Managing partner Derek Axelrod shares the secret recipe for T Bar’s one-of-a-kind summer. We’ll give you a hint: a hot new happy hour, fresh fare and three personality-packed locations.
T Bar’s New York City location.
What is new with T Bar Southampton this summer?
This summer, we’ve made some exciting design updates both inside and out to accommodate more guests for dinner. Inside, you’ll find custom booths that offer more intimate seating for larger parties. In our garden lounge, we’ve added warmth with new rugs and conversational seating pieces, creating a cozy atmosphere for guests to enjoy cocktails before or after dinner with friends. We’ve also enhanced the lush florals and greenery to provide the ultimate garden experience. Additionally, we’re thrilled to introduce new seasonal dishes that highlight local purveyors and farms.
Is there a specific summer menu item you are excited about?
Our customers have been loving our seasonal salads. This summer, we’re featuring a fresh watermelon salad with feta, basil and olive oil, as well as a burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes, basil, balsamic and olive oil. These classic summer dishes are crisp, delicious and perfect for the season.
T Bar has made quite a name for itself, with three distinctive restaurants in NYC, Roslyn and Southampton. What makes each location stand out from the others?
Each T Bar location has its own unique look and feel that reflects its physical location while maintaining our familiar brand vibe.
• NYC: This trilevel location is dark, sleek and sexy, with a private dining room on the top floor.
• Roslyn: We’ve lightened up the space to match the quaint charm of Old Roslyn while keeping it sultry. It also features a beautiful outdoor terrace with a bird’s-eye view of the town.
• Southampton: This location embodies the charm of the Hamptons, preserving the beauty of the old home we occupy. The garden is bursting with florals and bohemian charm.
While we are, of course, partial to the Southampton location, is there anything you’d like to buzz about the other spots?
The unique ambiance and design of each location, combined with our commitment to quality and consistency, make every T Bar restaurant a special dining destination. Each spot offers a distinct experience while still delivering the same excellent service and culinary delights our brand is known for.
No matter what the location, what is something guests can always expect when dining at one of your restaurants?
Guests can always expect an amazing culinary experience from start to finish. From craft cocktails to dessert, every location offers the same exceptional T Bar experience.
We know this is the first summer without your longtime partner, Tony Fortuna. How has the brand honored his legacy since his passing?
We honor Tony’s legacy through our unwavering dedication to quality and consistency across all locations, ensuring a wonderful dining experience. Tony was known for making every guest feel like family and paying attention to the details, which set us apart.
To commemorate him, we’ve added Tony’s Favorites to our menu, including a Clase Azul cocktail, fennel salad and cavatelli—his signature order.
Anything else you would like to buzz for the summer?
We’re excited to announce happy hour at the bar from 5 to 6 p.m. with special drinks and food offerings. Plus, we’ll be hosting a variety of fun events on the patios and in the gardens at each location.
Photography by: BRANDON SCHULMAN; PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SUBJECT
