A Snob's Guide to What's New in the Hamptons This Summer

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Some things on the East End of Long Island never seem to change, but the power rankings of see-and-be-seen spots where the Hamptons' crowds gather fluctuate by the season—if not the week. Here, a guide to the new openings that are capturing the moment, at least for now.

Sagaponack General StoreIt’s a general store fit for a billionaire—because it’s built by one. This summer, Mindy Gray—who is married to Blackstone bigwig Jon Gray—reopened the beloved Sagaponack General Store, which shuttered in 2020. Gray snagged the store a year after its doors closed and spent the next four years renovating the place, turning it into a chic outpost filled with candy, ice cream, roast chicken, and even postboxes for snail mail. Make the trip and you’re guaranteed to see half of Fifth Avenue, including patrons like Wendi Murdoch and Susan Rockefeller. 542 Sagg Main Street, Sagaponack

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Mary Lou’sAfter a sizzling debut in Palm Beach, private club Mary Lou's made the all-too-familiar pilgrimage to the Hamptons. With its move, the hotspot added some summer flair, including outdoor space, longer hours, and more of a gastronomic experience. And don’t forget about their cocktails: the $22 bourbon-and-lemonade “Trust Fund” martini is a must for nepo babies and the people who love them. 474 West Lake Drive, Montauk

RubirosaRubirosa, the celeb-frequented pizza haunt, has finally expanded beyond Nolita. Camp Rubirosa is open for business in East Hampton through mid-September. The summer-camp themed pop-up has all of the fave dishes from Rubirosa's original location, including its tie-dye pizza, as well as some new camp-inspired ones like its S'mores Sundae. No word on whether they’ll host a color war. 31 Race Lane, East Hampton

The Sagaponack General Store is among the Hamptons buzziest openings this summer. Courtesy Sagaponack General Store

Donahue'sDonahue's Steak House is a staple of the Upper East Side. And like many of the neighborhood's residents, the restaurant has arranged summer plans out east. Donahue's is bringing its no-frills steakhouse to Westhampton, where diners can order the same London broil its regulars have noshed on for 75 years. One Hamptonite who should be excited by the opening? Jimmy Fallon, who is a fan of the Manhattan steakhouse. 144 Main Street, Westhampton

BonBonSag Harbor is home to culinary institutions like Tutto il Giorno and The American Hotel. And as of this summer, it’s also home to an institution dedicated to the last course: BonBon, the Swedish candy confectionary. After opening five stores in New York City (with lines out the door rivaling those at Hailey Bieber’s Rhode's pop-up), BonBon decided on Sag Harbor for its sixth location. Try the "bubs" candy, a classic Swedes sweet. 11 Washington Street, Sag Harbor

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Swifty’sAlmost as soon as the news broke that Palm Beachers Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall would take over East Hampton’s Hedges Inn, snowbirds wondered whether the couple’s Swifty’s Restaurant from their Colony Hotel in Florida would make the trip (the answer was, of course, yes). That means its chic decor, signature cocktails, and juicy hamburger are now for Hamptonites to enjoy—alongside those same steep prices. But, don’t fret, guzzling on bubbly at a patio table makes you feel like you’re in Europe—making that bill just a bit more tolerable. 74 James Lane, East Hampton

Léon 1919Sometimes, the Hamptons restaurant scene can begin to blend together. But with a 14-foot-long hearth in its open kitchen, there’s no mistaking Shelter Island’s Léon 1909. Opened by father-daughter duo Robert and Valerie Mnuchin in 2022, the eatery serves French-Italian food in its airy dining room. After your ribeye roasts in the fire, save room for dessert. That olive oil cake is a favorite amongst regulars. This July, they’re teaming up with Flâneur Wines for a five-course Bastille Day evening, pairing dishes with Oregon wines. 29 West Neck Road, Shelter Island Heights

Gigi'sOut in Montauk, chef Jason Lee has opened Gigi’s, the newest restaurant at Gurney’s. Lee, who previously toiled at The French Laundry, has developed an eclectic menu, featuring everything from sushi rolls to rigatoni alla vodka and rack of lamb. It’s perfect for the share house’s varying dietary preferences. So bring an empty stomach and friends: many of its dishes are meant to be consumed family-style. 290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk

Inside Mary Lou’s Montauk, the hotspot with another outpost in Palm Beach, that opened this summer in the Hamptons. Courtesy Mary Lou's Montauk

Artie's in the HamptonsArthur & Sons owner Joe Isidori is returning to the Hamptons with a new concept: Artie's in the Hamptons. Isidori, a Food Network burger champion, is slinging coronary-clogging beef like his 'Late Night Burger' with American cheese, as well as 'Artie's Burger' with provolone. Isidori is also bringing Arthur & Sons staples from Manhattan, including chicken parm and spicy rigatoni. And he's adding more local dishes for customers, including a fresh lobster pasta. 203 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpikem Bridgehampton

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Bagatelle MontaukWith restaurants in ritzy locales across the world, like St. Tropez and St. Barths, it's hard to believe that Bagatelle waited until this summer to arrive in the Hamptons. After purchasing Gosman's Dock, the waterfront complex in Montauk, billionaire Stephen Deckoff turned to the Bagatelle Group to take over part of the 11.5-acre area. Bagatelle regulars will feel right at home thanks to its DJ booth and thousand-dollar caviar on the menu. Remember, a meal there isn’t complete until you’re standing on your table, waving your napkin, and dancing to vaguely-European, thumping music. 500 West Lake Drive, Montauk

Montauk Yacht ClubAfter a soft launch last season, the newly-renovated Montauk Yacht Club has also officially opened its Ocean Club restaurant. Hotel guests and visitors can now nosh on lobster rolls, burgers, and steak sandwiches — all new additions to the menu. And if you're there over the July 4th holiday, hotel guests can get a taste of Italy by enjoying complimentary tiramisu by the pool. 32 Star Island Road, Montauk

Tusk Bar at Moby’sAttention those who take their cocktails very seriously: the Evelyn Hotel's Tusk Bar in NoMad has arrived at the bar at Moby's in East Hampton. The Tusk Bar will also feature an oyster station for those craving the half shells, and Tristan Brunel, the bar director, has crafted summer cocktail menus specifically for Hamptonites. Its signature martinis are definitely the go-to. 341 Pantigo Road, East Hampton

The Montauk Yacht Club, where the new Ocean Club restaurant recently opened and a Sisley Paris Spa has popped up through Labor Day. Courtesy Montauk Yacht Club

LT BurgerAfter closing in 2022, LT Burger, a popular Hamptons institution, is returning to Sag Harbor. Though he’s now facing competition from Sag Harbor Tavern, chef Laurent Tourondel's signature smash burgers and shakes are poised to be a summer hit once again. And if it ever gets cold or rainy, there's a fireplace inside to warm up. 62 Main Street, Sag Harbor

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Ruschmeyers Beach GrillBacked by new owners, Ruschmeyers, the cozy Montauk retreat, has revamped its food offerings and opened up Ruschmeyers Beach Grill. Taking over the old Placebo restaurant space, Ruschmeyers Beach Grill’s coastal menu features local seafood dishes, like Montauk oysters, and plenty of vegetarian-friendly options, too. After dinner, head to the sand and watch the picturesque sunset. One person who likely won’t be there? Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper, who claimed she was booted from the spot in 2021 for not wearing a wristband. 161 Second House Road, Montauk

Namiro SushiThe Hamptons has a new sushi spot, Namiro. While a spicy tuna roll craving might beckon you inside the sleek restaurant, its cocktail menu is also a draw. Beyond raw fish, the baby lamb chops are garnering positive reviews. 76C Jobs Lane, Southampton

Crispy Taco Co.Uno Mas in Southampton is now Crispy Taco Co. Also this summer, the restaurant group is opening up a new location at Breakers Montauk. Make sure to try their signature tacos (with two taco shells, one crispy, one soft), or cozy up at the bar in the back in Southampton and sip on margaritas. 44 Hampton Road, Southampton and 769 Montauk Highway, Montauk

The oceanfront SeaSalt at Solé East in Montauk, where chef Melissa O’Donnell offers Mediterranean fare to a sun-kissed crowd. Lena Yaremenko

SeaSaltSeaSalt takes over for the Backyard Restaurant at Solé East in Montauk. Chef Melissa O'Donnell, who hails from the old Salt Bar restaurant on Manhattan's Lower East Side, has introduced a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring local fish and octopus confit. Bring a bathing suit: the restaurant is across the street from the ocean. 90 Second House Road, Montauk

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Nikki's Not Dog StandNikki's Not Dog Stand in Sag Harbor slings hot dogs, hamburgers, and other American comfort food—but they’re all plant-based. Owner Nikki Glick, who lives in the Springs, wanted a classic all-vegan diner with health food on its menu. But don’t let that word ‘health’ scare you: if you're in the mood for desserts, they've got vegan brownies and blondies, too. 51 Division Street, Sag Harbor

The Sagaponack HotelThe Sagaponack Hotel is a newly-opened hotel perfectly located for those looking to bop around the various Hamptons towns. Across seven-acres, the 30-key hotel has standard rooms, as well as detached bungalows featuring kitchenettes and cocktail bars. While the property has a heated pool, if you’re in the mood for the beach, they also offer beach passes and lockers to store items. 3720 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack

The Hedges InnAfter a protracted battle between the Town of East Hampton and Zero Bond owner Scott Sartiano over the iconic Hedges Inn, the hotel’s ownership decided to put the bed-and-breakfast on the market. Fortunately for Hamptons residents, Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall, owners of Palm Beach’s Colony Hotel, stepped in and bought the property. They’ve done a quick touch-up and transplanted their beloved Swifty’s restaurant concept from Palm Beach to the Hamptons. 74 James Lane, East Hampton

East Hampton favorite The Hedges Inn has oepned under new management—the folks behind the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach—and now features a see-and-be-seen outpost of the restuarant Swfity’s. GREG KESSLER/KESSLER STUDIO

FĒNIKSDouglas Gulija knows what it takes to succeed in the Hamptons restaurant scene, having operated The Plaza Café in Southampton for nearly three decades. This summer, the chef and restaurateur is opening up a new concept, FĒNIKS, in the old Le Chef space on Jobs Lane. Customers have three dining options in the two-story restaurant: a prix-fixe chef's counter for only six diners, an a la carte menu, and a lounge for cocktails and small plates. 75 Jobs Lane, Southampton

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El VeranoThere's a new taco joint in Southampton: El Verano Taco Lot. It's the sister restaurant to chef Julian Medina's El Verano concept. With picnic tables, guacamole, tacos, and frozen margaritas, it's Southampton's answer to Amagansett's La Fondita. 10 Windmill Lane, Southampton

Red Horse Market - SouthamptonIt's one of the buzziest gourmet grocers out east (and there is plenty of competition), with celebrity shoppers like Alec Baldwin and Martha Stewart often roaming its aisles. This summer, Red Horse Market is debuting a new location just steps from the Southampton Post Office. Finally, the family chef doesn't have to trek to East Hampton for meat. 120 North Sea Road, Southampton

Barryville General GoodsBarryville General Goods opened up last August, offering snacks, craft beers, prepared foods, and produce. You won’t be blamed for thinking you’ve stepped foot in a Genius Bar—the sleek supermarket has a point-one-percent Hamptons veneer inside. And, like any good general store in the Hamptons, there's also apparel for sale, from Levi's to vintage items. 1 & 15 Hill Street, Southampton

Southampton PlayhouseTom Cruise flicks are no longer reserved for rainy days in the Hamptons. This summer, the decadent, four-screen Southampton Playhouse is making its long-awaited debut, boasting a lounge, a bookstore, and even an IMAX screen. As a non-profit venture with deep-pocketed backers like Aby Rosen, cinema finally has a firm place in Southampton. 43 Hill Street, Southampton

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