As a Hamptons-based event planner and producer, my summer days are rarely slow or predictable. I am often moving between site visits, client meetings, vendor calls, private homes, venue walkthroughs, and events from Southampton to East Hampton and as far out as Montauk all in the same day.
Because of that, I have a very selective yet practical relationship with where I eat, drink coffee, and take meetings in the Hamptons. After or between a long event day, I just want to sit somewhere that feels easy and familiar.
These are the dining spots across the Hamptons that I could easily return to every day if I could (and what you must try at each)!
Where I Take a Refined Client Lunch: Sant Ambroeus, Southampton
For a client lunch, I want a setting that feels elevated but not stiff. Sant Ambroeus works beautifully for that.
It has polish, consistency, and the right energy for a meeting with a client or brand partner. Their location on Main Street in Southampton Village feels refined without being too formal, which is important when you are discussing event concepts, guest experience, sponsorship strategy, or the details that turn an idea into an intentional gathering.
I also like that Sant Ambroeus can work for different kinds of meetings. If it is more casual, coffee at the bar feels easy and elegant. I usually go for a traditional latte or cappuccino depending upon the time of day with one of their pastries (my favorite is the traditional Principessa Cake).
If it is a proper lunch, I usually lean toward something light like the Lentil Salad or a bit more wholesome like the Ossobuco Alla Milanese.
Where I Go for a Coffee Meeting: One Trick Pony, Westhampton Beach
Ever since opening in June of 2023, One Trick Pony has quickly become It feels relaxed, current, and local, which makes it a great place for a first conversation with a potential partner, sponsor, or fellow creative. I often prefer coffee over a formal meal for early meetings because there is less pressure, but still with enough structure.
For me, coffee meetings are one of the most underrated parts of event production. A quick conversation can lead to a new brand activation, vendor relationship, press opportunity, or introduction that becomes important later in the season.
My go-to order at One Trick Pony is either the Chai Latte or Bee Sting, or one of their rotating coffee specials paired with the BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, chipotle mayo on country toast). And to note, One Trick Pony is one of the few dedicated coffee-and-cocktail concepts out east (other great choices for coffee and cocktails are Tutto Caffe further east in East Hampton and Mostrador Marram even further out in Montauk).
Where I Grab Something Between Site Visits: Organic Krush, Amagansett
In peak season, lunch does not always happen at lunchtime. Sometimes it happens between a venue walkthrough and a call with a sponsor. Sometimes I eat quickly before driving to another town.
Organic Krush is one of my most practical health-conscious stops for that reason. I can get something fresh, reliable, and nourishing without turning it into a long sit-down meal.
When I am in production mode, I usually want food that helps me keep going without feeling heavy. Their menu choices like the Coconut Shrimp Wrap, Mexican Coffee Smoothie, or Sweet Potato Burrito do the job. Plus I always grab a Rejuvenation juice shot. .
Exactly what I need between site visits: quick, fresh, and dependable.
Where I Bring Out-of-Town Friends: Sagaponack General Store, Sagaponack
When friends visit the Hamptons, I love veering off Montauk Highway and driving through the backroads. Rarely could they pinpoint exactly where we are out east and I love creating that mystery for them.
Sagaponack General Store is the pitstop I love to make. Not only has it soared with allure and popularity it also gives my friends and family from out of town a cornerstone sense of the more local Hamptons: a little bit of busy and a little bit of serenity. I love bringing people there because it feels charming without trying too hard.
We stop in for a fresh baguette, sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, and fresh coffee. Plus I love to see what new specialty food items they have stocked. Before we know it, we seamlessly filled our picnic baskets or beach bags.
Where I Go After an Event: Rosie’s, Amagansett
After an event, I usually do not want anything complicated.
By that point, I have spent hours thinking about everyone else’s event experience. When it is finally over, I want somewhere that lets me exhale. I sip on Rosie’s Smoke with Amarás Mezcal and pair it with their Hummus or Steak Frites.
Rosie’s on Main Street in Amagansett opposite Amagansett Square has the kind of ease I appreciate after making sure everyone else had a seamless experience. I love to swing by during an early evening or after dinner. Rosie’s also has a great brunch menu! If you’re there for brunch, try the Whipped Ricotta or Grilled Fish Tacos.
Where I Reset When I Need a Quiet Café Moment: Java Nation, Bridgehampton
There are points in the season when I just need a quiet table, far removed from the scene. A hideaway few know about. And here if you know, you know.
When I just need a place to sit and answer emails with no frills, I head to Java Nation. An iced cappuccino with milk and no sugar is my consistent order.
When your work is built around hospitality, you are often creating an atmosphere for other people. A quiet café moment becomes its own kind of hospitality but for yourself.
Where I Recommend for a True Hamptons Dining Experience: The 1770 House, East Hampton
For someone who wants a true Hamptons dining experience, I would recommend The 1770 House.
The 1770 House has consistently held a sense of place and intimacy that feels very East Hampton. Polished, classic, and special.
I sit in the downstairs tavern. I love the small bar and the more relaxed atmosphere. I go for an exceptional glass of wine, the Chilled Spring Sweet Pea Soup or Scottish Salmon.
And for me, the non-negotiable is dessert: the sticky date cake.
Vanessa Gordon is the CEO of East End Taste and founder of the Hamptons Interactive Brunch event series. She received her Master of Arts Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from New York University. She has been featured in The New York Times, Yahoo, Parents Magazine, Reader’s Digest, New York Post, Metro UK, Total Beauty, CNN Underscored, and many more. She lives in the Hamptons with her family.
