Southampton Publick House
40 Bowden Sq. Southampton, NY 631-283-2800
Critic rating:
The notion of nightlife in the tony Hamptons can be intimidating, but no worries: this drinking stop is not only down-to-earth, but completely affordable. Most nights there’s no cover—save when a live act performs in the taproom—and that’s only $5 at the door. Otherwise, you’ll get DJs (some nights), darts, an outside deck, lots of parking as well as a smashing dinner menu that manages to stay under $25 for entrées. But what makes this bar extra-special is that it’s also a brew house—meaning you can purchase award-winning beers that are actually produced on the property! Nonetheless, regardless of what sort of drink you favor, you’ll certainly receive a very upbeat evening with the preppy-yet-hardworking group of 21-35 year olds who come here almost-nightly from the more middle-class parts of this side of the Shinnecock Canal. So—even while the celebrities are squeezing into upscale VIP sections further east, you can come by, grab a beer and have a relaxed night with the regulars.
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Sun. Reservations: Accepted Credit cards: Accepted Accessibility: Yes
Photo credit: Photo by Gordon M. Grant | Plenty of beers on tap to choose from at Southampton Publick House.
Southampton Publick House brews and cooks. Go for very good beers and ales, and tasty, straightforward American fare that's a cut above the usual bar chow.
This used to be Herb McCarthy's Bowden Square, heady with Scotch and visits from celebrities. Now, come to the venerable address for potato-and-pale ale soup, shrimp cocktail, wraps and salads, burgers, marinated sirloin, baby back ribs and fish-and-chips.
At brunch, there's eggs Benedict, Belgian wafles, corned beef hash and the like. Wash everything down with the house brews and seasonal specialties.
The house sampler is a flight of 4-oz. tastes. Among the top brews are the Belgian-style Saison, Double White Ale, and Imperial Baltic Porter.
The food is about what you'd expect, with hamburgers, prime rib, baby back ribs, steaks, and grilled seafood leading the way.
Go with a group. --Peter M. Gianotti
The Bar Scene
It's a wide building, with the bar running along the back wall. There's a dining area, plus a section called "the taproom,” where live performances take place. Outside, a large sheltered deck area has plenty of tables for warm-weather revelry.
Munich-style Southampton Golden Lager, brewed locally, is on tap.


