This Fourth of July weekend in the Hamptons is shaping up to be a dry 𝒶𝒻𝒻𝒶𝒾𝓇 for the younger crowd, as many partygoers opt for food over drink. With the trend of skipping alcohol on the rise, local venues are scrambling to adapt their offerings to cater to this new wave of revelers.
Aymeric Clemente, CEO of Bagatelle Restaurant Group, has witnessed this shift firsthand. “In the past, our nights revolved around how many venues we could hit and how much we could drink, but that’s no longer the case,” he shared with Side Dish. “We still enjoy going out, but it’s a more measured experience now.”
At hotspots like LDV At The Maidstone in East Hampton and Barlume Beach in Montauk, table prices this weekend range from a staggering $3,000 to $20,000. John Meadow, founder of LDV Hospitality, noted the stark contrast to the past: “I can’t remember the last time I saw anyone taking shots in the Hamptons. It’s just not the same as it was 25 years ago.”
To encourage guests to indulge, Calissa in Water Mill has slashed its alcohol prices. The cost of a bottle now hovers between $650 and $850, down from $700 to $1,000. Depending on the evening, bottle service can set groups back anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. Despite offering mocktails, restaurateur James Mallios remains hesitant to promote them heavily. “I’m not against mocktails, but my livelihood depends on selling food and beverages,” he explained. He’s also looking to the future with plans for cannabis-infused drinks, having already opened a dispensary in Southampton.
Jayma Cardoso, owner of Surf Lodge in Montauk, has also adapted to the preferences of Gen Z, noting, “They might order a bottle of champagne, but most of the 27-year-olds are opting for fresh juices and zero-proof beers.” With table service costing up to $1,000 per person, Cardoso is committed to ensuring her guests have a memorable experience.
To that end, she’s introduced some unique menu items, including caviar tins from Caviar Kaspia priced at up to $595, and even Popeye’s chicken tenders for $150 each. Surf Lodge has also launched a weekly supper club featuring a non-alcoholic sparkling “elixir” created by actor Waris Ahluwalia, known for his roles in Wes Anderson films. The minimum spend for food and drink at the venue ranges from $500 to $1,000 per person.
Interestingly, while younger patrons are drinking less, it seems the older crowd is still indulging. Meadow remarked, “As younger people cut back, older guests are still willing to splurge on premium wines and spirits. We’re focusing on our loyal clientele who appreciate the experience we offer.”
Cobi Levy from Prince Street Hospitality, who recently opened Alba Spiaggia at the Montauk Yacht Club, echoed this sentiment. “Younger people’s drinking habits have changed, but my focus is on those who come in to enjoy a fine Barolo with their meal,” he stated.
In other news, Alidoro, the beloved Italian sandwich shop that started in SoHo in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with exciting new locations opening soon. A 1,000-square-foot spot at One Madison Avenue is set to debut on July 9, with more venues planned for the Empire State Building and JFK Airport later this year.
Meanwhile, the Michelin-recommended Sushi Akira, a female-led omakase restaurant on the Upper East Side, is garnering attention for its new seasonal menu crafted by Chef Nikki Zheng, who has trained at some of the best sushi spots in the city.
As the Hamptons continue to evolve, one has to wonder: what will the next trend be for summer celebrations?
