Of all the breakfast foods in all the world, there probably isn’t one more synonymous with New York than the breakfast sandwich.
Here in the Hamptons, a bacon egg and cheese (aka the BEC), or some variation of it, is a staple at nearly every deli, bagel shop or bodega-like locale, and is almost always the go-to option, especially for when you’re on the go. Ready in a New York minute, these Hamptons and Shelter Island breakfast sandwiches are a cut (of crispy bacon) above the rest. Breakfast may or may not be the most important meal of the day, but these Hamptons and Shelter Island breakfast sandwiches prove that it can certainly be the most delicious.
Bonfire Coffeehouse, 249 A Main Street, Amagansett, 631-557-3125
Gelato and Italian-style coffees give this Main Street spot a special air to it. However, it’s the classic bacon, egg and cheese sandwich that reigns supreme on the breakfast menu. Not one, not two, but three eggs distinguish it from other deli BECs. Add cheddar cheese and bacon, and you have pure perfection (and a welcome crispiness) to every bite.
The Golden Pear Cafe, Multiple Locations
A high-end but unfussy café became an institution in the Hamptons soon after Keith Davis opened the first shop on Southampton’s Main Street in 1987. These days, you can find The Golden Pear Café in Bridgehampton and East Hampton, and its avocado toast serves as its “golden egg” on the breakfast sandwich menu. Davis says customers have come from East and West to get a taste of the “perfectly ripened mashed avocado” served with a fresh, sunnyside up egg on whole wheat toast since it appeared on the menu. It’s topped with diced tomatoes for a dish he calls “simple, delicious and packed with nutrients,” a win for the wellness-focused Hamptons faithful who also want to prioritize flavor.
The Original Goldberg’s Famous Bagels, Multiple Locations
With a baker’s dozen of locations across the East End from Riverhead to Montauk, a trip to Original Goldberg’s Famous Bagels is possible regardless of where the tide takes you. And that’s good news for fans — and future fans — of the hobo sandwich. That’s the “Famous” Hobo Sandwich to you, actually, according to the menu at the four-generations-old family business Marc Goldberg opened in Southampton in 1949. The “famous” hobo sandwich has breakfast’s greatest hits: Two eggs, bacon, cheese and a hashbrown. Perhaps a future generation of Goldbergs will remove the quotes around famous. In the meantime, guests will quickly remove it from their plates.
One Stop Market, 299 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton, 631-324-6065
This popular family-owned, butcher, deli and grocery, now in its 40th year, has everything from fresh produce and hot food specials to burgers, paninis and homemade soups. Breakfast offerings include waffles, made-to-order omelettes, french toast and breakfast burritos. They’ve dubbed their take on the classic egg sandwich the “Egg Special,” consisting of two eggs served on a hard roll with cheese, choice of bacon, ham, sausage turkey or turkey bacon. If you’re not an early riser, fear not! One Stop serves breakfast all day long.
Cove Delicatessen, 283 Main Street, Sag Harbor, 631-725-0216
A casual, classically German-style deli housed in a small, blue-trimmed building on Main Street, Cove Delicatessen has a not-so-humble sandwich you won’t want to bypass. The triple bypass. No, the tongue-in-cheek health quip didn’t go over our heads — it’s just that tastebuds adore the salty, protein-packed hero stuffed with a trio of eggs, ham, Boar’s Head bacon and sausage. There’s a separate option to add cheese for an extra $1 that your tastebuds don’t actually consider an “option.”
Hampton Kitchen Delicatessen, 670 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-500-9500
Hampton Kitchen’s lunch menu is full of Latin flare courtesy of chef Humberto Guallpa authentic tacos and burritos. However, the breakfast menu is largely All-Americana, notably the “sammies.” A bacon, egg and cheese sandwich is an absolute classic that proves guests don’t need to reinvent the wheel. However, you can if you want by swapping in turkey bacon, and request it on whole-wheat bread, a roll, or a hero.
Cromer’s Market, 3500 Noyack Road, 631-725-9004
Widely revered for its robust butcher department, catering services and famous fried chicken, Cromer’s is a Sag Harbor institution that’s no slouch in the breakfast department, either. Sandwiches and platters include the classics, but their Hungry Man Hero reigns king among the typical breakfast fare. Three eggs (done in any style), ham, sausage patties, crispy bacon and melted American cheese are stuffed onto a toasted hero. Hungry, no more.
Stars Café, 17 Grand Ave, Shelter Island Heights, 631-749-5345
This laidback café has a full juice bar, but insiders spill that one breakfast sandwich — more accurately, wrap — has earned some (rightful) fanfare. It’s called “The Hangover.” Co-owner Lydia Martinez Majdišová says the combination of two over-medium eggs with bacon, grilled home fries, cheddar cheese and homemade “devil’s sauce” (warning: It’s hot) is designed to settle stomach acid. However, buzzy whether a person is showing remorse for the previous night or feeling fresh as a daisy after a zero-proof evening for its heartiness and, simply, delicious taste. It’s a product of 15 years of what she calls “trial and error” to create crowd-pleasing wraps that also regularly sell out at the Shelter Island Farmer’s Market.
Hampton Eats, 74 North Main Street, East Hampton, 631-604-6600
A trip to Hampton Eats is like walking through the mall food court like you did as a teen on a Friday night — only infinitely elevated in taste and vibes. The multi-vendor spot has Hampton coffee, Paul’s Pizza, Boba Tea and Lemonade. The spot’s smoked salmon bagels sandwich is ideal for hungry types who aren’t big on lox. It combines creamy avocado, piquant capers and herb cream cheese for a start that’s literally savory and figuratively sweet.
Brent’s General Store, 8 Montauk Highway, Amagansett, 631-267-3113
Another Hamptons staple that has stood the test of time, Brent’s General Store ranks among the landmark locales, having been in the same location for decades. Beloved for being a three-meal deli, breakfast starts early (5:30 a.m. every day) serving up about a dozen no-frills egg sandwiches sure to keep those pesky morning hunger pangs.
