Now that Labor Day has come and gone, plenty of locales are settling in for the shoulder season, a time when things move a little bit slower, there’s a little less of a crowd and there’s a little chill in the air.
Lucky for us that are here after summer, great perks that come with said shoulder season are the dynamite dining (and drinking) deals found across a slew of Hamptons restaurants, bars and eateries. In a lot of ways, the offseason is a resto’s true time to shine, as menus not only tend to showcase the ample bounty of the South Fork, but going out to eat or to grab a drink with some buddies won’t completely break your bank. Here’s a taste of some of our fave spots offering wallet-conscious options to whet your whistle and appease your appetite.
Bell & Anchor, 3253 Noyac Road, Sag Harbor, 631-725-3400
Owned and operated by David Loewenberg and chef Sam McCleland, this beloved seafood centric eatery perched over Mill Creek Marina in Noyac offers several weeknight specials for both loyal patrons and first-time visitors to take advantage of. Each night highlights a specific entrée special while accompanying appetizer choices come straight off the a la carte menu.
On Tuesday nights, it’s panko fried chicken Milanese topped with a mini mountain of mixed greens, shaved fennel, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan all tossed in a Champagne vinaigrette for $36. Wednesday is “Lobster Night,” with entrée options including the fan fave “Old School” Lobster Garganelli with corn, basil and saffron cream ($42), a steamed 1 ½-pound lobster served with haricots verts and fingerling potatoes ($65) or surf and turf, featuring a butter poached lobster tail paired with a 7-oz grilled filet mignon, haricots verts and fingerling potatoes ($72). Thursday is “Bouillabaisse Night” featuring white fish, a lobster tail, mussels, clams and shrimp stewed together in a tomato-saffron broth for $48. On Sundays, diners can enjoy Moules Frites for $34, done either “Anchor Style” (coconut milk, lemongrass and Thai chiles) or “Beacon Style” (a nod to Bell’s summertime sister operation in Sag Harbor Village, with garlic, white wine, lemon-thyme, cream and tomatoes). Appetizer options for all promotions are home port chowder, crispy portobello, tuna poke (+$6) or burrata (+$5). To take a peek at daily specials sample menus, click here. Bell & Anchor is open Tuesday through Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
Almond, 1 Ocean Road, Bridgehampton, 631-537-5665
Almond’s chef Jason Weiner is offering a specially themed, two-course prix fixe for $39, Monday through Thursday nights. The week kicks off with Meatless Monday, where a special meatless menu is offered all night for $39. On Tuesdays, there’s a burger and beer special $25. On Wednesdays they will be offering bottomless mussels, classically prepared in white wine, butter, garlic and shallots, served with a side of fries for $25. Just in time for Thirsty Thursday, it’s margaritas and martinis for $10. On Saturday, get ready to belt out your favorite tune at Almond’s “World Famous” Karaoke Night, hosted by the one and only DJ Carlos Lama, starting at 9:30 p.m. Almond is open Monday through Saturday at 5 p.m.
Bistro Ete, 760 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-500-9085
As of last week, the Water Mill eatery, helmed by chef Arie Pavlou, started its “Savor September” three-course prix fixe for $48, offering coastal French and heavily Mediterranean cuisine. Available Thursday and Sunday nights from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday it’s burger night along with Wine Down Wednesday, where selected bottles will be offered for $48 each. Finish off the week strong on Fridays where guests can enjoy a complimentary wine pairing with each order of foie gras.
R.aire, 259 East Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, 631-728-4184
Led by Spain-born chef Alex Bujoreanu, this Hampton Bays-based eatery set within the decades old Hampton Maid showcases Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, with authentic tapas options and Burjoreanu’s signature paella as house staples. Happy Hour is Tuesday through Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the bar, which not only includes special priced beer, wine and cocktails, but half off on all tapas and salad options. Tuesdays, there’ll be $1 oysters available and on Wednesdays all burgers are 50% off. On Sundays, R.aire will offer a special paella designed for two along with a pitcher of house sangria for $60. Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. and from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Stone Creek Inn, 405 Montauk Highway, East Quogue, 631-653-6770
One of the most beloved fine dining diamonds of the South Fork for nearly three decades, Stone Creek Inn is the ultimate special occasion spot. And with their $45 two-course prix fixe offered on Sunday, Monday and Thursday evenings, all night long, there’s really no excuse to not go. Helmed by chef and co-owner Christian Mir, Stone Creek Inn offers elegant and classically French-inspired fare, mixed with more contemporary cuisine. Recent prix fixe offerings include escargot, lobster bisque, roasted codfish and coq au vin.
Arthur & Sons, 203 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
Arthur & Sons has announced they will serve happy hour and a special prix fixe menu every Wednesday through Sunday. Happy hour will be offered at the bar daily from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The prix fixe menu costs $42.95, plus tax and gratuity and will be available all-night Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, as well as Friday and Saturday until 6:30 p.m. Happy hour will feature half-priced appetizers and salads, and $12 house wines, $15 specialty cocktails, $6 draft beers and $12 house spirits. The restaurant will open Wednesday through Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by visiting here.
Fresno, 11 Fresno Place, East Hampton, 631-324-8700
A little further down the pike, starting next month after Columbus Day, Fresno will have daily promos throughout the autumn season. On Sundays they will offer $1 oysters and Mondays will feature discounted wine for “Industry Night”. Taco Tuesday will include a three-course prix fixe menu featuring a rotating menu of interpretive regional Mexican cuisine, complete with creative margaritas and Mexican beer pairings. Open weekdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and from 5 to 10 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant will be closed on Wednesdays. Reservations are recommended and can be made by here or call the restaurant directly at 631-324-8700.
