For breakfast or lunch, head to the hip little joint of Joni’s Montauk. Just south of Montauk village’s Main Street, the space offers an extensive menu filled with organic and fresh ingredients. They serve delicious sandwiches and salads, with heaps of options for vegetarians and vegans. Also for lunch, and closer to Gosman’s, is a true old-school Montauk gem, The Dock. Situated right on the waterfront, head here for fresh seafood appetizers (and perhaps an iced cold draft beer like the local to your right). It’s a quirky space—one of the classics that Montauk would not be the same without. And on the topic of classics, the Montauket, known as “the hill” by locals, has been kicking since the late 1920s (and family owned since 1959). It’s the perfect laid-back scene to watch the sunset over Gardiner’s Island, with a pleasant touch of live music.
Whether you’re a hotel guest at Montauk Yacht Club or not, head to their new restaurant Ocean Club Montauk for the greatest just-caught seafood dishes, and selected dishes of Braai—a traditional method of South African grilling (a nod to the space’s acclaimed head chef, Jarad McCarroll, who is South African himself). Especially when dining outdoors, along the pool and marina, Ocean Club is the epitome of taste, with its swanky ambiance, meticulous platings, and cohesive flavors. Try the seabass tartare, or the picanha, an item off of the Braai menu that is carefully prepared for over six hours).
Then there’s The Bird Restaurant, a separate property from Daunt’s Albatross that’s also owned and renovated by Leo Daunt. It’s just across the street—and a must to visit both day and night. For breakfast or lunch, grab a bite out back in the garden-like patio. The menu is a fusion of cultures, primarily serving twists on American classics. All of the dishes are crafted and inspired by the brilliant chef Marco Martinez, a native of Rincón, Puerto Rico. New this summer: by night, the space turns into a moody and groovy cocktail bar, with special speakeasy nights on Saturdays, as well as karaoke and trivia on the weekdays. Sail Inn is another quirky spot—a tavern and inn, it’s a perfect dive with homestyle plates, and more importantly, a full bar, pool table, darts, and karaoke every summer Friday. It was recently sold to (and lightly refreshed by) mother-and-son duo Colleen Croft and Luca Guaitolini—who also own Elio’s, an upscale Italian restaurant in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Where to play
No matter the trip, play with nature while in Montauk. Of course, relaxing poolside at Daunt’s or the Yacht Club has its time and place—but the town also boasts so many great and unique preserves, hiking trails, and points of access to the ocean. For a first-time Montauk visit, head to the museum and walk up to the top of a Montauk staple, Point Lighthouse (also, the first lighthouse in New York State). Or, catch a great view of the lighthouse from Camp Hero State Park, where the stretch of coastal cliffs embodies the feeling of being at land’s end. For a short hike close by, head to Shadmoor State Park, home to body-chill-evoking views from the swirling trails along the Atlantic. Have a picnic in the sand dunes (also known as the “Walking Dunes”) of Hither Hills State Park, where you might meet friendly tent campers or surfers who know the breaks like the back of their hand.
Since Montauk Point juts out into the ocean, it has both ocean and bay beaches—if no preference, flirt with both. Ditch Plains Beach is great for all travelers, though it’s best known as a family option (with a few great places for surfing as well). Make it a point to head along the Old Montauk Highway—travelers can walk down grassy pathways toward the purest white sand beaches with less crowds. For shopping, Montauk’s Village is perfect for visiting smaller mom-and-pop boutique shops and galleries.
If you’re dying to set sail, you can charter a sailing catamaran from Mon Tiki Fleets, a sustainably-minded, longtime local company that operates only out of Montauk. Options for both small or large group private charters through Mon Tiki offer a taste of the sea, sailing in the luxury of local craftsmanship.
