Montauk Pioneer - April 10, 2009 - Montauk Dining Experieneces

Dining in Montauk is a potpourri of choices that can be made by those lucky enough to be in striking distance to get there. The choices range from elegant to picnic style with a selection of entre choices of Italian-seafood, hearty meats, chicken, veal, lamb and even vegetarian that always delivers. So where does one decide on where to go? Those who live in Montauk and have the option to dine here nightly find the views at the Sunset Saloon, Gosman's, the Montauk Yacht Club, Fishbar, The Inlet, Gurney's Inn, the Harvest, Second House Tavern, Crow's Nest, East by North East (ENE) and other water facing establishments blissful, scenic and relaxing.

The Shagwong and O'Murphy's along with the Old Harbor House, have closer to Main Street appeal with fabulous chefs. I can't help but to think back forty years ago when my family of eight would dine at Gosman's Dock after a long day of fishing in the Hudson Canyon. Dad loved the lamb; my mom, who is from Bari, Italy, always ate some kind of octopus special appetizer, where I liked the surf and turf as a young, growing boy. Those dinners were costly, but I still remember the special-ness of them to this day, 45 years later. Eating at The Montauk Yacht Club is almost a regal event sans the British Royalty. The place still has the feel of some sort of blue blood private eating club where you can park your yacht out back. Make no mistake about it, the staff makes everyone feel special and they always have a world-class chef supervising everything from the entrée's to their smashing desserts. At O'Murphy's, the word is great food, local pub charm and wonderful friendly ownership right there on hand to supervise great service. I love the coconut shrimp over salad myself. The drinks are well made. Shagwong is without a doubt a must visit establishment that is a hub of Montauk activity of all social strata. Sean Hewitt is now back as chef, with his dad overlooking the making of the blackened pan seared scallops with a sauce you won't forget. Its early bird specials and all hours pre-fix are reasonable and up to the high standards many who love well-prepared catch of the day specials expect. Afterwards, a few drinks at the bar is a Montauk tradition. What I love most about the Old Harbor House is the friendly feel when you walk in. Then there is the great service you get and of course the steaks, and fish specials. By the way, I love the various hamburgers available.

Fisbar is a quaint, private restaurant away from the hassles yet outdoor and open aired. The specials are in fact, very special; as is the charm and ambiance of the staff, ownership and patrons. I can never say enough nice things about the Monte family, because every time I enter Gurney's Inn and Spa I feel like I am visiting family. The meals are a banquet of spacious dining while watching the ocean that reflects moonlight off the crest of silver like waves. The meals are first class with desserts that have way too many calories for me to think of. Dining at the Harvest is special because of its huge family size portions that are original and memorable, both in presentation and size. Manucci's is an Italian delight of warm Italian food served by great people in a genuine, local, Italian, seacoast village style. They have relocated to a new location this season, where the Tipperary Inn was on West Lake Drive. East by North East delivers premium top-notch steaks and seafood with a unique style of service. The Crow's Nest is a wonderful place to huddle in for quaint special dining experience with choice, excellence and friendly service. The short drive to it is so worth the delights that come with every bite of every entrée. Second House Tavern is a destination; perched high above Lake Pond. This family-friendly establishment aims to please and always does. With fine specials, a wonderful wine list along with great service, a visit is always recommended and warranted. The name Sunset Saloon pretty much sums up what this place is about every night, plus the food is as good as the view of a powerful setting summer sun every night. It's a great place to cocktail then catch a nice elegant meal. Runaways, now serving Mexican in town, as well as the Westlake Clam and Chowder House are awesome spots. Lenny's by the Shore, Solé East, and Aqua East have never received anything but praise when I have dined there, but last but not least are the final Montauk legends that go back forever - John's Drive Inn, Pizza Village, John's Pancakes, and lastly Duryea's Dock. In the summer, many feel a picnic type dinner with a certain old time Montauk elegance defines Montauk dining. Montauk is about simple, good food prepared exquisitely, usually with a great view and wonderful people.