Forget the traditional power lunch; in the Hamptons, influential figures are gathering all day long.
Industry leaders, celebrities, and rising stars mingle from dawn till dusk, sharing moments that linger a bit longer.
This is Nynext’s guide to the Hamptons Power Circuit, covering activities from morning until night.
Carissa’s Bakery
221 Pantigo Road, East Hampton; 68 New Town Lane, East Hampton; 3 Bay Street, Sag Harbor
Notable visitors: Mickey Drexler, Justin Bieber, Katie Couric, Stanley Tucci, Ina Garten.
From what I’ve heard: “Carissa’s feels like a testament to beautiful living that many customers already embody. The Italian marble at the Sag Harbor spot probably costs more than some coffee shops make in a year.”
Carissa, a James Beard Award winner, attracts crowds to her three locations. Wealthy locals line up for perfect croissants, robust fennel slab-style panini, and the well-known Beet and Kimchi Reuben.
Sure, you might wait around for 30 minutes, but you never know who you’ll run into.
Estia’s Small Kitchen
1615 Sag Harbor Turnpike, Sag Harbor
Notable visitors: Drew Barrymore, Mariska Hargitay, John Gray, and Justin Timberlake’s lawyer, Eddie Burke Jr.
From insiders: “Estia’s modest look reflects the wealth of its patrons.”
This casual spot on the Turnpike is popular with power brokers and celebrities who enjoy simple, flavorful Mexican cuisine, all at reasonable prices for the Hamptons.
You might want to be there right when it opens at 9 am, or else get cozy in the garden where chef Colin Ambrose grows some of the produce for dishes like his beloved Huevos Rancheros.
Equinox Hampton
204 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton
Notable visitors: Alex Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez, Ty Jerome, Braxton Bellios.
What people say: “It’s a straightforward gym where you might find yourself next to an NFL quarterback.”
This seasonal pop-up, dubbed “The Lodge,” replaces urban steel with recycled wood and synthetic grass. For signature classes like Stacked, check out the Atrium, which boasts beautiful training equipment.
After your workout, grab a refreshing juice from the café bar and unwind at one of the chill-out stations.
Sweet House
337 Montauk Highway, Water Mill
Notable visitors: Stella McCartney, skincare expert Dr. Barbara Sturm, Kate Hudson.
What insiders say: “If Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie from ‘The White Lotus’ had known about Shou Sugi Ban, they might have skipped Thailand altogether.”
This serene five-acre wellness haven offers sunrise breathing exercises and ends the day with seasonal soups cooked by an on-site culinary team.
Throughout the day, guests can indulge in a variety of wellness treatments.
Sunset Beach
35 Shore Road, Shelter Island Heights
Notable visitors: Carly Cross, Jon Hamm, Liev Schreiber.
From those in the know: “It’s as close as you’ll get to a beach club in Eastern Europe. Yellow-striped umbrellas and games make it feel like the French Riviera.”
Over the weekend, yachts crowd the area outside Andre Baraza’s stylish beachfront restaurant and hotel, where guests are ferried to the shore.
As one frequent diner mentioned, “The whole experience is getting there by boat.”
When you arrive, you’ll find beachside “sandboxes” designed for large groups, with various decks that serve as exclusive spots for friends of the owner.
At sunset, the westward beach creates a perfect backdrop for those iconic Instagram shots. The night continues with both the kitchen and dance floor staying busy.
Gibson Beach
239 Gibson Lane, Sagaponack
Notable visitors: Jimmy Fallon, Matthew Broderick, Neil Patrick Harris.
As insiders say: “A microcosm of quiet luxury.”
While younger crowds are busy surfing at Montauk’s Ditch Plains, Gibson Beach caters to those who crave discretion. The beach draws an older, wealthier crowd keen on enjoying the sun without the glare of cameras.
It’s exclusive, creating a private atmosphere. Recently, the village took control of it from the town, making access more restricted.
Interestingly, some hedge funders have brought in portable satellite internet to stay connected, as the location is known for poor cell service.
Duryea’s Montauk
65 Tuthill Road, Montauk
Notable visitors: David Solomon, Julianne Moore.
From those who’ve been there: “Relaxing at Duryea’s with the sun and a breeze, enjoying a refreshing tomato salad and oysters feels heavenly.”
Famed for its $100 Lobster Cobb Salad, the establishment seems to draw a repeat crowd, particularly this season.
In the summer of 2023, a casual lunch encounter between David Solomon and junior Goldman Sachs analysts likely added to the buzz around the place.
Surf Lodge
183 Edgemere Street, Montauk
Notable visitors: Malia Obama, 50 Cent, and newlyweds Jake Bongiovi and Millie Bobby Brown.
Insider perspective: “It’s legendary, a place where the Hamptons come to life.”
Originally a surfer motel, Surf Lodge has transformed into a major nightlife hub since 2008, thanks to Brazilian businessman Jay MaCardoso. It continues to attract crowds willing to pay top dollar for exclusive experiences.
The outdoor stage, next to Fort Pond, has hosted performances from renowned artists over the years, making it a cultural landmark.
Despite curfews on outdoor music, it remains a gathering place for a mix of young artists, fashion enthusiasts, and financial hotshots.
Le Bilboquet
1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor
Notable visitors: Gwyneth Paltrow, Kendall Jenner, Eric Schmidt, Hugh Jackman.
Inside scoop: “Le Bilboquet is where you can spot staff with fancier watches than you.”
With dishes like Foie Gras, Dover Sole, and signature Cajun Chicken, the quality here has evolved over time. While the service is slow, patrons seem to embrace the ambiance.
The atmosphere shifts at night as DJs crank up the volume, creating a lively scene.
Backed by high-profile investors, the restaurant continues to thrive since its expansion into Sag Harbor.
Tutto Il Giorno
56 Nugent St., Southampton; 16 Main Street, Sag Harbor; Tutto Caffe: 55 Main St., East Hampton
Notable visitors: Calvin Klein, Sarah Jessica Parker, Keith Richards, and Caitlyn Jenner.
Word from regulars: “It’s romantic yet simple; perfect for a special occasion or a casual day out, even if you’re shelling out $40 for spaghetti.”
With options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this place can easily become a daylong outing.
The restaurant’s co-owner, Gabby Karan De Felice, has fashioned the space with minimalistic elegance, ensuring it aligns with her family’s legacy.
