2020 Hamptons Guide –
Covid Edition
With the launch of our Hamptons service for the 2020 summer season, we wanted to highlight some of Michael and the team’s favorite spots out East, taking into consideration the ‘new normal’ of Covid and social distancing. At the time this was written, all of the locations we highlight are open for business (at least in some capacity), but be sure to call ahead as things can change quickly.
Did we miss one of your favorite spots? Feel free to email us your suggestions (nyc@michaelandrews.com). We’ll do our best to update this list throughout the summer.
Morty’s Oyster Stand
Amangansett
2167 Montauk Hwy.
www.mortysoysterstand.com
631.668.8355
It’s hard to imagine anyone social distancing at the old Cyril’s, but it’s sanitized successor is refreshingly refined and Covid-era cool. For delicious oysters and exceptional service, Morty’s is the perfect afternoon respite. While the sun-kissed crowds no longer spill onto Montauk Highway, one thing remains the same – Cyril’s epic BBCs. As the menu reminds us, “legends never die.”
Gurney’s
Montauk
290 Old Montauk Hwy.
www.gurneysresorts.com
631.668.2345
For cocktails with an ocean view, few places can beat the patio at Gurney’s. Just be sure to call ahead, as they are requiring reservations to ensure they can maintain proper social distancing.
The Crow’s Nest
Montauk
4 Old West Lake Dr.
www.crowsnestmtk.com
631.668.2077
Okay, so the food is mediocre and the service is so-so, but the picturesque lake-front setting more than makes up for its shortcomings. We have it on good authority that if you are looking to mingle with others suffering from quarantine fatigue, this is the place to be.
The Dock House
Sag Harbor
1 Long Wharf
www.dockhouseny.com
631.725.7555
For a scrumptious lunch on the run in Sag Harbor, head to the Dock House for their award-winning fried clams, lobster rolls, chowder and more.
Buddha Berry
Sag Harbor
125 Main Street
www.buddhaberry.com
631.808.3888
If Dillon’s Candy Bar and 16 Handles had a baby, it would come out looking like Buddha Berry. Be prepared for a near religious experience at this incomparable fro-yo + candy joint. It’s just what you need to wash down those fried clams from the Dock House.
Wölffer Estate
Sagaponack
139 Sagg Road
www.wolffer.com
631.537.5106
Up for more day drinking? The tasting room and wine stand at Wölffer Estate are now reopened (outside, by reservation only). The Wolff is offering its regular menu paired with beautiful vistas of the vineyard. But do us a favor and take an Uber home.
Round Swamp Farm
East Hampton
184 Three Mile Harbor Rd.
www.roundswampfarm.com
631.324.4438
Although the farm stand is currently closed, you can order online for local delivery of some of the freshest produce and best pies in the Hamptons. Fingers crossed the store reopens later this summer. It’s just what our Covid physique needs.
Amagansett Square
Amagansett
1 Amagansett Sq. (off Main Street)
www.amagansettsquare.com
This quaint cluster of boutique shops and restaurants has tons of open space where the kids can play while you engage in some retail therapy. Grab a take-out dosa from Hampton Chutney and some rosé from Wölffer Kitchen for an impromptu picnic on the lawn. Just keep the wine in an unmarked container.
Domaine Franey Wine & Spirits
East Hampton
459 Pantigo Rd.
www.domainefraney.com
631.324.0906
There are a number of good wine stores around the area but Franey is our go-to. They don’t have the breadth of someplace like Astor, but the curated offering and excellent staff recommendations rarely disappoint. Our recent favorite for day drinking – the locally produced Channing Daughters Ramato Orange Pinot Grigio (2019).
Paddle Diva
East Hampton
219 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Rd.
www.paddlediva.com
631.329.2999
For those missing their yoga classes and ab workouts, paddle boarding is the ideal socially distant way to strengthen your core, improve your balance, and zen out for an hour or two. The owner Gina will hook you up with everything you need to paddle your way through the harbor.
Yacht Hampton Boat Rental
Sag Harbor
Long Wharf Shoppes #7B
www.hamptonsboatrental.com
800.417.2027
They say if it flies, floats or does something else, then rent it. What better way to socially distance than out on a boat. Yacht Hampton has a fleet of 29 luxury vessels and each comes with its own Captain Stubing, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Uihlein’s Marina
Montauk
444 West S Lake Dr.
www.uihleinsmarina.com
631.668.3799
If self-driving is more your speed, then skip the captain and head over to Uihleins Marina. They rent boats and jet ski’s, and also offer water skiing and wake boarding. What a great way to burn off some of that Covid 15 you may have packed on.
Ross School Tennis Center
East Hampton
18 Goodfriend Drive
www.ross.org
631.907.5162
Feel the need to hit something? We love doing just that at Ross School Tennis Center. It’s open to the public, the courts are exceptionally well maintained, and at $45/hour they are a relative bargain. Lessons run $150/hour. Reservations are needed, but it isn’t hard to get court time.
Ponquogue Beach
Hampton Bays
280 Dune Rd.
We would be remiss to discuss the Hamptons without talking about the beach. Ponquogue beach is a great stretch of sand near Shinnecock Inlet. It offers parking ($25 for non-residents) and a pavilion with restrooms & concessions. For a more intimate, less crowded beach (but no lifeguards or amenities), head to Egypt Beach in East Hampton. You might just bump into us having a bon fire at sunset.
