The Wardrobe Consultant's Travel Guide: The Hamptons
Every summer for the past 12 or so years we’ve visited my best friend Tracie and her family in the Hamptons. Calling them friends seems like a gross understatement, because after decades of friendship (she was my college roommate and maid of honor in our wedding) and countless vacations, trips and visits together - as couples, families and just girls - Tracie and her gang are more like the family you choose than merely friends.
As an aside - did you see the Amazon Prime series, “The Summer I Turned Pretty”? It was adapted from a YA book of the same name… Well, without giving too much away, it’s about two best friends that summer together with their families at one of the women's homes in the fictional beach town of Cousins. When Maggie and I watched it, her comment was “this is just like us and Tracie’s family - without the divorce, sickness and sexual tensions between the kids''. LOL! Basically, it’s us, taking out all of the drama that makes for a compelling read or watch. In other words, boring.
And that really comfortable, boringness just about sums up my relationship with the Hamptons. I love it because it’s quality time with my favorite people AND I am quite uninteresting when I visit. No waiting on line at the trendiest spots to get a seat. No clubbing at a place like Surflodge that you’ll see on the 20/30 year old Instagram darlings feeds. Honestly, most of our time is spent at home, hanging outside and cooking. We do a bit of shopping and a few dinners out but most days are pretty uneventful (and that’s precisely why it’s so special).
When I share stories from my trip on Instagram, my dm’s are full of folks asking for recommendations and suggestions. And I have been intending to make a Hamptons favorites post for years…So, this year, I finally sat my a** down and compiled a list of my most loved places to eat and shop in the Hamptons.
After 12+ years, it’s rather long. Some are old standards that have been around for ages and some are newer finds or newly opened. Truly each summer there are spots that have closed and new ones that are amazing - so this list may need to be updated annually.
But at least it’s here, all in one place now. I’ve divided the list by town, so if you’re going to one area or another it should make it a bit easier. Also note, I can't really comment on where to stay because we’ve never stayed at a hotel there… If you have any hotels in the Hamptons that you love, please let me know in the comments!
What Exactly is the Hamptons?
Many people have heard of the Hamptons, but it might seem like that fictitious town of Cousins, from the show I mentioned above. Because where it actually is and how the Hamptons are laid out can be a little confusing. The Hamptons are a group of towns on the far south eastern end of Long Island. It is a string of seaside communities with interior villages and farmland. And a destination for many New York City residents as a way to escape the hustle and bustle, as well as the heat of the city in the summer.
The drive takes 2.5-5 hours depending on traffic as well as where you’re going. West Hampton is closest and Montauk is at the very tip. And the traffic can be brutal! Especially on the way to Montauk because it is essentially one 2 lane road all the way through the towns.
We stay in East Hampton so most of my recommendations are focused on the further end of the island. And I’m only recommending places I have personally visited. Yes, I might not have been there this past season - but I have been there. It is important to me that when I am suggesting something to you, I am coming from a place of authentic knowledge and experience.
Also, I am not mentioning the bigger chain stores or designer outposts (like Chanel or Gucci - although if that’s what you’re looking for, trust me, it’s there!)
East Hampton - Shopping
Tenet
A great contemporary women’s store in the heart of East Hampton town. There is also a South Hampton store, but I tend to goto this one more. They carry brand like Raquel Allegra and Brock to name a few.
Kirna Zabete
I adore shopping at Kirna Zabete in Soho, Palm Beach and East Hampton. They always carry up and coming as well as well known designers. Owner Beth Buccini has an excellent eye and curates the ultimate fashion experience for her clients.
The Westside
I love their TriBeCa store and the vibe fits perfectly with the beach.
The westside is a California inspired boutique, with a laid back luxury feel and collection of womenswear, accessories, beauty, apothecary, and home goods. The westside embodies founders Haro and Sari’s lifestyle, with a cool, laid-back, effortless style. The westside is for the modern woman that loves style but wants to dress comfortably.
Aerin
A few years back I visited Aerin, it is such a visually appealing store. I didn’t end up getting anything but it’s fun to visit.
AERIN is a global luxury lifestyle brand inspired by the signature style of its founder, Aerin Lauder. Based on the premise that living beautifully should be effortless, the brand develops curated collections in the worlds of beauty, fashion accessories, and home décor..
Shoe-Inn
There was a Shoe-Inn on Palm Beach Island and I used to go with my Grandma. The East Hampton one is the same - great service, they really know their shoes and you might discover a brand you’ve never heard of.
Unlike many other shoe companies, Shoe-Inn has a long-standing history with shoes, dating back to the late-1940s. As a family, we have worked side-by-side and have come from four generations of shoemakers. But as times change, we adjust, too!
White’s Pharmacy
This pharmacy has been in East Hampton for 136 years! While it has grown with the times and offers things like Bobbi Brown makeup - there is still an old school charm.
SHAN
A Canadian swimwear and athleisure brand. Ladies love the fit and function of their clothes.
Founded in 1985, SHAN is internationally recognized for its high-end resort wear with its refined style, flawless designs and exclusive prints. SHAN manufactures and exports its collections in over 32 countries, including France, United States, United Kingdom, Russia and Australia
There are also some great boutique like chain stores that can be shopped online but have brick and mortar shops in town: Zadig and Voltaire, Nili Lotan, Alice and Olivia, Reformation, Intermix, Ralph Lauren and Todd Snyder, Zimmerman.
East Hampton - Food
Nic and Toni’s
Great people watching. Honestly have not been there in years but it’s an East Hampton staple.
Opened in 1988, our flagship restaurant in East Hampton remains a charming and dependable table for a delicious and seasonally inspired meal in a community ripe with edible bounty. While the Tuscan farmhouse setting, wood-burning oven, extensive drink program, and outsider art all add to the ambiance, the energy of the dining rooms seem to take on a life of their own thanks to the vivacious diners who fill our seats night after night.
East Hampton grill
A Hamptons classic. Open year round, East Hampton Grill sees all seasons in an area steeped with a rich history and storied beauty. Whether you are visiting for the summer season or you live in the Hamptons year round, East Hampton Grill is a place where you can enjoy good food and drink with gracious and attentive service.
The Golden Pear
There is a Golden Pear in 4 of the Hamptons towns. Perfect for breakfast or lunch - pre or post exercise. Or even for a break to refuel while shopping.
Cittanuova
Right in the heart of East Hampton. With both a front and back patio. Contemporary Italian cuisine, and now offering all day dining.
Round Swamp
This is one of those IYKYK places with the most delish prepared foods and baked goods. OMG, the pies, the cookies, the corn salad. “A nine-generation, family run market. They sell their own produce however it’s their baked goods that have given them a cult following.”
Levian Cookies
Famous fist sized, 6 oz cookies with iconic status. The Wainscott location is dangerously close to where we stay although I’d absolutely drive through traffic for these cookies. They’re that good!
Amagansett - Shopping
Ganeaux
This store is like the ultimate cool girl shoppe. They carry No6 clogs and her husband makes the most amazing jewelry you can wear all the time. It’s right on Main Street.
Love adorned
One of my favorite places to find treasure.
Love Adorned is a fine jewelry and lifestyle store from veteran retailer Lori Leven housing a curated inventory informed by years of traveling and collecting. Love Adorned is a shift away from throwaway culture that values utility, aesthetics, and craftsmanship.
Henry Lehr
There are Henry Lehr stores in each town but I find this location to have the best selection. Sister store to “Henry Lehr Men,” a high-end retailer specializing in fashionable cottons, cashmeres and denims. The story goes that in 1984 Henry Lehr, in his Soho Boutique, decided to wash and launder a new delivery of silk shirts to make them more supple looking. They immediately sold out and ever since have aspired to create luxurious clothing that appeared casual, durable and “lived in.”
Warm
I originally found this brand at the Westside in Tribeca.
“Warm is a specialty shop whose wares are curated with love and attention by Winnie Beattie and her husband Rob Magnotta. They spend their lives, along with their three boys, in pursuit of warmth-in people, places and objects. Winnie spent her childhood in Hawaii and met Rob in the ocean surfing so their shared love of sunshine, mountains, travel, and family is innate. Warm is for other urban hippies like them who live in the big city but want to go where it’s warm…"
Warm carries thoughtful, hard to find brands who pay attention to the little things that matter... craftsmanship, yummy fabrics, handmade details, small batches, capsule collections, family owned and oriented with an overall focus on being special and good…
Jenni Kayne
“Jenni Kayne is a California lifestyle brand that inspires women to live well every day. From wardrobe essentials to all the things that make a house a home, we create effortless staples without sacrificing style or comfort. With a focus on inviting neutrals, quality construction, and attention to detail, our pieces stand the test of time. We believe in simplicity, consistency and building a personal uniform that lasts season after season.”
Ulla Johnson
“Ulla Johnson honed her signature style between her native streets of New York and the far-flung destinations of her family travels. Her eponymous line, founded in 1998, has become synonymous with custom prints, intricate embroideries, and fine tailoring, all of which have earned her a loyal and global customer base. With the introduction of a shoe and handbag collection in Fall 2013, the line now encompasses a full range of product categories sourced and produced worldwide with an emphasis on artisanal and handcrafted processes. She opened her flagship New York City boutique in spring of 2017, and Amagansett is her second retail venture.”
Amagansett - Food
Carissa’s (my favorite breakfast)
This is the dine in location. East Hampton has a pick up location, but this is my favorite. Everything is delish but the olive bread, egg and cheese sandwich and shashukka are my personal favorites.
“At Carissa’s, what began with something as "simple" as baking bread has evolved into a locally-minded kitchen and community hub. Within our counter-service, all-day bakery we sell European-style breads, viennoiserie and vibrant cakes inspired by the surrounding flora, all baked on-site in our bright and sunny, modernist space. Our dishes are based on the principles of wholesome ingredients that honor the season, in addition to fresh juices and coffee.”
Wölffer kitchen
A few years ago I saw the Barefoot Contessa eating here!
The Wölffer Kitchen is the first winery-owned restaurant on the East End. Rooted in Wölffer's signature style and bohemian spirit, the Kitchen offers a creative take on local, seasonal cuisine and acts as a community gathering spot for guests to dine and discover.
1770 house (delish price fix menu)
Historic and beautiful- Tracie always suggests this for Greg’s birthday and it is so not Greg that we never go, LOL.
For more than 250 years, The 1770 House has welcomed guests with hospitality and comfort, a tradition that continues to attract guests from around the world to the intimate Inn, steps from the heart of East Hampton Village. The venerable home, today a boutique hotel and restaurant, seamlessly integrates historic elegance with luxurious, modern amenities and first-class dining by Chef Michael Rozzi.
Clam Bar
Clam Bar
Clam Bar is a very casual dive for fried clams/lobster roll. 8 or 9 years ago we were eating next to Gwyneth, Apple, Moses and Chris Martin - obviously before they split. It was so nice because no one bothered them and they were having a family dinner straight from the beach just like the rest of us.
“A true sign of the summer—the Clam Bar. Over the last 41 years, the Clam Bar at Napeague has cemented itself as an institution, a landmark, and harbinger of all things summer in the Hamptons. East of Amagansett, west of Montauk, on the highway.”
Cavinolas
Delish cheese! There is a Sag Harbor location but I tend to like the Amagansett one.
“Cavaniola's gourmet cheese shop was founded in 2004 with a very simple goal, to share only the highest quality, delicious and unique cheeses and gourmet goods with the east end community. our wine cellar and kitchen would follow, and continue to promote the same philosophy.”
Montauk - Shopping
I don’t think of Montauk as the destination for shopping. There are two places I will stop in if we go early for dinner.
Whalebone
Whalebone is located next to Duryea’s and makes the softest, t-shirts and sweats. My whole family loves them so I always try and make a trip.
Wyld blu
“Named for Rhythm Wyld Benz, 5, and Baybi Blue Benz, 3, Wyld Blue is the vision of Australian sartorialist Sasha Benz. A boutique nestled in dreamy Montauk, NY, Wyld Blue is known for its curated, beachy aesthetics that blend memories of a raucous past with the promise of an adventurous future.”
Montauk - Food
The Crow’s Nest
The Crow's Nest
This is my favorite Montauk restaurant. The hill side setting is picturesque and the food is fresh. They don’t take reservations, so plan to wait but enjoy a drink on the lawn or down at the beach.
The Crow's Nest offers a stay in beautiful cottages or rooms in the inn and a variety of amenities with private access to Lake Montauk.
Harvest
“Harvest on Fort Pond is one of Montauk's top-rated restaurants. Established in 1994 it's been a local favorite for over 25 years. Executive Chef Jake Williams serves creative, sharable Montauk Italian inspired by local Montauk seafood and homegrown produce. The Harvest offers creative cocktails, amazing food, Seasonal garden dining and sunsets over Fort Pond.”
Roberta’s pizza
Roberta’s just opened in Montauk, it’s famous in Brooklyn. A Brooklyn landmark with the best pizza EVER. And it’s just opened in Montauk plus they take reservations! Laid-back Mediterranean eatery with chic decor & an extensive wine list from a private cellar.
Duryea’s
Duryea’s
If you love seafood and celebrity spotting, this is your place. Seafood is not my thing, so this is not a regular place for me but years ago we sat next to Stella Mccartney, so that was fun!
“Our restaurants embrace their iconic reputation as casual seaside gems while embodying a chic and festive ambiance fueled by long, lazy rosé-filled days and nights. The Duryea's experience embraces a time-honored tradition of clipboard orders placed at a cashier window. The captivating nature of our properties is soaked in nostalgia, where time, the ultimate luxury, stands still. They are places where friends and families gather to share the freshest seafood, drink wine and celebrate the pure joy of an ocean breeze enhanced by good hospitality. We have created an experience that transcends and transports... and makes you long for your next visit before you ever leave.”
John’s drive in
Old school and kitschy with delish homemade ice cream.
“We've been serving up burgers, homemade ice cream and more in Montauk since 1967.We make our ice cream on premises, and offer a revolving selection of homemade flavors, as well as soft serve ice cream and sorbet. Turn your favorite ice cream into shakes, sundaes, and even cakes.”
Sag Harbor - Shopping
Hudson grace
I was just there - this place is so cute. Gorgeous home goods and gifts. Major love!
“New to the Hamptons, our Hudson Grace store is located in the heart of downtown Historic Sag Harbor, NY. The store is filled with artfully curated treasures, entertaining pieces and vintage to make a house a home. An HG first and exclusive to this New York location, you will find an assortment of outdoor furniture, terra cotta and baskets imported from Belgium on the beautifully landscaped terrace.”
Joey Wölffler
Some of my best purchases have been in this adorable shop in Sag. I just love everything about it!
“Joey Wölffer is a unique retail destination based in the heart of Sag Harbor, NY, specializing in limited luxe jewelry, clothing and accessories for women. Wölffer's concept boutique is a carefully curated treasure trove of extraordinary pieces by hard to find designers mixed with worldly vintage finds along with her own creations.”
Matriark
Another one of my favorites! I found my beloved H necklace here and the owner Patricia is so sweet!
“Matriark's concept store is located in a beautiful Victorian house, where we feature expertly curated fashion, accessories, and decorative objects, all by women and LGBTQIA+ owned brands. Our facade and interior decorations change seasonally, our beautiful porch is a great place to rest and have a little drink after shopping while listening to music or watching the hustle and bustle of Main Street.”
Sylvester & co
In the back of this store they serve Dreamy Coffee. Cult following and IYKYK.
“Founded in 1989 in Sag Harbor, New York, Sylvester & Co Modern General® is the brick-and-mortar home of Lynda Sylvester’s carefully designed and sourced life supplies. Hailed as a “style maker” in a profile by The New York Times, Lynda’s “return to Main Street” philosophy has guided her creative process since the '90s and marks her continued dedication to small, independent manufacturers, makers, and artists.”
JANGEORGE
We are collaborators. Consultants. A company born from the desire to provide our clients with the finest quality and craftsmanship of modern design from Europe and around the world. Our team painstakingly sources an exclusive mix of contemporary furniture, lighting, objects, fabrics, accessories, art, and antiques. From this palette, we create interiors for our clients and provide support for architects, designers, and builders to help bring interior quality, balance, and harmony within their projects.
Flying Point Surf
Everything you’d want in surf to street attire. We love it!
“Flying Point Surf first opened its doors in 1996 on Main Street in Southampton, NY. 25 years later we have expanded to our 6 locations. We have two locations in Southampton Village, a Women's Surf boutique and a Men's Surf Shop on Main Street in the Village of Sag Harbor and our latest locations are our two stores in the Ocean Casino-Resort in Atlantic City.”
Havens by kvd
This summer they’re having a jewelry pop up - don’t miss it!
“HAVENS by KVD is the manifestation of our life-long love of gorgeous perfumes and exquisite home fragrances. We shop the world to curate the most exceptional selection of artisanal scents for your skin and your space.”
Matta
Beautiful fabrics and dresses that make the perfect easy after beach outfit look effortless yet polished.
“Matta is committed to a thoughtful lifestyle with the intent to tread lightly and respect the natural world around us. Forever inspired by nature, which is reflected in Matta's prints by Cristina Gitti (founder/designer), and our production - collections are composed of natural fibers - lightweight cotton, wools, and silks tailored to create dresses, kaftans, dupatta shawls and tops. Gitti designs for women seeking a well-traveled and laid back style.”
Sag Harbor - Food
Sen
Possibly my all time favorite sushi and ramen ever! No reservations so come early and put your name in. Fun fact: the owners went to school with our cousins, the Rosenberg’s at ASIJ (American School in Japan).
“Sen Restaurant, a modern Japanese restaurant, has been a mainstay in Sag Harbor, New York since 1994. Zagat raves, “strike sushi gold at this trendy Sag Harbor phenomenon serving superb, slightly modernized Japanese dishes.” The warm and richly textured dining room is illuminated by amber lighting and framed with copper-capped wood beams. Small wood tables and hand-painted, rock encrusted walls complete the peaceful and dynamic decor. A horseshoe-shaped sushi bar sits at the center of the restaurant, while a small bar which seats three is surrounded by a lounge area in the rear of the restaurant. In the warmer months outdoor seating is available on the front patio, giving guests a prime view of downtown Sag Harbor.”
Tutto il giorno
Yummy Italian and a great patio for people watching.
“A home and gathering place of friends, partners, relatives and anyone who appreciates good food and wine- as well as good shopping. Born of passion for the good life, Tutto is a sensory experience like no other- the perfect marriage of cuisine, location, and lifestyle.”
DUPO Italian
I tend to like the Dopo in Sag Harbor more than the one in East Hampton… Not sure why. It is consistently good food.
“Dopo La Spiaggia is located in East Hampton and Sag Harbor and provides the best Italian cuisine in the Hamptons. Steak, Pasta, Seafood and much more.”
Bilboquet
This place is so “hip”. Is that even a cool word anymore?? Anywhooo, good people watching but you will want to have a back up plan - we were once turned away. AKA, we’re not cool enough.
“Bilbo, as we are affectionately called, has caught on far and wide. We’ve expanded to locales such as Denver and Palm Beach, Sag Harbor and Atlanta. We also have our petit Café Bilboquet in New York and neighboring Mediterranean Fleming. Each restaurant is unique in its character, design, art work and local specials. The consistent thread? The same beloved cocktails, the classic comfort dishes (including the owner’s own Cajun chicken recipe), the jovial service and inimitable Euro vibe.”