The summer of 2014 is shaping up with a host of new day-night spots in the Hamptons. Yes, the long-standing Neptune Beach Club is long gone, but the party goes on early and often elsewhere on the South Fork.
WHAT’S NEW
FINALE EAST HAMPTON, 44 Three Mile Harbor Rd., 212-627-1235
WHEN TO GO 11 p.m.-4 a.m. Saturdays
THE SCENE Primed for energetic club action, this is a pure party spot powered by pounding bass, low lighting and mirrored walls that reflect flashing strobes.
“It’s so welcoming,” says Kyle Tessiero, 32, of Manhattan, there over Memorial Day weekend. “It’s really a great time.”
Expect a young, often tightly clothed crowd (ages 21 to mid 30s) buying bottle service — although not many are likely to splurge for the 15-liter bottle of Moet Imperial priced at $11,995.
INSIDER TIP Usually a club like Finale allows in only those with reservations who are buying their liquor by the bottle — but the masses can get in here (at least on some nights) for a cover charge in the neighborhood of $150 (call ahead to confirm availability).
1 OAK, 125 Tuckahoe Lane, Southampton, 1oakhamptons.com
WHEN TO GO 11 p.m.-4 a.m. Saturdays
THE SCENE The address has hosted at least five clubs the past few seasons — South Pointe, RDV East, La Playa, 1OAK (an acronym for 1 of A Kind) has revamped the room, adding new couch seating and coating its main wall with a striking mass of golden words. The mood is set by electronic dance music and hip-hop, and the crowd is ready to dance. You’ll need to RSVP to get on the list, or make table reservations to get in. And the Champagne doesn’t come cheap: The most expensive bottle is a colossal 30-liter Ace of Spades “Midas” Brut listed at $250,000.
INSIDER TIP The patio bar sells only liquor and Red Bull-spiked drinks, which run around $21.
RESTAURANTS WITH EVENING APPEAL
GEORGICA, 108 Wainscott Stone Rd., Wainscott, 631-537-6255
It considers itself an eatery first, but the late-night crowd has made this a regular summer destination for years — particularly with celebrity-driven parties.
SIENNA, 44 Three Mile Harbor Rd., East Hampton, 631-604-6060
Sharing a building with Finale, this is a small restaurant that likes to throw big bashes. Of note: the internationally recognized Day & Night bubbly-and-brunch daytime affair on Saturdays (from July 4 through Labor Day) and the San Francisco-based “Animal Party” (July 5 and Aug. 30).
INSIDER TIP Both of these spots, once in party mode, can be crowded and expensive to enter — beat the system by getting dining reservations before any event starts, then just hang out at the bar.
WHAT A VIEW
HARLOW EAST, 1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, 631-725-5858, harlownyc.com
With its nightlife-friendly eateries, Sag Harbor’s main street is already an attraction — but this new dockside restaurant and bar is set to become the jewel. Sit outside and sip drinks with a view of sun-kissed, boat-laden Sag Harbor Bay with a mature set of patrons that tend to skew casual but well dressed, ranging from 20-somethings through 60s.
LIVE MUSIC
THE SURF LODGE, 183 Edgemere St., Montauk, 631-483-5037, thesurflodge.com
Providing a free taste of the Brooklyn indie scene, the Lodge’s concert series brings in several up-and-coming bands for free weekend shows. Sure, you can see things like this in Williamsburg, but here the gigs are outside, backed by an open-air view of gentle Fort Pond.
STEPHEN TALKHOUSE, 161 Main St., Amagansett, 631-267-3117, stephentalkhouse.com
Not only is this one of the busiest Hamptons halls, but it features a calendar of shows comprising local favorites and older hit makers (such as Marshall Crenshaw on June 14, Buckwheat Zydeco Aug. 1 and Patty Smyth with Scandal Aug. 23). It’s also extremely popular with celebrities — everyone from Jimmy Buffett, John Mayer and Jimmy Fallon to Paul McCartney and Bill and Hillary Clinton have been spotted here in the past few years.
INSIDER TIP Always arrive early for these shows — as the crowds can be tremendous — and make reservations whenever the option is offered.
