By: Jordan Budney By: Jordan Budney | May 10, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
From backyard bashes to smokehouse celebrations, a mouthwatering barbecue can bring together friends and family over the love of smoky meats and sticky fingers. Whether you like it vinegar-based or tomato-based, here are the best barbecue spots in the Hamptons.
See Also: The 11 Best Margaritas In The Hamptons
199 Pantigo Road, East Hampton / 631.604.6470 / Website
Unleash your inner beast and howl with delight at this “smokin’” barbecue spot in East Hampton. Chef Arthur Wolf is serving up some of the finest southwest barbecue with exciting options using the freshest and finest ingredients in a unique and friendly ambiance. With dishes suitable for every palette, like tender meats, savory seafood and their iconic fresh-baked cornbread, this establishment creates an enjoyable and social atmosphere for every barbecue enthusiast. Besides smoky platters and sides, they offer a plentiful selection of quesadillas, salads, burgers and decadent desserts, if you have room.
3593 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack / 631.537.2271 / Website
Beef or chicken, dry-rubbed or extra saucy, enjoy barbecue your way at this buzzing ‘cue joint. Sagaponack meets Wainscott at this reclaimed wood barn offering indoor and outdoor seating decorated with a fireplace and an expansive deck perfect for local band performances and trivia nights with friends. The dry-rubbed meats, such as the St. Louis ribs and brisket, are smoked on-site and served with plenty of housemade sauces and southern-inspired sides, like spicy Buffalo Fries or the cooling TL Spoon Salad. Plus, their extensive drink menu comprises over 70 bottle selections and highlights local craft beers from seven different taps to wash down all the tangy goodness.
820 W Main St., Riverhead / 631.727-2819 / Website
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, or All You Can Eat Fridays, Maple Tree BBQ is truly “smoking meat every day.” What started as a local deli transformed into a full-service restaurant as owner Dennis O’Leary takes pride in smoking his meats the old-fashioned way using oak wood. Some menu specialties include the Maple Tree Smoked Tacos, available with pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket or even smoked salmon, and their Brisket Chili, which comes with smoked brisket, tomato paste and chilis for that extra heat. If you are feeling barbecue but not the prep and clean up, they also offer outstanding take-out and catering services for any event, small or large.
524 Montauk Hwy., East Quogue / 631.653.4042 / Website
Although a new moon is generally not seen, this barbecue spot is full of specials, live music and southwestern style. This family-owned and operated Tex-Mex restaurant has been serving locals classic comfort meals since 1978. For the best barbecue breakfast, be sure to try the sweet Shana’s Mouth-Watering buttermilk pancakes or the savory Ol’ Tex’s brisket hash ‘n’ eggs. Come back for dinner for the Texas-style mesquite smoked barbecue menu for pleasing pulled pork, or taste the Tacos Locos menu, providing twelve different types of tacos. After indulging in a decadent dinner or keeping it light with their lite-lunch menu offered on weekend afternoons, customers will leave already wanting to come back for more.
62 Jobs Lane, Southampton / 631.283.2800 / Website
Although this may not be considered a typical barbecue-centric joint, this restaurant does not lack when it comes to American comfort food, housemade brews and a lively atmosphere. Known as a casual but boisterous place for excellent pub eats, they offer weekend brunch, lunch and dinner menus with an impressive beverage selection, including fruity margaritas and special cocktails. If you are looking for those classic barbecue bites, stick with the half or full rack of barbecue baby back ribs paired with their creamy and delectable mac and cheese. With happy hour specials Monday through Saturday and live music every Thursday night, it will feel like you never left your family’s backyard barbecue while you celebrate all night long.
99 N. Main St., East Hampton / 631.329.6666 / Website
Elevate the barbecue and embrace the elegance and one of East Hampton’s finest eateries for an eclectic experience. Open year-round, this American restaurant provides an airy bistro atmosphere with an open kitchen and busy bar, automatically making it a classic and local favorite. Be sure to come early and hungry to try one of their limited stand-out entrees, Knife & Fork Barbecue Ribs, which are slow-roasted and served with french fries and coleslaw. For the upscale meat lovers, indulge in their bone-in Rutherford USDA prime ribeye or the USDA prime fillet. With memorable meals and kind service from the staff, feel the consistent buzz and taste the love in the highly acclaimed entrees, sides and desserts.
These one-of-a-kind barbecue spots guarantee satisfaction, as these tender meats paired with comforting sides will leave you smothered in sauce and smiles.
Photography by: Stephanie Phillips / Getty Images