Just in time for peak summer party season, the results of our first Hamptons Nightlife Survey are in, covering 53 bars and clubs as sampled by the East End's most avid socializers. From hot newcomers to longtime landmarks, beachy shacks to sleek lounges, we offer an insider's look at nightlife in one of the world's most fabled summer playgrounds.
While heiresses and movie stars lend the Hamptons scene its paparazzi flash, that's not what appeals most to our seen-it-all respondents: 61% say the area's "beach atmosphere" is what they relish most, while its "carefree party attitude" is the prime draw for 31%. Only 4% fess up to digging "celebrity sightings" best of all.
Other Highlights of Our Survey Findings:
- The American Hotel, a Sag Harbor landmark since 1846, took Most Popular honors and also ranked No. 1 for Decor and No. 2 for Appeal thanks to assets including a "stellar" wine list and "beautiful-people" crowd. The top Appeal rating went to Sunset Beach, a Shelter Island bistro with a "Caribbean island feel" and, yes, "unreal sunset views."
- JL East, Ed "Jean-Luc" Kleefield's East Hampton French bistro, was the spot most visited by twentysomething surveyors, while thirtysomethings flocked to the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett for live music.
- People start the party early on the East End: 40 percent of respondents say they kick things off at happy hour and continue on from there.
- The libation of choice: martinis and other cocktails (favored by 46%), followed by wine (27%) and beer (17%).
- While 23% of Hamptons night owls have partaken of bottle service (buying a bottle of booze to score a table), 55% dismiss it as a waste of cash.
Get the Full Survey Results
Includes top lists, plus ratings and reviews for 53 establishments.