Ah, but you said you stay on the North Fork, a different world and more convenient.

Yes, I spent most of summer at the far end of the North Fork, so maybe Grana not the best for someone coming from Sag Harbor although we do not mind the 45 minute ride. As I mentioned, we go a few times a year but if time is limited, probably not the best idea.

There are some reportedly good new spots in Greenport but maybe those are also too inconvenient. I would not know as I could not get a table for this week!

Ah, so the North Fork is crowded, too. Figures. In all my years, many, of going out to the Island, I've never been there. Guess I like to frequent old haunts. But, were I to visit NY, I might go have a look.

just got back. wonderful trip. must say, i was nervous about the traffic, but many locals say, it is all "100 days of hell"...so the fourth wasn't a killer. Actually, we had very do-able traffic. Actually the day of the fourth seemed a bit empty. We were in Sag Harbor area, rented a sailboat out on Noyac Bay. Didn't do the big firework display in Montauk...everyone must have been out there. Can I actually say the day of the 4th was quiet?

Just take the side roads, SIRI (iPhone) routes well. Used that a lot. Did Montauk on the 5th, wonderful day, wonderful weather. Easily got a primo table at the Montauket Hotel for dinner and sunset that evening.

Best eats? Clam Bar and LUNCH on the road to Montauk were fun. Navy Beach restaurant was quite pleasant for lunch...and no wait, I might add. In town, the biggest wait we had was Estia's Little Kitchen in SH...seemed mainly local, and what a pleasant place to wait!! Sipping lemonade in the wonderful garden. So nice and great food, we ate there twice! Loved the VFW in SH for dinner. Bay Burger rocked for a quick bite, as did John's in Montauk for ice cream. A little french place in EH (owned by Nick and Sam's I think) was delightful, outdoor table, super meal.

There were more, but, LOVED our time. The perfect weather helped I am sure. Shopping in Amagansett (loved that town), exploring Northhaven. Never made it to North Fork and not much in Southampton, but saw plenty. Most beaches are free after 4pm, when we would go anyway. Lots of beach walking. Main, Indian Wells, Montauk, Mecox...

Great trip...think I prefer it to the Cape...

So glad you enjoyed your trip - good weather and lack of very bad traffic helped, I'm sure. Yes, prefer the East End to the Cape. In fact, after living for 20 yrs in Europe, EH was the only place I wanted to live in the US.

So glad you had a great time! We were shocked at the lack of traffic going west from the east end to Manhattan on the 3rd July. And thrilled to view the fireworks on the 4th..highly recommend this event for anyone planning to be in the city next year...