It’s nice that the more things change, the more they sometimes stay the same. Case in point, your summers in the Hamptons. There’s a reason why even after money is no object, you still choose to have “out East” as your home annex every year. This summer will not disappoint. By the looks of it, nightlife is going to be a vibe. And even without a summer rental, you’ll have plenty of bona fide luxe places to stay. But we’ll still see you at the Clam Bar for a lobster roll and the staple favorites this summer.
Barlume Beach
First, Montauk gets its apertivo moment. At Barlume Beach, LDV Hospitality trades bottle service excess for coastal Italian restraint. Skip the blowout and embrace windblown ease. The downtown fashion crossover crowd arrives intentionally underdressed. As golden hour turns to late-night dancing, you may get in. However, the right table matters. Rumor has it, that reservations during peak August weekends have become the hardest to get in Montauk.
Group dinners easily exceed four figures, as the firepits glimmer.
Hotel Corduroy
While barefoot on the lawn at Hotel Corduroy, surrounded by other creatives escaping Manhattan midweek, you realize Montauk’s nostalgic surf identity has been replaced with a quiet cool. Blue Flag Capital, of Faraway Hotels reimagined a restrained California coastal vibe with this organically appointed space. Play on the lawn, or bike the beach — it’s easy vibes here. By the weekend, quiet Gweneth-esque energy replaces nightclub vibes. Peak summer rates approach $2K nightly, so secure now as direct bookings receive priority access.
Faraway Sag Harbor
Originally established in 1958, Faraway updated this harbor front gem. And there’s a reason that old New York families continue choosing Sag Harbor over East Hampton, where garden retreats invite a stroll in the salty air. Almafi-inspired restaurant, Zagara brings new citrus-infused dinners, as actors hide by the sun dappled pool (if you can get in, that is). Summer 2026 availability is already scarce.
Miracle
Sag Harbor native, Michael Nolan’s newest, 50-year dream in the making, is here to stay. Miracle, his intimate addition to Main Street brings Fresno Chef Jesus Gonzalez’s phenom menu to the former whaling village. Meanwhile, Nolan’s wife, Helen Gifford, pulls from London pub culture, creating a restaurant centered on conversation. This is the crowd that says “they really don’t go out” yet, they do go here.
Jean’s at Old Stove Pub
When you know, you know. So does restaurateur Max Chodorow, who expands his 2023 establishment to offer this summer’s biggest social power table. At Jean’s, expect $300-$600 for a candelit dinner for two with wine, amid strategic seating charts of fashion and industry insiders at this iconic venue.
Camp Rubirosa
Manhattan pizza icon Rubirosa’s younger sister establishes residency with summer camp vibes. The playful pop up is a collab between owner Maria Pappalardo and media entrepreneur, Brian Bendol (of Sag Harbor Tavern). Guests enter past the “Canteeno” truck to find a younger finance crowd enjoying iconic thin crusted tie-dye pizzas. Boat shoes are welcome, and Mulberry Street Frosé is a must.
Zoe, Water Mill
For the anti-scene crowd, Zoe it is. Did you say 24/7 concierge services? Cue private chef. Need VIP access to the latest art show or a pool boy? Apply here. Here, Zoe-exclusive events, priority dining club reservations and even the most discreet corporate introductions are at your fingertips. It doesn’t hurt that sold out events somehow become as accessible as that chartered boat (or plane) you’ve been eyeing.
© Courtesy Lion’s Nook Bar & Grill.
Lion’s Nook Bar + Grill
This elevated take on the neighborhood restaurant debuts this summer thanks to Paroni Hospitality’s latest concept. Expect warm familiarity with English Pub vibes. The menu leans American tavern, but elevated. Expect local fish, and burgers a la modern Hamptons dining. Even if you haven’t been coming here forever, you’ll fit right in.
Maison Close
Miason Close exists because the Hamptons needed dining theatre. Burlesque returns this summer at this reimagined Parisian cabaret with a “see and be seen” vibe. This is not a place to hide, but to seek the reality tv and celebrity crowd. It doesn’t hurt that Executive Chef Geoffrey Lechantoux hails from Versailles culinary royalty, and brings Michelin-level precision to a place where subtlety gives way to theatrics.
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FAQs
Q: Where are the hardest reservations to get in the Hamptons this summer?
A: Peak demand spots include Barlume Beach in Montauk, Jean’s at Old Stove Inn, Zagara in Sag Harbor, and exclusive concierge-backed reservations through Zoe.
Q: What are the best luxury hotels in Montauk right now?
A: Hotel Corduroy and Faraway Hotels continue defining Montauk’s modern boutique luxury scene with design-forward accommodations and elevated coastal aesthetics.
Q: Is the Hamptons still dominated by the NYC social crowd?
A: Yes, but the aesthetic has evolved. Today’s crowd blends finance, fashion, media, hospitality, and creative industries with a stronger preference for curated experiences over overt status displays.
