The Last Non-Pretentious Spot In East Hampton Bites The Dust...

by Guest of A Guest · May 16, 2023

    Well, it's official. There's just no room in East Hampton anymore for cool, casual spots that aren't annoyingly pretentious or absurdly overpriced.

    It's hard to say exactly what marked the final chapter. Was it the Cartier or Chanel stores, or maybe the Sant Ambroeus that took over beloved (yet still insanely overpriced) Babette's? 

    Certainly East Hampton has always been an upscale town, but in recent years the tides have turned in a very big way... Hell, there's a Louis Vuitton opening up in town this summer! I don't think there's a big enough eye roll to convey how we feel about that.

    As the heavy luxury brands continue to move in, what space is there for relaxed, easy local favorites?

    In a most sad announcement, Rowdy Hall recently shared that at the end of this summer season they'll be picking up and moving to Amagansett. Named for a turn of the century boarding house favored by artists visiting East Hampton, the arts & crafts pub has been tucked away in the middle of town since 1996. And while this move may be in some ways an exciting development for the business - their new space will have room for a larger bar and a full beer garden - it's a huge blow for East Hampton, a charming seaside town getting embarrassingly snootier by the day.

    What's your bet on who takes their spot? 

    Hermès?

    [Photo via Rowdy Hall]