Brand New Hamptons Eats Without the $queeze

BIG CITY BURGERS/ATOMIC WINGS

85 MONTAUK HWY, WESTHAMPTON BEACH
631-288-WING (9464)

One of the things we like about the Hamptons is that fast food chains are largely unwelcome. One of the things we hate about the Hamptons is trying to find a decent burger for under 10 bucks. We believe our search has ended.
This newly opened little roadside shack that was home for years to the overlooked Johnny Chih’s Chinese restaurant has been retro-fitted into a homegrown burger counter that takes its cue from Five Guys. And like the wildly popular chain, burgers are sized by piling quarter-pound patties on top of each other. So don’t get confused by the Junior Burger ($4.89). This isn’t a kid’s menu item, it’s a quarter-pound pattie. The Hamburger ($6.59) is two patties. Very sly, and the menu doesn’t give this bit of trickery away. After all, what all-American burger eater is going to sidle up to the counter and order anything labeled “junior”? But with free grilled onions and mushrooms and the usual trinity of lettuce, tomato and pickle, it’s a good meal. Especially when you get fries with that. And oh what fries these are. Hand cut, skin on, they rival Five Guys’ excellent spuds. The burgers are cooked “their way” which may be a bit too well-done for some, but with enough fat to keep it juicy if not dripping down your hand which is my preference. But let’s not forget the Atomic Wings. I got my Mini order of five Buffalo style ($4.79) with “medium” sauce which provided all the lip and tongue burn I need.

THE SLOPPY TUNA
148 S. EDISON ST., MONTAUK
631-647-8000
www.thesloppytuna.com

Some people hear the name of this beachfront joint and know the meaning and get offended. Others admire all the press it generated when it opened early in the summer in the spot that Nick’s inhabited. Early reports are of easy-to-do seafood including lobster rolls and fish burritos and full dinners at reasonable prices. Come early for brunch, lunch or dinner with an ocean view before the bar crowd gets it’s sloppy on.

SHUCKERS LOBSTER AND CLAM BAR
58 FOSTER AVE., HAMPTON BAYS
631-723-3178

By night it’s the Beach Bar dance club but this year they’ve branded the daytime deck restaurant “Shuckers.” Lobster specials ($15.95), tuna burgers, oyster-lobstafella and fish tacos all constructed by chef Braian Mazzio of Della Femina.

BANZAI BURGER
2095 MONTAUK HWY, NAPEAGUE
631-267-3195

Drove all this way and need another burger fix? Stop in for a variety including lamb, Mako shark, tuna, vegan and of course beef. She doesn’t want another burger? Get her some just-caught fish at the sushi bar, play a game of ping pong, groove to the reggae.
Don’t miss Truffle Fries or any number of hot stuff apps like corn crab cakes.

AGAVE BAR AND MEXICAN GRILL
1970 MONTAUK HWY., BRIDGEHAMPTON
631-237-1334

Mexican-American food and Tex-Mex with low prices, good drinks and sports on TV in the old Almond space.