For some, summer is spent trekking 15 minutes to the pool and basking in the rays on a plastic lawn chair while being splashed by screaming eight-year-olds. But New Yorkers don’t like taking the standard approach to anything. So we escape to the Hamptons - where we enjoy cabanas rather than the plastic and the only splashes are of Grenadine in our cocktails. And no family barbeques here – nights are spent hitting up the most exclusive clubs, making champagne toasts. But choosing a club can be difficult, which is why we’ve prepared the 2009 Guide to the Hamptons. Here are the places to see and be seen while making your city escape.
2009 Hamptons Hot Spot
Georgica
108 Wainscott Stone Road
East Hampton, NY 11975
If the newly-birthed Georgica turns out to be anything similar to owner Matt Levine’s city bar, The Eldridge, then it’s already destined to be a trend and celeb-spotting destination for this year’s Hampton-bound, making it a vital part of the 2009 Guide to the Hamptons. Named for the pond on which it rests, Georgica is designed to be a relaxing escape offering fine dining, beverages and music, without the affluent and pretentious atmosphere the Hamptons has garnered. Levine says he intends for Georgica to appeal to the older, more conversation-based audience – not those looking to dawn their Saturday-night-sexiest and dance skin-to-skin. Georgica will house the same DJs as The Eldridge, and its fresh fruit cocktails will sit alongside a wine selection from local vineyards. It seems that if Levine wants to accomplish one thing, it’s having Georgica be customer-focused, which is nothing we can complain about.
2009 Hamptons Hot Spot
AXE Lounge at Dune
1181 N. Sea Road
Southampton, NY 11968
The past two summers, Jay-Z, Paris and Diddy have all partied at Dune when visiting the Hamptons. But this summer, there may be a few more females flocking to the ultra-trendy sunken-in dance floor due to one effect - the AXE. If you’ve seen the commercials where girls are instantly magnetized to their male counterparts wearing the scented items, you can imagine how popular the newly-renamed AXE Lounge at Dune is. Axe is paying Dune for the space this summer, but not for the promotion, and the company won’t share the club’s revenue. Customers will also notice branding makeovers to the DJ booth, restrooms and drink names, in addition to the club’s standard nautical visage.
2009 Hamptons Hot Spot
Pink Elephant
281 County Road 39A
Westhampton Beach. NY 11978
If knowing Pink Elephant is owned by the same industry giants who operate Spy Bar, Boom, Chaos, Pangaea and Rehab isn’t enough to lure you into this highly energetic yet ambient bar, perhaps its state-of-the-art scent and smoke or NASA-engineered sound machines are. Parties hosted by MTV, VHI, Cosmopolitan, Allure and Project Runway have been hosted at this 5-bar chain, showing it’s truly for the stylish and elite, not to mention the countless celebrities who’ve visited, upping its VIP status to the highest rank. The area’s best DJs spin Wednesday through Saturday. When you’re in the Hamptons you’re looking to relax - and PE’s 8,000 square feet of ornate decor, cabanas and fire pits sit you front row in the lap of luxury, and put it at the top of our list for the 2009 Guide to the Hamptons.
2009 Hamptons Hot Spot
Lily Pond
44 Three Mile Harbor Road
East Hampton, NY 11937
Frank Cilione should be hoping the old adage no publicity is bad publicity holds true- as the Lily Pond nightclub owner was recently arrested. So these first few weeks will serve as a foreboding to see if the club becomes even more popular – something the rest of us weren’t sure was possible. Cilione was arrested over Memorial Day weekend for alleged theft of over $20,000 – what would only be a small fraction of the worth of Lily Pond’s intricate wood paneling, antique chandeliers, gold-lined walls and other ornate details. The candle-lit path leading to the arched roof dance hall of this nightclub will make even those who have had two-too-many Mojitos revel in awe, as the club’s name serves as an accurate description of its mood of relaxation and extravagance.
2009 Hamptons Hot Spot
Surf Lodge
91 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
While Montauk is usually considered the “un-Hampton” area, visitors to Surf Lodge should by no means think showing up with beach hair and flip-flops is a wise idea at this bar. Carrying the expectations of high-city fashion even if this seems disconnected from the more quaint area and the bar’s nautical appearance, the Surf Lodge is owned by the same geniuses who brought New York GoldBar and Cain. But if the fact that its sister bar is gold-infused right down to the DJ turntable doesn’t make you think the Surf Lodge means luxury, its top-shelf drinks will. (Its signature margarita is essential for your 2009 Guide to the Hamptons.) Patrons looking for a less-crowded scene will find the bar’s multiple lounges equipped with movie screens and live music to be a delicacy. Cornered off in one of Surf Lodge’s candle-lit cabanas, you’ll feel further away from Manhattan than you really are.
2009 Hamptons Hot Spot
Tavern
125 Tuckahoe Road
Southampton, NY 11968
When one location switches ownership for four straight years, the benefit is that it’s continually getting a makeover, resulting in the newest and best that technology and appearance have to offer. After being the Tavern, then Stereo at the Shore, then La Playa - the Tavern is back this year with an enhanced deck area, better seating and more bar space. Last year as La Playa, the joint attracted A-list celebrities to host and simply hang out. And since it’s only one-mile away, it’s always attracting spillage from the trendy, upper-class partygoers at Pink Elephant. With a strong DJ line-up, a top-shelf drink selection and plenty of room for VIPs, The Tavern is expected to continue to draw in the crowds, making it an essential part of the 2009 Guide to the Hamptons.
2009 Hamptons Hot Spot
Day & Night
281 County Road 39A
Southampton, NY 11968
Everyone’s Guide to the Hamptons needs an option for a great day-drinking spot, and you’ll find our selection as the Southampton’s newest addition Day & Night. Owned by the Koch brothers, the same pair that backs Merkato 55, patrons will find its bar fully-stocked while others are still at home battling off the hangover from the night before – but what better way to ease the pain of last night’s drinking than brunching on champagne and oysters? Although Day & Night just opened, it’s already showing that it will be the place to be this summer for those looking to eat, drink and pool-lounge between 11 and 7. It’s just what you picture when you imagine that perfect summer vacation – white polo-clad men personally assisting your every need while beach balls float between neatly manicured A-list fingertips at the pool - but with a few more Bloody Marys and fresh-from-the-vineyard wine.
2009 Hamptons Hot Spot
Neptune
70 Dune Road
East Quogue, NY 11942
Directly on the beach overlooking the Atlantic, Neptune has proven to be one of the longest-standing bars in the Hamptons. For several decades its restaurant, stages, and indoor and outdoor bars have served as a staple for celebrity appearances, great DJs and live performances. However, it’s also less typical Hamptons-scene, offering free cover Monday through Friday and blasting reggae and hip-hop. Housed in a nineteenth century Coast Guard station, you’ll be fine to show up to this joint in your vintage T-shirt and jean shorts. Neptune is more about having fun than table reservations and cocktails you’ve never heard of.
