Hampton Style - October 10, 2008

Stone Creek Inn is a former speakeasy that now serves French and Mediterranean fare by chef-owner Christian Mir. 451 Montauk Hwy., East Quogue, 631-653-6770, open for dinner from 5:30pm Wednesday-Sunday. Q East is Quogue's stop for Mediterranean-American cuisine. 47 Quogue St., 631-288-3463, serves dinner 5:30-11pm, Thursday through Sunday. Dockers boasts a deck that overlooks Shinnecock Bay. 94 Dune Rd., 631-653-0653; open for dinner at 5:30pm on weekdays. On weekends, lunch is from 12noon-4pm and dinner is from 5:30pm. Hours are until March 24. At The Inn Spot you'll find everything you need to start the day-a relaxed restaurant with good music, coffee and breakfast. 48 Quogue St., 631-653-0007 open from 7:30am-3pm Saturday and Sunday.

Matsulin, 131 West Montauk Hwy.,Hampton Bays 631-728-8838, seven days 11:30am-9:30pm, features fresh sushi and a sake bar. For traditional American dishes such as steak and Long Island duck, Before the Bridge is a good bet. 804 Foster Ave., Hampton Bays, 631-728-9111, 4pm-10pm Thursday-Sunday, Saturday and Sunday lunch from 12noon-3pm.

Housed in a historic 200-year-old building, 1770 House offers memorable contemporary cuisine and elegant accommodations. Additional seating is available downstairs in the tavern, which offers the same menu and wine list as well as traditional pub-style fare. 134 Main St., 631-324-1770, open seven days from 5:30-10pm. The Laundry serves inventive dishes as well as some of the best burgers, fries and desserts in East Hampton. 341 Pantigo Rd., 631-324-3199, Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-10pm, 5:30-11pm Friday and Saturday. Michael's serves good food at a great price. 28 Maidstone Park Rd., 631-324-0725, open seven days starting at 5pm. Turtle Crossing, 221 Pantigo Rd., 631-324-7166, open for dinner Thursday through Monday and Lunch Saturday and Sunday, which has been praised as "The best barbecue on Long Island" according to the New York Times keeps its doors open this fall, and no fine dining list would be complete without mentioning The Palm Restaurant at the Huntting Inn, one of the most coveted reservations on the East End. Serving fine steaks and fresh seafood, the Palm's atmosphere is clubby and historic. 96 Main St., 631-324-0410, serving dinner from 5 pm-10pm weekdays, and until 11pm on weekends; lunch on Saturday and Sunday starting at 12pm. Matto, 104 N Main St., 631-329-0200, Thursday through Sunday 5-10pm, serves hearty Italian dishes or if you're looking for a place happy to seat you and your little ones go to Sam's Restaurant. Owned by the same family since 1947, Sam's serves what is arguably the best pizza in town as well as other kid-pleasers. 36 Newtown Ln., 631-324-5900, open every night starting at 5pm. Nick & Toni's is to the East End what The Ivy is to LA; Hollywood deal-making and social climbing come a la carte.

136 North Main St., 631-324-3550, open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday starting at 6pm. Get your fresh Asian-fusion fix at Bamboo, 47 Montauk Hwy., 631-329-9821, open daily from 5:30pm, and for arguably one of the few truly casual dining establishments remaining in the village right off Main St., John Papa's Café combines traditional American diner fare for breakfast and lunch with more sophisticated offerings for dinner. 18 Park Pl., 631-324-5400, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6am-9pm except Wednesday when they close at 3pm. Looking for a perfect end to a memorable weekend in the Hamptons? Sunday brunch at Babette's has you covered: from fresh fruit smoothies to their "outrageous omelettes" and "organic oatmeal," this spot serves traditional breakfast fare and healthy breakfast options for those of us strong-willed enough to ignore their cinnamon swirl french toast. 66 Newtown Ln., 631-329-5377, open Thursday-Monday 9am-3pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-10pm, and Sunday brunch from 9am-4pm.

Expect a full house on Friday and Saturday night at Almond where devotees can be found sampling from the well-rounded French bistro menu. Dishes are reasonably priced, service is friendly and dinner is served later into the evening than at most area restaurants. 1970 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-8885, open six nights a week starting at 6pm, closed on Wednesday. Another coveted reservation is a table at Mirko's with meals prepared by chef and owner Mirko Zagar. Whether you're in the cozy dining room or outside on the patio, Mirko consistently turns out light and eclectic, Continental-inspired dishes that draw a steady stream of regulars and notable names. Water Mill Square, 631-726-4444, open Thursday-Sunday from 5:30-10pm. Enjoy fresh charcoal-grilled seafood prepared in the Grecian-style at Trata East, 1020 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-6200, open Wednesday-Sunday from 5-10pm and weekends from 5pm-12am. Bridgehampton and Water Mill tend to get quiet after dark, though a few of the restaurants cater to the late-night crowd. Pierre's draws the young, hip, euro-minded crowd. 2468 Main St., 631-537-5110, serving breakfast at 8am, Friday-Sunday brunch at 11am and dinner from 5-10pm, seven days a week. Just down the street is Bobby Van's, famous for its favor among the literary set.

2636 Main St., 631-537-0590, It is open for lunch from 11:30am-4pm; weekdays dinner is from 5:30-10pm and on weekends, 5:30-11pm. There's always an eclectic mix at World Pie, the only place in the area that serves dinner until midnight-it's a good spot for a late meal. 2402 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-7999, open from 11:30am-midnight seven days a week (open from noon on Sunday). A bar doubles as a fish tank at Muse, just one of the alluring elements of the cozy eatery which serves up New American cuisine. 760 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-2606, open Thursday-Sunday for dinner starting at 5pm. Ziggy's, the official before, after and during a surfing day hangout retains its luster year-round. The newly opened venue offers protein-packed choices like stuffed pitas, lamb kebabs and burgers that will keep you warm for the cold season-the two-for-one margaritas can't hurt, either. 964 Bridge/Sag Tpke., 631-537-8080, open daily from 11am. Sophisticated Italian dishes such as Lamb Brasato and an endive, mint and Pecorino Tuscano salad are served at Almoncello, a cozy, warmly lit venue just off 27. 290 Montauk Hwy., 631-329-6700, Thursday-Monday, 6-10pm; Sundays 6-9pm.

If you're more in the mood for nouveau Italian, Annona is your spot. The restaurant is located above the showroom of Manhattan Motorcars and you can ogle a wide array of exotic cars-Rolls Royces to Spykers-as the restaurant serves up their renowned dishes. 112 Riverhead Rd., 631-288-7766, open every day except Monday from 5:30-9:30pm. Another spot for pasta and seafood is Baby Moon, the kid-friendly restaurant serves generous portions; sharing is advised. 238 Montauk Hwy., 631-288-6350, open weekdays from 11am-9:30pm on weekends from 11am-10:30pm. Be sure to try Starr Boggs where the unique décor, including Warhol screen-prints, Venetian mahogany walls, and stained ash floors create a plucky backdrop for the American cuisine. 6 Palato Pl., 631-288-3500, Thursday-Sunday at 6pm for dinner. Housed in a mock Gothic castle, Casa Basso, 59 Montauk Hwy., Westhampton, 631-288-1841, closed Monday, open from 5pm, is family-friendly and offers a $25 three-course Prix Fixe (from 5-6:30pm Friday and Saturday). The Patio at 54 Main serves New-American cuisine including burgers and beers starting at 3pm daily; great game-watching spot. 54 Main St., Westhampton Beach, 631-288-0100, Sunday-Thursday 4-10pm, Friday and Saturday 4-11pm.

Founded in 1870, Claudio's Restaurant is the oldest family-run restaurant on the North Fork. Try the two-pound lobster, flounder, swordfish, scallops, shrimp or any of the tasty daily special offerings. 111 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-0627, open from 11:30am- 9pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and from 11:30am-10pm Friday and Saturday. They close for the season the last week in November. Fall means soup season, and luckily the Chowder Pot Pub has a selection of hearty seafood soups to chase the chill. 104 Third St., Greenport, 631-477-1345, open Tuesday-Sunday 12noon-9pm until Columbus Day when they are open Thursday 5-9pm, Friday 12pm-8pm, Saturday 12pm-10pm and Sunday from 12pm-9pm Closed for the season after Columbus Day weekend. The Frisky Oyster, Greenport's dining gem, serves an inspired menu that changes daily. Winter picks are the steak frites and any of the scrumptious homemade desserts. 27 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-4265, open Wednesday-Sunday from 5pm. The Bayview Inn & Restaurant, 10 Front St., Jamesport, 631-722-2659, open Tuesday-Sunday noon-10pm, is located within walking distance of several vineyards and wineries and also serves a wide selection of local wines. You can create your own seafood dish at Buoy One, which supplies you with a variety of freshly caught fish. 1175 West Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-9737, open 10am-9pm on weekdays and 10am-10pm weekends. If you're craving pizza or pasta, try Parto's and bring the family. 12 West Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-4828, open 10am-9pm on weekdays and 11am-10:30pm weekends, 12noon-9pm Sunday. If you're more in the mood for a gyro, stop by Athens Gyro & Grill. 33 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-1301, open 11am-9pm weekdays, 11am-10pm Friday and Saturday and 12-8pm on Sunday. Grab a bison burger and one of the local beers on tap at Tweeds Restaurant and Buffalo Bar where you can dine amidst the photographs of historic Riverhead, under the light of Victorian chandeliers. 17 East Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-3151, open from noon-9pm during the week and noon-10pm Friday and Saturday. Legends are made at Legends, a pun the pub is probably all-too-familiar with. A favorite after-golf hangout for years, the restaurant boasts a sophisticated new American menu, as well as a traditional pub-fare menu for the bar. Definitely a must-stop if you're looking to break into the gentleman's club. 835 First St. New Suffolk, 631-734-5123 open daily from noon. The authentic Italian fare at A touch of Venice in Mattituck, 631-298-5851, 2255 Wickham Ave., noon-9pm Wednesday through Sunday, is top-notch. A special autumn menu featuring dishes such as pan-seared Scottish organic salmon at the Old Mill Inn is not to be missed. 5775 West Mill Rd., Mattituck, 631-298-8080, Thursday-Monday; Lunch noon-4pm, Dinner 5-9pm, Friday and Saturday 5-10pm, bar open late. North Fork dining does not get much more elegant than at Jamesport Manor, where local dishes such as Long Island duck strudel with brandied cherries can be paired with top local wines. 370 Manor Ln., Jamesport, 631-722-0500, closed Tuesdays, Lunch 11:30-3pm, Dinner 5:30-9pm, 5:30-10pm Friday and Saturday.

Sant Ambroeus' coffee and gelato bar used to be the hideaway for chic locals and Europeans but someone let the word out and it is now one of Main Street's busiest destinations. 30 Main St., 631-283-1233, open Friday-Sunday throughout the fall and winter, except for six weeks beginning mid-February. Tuscan House serves dishes that range from salads and pasta to such entrees as rack of lamb and roast duck. 10 Windmill Ln., 631-287-8703, offering lunch from 11:30am-3:30pm and dinner from 3:30pm-10pm. One of the best lunches in town can be found at Silver's. This is a lunch-only restaurant so you'll have to devour their lobster rolls and crab cakes before the sun sets. 15 Main St., 631-283-6443, open every day except Wednesday from 11am-3:30pm. Another long-time Southampton favorite for lunch is the Sip n' Soda Luncheonette, where their homemade ice cream is a hallmark. 40 Hampton Rd., 631-283-9752, open seven days from 7:30am-5pm. Barrister's is a great spot for having a drink after work, or to enjoy a burger, French onion soup, or local seafood. 6 Main St., 631-283-6206, serving lunch from 11:30am-4pm and dinner from 5:30-10pm with Sunday brunch from 11:30am-3pm. Another place for a good burger is The Driver's Seat. Enjoy cocktails outside, or dine in the roomy booths in the dining room on chili, meatloaf and pork chops. 62 Jobs Ln., 631-283-6606, open from 11:30am-10pm seven days a week. If you're in the mood for Mexican, La Hacienda is an authentic Mexican eatery that serves everything from tacos to breakfast burritos at reasonable prices. 48 Jagger Ln., 631-287-6814, open seven days from 10am-9:30pm. Redbar Brasserie is part bar and part brasserie. This popular spot, with a lively scene, serves home-style cooking with an international twist. 210 Hampton Rd., 631-283-0704, serves dinner Wednesday-Monday starting at 6pm. 75 Main boasts a menu featuring raw local oysters, rock shrimp and grilled lamb chops, to name a few. 75 Main St., 631-283-7575, open every day 11am-9pm and serves brunch Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm. Le Chef is one of Southampton's oldest bistros, and attracts locals with grilled salmon and quiches. 75 Jobs Ln., 631-283-8581, open Sunday 4pm-10pm, Tuesday-Thursday 11:30am-2:30pm for lunch and 5-10pm for dinner and 11:30am-11pm Friday and Saturday. You can sip on a margarita and munch on broiled lobster while overlooking the Peconic Marina at Coast Grill, an unpretentious waterside restaurant. 1109 Noyac Rd., 631-283-2277, open Friday and Saturday from 5-10pm and 5-9pm Sunday. Plaza Café specializes in seafood and carries a fine collection of American wines. 61 Hill St., 631-283-9323, open seven days starting at 5:30pm. Closes for the season, November 28. Southampton Publick House located in Southampton Village on the site of the historic Bowden Square, opened as the first and only microbrewery and restaurant on the East End of Long Island. They serve more than 40 specialty beers, which can also be found in bars and restaurants throughout Long Island and New York City. 40 Bowden Square, 631-283-2800, open Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am-11pm and Sunday noon-9pm. Try a burger at Birchwood. In addition to having a good bar scene, this pub offers lunch and dinner specials in a laid-back atmosphere. 70C Jobs Ln., 631-283-4316, serving food seven days from 11:30am-10pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am-11pm, bar open until midnight. Madame Tong's is a full-service Asian restaurant featuring a lively bar scene. 256 Elm St., 631-204-0300, serves dinner Friday and Saturday starting at 5:30pm. The new steak-plus house at the Southampton Inn, OSO, 91 Hill Street, 631-283-1166, serves all winter. Savanna's, 268 Elm St., 631-283-020, Thursday-Monday dinner from 6pm, closes for the season November 1. Until then, its menu features local seafood, Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, exotic game, prime steaks, homemade pasta and organic produce. The kitchen is complemented with a wood-burning oven where all of the restaurant's fresh bread is baked.

The American Hotel boasts a world-class menu in its restaurant with a wine list to match. 25 Main St., 631-725-3535, open for lunch seven days starting at noon and dinner from 5-10pm. The New Paradise Café serves elegant meals all winter long. 126 Main St., 631-725-6080, open from 5:30-10pm on Monday-Thursday, from 5:30-11pm on Friday and Saturday. If you're in the mood for sushi, Sen has the traditional favorites along with creative custom rolls-the long waits are worth it. 23 Main St., 631-725-1774, open Wednesday- Monday 5:30pm-10pm, Sunday until 9pm and Friday and Saturday until 11pm. Oasis Waterfront Restaurant & Bar offers great views of Noyac Harbor in a romantic setting. Sit amongst the potted palms while enjoying dishes like the lobster-mashed potatoes and seared scallops. 3253 Noyac Rd., 631-725-7110, open from Thursday-Sunday 5:30-10pm. Another sunset spot is the Beacon; the easygoing, elegant restaurant is a great place for a twilight dinner. Try the lobster and corn in a cream sauce over rigatoni and the grilled portabello mushrooms. 8 West Water St., 631-725-7088, open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday from 6pm. For a more casual meal on the water, enjoy fresh seafood at Dockside Bar & Grill. Their lobster and avocado spring rolls are among the best appetizers in Sag Harbor. 26 Bay St., 631-725-7100, open Monday and Thursday from 11:30am-9pm; Friday from 11:30am-10:30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am-10:30pm (Hours good until January 15.) Or have a mango martini and fried calamari at Jean-Luc's Sag Harbor locale JLX, 16 Main St., 631-725-9100, open for lunch seven days 11am-4pm. On weekdays, dinner is from 5:30pm-10:30pm On Friday and Saturday, 5:30pm-11:30pm. B. Smith's, 1 Bay St., 631-725-5858 Friday-Sunday from 5pm, which leaves its doors open until Columbus Day weekend, boasts a savory raw bar and curried crisped oysters to salivate over. Lively main street bistro Spinnaker's, 63 Main St., 631-725-9353, open every day from 11:30am-9:30pm, offers a nice mid-day shopping break or pre-movie meal.

Only two words matter when you think dining in Montauk: fresh seafood. Montauk is one of the biggest fishing ports on the East Coast and fresh doesn't get any fresher than at "The End." For some local flavor, The Dock is located amidst the commercial fishing boat slips, so there really is no question about how fresh your seafood is going to be. At the Town Dock, 631-668-9778, open from 12pm-9pm weekdays and noon-10:30pm weekends until Thanksgiving. East by Northeast offers white-tablecloth fine dining and serves fish, beef and chicken dishes infused with Asian Pacific flavors. 51 Edgemere St., 631-668-2872, serves dinner starting at 5:30pm from Wednesday- Saturday; on Sunday it starts at 5pm. Gurney's Inn: The Sea Grille and Caffe Monte has everything you're looking for in Montauk. Caffe Monte is the place to stop for sandwiches and drinks and The Sea Grille offers moderately priced food that includes a spa menu featuring low-carb specials and a more comprehensive menu featuring international cuisine. 290 Old Montauk Hwy., 631-668-2345, serves breakfast from 7:30-10am, lunch from noon-3pm and dinner from 5:30-9pm seven days a week. The Breakwater Café at the Montauk Manor is located in the historic Montauk Manor and serves fresh seafood dishes in season as well as eclectic American fare with international influences. 236 Edgemere St., 631-668-3949, serving dinner from 5-10pm Thursday-Sunday, with brunch offered Saturday and Sunday from 8am-2pm. From the Lighthouse Grill at the Montauk Yacht Club you'll be afforded water views while enjoying seafood and New World Italian cuisine. 32 Star Island Rd., 631-668-3100 x1172, open until November 19th seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7am-9pm. The Inlet Seafood Restaurant serves lunch and dinner with fresh fish and sunset views. 541 East Lake Drive, 631-668-4272, open Wednesday and Thursday noon-9pm; Friday and Saturday noon-10pm with Sunday brunch starting at 11am. Dining at the Shagwong Restaurant has been an essential part of any visit to Montauk for more than 30 years. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday, the Shagwong is a must. Main St., 631-668-3050, open 12pm-11pm weekdays and 12pm-2am on weekends. At the Surfside Restaurant & Inn, catch views of the ocean from their fireside bar. 685 Old Montauk Hwy., 631-668-5958, open for dinner seven days from 5pm and for lunch on Saturday and Sunday starting at 12pm. Don't miss delicious, local harvest-fare at Harvest on Fort Pond, 11 South Emery St., 631-668-5574, Sunday through Thursday 5-9:30pm, Friday and Saturday 5-10pm, and the recently renovated Second House Tavern, 161 Second House Rd., 631-668-2877, Wednesday-Thursday 5-9:30pm, Friday and Saturday 5-11pm, Sunday 5-9pm, closed Monday and Tuesday, one of Montauk's oldest restaurants, is a cozy spot still hopping through the winter. Dine on duck and seafood dishes at traditional Montauk steakhouse Old Harbor House, 240 Fort Pond Rd., 631-668-1515, Friday through Tuesday from 5pm, or if you still won't admit it's fall, there's always The Surf Lodge, 183 South Edgemere St., 631-668-2632, Closed Tuesdays, Sunday through Thursday 5-10pm, Friday and Saturday 5-11pm, Saturday and Sunday brunch 11am-3pm, which offers it's signature seafood meals prepared by chef Sam Talbot into the fall.

Overlooking Coecle's Harbor, the Ram's Head Inn was built in 1929 and offers visitors world-class dining and a wide selection of wines. They also host a variety of events from wine tastings to jazz performances. 108 Ram Island Drive, 631-749-0811, open until November 1st serving dinner Friday-Sunday from 6pm-10pm with brunch served Sunday from 11:30am-2:30pm Located in historic Shelter Island Heights, The Chequit Inn features a lively atmosphere, accommodations and fine dining. Try their sea scallop bochette or their roast Long Island duck served with a citrus melon glaze. 23 Grand Ave.,631- 749-0018, serves dinner Thursday-Monday from 5pm-10pm until they close for the season on November 27th. Sweet Tomato's serves Italian and Continental cuisine and is open year-round for dining, catering and parties. 15 Grand Ave., 631-749-4114, open 3-9pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and 3-10pm Friday and Saturday. If you're in the mood for something low-key, try The Dory for a burger, Cajun catfish, mussels, crab cakes, fried oysters, steamers, salmon, tuna and a game of pool at this year-round bar and restaurant. Bridge St., 631-749-8871, open for lunch and dinner 11:30am-9pm from Sunday-Thursday, and 11:30am-10pm on Friday and Saturday, closed Tuesdays. Known for their crispy calamari salad, desserts and their plats du jour, which include bouillabaisse, duck confit and whole roasted sea bass, Vine St. Café is an intimate European-style restaurant that draws quite the crowd on weekends. 41 South Ferry Rd., 631-749-3210, open Thursday-Monday from 5:30pm Within walking distance from Coecle's Harbor, Planet Bliss serves all natural foods so if you're into organic cuisine, the walk or bike from the ferry is well worth it. 23 North Ferry Rd., 631-749-0053, open for dinner Thursday-Sunday from 6pm; for lunch Saturday 12-3pm and on Sunday from 11am-3pm. Two Ed's Seafood Restaurant is a casual dining establishment, open year-round, that serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes that change daily. 3 North Ferry Rd., 631-749-0261, open Thursday and Sunday 5 -8:30pm and on Friday and Saturday 5-9:30pm. Quogue and East Quogue Stone Creek Inn is a former speakeasy that now serves French and Mediterranean fare by chef-owner Christian Mir. 451 Montauk Hwy., East Quogue, 631-653-6770, open for dinner from 5:30pm Wednesday-Sunday. Q East is Quogue's stop for Mediterranean-American cuisine. 47 Quogue St., 631-288-3463, serves dinner 5:30-11pm, Thursday through Sunday. Dockers boasts a deck that overlooks Shinnecock Bay. 94 Dune Rd., 631-653-0653; open for dinner at 5:30pm on weekdays. On weekends, lunch is from 12noon-4pm and dinner is from 5:30pm. Hours are until March 24. At The Inn Spot you'll find everything you need to start the day-a relaxed restaurant with good music, coffee and breakfast. 48 Quogue St., 631-653-0007 open from 7:30am-3pm Saturday and Sunday.