You baked cookies, wrapped presents, and have plans to travel over the river and through the woods (or down Montauk Highway) to see loved ones on Christmas Day.
The night before, give yourself a break. Several favorite East End eateries are offering festive feasts on or around December 24th to ensure you’re as well fed as Santa on the night before Christmas. Think savory soups, an annual pig roast and desserts that will leave you so satisfied you’ll have no problem leaving your favorite cookies out for old St. Nick.
Here’s where to find Christmas Eve meals in the Hamptons.
Almond, 1 Ocean Rd., Bridgehampton, 631-537-5665
Almond’s suckling pig roast is back for the 22nd year. The guest of honor comes from Roaming Acres Farm and will be served alongside to-be-announced seasonal accompaniments. The meal costs $49 per guest and gives back. This year, a portion of the proceeds go towards Pajama Program, a non-profit that provides pajamas and books to children around the worldwide.
Rowdy Hall, 10 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-8555
The lively East Hampton pub serves as a year-round breath of fresh air in the fine-dining heavy area of the South Fork. Christmas Eve will be no different. Though Rowdy Hall will be closed for dinner, savory specials like a seafood bisque, crispy cod cake sandwich and a milk chocolate hazelnut cake will be enough to send you into a food-induced winter nap.
Nick & Toni’s, 136 North Main Street, East Hampton, 631-324-3550
Nick & Toni’s Italian-Mediterranean fare has earned it return visits from a who’s-who of famous names. No word on whether any of them will be around on Christmas Eve, but Nick & Toni’s did send us their three-course menu. It’s subject to change, but here’s hoping it doesn’t. A flatbread with winter greens and Risotto ai Frutti di Mare (lobster, clams and mussels in white wine) — a classic Feast of the Seven Fishes dish made the cut. And the dessert menu includes items like egg nog pudding and gingerbread biscotti that will leave you feeling happy you decided not to eat at home for Christmas Eve. The meal costs $125 per person.
Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House, 1 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpke., Bridgehampton, 631-808-2000
This understated-yet-elegant restaurant by lauded chef Jean-Georges will have a $168+ prix-fixe menu on Christmas Eve with all the usual high-end, East End fixings. Think black truffle pizza and roasted Long Island duck. Add-ons like two kinds of caviar (egg toast and Petrossian), oysters and sashimi will run you extra but are so deserved after making the nice list.
Good Ground Tavern at Canoe Place Inn & Cottages, 239 East Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays
This upscale casual tavern offers up-islanders a chance to get a taste of the East End on Christmas Eve without having to schlep too far down Montauk Highway. A roast beef, crispy pheasant and seasonal sides like whipped mashed potato and cranberry make up the straightforward prix-fixe menu.
Highway Restaurant and Bar, 290 Montauk Hwy., East Hampton, 631-527-5372
Highway Restaurant and Bar’s Christmas Eve dinner is so nice, they’re inviting guests to come out twice. That is to say that the nautical-rustic establishment will have Christmas Eve specials on Dec. 23 and 24. The Peking Duck with a cult following for its rich flavor and sushi bar are among the in-person choices. There will also be a four-course, family-style takeout menu (and people can add the duck for $120).
L&W Market, 2943 Montauk Hwy., Bridgehampton, 631-537-1123
East Hampton’s go-to neighborhood market is offering a to-go catering Christmas Eve/Christmas Day dinner menu, and lobster roll sliders are on it. Ditto for a charcuterie board, Long Island duckling and Almond’s classic mac and cheese. Orders must be placed by phone or on L&W market’s website by Thursday, Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. and can be picked up at Almond from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Lulu Kitchen & Bar, 126 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-0900
Lulu Kitchen & Bar has made a name for itself because of its wood-fired oven and grill that churns out flatbreads that simply hit differently. Though you won’t be able to see the beauty up close on Christmas Eve because the eatery will be closed for in-person service, you can get a taste of Lulu’s from home. The to-go menu includes oysters by the half shell, a cowboy rib eye and truffle potato gratin. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance by phone or email at [email protected].
