There’s something quintessentially Long Island summer about grabbing a bagel on the way to the beach — and the Hamptons and Shelter Island certainly have their share of beaches and bagel shops. But sometimes, the tide (and your mood) have you craving something a little fancier — a meal where you park yourself on a chair instead of a towel and dine a while.
There’s also something quintessentially Hamptons about slow mornings and waking up a bit later. And when the time is somewhere between breakfast and lunch, an ample brunch meets you where you’re at.
The Hamptons is an oasis for the breakfast-lunch hybrid. You’ll find menus with pancakes and pastries, burgers and bagels, Bloody Marys and mimosas and zero-proof coffee, soft drinks and tea in these parts. From Riverhead, where the fork splits, to The End and Shelter Island, these are the best spots for brunch in the Hamptons and on Shelter Island.
Rosie’s Amagansett, 195 Main St., Amagansett, 631-604-5095
This humble abode with a brick facade and warm, well-lit interior has developed a reputation as a gathering place for an approachable yet elegant meal. The farm-to-table menu puts playful spins on classics, like smashed avocado toast with shallots and a breakfast burrito with eggs, rice and beans, epitomizing breakfast and lunch. Speaking of which, Rosie’s burger includes beef and bacon. Drip coffee is available, but specialty lattes, including matcha and mocha, provide a tasteful jolt.
Estia’s Little Kitchen, 1615 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Sag Harbor, 631-725-1045
Technically, Estia’s Little Kitchen separates its breakfast and lunch menus. But pancakes are served until noon and omelets until 2:30 p.m. — if that’s not enough to qualify for a top brunch spot, what is? Aside from those quintessential brunch/breakfast foods, guests can choose between tacos made with ingredients like avocado tofu salsa, turkey bacon and pork. Bowls with quinoa and avocado are decidedly Hamptons-esque with a Latin American twist, and kids’ menus with chicken fingers and silver-dollar pancakes keep little ones quieter than an iPad.
Brunch on Butter Pop Up at Art of Eating, 264 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton, 631-67-2411
Like bagels, brunch, beaches and Billy sightings, pop-ups are part of the bread-and-butter of Hamptons summers. And Brunch on Butter Pop Up outside Art of Eating is shaping up to be a delicious one (and a fun play on words). Consider it like brunch on wheels — a way for people to come as they are and take the meal to go or sit down. Each Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., spot the food truck outside Art of Eating. Potential menu items include sweet, warm, housemade cinnamon rolls, black pepper tofu with crunch organic lettuce and a Caesar salad made with shrimp plucked from Montauk waters.
Lulu Kitchen & Bar, 126 Main St., Sag Harbor, 632-725-0900
You can argue that brunch is like happy hour for people who peak before the 3 p.m. slump sets in, and you wouldn’t be wrong. Lulu Kitchen & Bar—loved for its pizza and specialty cocktails—provides strong evidence from an appropriately named “brunch happy hour” menu. It features the greatest boozy-brunch hits, and then some: Mimosa, Bellini, Bloody Mary and sparkling wine (not to be confused with sparkling rosé, which is also on the menu, as is regular rosé) are among the options. Rest assured, you won’t go hungry if you’re there for the food. A raw bar with North Fork oysters, French toast, crepe and an egg sandwich made with a a house merguez patty and sunny-side-up egg are some items with sweet or savory appeal. Brunch happens each Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
Backyard at Solé East, 90 Second House Road, Montauk, 631-668-2105
There are choices aplenty at Sole East. Walk in and choose between sitting in charming gardens with lush greenery and flowers at every turn or a breezy dining room. Menu offerings include The Hangover, made with short rib hash, fired eggs, spicy avocado and tomatillo sauce that breathe life into your day. A light asparagus omelet made with feta, cherry tomatoes and potato hash is easy on the stomach and tastebuds. Brunch takes place Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Armin and Judy, 1970 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, 631-296-8484
The bright, airy interior with plenty of natural lighting sets the stage for a coastal affair — ditto for the menu influenced by Riviera. An egg white omelet with spinach, feta and fine herbs is decidedly Mediterranean, and a caviar sandwich? That’s just luxurious and worth the $40 splurge. Before leaving, find the I Baguette You Bakery tucked behind the restaurant — the hidden gem is full of pastries made by bakers who sneak in after midnight to prepare them, allowing diners to indulge in blueberry muffins, croissants and more than are as fresh as they come.
Bistro 72, 1830 W Main St., Riverhead, 631-369-3325
Hotel Indigo’s stylish farm-to-table restaurant serves brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expect snackable dishes like deviled eggs, savor small plates like buffalo chicken mac ‘n cheese and a yogurt parfait made sweeter because it comes with local honey. This summer, a few brunches will happen on island time when Bobby Bahama plays reggae tunes on July 21 and Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Ram’s Head Inn, 108 S. Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island Heights, 631-749-0911
A quick jaunt from the mainland in Sag Harbor, The Ram’s Head Inn hosts Sunday brunches in the summer, allowing for a leisurely start to the weekend’s final day (officially, at least). Brunch-stuffed French toast with blueberry cream cheese is a vacation for the tastebuds, and a lobster bun (lobster, herb lemon aioli, tomato, lettuce and fries) leans into the spot’s nautical surroundings. Classic mimosas with Prosecco and a Pick-Me-Up cocktail with tequila, cold-brewed coffee, and vanilla-infused oat milk are among the boozier drink options. Coffee and seasonal tea are also available.
Calissa Hamptons, 1020 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, 631-500-9292
This restaurant, with a menu influenced by the Aegean Islands, is an oasis for those who adore Greek cuisine—and brunch. A watermelon salad is light, fresh and delightful, while steak and eggs hit all the savory notes. Lean into the Greek food the spot is known for by ordering some tangy, luxe lemon-oil pancakes, and consider upgrading to bottomless bubbles for two hours for $45 (if you fancy and aren’t driving).
