Where Everybody Knows Your Name: The Surf Lodge, Montauk
A GofG pal and I frequently talk about how we enjoy Amagansett and Montauk so much because their beaches remain the least touched by Manhattan glamour. When I beach, I do it casually, so maybe I’m really still a Hamptons girl, but I like the peace and laid back vibes that you can only find in Montauk. Now there’s a new kid on the block where everyone can enjoy the cool energy for a long weekend, mid-week retreat or just a cocktail on the water.
Rob McKinley (he’s designed it as well), Steven Kamali, Jamie Mulholland, Jayma Cardosa and Steve Kasuba have created the hippest new hangout in the Hamptons - The Surf Lodge. They are the grand Manhattan kings and queen of Goldbar and Cain - they’ve successfully had spots in the Hamptons and currently have the hottest beach spot on Paradise Island in the Bahamas at their Cain at the Cove. Cain at the Cove is like a lush beach/pool/club playground and I expect the Surf Lodge will be a great addition to the family.
As you enter the sunken lobby you’ll be greeted by one of the hotel’s glam, yet so kind staff - if you’re lucky and it is highly likely, it will be one of the owners or GM, Summer Strauch. Aptly named for the season she loves, the blonde beauty is witty, efficient and beyond friendly. Their staff has been hand-picked and each member will make you feel as if you are a part of their family for the length of your stay.
The Surf Lodge is located on Fort Pond in Montauk - it’s really quite a bit larger than a pond. I’d safely consider it a sizable lake and the beach is just a short half mile away. There will be bicycles, surfboards, kayaks, canoes and a cool, re-habbed 6-wheel beach transport to take visitors to and from the beach all day. (Refurb’d Army vehicles are tres chic now…)
Many of the rooms overlook the lake and have all glass-walled bathrooms with waterfall showerheads. While each room is warm and surf-friendly with local art, all are outfitted with flatscreens, iPod docks, wi-fi, Frette sheets and hammocks on their personal decks and balconies - in case you actually want to spend time in your room!
Your likely hangout while at the Surf Lodge in the evenings? The restaurant or outdoor lounge and deck. Sexy Sam Talbot, of Top Chef fame, has a home as executive chef where he plans a Montauk produce-driven menu. We love a guy who supports the local economy. The Den is the indoor bar and there is a 2600-plus square foot outdoor bar overlooking the water. Of course, guest or not, you can enjoy the restaurant and bars anytime this summer. I recommend a sunset cocktail or romantic dinner.
As a special treat, this Sunday will feature their first Snow Queen Concert Series. Julian Marley will be performing with special guests (think multiple Grammy nominee) onstage to celebrate owner, Jamie Mulholland’s birthday.
Hit up The Surf Lodge website to reserve a room or get directions.
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LOVING the Amagansett shout out. We keep it real!
No Montauk local will set foot in this area. GO BACK TO JERSEY. TAKE DANNY WITH YOU.
I second that
I am with Steven….we don’t need this place!
I went there and the food made me sick. I was throwing up all night. Don’t go there. Service was lousy.
What a waste. Hated it - food not bad, service and attitude stunk. This is not what you drive 100 miles for. Open in Great Neck or somewhere closer to nyc. They wont make it there.
Just came back from a three night run at the Surf Lodge. The rooms are really great–simple, styled, and the bed will make you fall in love again with white sheets. The Top Chef restaurant was easily the biggest disappointment of the trip and it’s all because of the service. The front-of-house staff at the restaurant is horrible. From the Hostess that is more interested in getting cast in something than actually making you feel welcome, to the server that tells you the specials after you’ve already ordered. The restaurant is a joke, you might get a decent burger there or maybe an interesting pickled watermelon flavor, but the place needs to get over itself and out of it’s Chef’s way.
The ‘Trojan Horse’ is here. Wake up before it is too late.
Stop playing off the Montauk surfing seen. What sTurtle cove? And stop walking down the middle of the road.
i was there this sunday for brunch with 9 of my close friends, we walked in dressed like we just came from the beach, typical Montauk wear, and we were welcomed with a cold and unfriendly host who really didnt want us there because we didnt fit in with there Hampton scene. the place was packed. the food was amazing, alittle over priced but its Montauk so i wasnt too shocked. ($8 for orange juice). the service was horrible, they brought our food to the wrong table 3 times, then they realized and tried to serve us the same food that they gave to the table next to us after they took a bit out of it. finally the hostess saw what was going on and apologized like crazy for her less than competent staff. so i have mixed feelings about the place. the food is really good, but the services and crowd really sucks and doesn’t fit in at all, ill take wok n roll over the surf lodge any day.
if you do go for brunch do try the surf macaroni it was amazing.
I spent 10 days at Surf Lodge and it was incredible. Amazing atmosphere, pleasant rooms and great food. I would recommend for a nice break from the hectic city. thumbs up to the Lodge\’s team. Keep up the good work. I had a wonderful vacation. I will come back next year for sure. Not sure why some many people have wrote so many negative reply\’s/ sounds to meet like they have not been to the lodge.
We go to Montauk to get away from the glitz and jive. Please leave Montauk alone and stay in the Hamptons with the “beeautiful” people.
I was there for a few nights last weekend. This place gets negative reviews for what???? The place is ell run and even has a good valet. No way the reviews are real. The real truth is the place is a getaway from New York with plenty of sunset flavor all around. Enjoy!!!!
Loved it! Long wait due to the rain and the service was ok, but the FOOD WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree the amazing valet and sexy girls inside make this a place to drive the distance for!!!!
The positive reviews (and the blog writer) seem to miss the point that no one wants them to come to Montauk. No one. Except maybe the owners of the Surf Lodge. Of course, they will just ignore this.