Now that summer is upon us, we can actually go on the dates we’ve been planning since January without having to freeze to death or huddle by the closest heater.
Ready to finally take your Hinge date to get that cocktail you’ve been talking about? Time to celebrate an anniversary while sitting by (or even on) the beach? Just wanting to take someone on a nice walk—or at least one that’s longer than the length of your driveway?
Scroll through to pick out the best date ideas of where to EAT, DRINK, and PLAY this summer season!
EAT
Morning/Afternoon
Carrisa’s Bakery
Looking for the perfect date spot, but not ready to commit to a full dinner? Or maybe just looking for the best way to extend your date from the night before? Head to Carissa’s bakery for freshly made pastries and delicious sandwiches, or if you’re feeling more sit-down vibes, don’t be afraid to indulge in its sourdough waffle with seasonal fruit. Either way, you can’t go wrong. The outdoor garden seating is especially dreamy in the spring and summer. Another suggestion would be to order online through their website and take out their signature sandwiches and a bottle of wine on a beach picnic (21+ of course). They have a curated selection of wines available by the bottle and will be adding more roses over the Summer.
Carrisa’s Bakery; 221 Pantigo Rd, East Hampton
[Photo courtesy of Carissa’s Bakery]
Babette’s
Can you really say you went on a lunch date in the Hamptons if it wasn’t at Babette’s? No, so why even bother? Dine on delicious pancakes and French toast, or my personal favorite, the salmon eggs benedict. But be warned, the place calls itself “the restaurant of possibility,” so if you’re taking a first date, prepare yourself for the possibility of a second.
Babette’s; 66 Newtown Lane, East Hampton
[Photo via @babettes_east_hampton]
Dinner
Tutto Il Giorno
Finally, a place to find amore—and yes, I am also referring to the food. Perhaps one of the most classic date night spots, with locations in Sag Harbor and Southampton, this place is a must for any couple’s night out. Whether you’re trying to impress your date or celebrating an anniversary, dine on its homemade butternut squash ravioli as you sip on some classic Campari.
Tutto II Giorno; 56 Nugent St, Southampton & 16 Main St, Sag Harbor
[Photo via @jb_andreassi]
Sen Sag Harbor
Don’t get me wrong, I love a romantic Italian date à la Lady and the Tramp or a classic French dinner, but sushi and date night? To me, it just sounds right. For 25 years, Sen has been serving up some of the best sushi on Long Island, and that’s not even the best part. Jesse Matsuoka, co-owner and general manager, is a certified sake sommelier, and the only one you’ll find on Long Island. So, pick your date and head on over for a perfect meal and (even better?) drink.
Sen Sag Harbor; 23 Main St, Sag Harbor
[Photo via @sensagharbor]
The Crow’s Nest
Looking for a romantic night out? Head over to The Crow’s Nest and seat yourself on the lawn under the stars, or rather, the restaurant’s twinkling lights, as you share a picture-worthy charcuterie board and view.
The Crow’s Nest; 4 Old West Lake Dr, Montauk
[Photo via @crowsnestmtk]
Pierre’s
Although there is some debate over whether Paris is really the city of love or of lights, there is no denying this French bistro will have you feeling as though you have been transported to a romantic café on the Champs-Élysées. Dress to impress—don’t worry though the vibe is more fun than chi-chi—and bon appétit!
Pierre’s; 2468 Main St, Bridgehampton
[Photo via @nastyablagaya]
Vine St Café
Although Shelter Island may be a bit off of the beaten path, Vine St Café makes it well worth it. I mean, if regulars like Kelly Ripa and Anderson Cooper make the trip, you know it must be good. Husband and wife team Terry Harwood and Lisa Murphy rely on local farmers, fishermen, and winemakers to create the delicious seasonal menu. I recommend the bouillabaisse. Bring a date worth making the journey with and someone you want to impress and trust me, you won’t regret it.
Vine Street Café; 44 South Ferry Rd, Shelter Island
[Photo via @vinestreetcafe]
Dessert
Big Olaf’s Ice Cream
Looking for the perfect sweet treat to have you and your date reminiscing about those good ol’ days when all you did was scream for ice cream? Head over to Big Olaf’s to sit on the water and bite into its famous homemade waffle cones and the generous portion of ice cream that comes with it.
Big Olaf; 8 Wharf St, Sag Harbor
[Photo via @lets.eat.yall]
Candy Kitchen
Okay, so it may not look like the most romantic spot in the Hamptons to share a scoop, but trust me (and Justin Bieber, who’s been known to go), this East End parlor is a legend. I mean, they have been making ice cream for more than 90 years. If that’s not a literal classic date spot, I don’t know what is.
Candy Kitchen; 2391 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton
[Photo courtesy of Sienna Davenport]
DRINK
Baron’s Cove
Want to impress your date? Bring them to Baron’s Cove where legends like John Steinbeck, Paul Newman, Art Garfunkel, and Truman Capote frequently drank the delicious cocktails that you can try yourself more than 50 years later. Cheers to them and to a legendary night.
Baron’s Cove; 31 W. Water St, Sag Harbor
[Photo via @baronscove]
Wölffer Estate
What says “date” like romantic vineyard or wine tasting? Nothing, if that vineyard is the famous Wölffer Estate. Whether you’re looking for a classic wine tasting or to splurge on the Taste of the Season experience, trust me when I say your date will be impressed.
Wölffer Estate; 139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack
[Photo courtesy of Wölffer Estate]
Navy Beach
Whoever said there was anything wrong with going classic Hamptons? Absolutely no one. Embrace the Hamptons lifestyle and take your date to enjoy reliably delicious cocktails, an ice-cold beer, or just a nice glass of wine, as you sip and sit on the beach.
Navy Beach, 16 Navy Rd, Montauk
[Photo credit: Eric Striffler]
Bell & Anchor
Oysters and cocktails? What could be more romantic? Enjoy a Last Word cocktail while you dine on oysters on the half shell or, for those looking to fully remember the view, sip on one or maybe three of Bell & Anchor’s famous non-alcoholic Lavender Lemon Fizzes.
Bell & Anchor; 3253 Noyac Rd, Sag Harbor
[Photo via @brandonjacksonofficial]
Coche Comedor
Odds are you’ve heard of the Italian classic Nick & Toni’s, but have you visited their second—and delicious—date night spot Coche Commedor? With sangria on tap, a serious margarita menu, and agave flights to choose from, Coche Commedor is the go-to date spot for a guaranteed fun night out.
Coche Comedor; 74A Montauk Hwy, Amagansett
[Photo credit: Ghost Note Creative]
PLAY
Sculpture Garden at LongHouse Reserve
Take a romantic stroll at LongHouse Reserve as you admire not just the sculptures, from the likes of Yoko Ono, Sol LeWitt, and Willem de Kooning, but the overall landscape created by founder Jack Larsen. Either wander through just you two or learn the history and opt for a guided tour. Whatever you choose, I promise it’ll be gorgeous.
Sculpture Garden at LongHouse Reserve; 33 Hands Creek Rd, East Hampton
[Photo credit: Gary Mamay]
Pollock-Krasner House
Who says you have to go into the city for the perfect museum date? Head over to the Pollock-Krasner House, where two of America’s most beloved artists created some of their best work. As you wander the halls of this National Historic Landmark, who knows, maybe it won’t only be the art you fall in love with.
Pollock-Krasner House; 830 Springs Fireplace Rd, East Hampton
[Photo credit: Hamptons Social]
Shinnecock Inlet
Feeling a little more adventurous? Take your date over to Shinnecock Inlet, between Southampton and Hampton Bays, for a surf date! Even if you don’t surf, the beautiful, hidden beach is still worth a visit.
Shinnecock Inlet; Shinnecock Inlet, Southampton
[Photo via @fishguyphotos]
Coopers Beach
Needing a beach getaway without the insane crowds of Main Beach? Bring your date to Coopers Beach for the perfect day in the sun. Plus, with chairs and umbrellas available to rent you won’t have to worry about awkwardly carrying your own. And, they even have a snack bar—goodbye sandy sandwiches and hello date-worthy lobster rolls.
Cooper’s Beach; 268 Meadow Ln, Southampton
[Photo via @skubrick]
The Perfect Picnic
You may be thinking: Is there really such a thing as a perfect picnic? I mean, it always sounds good in theory, but in reality, we all know it ends up being more of a hassle. Well, not anymore! Destination Haus has been working to curate the most beautiful beach picnics, turning your dream date into reality. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself.
Destination Haus; 83 S Elmwood Ave, Montauk
[Photo courtesy of Destination Haus]
[Top photo via @crowsnestmtk]
