Think the Hamptons is all high-end clubs and lounges? These eight local bars will have you thinking (and drinking) again. From beachfront breweries to down-to-earth wineries, here are the Hamptons’ best imbibing destinations.
Think of Brix & Rye as a “locals only” place where everyone is welcome. At this neighborhood bar, every cocktail lover’s wish is at its command. Here, contemporary, classic, and improvised drinks pair perfectly with fresh clams with bacon and garlicky mashed potato-topped pizzas—some of the best in the region.
Stimulate all of your senses at Dockers Waterside, a Hamptons mainstay for more than 27 years. With its breathtaking waterfront views, live musical entertainment, and diverse drink list, this Dune Road destination is a favorite amongst tourists and locals alike. Tip: you may be surprised to learn that this upscale establishment boasts one of the Hamptons’ best happy hours, complete with a special appetizer menu, affordable drinks, and live music.
Take advantage of the area’s upscale offerings and swap your basic bar outing for a luxe vineyard trip. Wine enthusiasts flock to Wölffer Estate Vineyard to enjoy a taste of life’s finer things at a price that’s better than just fine. Curated wine flights, open-air entertainment, and romantic vistas await you at this grown-up gem.
For a laid-back bar experience, look no further than Montauk Brewing Company. Infused with the same easygoing attitude that characterizes the town, the house brews here come with names such as “Summer Ale” and “Wave Chaser IPA.” In true Montauk spirit, this bar is situated just “steps from the surf, right where it belongs.”
Make no mistake: despite Red|Bar Brasserie’s extensive food menu, wine comes first at this “fashionably casual American brasserie.” Bottles of wine hailing from France, Italy, Spain, and Red|Bar’s backyard pair perfectly with French fare boasting local flair. Tip: this brasserie’s heavy, decadent dishes, which include truffled chicken breast with wild risotto and filet mignon in a rich wine sauce, provide a welcome change from the cuisine found at surrounding seafood-focused establishments.
Amateurs and aficionados alike will enjoy their experience at Lenz Winery, an establishment specializing in affordable luxury. From its extensive wine selection (which features less commonly found wines, including old vine and cuvées) to its 10 a.m. opening time, Lenz is not your parents’ winery. Generously poured wine flights, an artisanal food stand, and welcoming service all make for memorable imbibing.
Thirsty for a throwback bar experience? Relive your college partying days at Boardy Barn, providing raucous entertainment in the Hamptons since 1970. Sure, the lines are long, and your shoes may get ruined by the soaked sand, but the sticker-covered crowd and the best-priced beers in the area will more than make up for it. Along with the retro soundtrack, it’s all part of the experience at this everyday TBT.
With its beachfront location and fresh seafood bites, this down-to-earth establishment is everything a Hamptons bar should be. Situated in a former fishing station, The Station Bar boasts a food menu so fresh that it almost outshines its drinks. Also featuring a pool table and dock, it’s the sunshine and sand that pair best with the bar’s refreshing cocktails and beers.
