The tide is high but we’re holding on for another gine-too-fast Hamptons summer. Here are our East End number ones, from a Wainscott market stand to an East Hamptons nightclub.
Best Massage: Style Bar (1 Bay St., Sag Harbor)
Women and “today’s men” are both free to enjoy the full-service waxing room at this friendly Sag Harbor wellness dispensary. Style Bar is also a popular spot for private events, whether you’re part of a bridal party looking for a day of adult pampering or hosting a birthday party for your little girl.
Best Party Compound: Ruschmeyers (161 2nd House Rd., Montauk)
For a taste of what’s haute and hip, Ruschmeyers hotel is the spot to see and be seen. Amenities include a pool, resort deck, lawn games and an in-house eatery that offers locally sourced fare. When the sun goes down, the hippest of the hip can be found in the bar and disco located in the former speakeasy. New York surfers and the weekend party crowd love the nautical theme of the playfu, yet glamorous, spot. Ruschmeyer’s is walking distance to the village and surfing breaks. The low-key environment keeps it homey, while the “beach house” decor makes you wish for an endless summer.
Best Steamroom: Ananas Southampton (71 Hill St. # 2B)
After hot summer days and sultry summer nights, it may be time to really unwind and relax. Ananas is just the place. The full service day spa offers the finest upscale services for its discerning clientele. Whether you need a massage, a makeup consultation for a sexy night out, or to get beach-ready with the cellulite busting endermologie, the best services and practitioners are here to pamper.
Best Beach-Chic Boutique: Calypso (21 Newton Ln., East Hampton)
When it comes to beautiful beachwear, Calypso in East Hampton is the spot for discerning fashionistas. With a seemingly endless supply of caftans and cardigans, Calypso offers everything to get you ready for the beach. Grab a sexy bikini or bright cruise wear. The boutique shop also offers an array of domestic goods to make your vacation house feel more like home.
Best Shopping: Michael Kors (19 Newtown Ln., East Hampton)
When it comes to women’s wear, Michael Kors is a force to be reckoned with. It’s no wonder that the American designer is a hit in the Hamptons. The classic label just oozes American luxury. From apparel to accessories, Mr. Kors will have you looking sharp without looking over-done whether you’re attending a beach cocktail party, or a relaxing ladies lunch.
Best New Hotel: Montauk Beach House (55 S Elmwood Ave., Montauk)
After serious renovations, Chris Jones and Larry Siedlick have turned the former Ronjo Motel into the Montauk Beach House – a must-see boutique hotel in the Hamptons. With glass doors in the lobby that open to the street, a half-acre private beach club, cabana beds and specialty cocktails, the Montauk is sure to be the new hotel haute-spot for the glamorous Hamptons dweller. Rooms feature 11-foot ceilings, private balconies, and some offer private outdoor gardens. Très chic!
Best Grocery: Whole Foods Market Stand (368 Montauk Hwy., Wainscott)
East Hampton hamlet Wainscott has always been a haute spot for fresh summer fun, now Whole Foods is ensuring that fresh artisan snacks will be available to fuel your summer fun. This summer Wainscott became home to the first Whole Foods Market FARM Stand. The pop-up occupying the Plitt Ford dealership, will stock local seasonal food in addition to meat, seafood and baked goods, making it the perfect place for an organic snack to take to the beach.
Best Locavore Restaurant: Southfork Kitchen (203 Sag Harbor Tpke., Bridgehampton)
Critics fall over themselves to praise chef Joe Isidori’s New American menu, which is about as local as they come. Seafood items, including a house clam chowder, are the standouts in this uniquely minimalist-pastoral space owned by wordy blogger Bruce Buschel. Curbed.com readers voted this the best restaurant in all the Hamptons.
Best Nightclub: SL East (44 Three Mile Harbor Rd., East Hampton)
The team behind Abe & Arthur’s, Catch, Tenjune and SL brings its amped up Meatpacking District template—airtight door and bottles galore—to this 7,000 square foot indoor-outdoor nightclub space. It’s a favorite of hip-hop stars and the (famous and undiscovered) models who love them. Expect judgement and a long wait at the door.
Best Iconic Restaurant: Nick & Toni’s (136 N. Main St., East Hampton)
An East Hamptons classic and celebrity magnet, with another branch on the Upper West Side. The rustic interior inspired by Tuscany may seem somewhat dated, but the Italian menu is timeless. Try the marinated veal flank steak as you scan the room for Jerry Seinfeld.
Best Gallery Walk: Jobs Ln., Southampton (Addresses Vary)
Nestled among the sort of posh boutiques found all dcross the Hamptons is a cluster of prime galleries on Jobs Lane. Highlights include the Arthur T. Kalaher Fine Art Gallery, Tripoli Gallery and the Parrish Art Museum, which will move its respected American collection into a stunning new Herzog & de Meuron-designed building in Water Mill this fall.
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