Grilled oysters at the newly opened Mavericks in Montauk. Photo: Michelle McSwain
A laid-back alternative to the buzzing Hamptons social scene, Montauk has always enjoyed a sort of mythic quality for visitors and even locals, who lovingly refer to the seaside hamlet as the “End of the World.” Indeed, part of the allure is undoubtedly its tranquil setting on the remote tip of Long Island’s South Fork, where dramatic cliffs meet sandy beaches and surfer-ready waves. Add to that an array of seafood-heavy dining options and a lively cultural scene, and it’s clear why the village makes for an ideal summertime escape.
As with much of New York’s metropolitan area, the pandemic caused a massive influx of both summer renters and homebuyers putting down roots. But there’s a different flavor this season. “This is the first year since 2019 that there are no travel restrictions, so I think people who may have spent the last few summers out here are exploring other options,” says Jennifer Fowkes, executive director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce and Visit Montauk. “This small slowdown makes it just busy enough to be fun for a vacation, while ensuring that you can still get a table at your favorite restaurant and a prime spot at your favorite beach.”
Since right now is an ideal time to discover—or rediscover—Montauk, Galerie has rounded up some of the best things to see and do while you’re in town.
Daunt's Albatross in Montauk has just been revamped by Home Studios, which deployed bluestone pavers, smokeless Breeo fire pits and Adirondack chairs by Teak Warehouse in the courtyard. Photo: Brian W. Ferry
Where to Stay
There’s certainly no shortage of chic places to lay your head in Montauk. It’s no secret that Hamptons partygoers enjoy Surf Lodge, which features a see-and-be-seen outdoor bar overlooking Fort Pond, as well as Gurney’s Montauk, located on a beachfront stretch near Hither Hills State Park. Last year the swanky resort spent $20 million reviving the Seawater Spa, which originally opened in 1980 but had since shuttered. Designed by architect Ignacio Alonso (who masterminded Manhattan’s Aire Ancient Baths), the 30,000-square-foot wellness center features a rare ocean-fed pool, indoor-outdoor treatment rooms, a caldarium, thermal baths, and two frigidariums.
A charming, family-run option is Daunt’s Albatross, which underwent a total renovation last year overseen by Brooklyn-based Home Studios. Conveniently situated in the heart of town and just one block from the ocean, the 23-room inn has retained its old-school charm and laid-back atmosphere thanks to a soothing sea-inspired palette and a warm wood furnishings. (S’mores are also served every night at the courtyard fire pits.)
One of the artfully appointed rooms at Solé East Resort in Montauk. Photo: Solé East Resort
Another classic spot is Solé East Resort, an artfully appointed hotel housed in a handsome Tudor landmark, equipped with 60 rooms and seven cabana-style suites. Guests are welcome to frolic on the manicured grounds, which feature an Instagram-worthy bamboo walkway, pool court with DJ booth, and a restaurant called Backyard that serves seafood straight from the ocean. This summer, in addition to a concert series, the property is hosting a pop-up shop dubbed The Collective Co. curated by boutique agency Roger Louie.
Weekenders looking for an even more relaxed option can book the recently refreshed Sunset Montauk, which is now under new management. “The location is great, the staff is super, and it’s a nice change of pace,” says Fowkes.
The newly opened Mavericks Montauk. Photo: Michelle McSwain
Where to Eat
One of the season’s buzziest debuts is Mavericks Montauk, which just opened to patrons after five years of planning and construction in a stunning waterfront location overlooking Fort Pond. Crafted by Architecture Outfit and Damon Liss Design, the luxe dining destination is packed with art, including a screen print by Andy Warhol and a 500-pound shark sculpture made of found metal objects by artist RISK. James Beard–nominated chef Jeremy Blutstein was tapped by managing partner Vanessa Price to put a fresh twist on traditional steakhouse offerings by using his ties to local vendors. Among the highlights are grilled oysters with kimchi butter, Montauk Jonah crabs with fermented lemon aioli, tuna ribeye with harissa, and house-made pastas, including a decadent lobster radiatori. Leave room for desert and order the pecan pot pie with Vietnamese cinnamon ice cream, dreamed up by chef Rémy Ertaud (who previously worked at the three Michelin starred Lé Pré Catelan in Paris).
The Bird in Montauk. Photo: BRIAN W. FERRY
For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with a quick visit to the Montauk Bake Shoppe, which often sells out of its famously flaky Jelly Croissant, a confection as messy as it is delicious. Nearby is a great lunch option called The Bird, which is the sister restaurant to Daunt’s Albatross across the street. (It also opens at 8am for breakfast.) Housed in a charming A-frame building, the stylish eatery recently underwent a revamp by Home Studios (which also redid the hotel) and now features a simple-yet-chic material palette of reclaimed wood, glazed ceramic tiles, and white-washed plaster. The menu, recently reimagined by chef Marcos Martinez Perez, is already a hit with brunch-goers clamoring for the soft scramble toast topped with young burrata, among other seasonal plates. Best of all, The Bird is now open for dinner on the weekends, while the cocktail bar is open every night until 2am.
Matt Johnson: “19 Sculptures” at The Ranch in Montauk. Photo: the ranch
What to See
Art lovers who have reached their sunbathing maximum are in luck: Montauk is now home to an innovative exhibition space called The Ranch, opened by dealer and arts consultant Max Levai in 2021. Taking over a historic 26-acre horse farm, the venue hosts a rotating series of shows in a converted barn as well as an outdoor gallery. It’s currently the final week to see Matt Johnson’s “Nineteen Sculptures” exhibition in full, with 14 of his irreverent works installed in the property’s West Barn until August 8, and five outdoor sculptures on view through December. The Los Angeles–based Johnson is known for imbuing his polychromed wood creations with sly sense of humor, using trompe l’oeil to create the illusion of everyday objects such as soup cans and take-out bags while demonstrating his technical mastery of the craft. The outdoor sculptures, however, eschew his standard medium in favor of more durable options. A giant popsicle, for instance, is rendered in richly veined marble, while a giant frog is constructed with painted bronze shells.
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