4 Best Restaurants in Montauk, Long Island

This is as real as Montauk gets: a weathered old sea captain having lunch at the bar, fishermen stopping in for an afternoon pint or quick bite, and locals sharing a laugh with friends any time of the day. Here, tucked away on a side street close to Gosman's Dock yet a world apart, the beer is cold and the food is good and as down to earth as the folks who hang out here. Weird and wacky tchotchkes and seafaring-related antiques festoon the rustic wood walls and ceiling.

Outsiders are welcomed but should be aware of the "list," including: no checks, no cell phones, no strollers or screaming kids, no whining, wimps, or chickenhawks. Stick with these rules, and you'll be just fine.

This year-round neighborhood joint serves delicious pancakes and creative omelets all day, along with hearty homemade soups and chowders, thick burgers, shakes, and spicy chicken-salad wraps. The fried ice cream is famous. Come at off-hours especially on weekends, because there's usually a line. Early risers can get breakfast from 6 am, and it's open every day except Christmas.

This casual spot serves good coffee, salads, rejuvenating fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies, daily breakfast and lunch specials, and exotic wraps such as the Thai Me Up, with gingered tofu or chicken with veggies in peanut sauce, or the Slum Burger Millionaire, an Indian-style tuna burger. Eat at the outdoor picnic tables or bring your meal to the beach or hotel. The place is popular for a quick bite, but there's usually a line at the counter and a bit of a wait.

Don't expect high-end dining; the place is pretty much your local neighborhood dive, but the food is well liked and well prepared. The specials change daily, but are good, straightforward dishes such as cedar-planked salmon, beer-battered fish-and-chips, and chicken saltimbocca. There are always cool people here, so the bar scene makes the wait for a table on weekends bearable.