Summertime in the Hamptons means cool salty breezes, glistening sunlight reflections and hopping happy hours featuring deals on favorite appetizers and vinos. You really can’t beat it. After a long day at work, take advantage of the Hamptons’ beautiful evenings and explore these happy hour hotspots before the temperature falls.
Bay Kitchen Bar, East Hampton
image: noah fecks for bay kitchen bar
Bay Kitchen Bar’s happy hours are so nice, the popular East Hampton spot hosts ’em twice. The first weeknight happy hour runs from 4-6pm, but those who get held up at work can raise a glass from 10pm to close. Feast on $2 oysters as you sip $6 rosé. The view from the outdoor patio, which overlooks Three Mile Harbor, provides a brief escape from everyday obligations. Go.
Hampton Lady Bar, Hampton Bays
You get more than what you pay for at Hampton Lady Bar. The complimentary buffet and drink specials featured on Fridays 5-7pm are worth the visit, but the half-priced appetizers Monday through Thursday will make you come back for seconds. Try the signature Hampton Lady Sunset, infused with Ciroc coconut vodka, St. Germain, strawberry puree, pineapple juice and a champagne topper for a burst of tanginess. The dining room with the sliding glass doors bridges to an outdoor nightlife destination that features live music on the weekends. Go.
The Greenwich, Water Mill
image: the greenwich
An inviting white décor surrounds the bar and creates a chic beach ambiance that complements carefree summer days. The Roses Grove made with belvedere vodka, aperol, strawberry, lemon and orange bitters is so refreshing it’s worth shelling out the usual $18, but since it’s only $9 during happy hour, just have two instead. Come Monday to Friday from 5:30-7:30pm. Go.
Rumba, Hampton Bays
Unwind and let acoustic reggae music transport you to an island getaway. The Caribbean-inspired Rumba offers Mojito Mondays, daily half-priced appetizers from 3-5pm and live music on Thursday nights. Go off the chips-and-salsa beaten path and try the duck empanadas filled with peppers and spicy queso wrapped inside a crispy pastry shell. Go.
CowFish, Hampton Bays
Even though this stylish eatery with rustic furnishings is named for its surf-n-turf entrees, the fruity Homewrecker is all the rage. Made with Finlandia mango vodka, cucumber and canton and housemade sour, it’s basically summer in a mason jar. Happy hours are from 3-5pm—giving you time to hop on the shuttle that offers a scenic five-minute ride down the Shinnecock Canal to sister restaurant Rumba. Go.
Dockers Waterside, East Quogue
image: melissa frey
Stick a few Abe Lincolns in your wallet before heading to Dockers Waterside, where $5 deals are the name of the game on weeknights from 3:30-6:30pm. Pair $5 wine, beer and cocktails with an app or two from the $5 appetizer menu. You certainly don’t want to pass up the fried calamari served in a delectable marinara sauce that immediately arrives sizzling from the oven. Once you’ve savored the last bite, get up and dance it off with Long Island’s new band Mean Machine, which plays every Friday at 7:30pm. Go.
Swallow East, East Hampton
Start your weekend festivities a little early with $5 beer, $7 Sauvignon blanc, Malbec and Pinot Grigio Thursday and Friday’s from 5-7pm. Since the sun will be shining, opt for an outdoor seat at one of the rustic farm tables or benches and take in views of some of Montauk’s biggest charter boats. Go.