The End ... The Sequel!
Ok, here it is ... Montauk, part deux, the sequel. I'm sending it exclusively to a select few ... and you are one of them! As I alluded to, I left a number of notable Montauk Finds out and my fellow finders wanted more. It made me feel like I was holding back, hoarding really, which is the antithesis of the Find!
A brief bit of Montauk history .... as you drive into town, you pass the Memory Motel, the namesake of the Rolling Stones song. In 1975, the Stones wrote this tune while visiting Andy Warhol (always ahead of the curve) at his place in Montauk. Then, the Memory Hotel was the only place in town with a pool table, booze and a piano ... clearly, things have changed!
364 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954
This is a classic Mexican and BBQ restaurant dockside. Founder and longtime local Skip Reichert married Frieda, from Chiapas Mexico, and brought authentic food, using locally sourced ingredients and seafood, to the East End. Another classic combination bar and restaurant, this casual spot is considered the go to Mexican spot (sorry Tacombi, I like you too) for locals in the area. Open for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner, it's super low key with take-out style ordering, picnic tables in the back, over 40 kids of tequila, and a large communal bar!
63 S Euclid Ave, Montauk, NY 11954
This restaurant is new this Summer and replaces the oldest restaurant in Montauk, Trail's End! After undergoing a serious renovation, this is yet another great place to roll in off the beach for excellent food with a well designed dining room and laid back feel, though I will caution you there is no view. Therefore, this is a great stop en route or from another destination to watch the sunset. I highly recommend Steve’s fall off the bone baby back ribs, local fish tacos, avocado fries, and of course, the Mussels rose’ steamed with rose wine (this is still the Hamptons, after all).
88 Firestone Rd, Montauk, NY 11954
Just up the street from the Duryea's is a bar/restaurant with a large deck that is almost exclusively inhabited by locals (except for me and my crew of course). This is a great bar if you like a classic roadhouse bar that serves its drinks (order the rum punch) in plastic cups. Not a single person is wearing pants, certainly no button downs or collared shirts. They normally have a band playing rock music, most certainly the vibe, out on the outdoor terrace. From there, you will see the most perfect view of the sky as it fades to darkness. Enjoy this view, a Montauk classic, as it is spectacular!!!
426 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954
Another off the beaten path spot is Lynn's Hula Hut, an incredible waterside Tiki Bar ... I don't know if you are aware but Tiki bars are all the rage! Whether you are rolling in from the marina or just happen to be out there like myself, this laid back bar plays incredible music, serves great bar food (an amazing hotdog), and of course makes to die for drinks. Choose from 6 different alcohol infused flavors and let the barkeep do her thing. The music is what you might expect from a tiki bar, which is reggae infused with some classic rock. There are a variety of tables and couches in the sand pit which will transport you to another place --- think Leis, Hula Juice and the perfect mix of Hawaii with the "soul of Montauk."
That's it, it's really the End, consider Tauk at Trail's End, Montauket, Lynn's Hula Hut, and Hideaway Found!