Christina’s guidebook
Restaurant List
Duryea’s Lobster Deck, which offers some of the best lobster rolls in eastern Long Island, has just reopened after a significant renovation. Paper plates and picnic tables have been replaced with teak patio furniture and banquet seating indoors. Old lobster crates line the bar area and nautical-style lights hang from the ceiling; the perfect contrast against the light-filled interiors and otherwise clean-cut design.
The lobster dishes are great, but the raw bar is particularly exceptional. If you’re pining for some buttery oysters, the Bluepoints are the way to go.
Most dishes have the option of being served family-style, including the popular lobster cobb salad. Still, Duryea’s pièce de résistance remains the lobster roll, served with sweet potato crisps and just the right amount of coleslaw.
78 locals recommend
Duryea's Lobster Deck
65 Tuthill RdDuryea’s Lobster Deck, which offers some of the best lobster rolls in eastern Long Island, has just reopened after a significant renovation. Paper plates and picnic tables have been replaced with teak patio furniture and banquet seating indoors. Old lobster crates line the bar area and nautical-style lights hang from the ceiling; the perfect contrast against the light-filled interiors and otherwise clean-cut design.
The lobster dishes are great, but the raw bar is particularly exceptional. If you’re pining for some buttery oysters, the Bluepoints are the way to go.
Most dishes have the option of being served family-style, including the popular lobster cobb salad. Still, Duryea’s pièce de résistance remains the lobster roll, served with sweet potato crisps and just the right amount of coleslaw.
Joni’s is a breakfast staple for both locals and summertime visitors. The café is only a few blocks from the beach (look for the marigold umbrellas), and offers a menu of breakfast wraps and smoothies to help get your day started right — yes, even if you’re a little bit, um, under the weather.
If you end up feeling overwhelmed by the wrap choices, a favorite is the “ole ole”. The Tex-Mex wrap is filled with black beans, salsa, scrambled eggs, cheddar, sour cream, and a few shakes of hot sauce. You’ll want to get one of Joni’s giant iced coffees, too.
20 locals recommend
Joni's
South Elmwood AvenueJoni’s is a breakfast staple for both locals and summertime visitors. The café is only a few blocks from the beach (look for the marigold umbrellas), and offers a menu of breakfast wraps and smoothies to help get your day started right — yes, even if you’re a little bit, um, under the weather.
If you end up feeling overwhelmed by the wrap choices, a favorite is the “ole ole”. The Tex-Mex wrap is filled with black beans, salsa, scrambled eggs, cheddar, sour cream, and a few shakes of hot sauce. You’ll want to get one of Joni’s giant iced coffees, too.
Across the street from Joni’s, South Edison brings NYC’s culinary panache to Montauk’s town center. Dishes like pan-seared scallops with pepper-hazelnut romesco show off Executive Chef Todd Mitgang’s affinity for mixing unexpected flavors and seasonings. You’ll want to try the octopus tacos.
13 locals recommend
South Edison
17 S Edison StAcross the street from Joni’s, South Edison brings NYC’s culinary panache to Montauk’s town center. Dishes like pan-seared scallops with pepper-hazelnut romesco show off Executive Chef Todd Mitgang’s affinity for mixing unexpected flavors and seasonings. You’ll want to try the octopus tacos.
Navy Beach is Montauk’s ultimate sunset and cocktail-sipping spot. The location has wall-to-wall windows and cabana-like seating along the restaurant’s private beach. After a five-minute taxi ride from the town center you can have your feet in the sand and a cucumber fizz or blood orange piscine in hand.
49 locals recommend
Navy Beach
16 Navy RdNavy Beach is Montauk’s ultimate sunset and cocktail-sipping spot. The location has wall-to-wall windows and cabana-like seating along the restaurant’s private beach. After a five-minute taxi ride from the town center you can have your feet in the sand and a cucumber fizz or blood orange piscine in hand.
Ruschmeyers is set up like summer camp, with an adult sand box/beer garden overlooking the lake, a restaurant, a bar, a “dancing parlor,” and all sorts of other activities. The restaurant serves solid, straightforward food like pizzas, burrata, grilled octopus, tuna crudo, and so on. Much like Surf Lodge, you can do a group dinner inside and avoid the lines. We like the food here a bit better though.
22 locals recommend
Ruschmeyer's
161 2nd House RdRuschmeyers is set up like summer camp, with an adult sand box/beer garden overlooking the lake, a restaurant, a bar, a “dancing parlor,” and all sorts of other activities. The restaurant serves solid, straightforward food like pizzas, burrata, grilled octopus, tuna crudo, and so on. Much like Surf Lodge, you can do a group dinner inside and avoid the lines. We like the food here a bit better though.
It used to be that if you wanted to party on the East End, you were either battling the lines and awful people at horrible clubs like Pink Elephant (RIP) and Jet East (RIP) in Southampton, reverting to your old college ways at Stephen’s Talkhouse, or getting really messy at The Point and Memory Motel in Montauk (which is absolutely still a good idea). Now, everyone just goes to the Surf Lodge - or tries to. At this point, Saturday nights are completely off limits. It’s an absolute zoo. We get our Surf Lodge in around 6 or 7pm for an early cocktail and live music, or on a rainy Friday when it’s empty. Eating a full meal here isn’t necessary, unless you’re booking with the hopes of eating dinner here to skip the line.
128 locals recommend
The Surf Lodge
183 Edgemere StIt used to be that if you wanted to party on the East End, you were either battling the lines and awful people at horrible clubs like Pink Elephant (RIP) and Jet East (RIP) in Southampton, reverting to your old college ways at Stephen’s Talkhouse, or getting really messy at The Point and Memory Motel in Montauk (which is absolutely still a good idea). Now, everyone just goes to the Surf Lodge - or tries to. At this point, Saturday nights are completely off limits. It’s an absolute zoo. We get our Surf Lodge in around 6 or 7pm for an early cocktail and live music, or on a rainy Friday when it’s empty. Eating a full meal here isn’t necessary, unless you’re booking with the hopes of eating dinner here to skip the line.
Pink pants and polo shirts have obviously started to seep into parts of Montauk, but the Crow’s Nest still seems mostly safe... for now. The small hotel and restaurant are run by the same owner as The Bowery Hotel and The Jane, and is basically the beach version of those. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but come early, have a drink under the strings of tea lights, and watch the pretty people eat crab pasta and burrata. Then eat some yourself.
94 locals recommend
The Crow's Nest
4 Old West Lake DrPink pants and polo shirts have obviously started to seep into parts of Montauk, but the Crow’s Nest still seems mostly safe... for now. The small hotel and restaurant are run by the same owner as The Bowery Hotel and The Jane, and is basically the beach version of those. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but come early, have a drink under the strings of tea lights, and watch the pretty people eat crab pasta and burrata. Then eat some yourself.
The menu hasn’t changed in forever, and many of us who’ve been coming here for years are kind of over it by now, but there isn’t a better location for patio dining than Fort Pond at Harvest. It’s a good choice for the family or a big group of friends, just be sure to bring bug spray and some bread to feed the enormous fish by the dock. Our go-to’s here are the mussels, the calamari salad, and the skirt steak.
74 locals recommend
Harvest On Fort Pond
11 S Emery StThe menu hasn’t changed in forever, and many of us who’ve been coming here for years are kind of over it by now, but there isn’t a better location for patio dining than Fort Pond at Harvest. It’s a good choice for the family or a big group of friends, just be sure to bring bug spray and some bread to feed the enormous fish by the dock. Our go-to’s here are the mussels, the calamari salad, and the skirt steak.
Ice cream is an integral part of the Montauk experience. If you’re not eating ice cream out here, you’re doing it all wrong. And John’s Drive-In is, hands down, our favorite. Not just our favorite in Montauk - this is our favorite ice cream shop that exists in the entire world. They make everything themselves, from the soft serve to the hard shell stuff. We’re obsessed with the double chocolate fudge Oreo, as well as the mint chip. Plus, they have the best rainbow sprinkles in town. They also have incredible french fries and cheap, simple, snack- bar style burgers and dogs.
28 locals recommend
John's Drive-In
677 Montauk HwyIce cream is an integral part of the Montauk experience. If you’re not eating ice cream out here, you’re doing it all wrong. And John’s Drive-In is, hands down, our favorite. Not just our favorite in Montauk - this is our favorite ice cream shop that exists in the entire world. They make everything themselves, from the soft serve to the hard shell stuff. We’re obsessed with the double chocolate fudge Oreo, as well as the mint chip. Plus, they have the best rainbow sprinkles in town. They also have incredible french fries and cheap, simple, snack- bar style burgers and dogs.
The Gig Shack is a locals spot that gets minimal buzz, but it’s also a spot you should know about. Right smack in the middle of town, The Gig Shack is a low-key bar/restaurant quick hitter with a menu designed to please everyone. The burger is great, as are the ribs, tuna tartare taquitos, and the billy goat salad. Also, best key lime pie in town.
24 locals recommend
668 The Gig Shack
782 Montauk HwyThe Gig Shack is a locals spot that gets minimal buzz, but it’s also a spot you should know about. Right smack in the middle of town, The Gig Shack is a low-key bar/restaurant quick hitter with a menu designed to please everyone. The burger is great, as are the ribs, tuna tartare taquitos, and the billy goat salad. Also, best key lime pie in town.
Got kids? It doesn’t get much better than Gosman’s. The dock, the boats, the clam bar, the ice cream - it’s a child’s paradise. But big kids like us can appreciate it too. Drinks overlooking the water at Topside (the bar upstairs) are certainly never a bad idea. However, you don’t want to eat up there. Head down for the clam bar on the dock where you can dig into freshly-caught local fish, delicious clam chowder, and other good stuff.
9 locals recommend
Gosman's Clam Bar
484 W Lake DrGot kids? It doesn’t get much better than Gosman’s. The dock, the boats, the clam bar, the ice cream - it’s a child’s paradise. But big kids like us can appreciate it too. Drinks overlooking the water at Topside (the bar upstairs) are certainly never a bad idea. However, you don’t want to eat up there. Head down for the clam bar on the dock where you can dig into freshly-caught local fish, delicious clam chowder, and other good stuff.
Swallow East Restaurant opened in the summer of 2012 in Montauk NY with the philosophy of great food, great service, and great atmosphere. The menu consists of New American Small Plates.
16 locals recommend
Swallow East
474 W Lake DrSwallow East Restaurant opened in the summer of 2012 in Montauk NY with the philosophy of great food, great service, and great atmosphere. The menu consists of New American Small Plates.
Downtown Manhattan meets Montauk at Scarpetta Beach, the seaside sister of the iconic Manhattan eatery. Open nightly year-round, this soulful Italian hotspot delivers Scarpetta’s signature classics as well as seasonal dishes, fresh seafood selections, and a world-class wine list. The restaurant’s airy, mid-century modern aesthetic is infused with hues of the seaside. From the 148-seat dining room, French doors open onto an outdoor deck, which seats another 106. Every table has a panoramic view of the ocean. A dining space for 24 is available for private groups.
27 locals recommend
Scarpetta Beach
290 Old Montauk HwyDowntown Manhattan meets Montauk at Scarpetta Beach, the seaside sister of the iconic Manhattan eatery. Open nightly year-round, this soulful Italian hotspot delivers Scarpetta’s signature classics as well as seasonal dishes, fresh seafood selections, and a world-class wine list. The restaurant’s airy, mid-century modern aesthetic is infused with hues of the seaside. From the 148-seat dining room, French doors open onto an outdoor deck, which seats another 106. Every table has a panoramic view of the ocean. A dining space for 24 is available for private groups.
The Montauket has been around since the late 20's and has remained a classic time honored Montauk tradition ever since. Family owned since 1959, The Montauket "the hill" (known by locals) is a place where all kinds gather to watch the sun set over Gardiner's Island.
From lobster rolls to fresh locally caught seafood - from local beers to specialty drinks, the Montauket is a casual laid back spot to enjoy an afternoon and take in the sunset with live music.
45 locals recommend
Montauket
88 Firestone RdThe Montauket has been around since the late 20's and has remained a classic time honored Montauk tradition ever since. Family owned since 1959, The Montauket "the hill" (known by locals) is a place where all kinds gather to watch the sun set over Gardiner's Island.
From lobster rolls to fresh locally caught seafood - from local beers to specialty drinks, the Montauket is a casual laid back spot to enjoy an afternoon and take in the sunset with live music.
Opened in June 2019, Sel Rrose Montauk finds owner Kristin Vincent venturing out of her comfort zone in the Lower East Side of Manhattan (where all three of her other bars are located) and opening her doors in the seaside getaway town of Montauk. The newest addition to Vincent’s portfolio of cool bars (alongside Figure 19 and Home Sweet Home) is the perfect expansion of Sel Rrose Manhattan where a cool Downtown fashion crowd, the art world and avant-garde professionals linger over natural wines, cocktails and fresh oysters.
7 locals recommend
Sel Rrose Montauk
4 S Elmwood AveOpened in June 2019, Sel Rrose Montauk finds owner Kristin Vincent venturing out of her comfort zone in the Lower East Side of Manhattan (where all three of her other bars are located) and opening her doors in the seaside getaway town of Montauk. The newest addition to Vincent’s portfolio of cool bars (alongside Figure 19 and Home Sweet Home) is the perfect expansion of Sel Rrose Manhattan where a cool Downtown fashion crowd, the art world and avant-garde professionals linger over natural wines, cocktails and fresh oysters.
Located at Salivar's Dock, the new establishment still possesses the charm of our previous location at Westlake, while keeping the diner like qualities of the old time Salivar's Restaurant that many Montauk locals knew and loved. The iconic (and grandfathered-in) red neon Salivar’s signs will light ups the restaurant inside and out, while the well-known head of a great white shark—caught by sport fisherman Frank Mundus, who was said to be the inspiration for the charter captain in “Jaws”—and other familiar fish heads will resurface, too.
Our new location features an inside bar, outside bar, sushi bar and a top deck that overlooks the harbor!
31 locals recommend
Clam and Chowder House at Salivar's Dock
470 W Lake DrLocated at Salivar's Dock, the new establishment still possesses the charm of our previous location at Westlake, while keeping the diner like qualities of the old time Salivar's Restaurant that many Montauk locals knew and loved. The iconic (and grandfathered-in) red neon Salivar’s signs will light ups the restaurant inside and out, while the well-known head of a great white shark—caught by sport fisherman Frank Mundus, who was said to be the inspiration for the charter captain in “Jaws”—and other familiar fish heads will resurface, too.
Our new location features an inside bar, outside bar, sushi bar and a top deck that overlooks the harbor!
We offer organic produce and groceries, cosmetics, vitamins and herbs, as well as a full service breakfast and lunch menu. We have been catering to early risers and beach goers looking for a delicious and nutritious meal or snack since 1985. Naturally Good Foods and Cafe offers a full menu, an expanded grocery store, local beer, and organic espressos, cappuccinos & lattes!
32 locals recommend
Naturally Good
779 Montauk HwyWe offer organic produce and groceries, cosmetics, vitamins and herbs, as well as a full service breakfast and lunch menu. We have been catering to early risers and beach goers looking for a delicious and nutritious meal or snack since 1985. Naturally Good Foods and Cafe offers a full menu, an expanded grocery store, local beer, and organic espressos, cappuccinos & lattes!
The Shagwong Tavern has been a Montauk mainstay for almost 100 years. Originally opened in 1936, Shagwong today maintains it’s authentic history and old-school east end charm while the new regime continues to bring the infamous free-spirited down and dirty dive bar vibe to the Montauk social scene, as well as fresh local comfort fare all year round.
12 locals recommend
Shagwong
774 Montauk HwyThe Shagwong Tavern has been a Montauk mainstay for almost 100 years. Originally opened in 1936, Shagwong today maintains it’s authentic history and old-school east end charm while the new regime continues to bring the infamous free-spirited down and dirty dive bar vibe to the Montauk social scene, as well as fresh local comfort fare all year round.
Local Attractions
A National Historic Site, the Montauk Point Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from the easternmost point of Long Island and is one of the best things to do in Montauk NY. Visitors can climb 137 iron steps to the top and tour the beautiful grounds. The visitor center houses a gift shop and a museum exhibiting an extensive collection of maritime artifacts and historical documents pertaining to the nation’s fourth oldest active lighthouse.
257 locals recommend
Montauk Point Lighthouse
2000 Montauk HwyA National Historic Site, the Montauk Point Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from the easternmost point of Long Island and is one of the best things to do in Montauk NY. Visitors can climb 137 iron steps to the top and tour the beautiful grounds. The visitor center houses a gift shop and a museum exhibiting an extensive collection of maritime artifacts and historical documents pertaining to the nation’s fourth oldest active lighthouse.
Located in Montauk, New York amidst thousands of preserved acres of spectacular coastal land, Deep Hollow Ranch welcomes visitors from all over the world, from the experienced cowhand to the beginner. Here one can step back in time and catch a glimpse of America’s rich history.
Patrick and Cate Keogh run the ranch. They met there years ago, got married right next door and now are working the ranch together. Their children, Francesca, Broudy and Rohan, all pitch in and help when they can.
31 locals recommend
Deep Hollow Ranch
1929 Montauk HighwayLocated in Montauk, New York amidst thousands of preserved acres of spectacular coastal land, Deep Hollow Ranch welcomes visitors from all over the world, from the experienced cowhand to the beginner. Here one can step back in time and catch a glimpse of America’s rich history.
Patrick and Cate Keogh run the ranch. They met there years ago, got married right next door and now are working the ranch together. Their children, Francesca, Broudy and Rohan, all pitch in and help when they can.
Montauk Downs State Park is a state park in Montauk, New York, United States. The park is located in Suffolk County near the eastern tip of Long Island's South Fork, about one mile east of the hamlet of Montauk.
35 locals recommend
Montauk Downs State Park
50 S Fairview AveMontauk Downs State Park is a state park in Montauk, New York, United States. The park is located in Suffolk County near the eastern tip of Long Island's South Fork, about one mile east of the hamlet of Montauk.
Montauk Point State Park is a 862-acre state park located in the hamlet of Montauk, at the eastern tip of Long Island in the Town of East Hampton, Suffolk County, New York. Montauk Point is the easternmost extremity of the South Fork of Long Island, and thus also of New York State.
Montauk Point State Park
Montauk Point State Park is a 862-acre state park located in the hamlet of Montauk, at the eastern tip of Long Island in the Town of East Hampton, Suffolk County, New York. Montauk Point is the easternmost extremity of the South Fork of Long Island, and thus also of New York State.
Ditch Plains Beach
18 Ditch Plains RdGrocery
Providing fresh, local dayboat seafood for both wholesale and retail, Gosman's has been a family owned business since 1943.
22 locals recommend
Gosman's Retail Fish Market
484 W Lake DrProviding fresh, local dayboat seafood for both wholesale and retail, Gosman's has been a family owned business since 1943.
Herb’s is the local, family-owned market in town. It’s a great place to pick up sandwiches and beers to take to the beach, but the real reason to come here is for the fried chicken, which is the best on the East End. Their crispy, moist, super salty poultry is incredible, and we specifically recommend getting as many wings as they have in stock.
8 locals recommend
Herb's Market
778 Montauk HwyHerb’s is the local, family-owned market in town. It’s a great place to pick up sandwiches and beers to take to the beach, but the real reason to come here is for the fried chicken, which is the best on the East End. Their crispy, moist, super salty poultry is incredible, and we specifically recommend getting as many wings as they have in stock.
We offer organic produce and groceries, cosmetics, vitamins and herbs, as well as a full service breakfast and lunch menu. We have been catering to early risers and beach goers looking for a delicious and nutritious meal or snack since 1985. Naturally Good Foods and Cafe offers a full menu, an expanded grocery store, local beer, and organic espressos, cappuccinos & lattes!
32 locals recommend
Naturally Good
779 Montauk HwyWe offer organic produce and groceries, cosmetics, vitamins and herbs, as well as a full service breakfast and lunch menu. We have been catering to early risers and beach goers looking for a delicious and nutritious meal or snack since 1985. Naturally Good Foods and Cafe offers a full menu, an expanded grocery store, local beer, and organic espressos, cappuccinos & lattes!
Our new Round Swamp Farm beach-side market has now opened to serve the community and visitors of Montauk. We hope to become a gathering place for beach-goers looking for satisfying homemade baked goods, and healthy prepared foods, salads, and snacks.
The beautiful new market located next to the Montauk Beach House is a short walk from the village ocean near Royal Atlantic Beach Resort, Nick’s on the Beach, Surf Club, Marram, as well as Montauk village and shops. Conveniently accessible for quick grab-and-go options throughout the day.
30 locals recommend
Round Swamp Farm
71 S Elmwood AveOur new Round Swamp Farm beach-side market has now opened to serve the community and visitors of Montauk. We hope to become a gathering place for beach-goers looking for satisfying homemade baked goods, and healthy prepared foods, salads, and snacks.
The beautiful new market located next to the Montauk Beach House is a short walk from the village ocean near Royal Atlantic Beach Resort, Nick’s on the Beach, Surf Club, Marram, as well as Montauk village and shops. Conveniently accessible for quick grab-and-go options throughout the day.
Founded in 2003 by Alex Balsam, Balsam Farms is located on the South Fork of the East End of Long Island. We started farming with ten rented acres, one tractor, and a small roadside farm stand. We’ve learned and grown a lot since then, and today we farm several fields between the villages of Amagansett and Sagaponack.
Balsam Farms Montauk Market
662 Montauk HwyFounded in 2003 by Alex Balsam, Balsam Farms is located on the South Fork of the East End of Long Island. We started farming with ten rented acres, one tractor, and a small roadside farm stand. We’ve learned and grown a lot since then, and today we farm several fields between the villages of Amagansett and Sagaponack.
Alimentari Beach Montauk
752 Montauk HighwayAn Italian Market, Cafe, & Pizzeria in the center of Montauk.