Memorial Day weekend has brought a new set of restaurant openings to the Hamptons, signaling the start of the summer season. In East Hampton, crowds gathered on Saturday at Main Street newcomer Littleneck, a seafood spot serving fried clam rolls and lobster salad with house-made potato chips. Further east in Montauk, a casual burger joint on South Etna Avenue, Mac Attack, drew lines for its signature double cheeseburger topped with a slice of fried mac and cheese.
Several restaurants are aiming for a more club-like atmosphere. In Bridgehampton, the team behind a West Village cocktail bar opened a waterfront outpost, offering small plates and late-night DJ sets. According to staff, reservations for the first two weekends are already booked. In Sag Harbor, a former bakery space now houses a Mediterranean restaurant with a focus on fire-roasted vegetables and grilled fish. Lunch service started on Friday, with a prix fixe menu priced at $46.
Beyond new concepts, some established names are making changes to stay relevant. A long-running Amagansett café has added a raw bar this season, responding to an uptick in weekday lunch traffic as remote workers settle in early for the summer.
Local officials note that permits for outdoor seating are up this year, reflecting continued demand for al fresco dining. Traffic on Route 27 slowed to a crawl by early Saturday afternoon, with parking lots full by 1 p.m. Restaurant owners expect business to pick up further as schools let out in the coming weeks.