The Spot: The Bar At The Surf Lodge, Montauk
Every bon vivant enjoys great food, wine and, of course, a night on the town. From where to eat in what city to what to wear for every occasion, Food Republic's got you covered when it comes to food culture. That's why we've decided to launch The Spot, a weekly nightlife column where our nightlife insider will traverse sea and land (and velvet ropes) to bring you what's new and noteworthy in the world of nightlife from New York City to Tokyo.
The Location
The Bar at The Surf Lodge
183 Edgemere Street, Montauk, NY 11954
The Scene
Well off the beaten Hamptons path, this hip yet laid-back hotel bar is inspired by Montauk's surf culture and bohemian style. The bar is adjacent to a 2,600-square-foot rustic deck which has breathtaking views of Fort Pond during the day and especially at sunset. In the evening the place transforms into a boho chic oasis fueled by fresh cocktails and tangy seafood. The clientele is a big mix of the young and hip: washed up surfers, supermodels, a few corporate types and a handful of hipsters thrown in, all of them tending to be tall, young, attractive and thin. Think old-school Americana meets Dawson's Creek in a Long Island beach community.
The Music
Most weekends at The Lodge feature different musical talents — from DJs to indie bands. Be sure to check out some of the live bands this summer. Wednesday night tends to be a favorite with the local crowd and local musicians. Also check back on the website throughout the summer for concerts and movie screenings.
The Drinks
Do yourself a favor and order an Endless Summer cocktail from the Owen Wilson–lookalike behind the bar and you'll be in for a treat. It's a refreshing mix of vodka, lemon juice, chardonnay and red grapes. For a spicier sip, opt for the Ginger Mint Lemonade, a concoction made up of vodka, lemon juice, ginger syrup and muddled mint leaves.
The Food
Once home base of Top Chef fan favorite Sam Talbot, the food at The Surf Lodge is what keeps us going back. After reportedly racking up a jaw-dropping amount of town code violations last summer for debauchery that went into the wee hours of the morning, The Lodge's legal teams moved in and Talbot moved to the Carribean, according to Grub Street (he's since been spotted back in NYC). Since then, the managment has changed and brought with it new Australian restuarant, Byron. The menu features an array of simple, fresh seafood and light, crisp sides. The steamed fluke with bok choy is a must.
The Door
The door is pretty relaxed — for the most part. Get there early before the crowds ascend and you shouldn't need to backdoor (yeah, that's surfer talk). If you're stopping by for dinner or brunch (a must!) then make a reservation.
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