As the summer heats up, the LIE becomes flooded with Ferraris, Phantoms and the occasional Fiat destined for the Hamptons. The Hamptons have a nightlife scene that rivals Ibiza and fashion that rivals Monaco. It’s become a notorious celebrity stomping ground, and showing up at one of the hottest nighttime hangouts will ensure you the sight of at least a few famous faces.
Of course, after one summer, the scenesters seek out new adventures, and in turn, new nightlife additions crop up each summer to satisfy the Hamptonites’ hunger. Here are a few of this year’s Hamptons hotspots.
The Southampton Social Club
256 Elm St., Southampton
The first place you want to hit is this 1920s-style speakeasy. It features a mahogany bar, two fireplaces and a library lounge. While sipping on something special—try a Kentucky Honey Smash (a twist on the classic Whiskey Smash, adding the sweetness of honey to the whiskey cocktail)—expect to hear the hottest DJs and live music.
“Southampton Social Club is a completely different dining / entertainment experience than the previous seasons! Reopening the eatery with a new name [formerly Madame Tong’s Redeux] and concept, Southampton Social Club is a chic restaurant and lounge that reinvents a luxurious 1920s social club,” said Southampton Social Club Owner, Ian Duke. “As the venue now offers innovated American fare and a mixologist-crafted cocktail menu, I am grateful that the community have embraced the change and proud of the direction the restaurant is going!”
SL East
44 Three Mile Harbor Rd., E. Hampton
The owners of the Meatpacking District hotspot SL have decided to bring it to the Hamptons as SL East. The place debuted this past Memorial Day weekend, located at Three Mile Harbor Road in East Hampton, with more than 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Grab a drink at the L-shaped corner bar, or step down to find the central indoor space with the main room outlined with plush banquettes. Feeling a little frisky? Do your best runway walk toward the center row, called the “catwalk,” and try to squeeze yourself into the highly coveted seating and tables here. Head outside to the outdoor patio with private cabanas and the outdoor bar while listening to the same satisfying songs. SL in the city, known for drawing in world-renowned DJs and today’s leading artists, has clearly shared its wealth of famous spinning friends with its Eastern sister.
South Pointe
125 Tuckahoe Rd., Southampton
Everything’s bigger in the Hamptons: the diamonds, the mansions and especially the parties. A great example of this is the former RdV East, now known as South Pointe. The place claims to be the largest Hamptons hotspot, with more than 3,500 feet of indoor space and 2,000 feet of outdoor space. The Gatsby-esque club invokes the 1920s with its modern vintage design. Inside, guests gather at 35 tables of lush booth-style seating with ornate Victorian fabrics beneath crystal chandeliers and impressive modern art. Guests also have the choice to trade in the chandeliers for a little partying under the stars on the outdoor deck. “The Deck” was inspired by St.Tropez and allows guests to lounge on 12 cabana beds among scattered palm trees. The music is a satisfying mix of electro, hip-hop, house and indie rock. The DJ roster alone looks like it could pack out Nassau Coliseum and includes the likes of Calvin Harris, Max Vangeli and Funkagenda.
The Elm
230 Elm St., Southampton
From playing pool to dancing the night away, The Elm has everything. The multilevel club takes up shop in the old Polish Social House hall and flaunts a “sophisticated” old school theme. Guests can hit the venue and head to the open upstairs area “Elm” on the weekends from 10 p.m. on. Upstairs features a huge bar that can fit up to 500 people, DJ booth, private tables that light up—a very Miami Beach scene—and of course, bottle service. Or guests can head downstairs to the swanky lounge called “230 Down.” (From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. guests can join the club that features dart boards, pool tables and a half-lane bowling alley.) From 10 p.m. on the space becomes a VIP room for Elm. On days that you aren’t drinking from a flute and singing to the DJ’s choice of songs, you can give back at one of the many charity events taking place here this summer.
