service.

Rowdy Hall
Located at 10 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937

Rowdy Hall in the village of East Hampton has established a stellar reputation for English Pub/French Bistro cuisine. Opened in July of 1996, the Arts and Crafts inspired dining room, with a beautiful copper topped bar and soothing fireplace is an East End favorite.

The Palm
Located  at 94 Main St Suite 1800, East Hampton, NY 11937

The exquisite food and cozy atmosphere will keep you coming back. The Palm is a dining tradition that has been handed down for generations. Located in the heart of East Hampton, it’s a restaurant you don’t want to miss during your stay the Hamptons. 

Sag Harbor

Lulu Kitchen & Bar
Located 126 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963

The kitchen is under the direction of Philippe Corbet, a French-trained chef with several years of experience in Michelin-star rated restaurants as well as top tables throughout Long Island. Corbet most recently began working with Montauk Asset Holdings last season heading up the kitchen at Arbor in Montauk. The wood-burning cuisine is the brainchild of Corbet, fulfilling a lifelong culinary dream to execute an entire menu from the flavor producing unique cooking style. Offering lunch, dinner and a late night menu, Lulu Kitchen & Bar offers a menu focused on local products.

The American Hotel
Located at 45 Main St #3012, Sag Harbor, NY 11963

Fresh local foods, great seafood, exquisite shellfish, peerless meats and fowl are prepared in classically-grounded, time-tested preparations by veteran staff. Don’t expect nouvelle concepts, but rather, unparalleled filet and sirloin, foie gras, oysters, caviar, lobster, Long Island duckling, a number of daily fish specials and much more. A distinguish menu with dishes such as sweetbreads or calves liver, the delicious Peconic Bay scallops, partridge or pheasant.

DockSide Bar & Grill
Located at 6 Bay St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963

The vibe at Dockside is fun and lively, like a sweet summer’s day on the beach. We serve only high quality food – antibiotic, hormone and preservative-free meats, poultry and seafood. And, believing in the lost art of service, our team loves to show customers a good time.

The post Hamptons International Film Festival Dining Guide appeared first on Hamptons.com.

 
When you hear the name David Portnoy, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is the world-famous pizza reviewer. One of the places he reviewed was Fini Pizza in both Brooklyn and Amagansett. When you go to Fini Pizza in Brooklyn, you are faced with massive wait times because the score that Portnoy provided to the public was a massive 7.9, which is a very good pizza score in his world. At the Amagansett spot, he gave them an even better score, which reached into the 8s, and gave it an unbelievable 8.3 score. So, in other words, I had to try this pizza place out and see for myself what the deal was. I headed there and without even hesitating, ordered a whole regular pie.

The place is the old Astro’s, and it looks pretty much the same except all the seating is now by the windows, and there are no tables. You can go in for slices, and overall, it’s a pretty typical pizza joint with a more retro vibe. But what’s great about this pizza is that it is thin and has a crispness to it that you don’t get anywhere else in the Hamptons. This means that even if you devour half a pie, you don’t walk away feeling bloated and like death is imminent, but you just feel really full from good pizza.

Everything is fresh, and the overall vibe is trendy. You have to go. I gave it an 8.4.

The post A Visit to Fini Pizza appeared first on Hamptons.com.

So, whether you’re a Hamptons local, a vacationer on the East End, or are simply looking for the best local coffee spots in the area, we have a list of 10 must-try coffee shops for you.

The Hampton Coffee Company

With 6 Locations at:

732 Montauk Highway, Montauk

869 Montauk Highway, Water Mill

749 County Road 39A, Southampton

194 Mill Street, Westhampton Beach

272 Main Road, Aquebogue

235 Montauk Highway, Center Moriches

Hampton Coffee Company is the premier coffee spot of the Hamptons, and one of the earlier South Fork roasters opening their first location in Water Mill back in 1994.

They have become known as Long Island’s largest independent coffee roaster with their small chain of 6 locations. Hampton Coffee has a full menu of hot breakfast and lunch items, pastries, and of course tons of blends and specialty coffee, espresso, and tea drinks. They roll out monthly specialty food and drink items coinciding with holidays and seasons that are always thoughtfully curated and delicious! And bonus, they have an app where you can order ahead and collect points for rewards with each visit.

Sagtown Coffee

78 Main Street, Sag Harbor

Sagtown Coffee is right in the heart of Sag Harbor village with indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy a local cup of joe and a bite to eat. Founded in 2012 by Shane Dyckman, the vision was to create a local spot for the community and visitors to gather for exceptional coffee and specialty drinks.

They have now added breakfast and lunch offerings to their menu that includes acai bowls, smoothies, bagels, sandwiches, and more. This in addition to their unmatched La Colombe roasts, popular draft lattes, cold brews, and large tea selection makes Sagtown an essential visit for coffee lovers on the East End.

The Golden Pear

With 3 Locations at:

99 Main Street, Southampton

2426 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton

34 Newtown Lane, East Hampton

The Golden Pear may not be known as a coffee shop only, but it’s a signature Hamptons must when it comes to cafes, and the coffee bar and bakery section is a main attraction here. The Golden Pear has been around since 1987 with its first location opening in Southampton.

Visits to this café have been a long-time tradition among Hamptons crowds for more than 30 years—with good reason. When it comes to cafes with energetic ambiance, comfortable outdoor seating to enjoy people-watching on Hamptons main streets, and of course delicious eats and freshly brewed coffee, Golden Pear is the premier place to be on the East End!

Java Nation

112 Maple Lane, Bridgehampton

Originally located in Sag Harbor, Java Nation relocated to Bridgehampton several years back. Despite having opened in 1994 initially as one of the early South Fork roasters, Java Nation is more of a local kept secret when it comes to coffee shops of the Hamptons.

They’re not right in the center of town where visitors can stumble upon the industrial-looking space that is filled with local art, leather couches, and a large roaster in the backroom, but rather near the Bridgehampton train station where their loyal Sag Harbor patrons have followed as well as a new coffee-loving crowd in the know. There is no denying the local charm and delicious blends that could only be found at Java Nation.

Caffeine

115 Main Street, Westhampton Beach

Caffeine is located in the heart of Westhampton Beach, brewing La Colombe coffee daily. They offer creative blends and draft lattes, as well as an array of teas and bakery items.

As with many cafes now, they have a selection of non-dairy alternative milks, and Caffeine even offers pistachio milk, a rarity when it comes to milk options at cafes.

They are located in a small space right on Main Street with cozy seating next to the windows to take in the town as you enjoy your daily pick-me-up!

Grindstone Coffee & Donuts

74 Main Street, Sag Harbor

Grindstone Coffee & Donuts has been a staple of Sag Harbor since they opened in 2016. Known first and foremost for their donuts that are freshly made daily and take a minimum of 48 hours to create, their coffee is of the same high quality. Owner Kyle Sanderson says, “Everyone knows about our donuts, but people are always surprised to find out we have arguably the best coffee in the Hamptons.” Grindstone has a friendly and inviting atmosphere with unmatched customer service.

Their coffee menu consists of espresso, drip, cold brew, and more, and it is all made from single-origin, organic coffee beans that are roasted fresh in house. One of their most popular coffee menu items is their honey lavender latte, and another homemade delight at Grindstone that sets them apart from other local coffee shops is their renowned almond milk!

Tutto Café

55 Main Street, East Hampton

For those looking for a more upscale coffee establishment, particularly with the influences of Italy running strong, Tutto is the perfect café to unwind with a delicious organic coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or even wine and cocktails. Tutto offers delectable pastries, paninis, and savories that are authentically Italian.

The idea for this café came about in 2019 when Gianapaolo de Felice and David Mayer spent over a year learning the art of fine coffee and further developed their 100% organic coffee with a Neapolitan accent that is the signature of Tutto today.

Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee

With 2 Hamptons Locations at:

146 Montauk Highway, Amagansett

51 Division Street, Sag Harbor

For those city natives that come out to the Hamptons, Jack’s Stir Brew may be a familiar establishment. With 4 locations in NYC and 1 in Connecticut, Jack’s Amagansett and Sag Harbor locations are familiar and popular hubs among Hamptons crowds. Founded in 2003 by Jack Mazzola, the vision has always been to evoke a sense of community through high-quality and the best tasting organic coffee.

Unique for its patented Stir Brewer, a technique used to extract the fullest flavor, Jack’s also became New York City’s first 100% organic coffee shop and vegan bakery. When it comes to seeking out some of the finest coffee on the East End, Jack’s is the spot to be!

Left Hand Montauk Coffee Company

83 S Elmwood Avenue, Montauk

Left Hand is a locally owned roaster in Montauk serving up coffee from “the end.” They opened their doors in 2015 when owners Larry Siedlick and Yannis Papagianni took over the then coffee shop with the idea in mind that Montauk deserved a coffee spot that was as rich as the history of the town. Their blends are named after historical places and surf spots, and the beans are sourced from countries that are all well-known surf destinations (that is one activity that brings Montauk together after all, aside from coffee drinking!).

Ever since Left Hand opened, their coffee and culture has been embraced by locals and out-of-towners alike. The coffee is all organic, and blends like Lighthouse Espresso, Camp Hero Medium Roast, and more are available for purchase online. So, before you hit the surf this summer, be sure to stop in for a cup of Left Hand goodness!

The post The Best Coffee Shops in the Hamptons For a Perfect Brew appeared first on Hamptons.com.

Okay, let’s set the scene: we’re walking down Main Street, Southampton, black mini shoulder bags hanging between us. We’ve just finished dinner a few doors down, arms linked and chatting about that mini Dachshund we saw enjoying an evening stroll with its owner. What’s the next stop? You ask. A little night cap? I suggest. Could it be a warm July night, a moody October weekend– doesn’t matter because you know this bar is just as delicious in the summer months as it is on a biting winter night.

The charm of Dopo Argento hides away just beyond its darling entrance, and inside, behind the bar, works Cristopher Anchia, Dopo’s Bar manager whose energy is larger than life. With 10 years experience bartending, 3 of which have been with the Dopo Group, there’s no doubt Cris knows his way around this corner bar. In one of my many conversations with Cris, he told me he couldn’t pick a favorite drink from his menu, “ I like experimenting and creating new drinks so I enjoy that process.” Although Cris doesn’t have a favorite, I must say, it’s not hard for me to pick mine, hands down: the Gin Lane. Made with your choice of Gin, a medley of the juice from pineapple, cucumber, apple and lemon, the first taste is slightly tart, never overtly sweet and always perfectly refreshing.    

Cris, who is originally from Costa Rica and moved here with his family in 1999, is always ready to change up the music once the dinner crowd has left. He told me, “I want people to feel welcomed when they come to Argento. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, I want everyone to feel at home.” There’s no doubt there’s a chair and a drink for everyone at his bar. Of all the wild stories he must have from behind the bar, Cris recalled to me a gem, the time he performed a magic trick for actor Will Ferrell while bartending, “afterward we all had fun dancing to good music. It was one of those epic nights.”

For every time I’ve enjoyed an evening at Dopo Argento, I’ve been greeted by a few regular personalities, and some new faces looking to enjoy the restaurant’s refreshing vibe and Cris’s talent behind the bar. To me, Dopo has the perfect formula for date night: romantically dim lighting across the whole restaurant and four window seats adjacent from the bar seating nestled inside large bay windows that overlook outside passersby– think Edward Hopper’s New York meets Hemingway in Paris.

When not behind the bar at Argento, Cris likes to support the other businesses in the area, his new go-to being El Verano on the corner of Jobs and Windmill. If you check out Dopo Argento make sure to try the Gin Lane and let me know what you think. See you there!

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