A Memorable Sunday Evening at East Hampton Grill
There are dining experiences that simply satisfy, and then there are those that leave an indelible mark. Last night’s visit to East Hampton Grill fell decisively into the latter category, combining an inspired menu, stellar service, and a cozy atmosphere that made for an unforgettable evening.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with the warm and inviting ambiance that immediately set the tone for what would be a perfect Sunday night out. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere gave the restaurant a cozy yet upscale vibe—a place where you can linger and savor both the food and the moment.
Cocktails to Begin
We began with a round of cocktails, and the signature margarita was a standout. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, it was a refreshing way to start the evening. The bar staff clearly take pride in their craft, and it showed in every sip.
Food That Wows
When it came to the food, East Hampton Grill delivered in every possible way. The highlight of the evening was the DING’S CRISPY CHICKEN SANDWICH, a true indulgence. The chicken was impeccably fried to a golden crisp, while still tender and juicy on the inside. Paired with fresh accompaniments, it was a masterclass in elevating a comfort food classic to gourmet heights.
The evening continued to impress with dessert—APPLE WALNUT COBBLER, a perfect marriage of sweet, tart apples and rich, buttery crumble with a touch of warming spice. Served warm and topped with a generous scoop of ice cream, it was the epitome of a comforting autumn dessert. Each bite was a symphony of textures and flavors, making it hard not to savor every morsel.
Service Beyond Expectations
While the food and drinks were impeccable, the service took the experience to another level. Our server, a delightful and attentive young woman, provided service that was nothing short of exemplary. Her attention to detail, warm demeanor, and ability to anticipate our every need made us feel like we were the only guests in the restaurant. It’s rare to encounter such a combination of professionalism and genuine hospitality, and it elevated the entire dining experience. She truly made us feel special—an aspect that can transform a good night out into a great one.
The Atmosphere
The atmosphere perfectly complemented the food and service—a refined but relaxed space that felt like an escape from the bustle of everyday life. On a Sunday evening, the restaurant was busy enough to feel lively but never rushed, allowing us to fully enjoy our time.
Final Thoughts
In a dining landscape where many restaurants feel interchangeable, East Hampton Grill stands out as a place that knows how to impress on every level. From the exceptional cocktails and perfectly executed dishes to the impeccable service and cozy ambiance, it delivers a complete dining experience that leaves you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.
This is a restaurant that understands the importance of details and exceeds expectations at every turn. If you’re looking for a place that combines comfort with sophistication and makes you feel like a valued guest from start to finish, East Hampton Grill is it. A solid 5 stars, and I can’t recommend it...
Read moreThe absolute worst experience in a restaurant in my 62 years going to restaurants. I’ve been in much finer establishments than this.. this restaurant had the audacity to tell my husband that he could not order his steak medium well. They said he could only order his steak the most medium temperature. We thought they were joking or we were being punked. They were serious. They said it was because they feel that they serve such a high quality of meat that it would ruin the flavor of the meat. We my husband and I both just sat there in disbelief. I told them if they were paying for our steak then maybe it would be acceptable but that was a big maybe. They proceeded to tell us that we could order another type of steak and they would cook that other type of steak the way we like it. Again I thought they were kidding. The steak my husband wanted was a filet and they said only a porterhouse steak or a hamburger we could have medium well but not the filet. I felt it was raciest. We both just couldn’t still fathom what they were saying. Then as we were waiting for our meal I notice a table of 5 sitting next to us and I said to my husband that it was strange to see that because I called last week for a table of 5 and they said they only have tables to accommodate the most is 4 people. So I got up and went to the hostess and asked about it and she said that those people who had 5 people at their table made the reservation three weeks ago and since then they have changed their policy. There will be no more tables of more than 4 people and I asked why and they said because to prevent people from getting to loud or roudy. I couldn’t believe what I heard. I said to her what happens to all the families that have three or more children and they try to eat there do you turn them away by saying I’m sorry you have too many children you cannot eat here. 🤦♀️ Then when my Ceasar salad arrived it had corn in it but not a little more like 1/2 a can. I said to the waitress the menu doesn’t mention that there is corn in the Ceasar salad nor have I ever in my life had a Ceasar salad with corn in it or even seen a recipe with corn in a Ceasar salad. The waitress had no comment whatsoever. Our whole evening there was a disaster. Never will I step foot in that establishment or any of their other establishments (Houston’s) It was the absolute worst. I’m still in shock...
Read moreWe come to this location all the time, in-season and off-season. It’s one of the best spots in the area. But our most recent experience left much to be desired.
We ordered takeout via their online ordering platform (our first time doing takeout). The burger we came overcooked, without any of the topping/fixings we ordered it with. Just meat and cheese. No lettuce, tomato, sauce we ordered it with. And they stiffed us on the side fries. So an a la carte beef and cheese burger for $33 (same as in-store price).
The online platform we ordered from said nothing about a la carte, and even included options for the fully dressed burger which is how we ordered it.
We asked someone about this in-store as we were leaving and they waved us off as they struggled to deal with Memorial Day traffic.
When we got home we realized that the Rotisserie Chicken Salad we also ordered (item 2 of 2 in the order) was about half the in-store size. (Again, same price for takeout as Dine-In).
Hillstones send comment cards to guests after they visit. We filled out a comment card as asked via email. i mentioned everything written above. Nobody ever got back to us, even to acknowledge receipt.
These are ultimately minor issues, but we expect better from one of the best restaurants out here. Especially since I’ve never had service like this at a Hillstone before.
None of this is a big enough deal to not return to the restaurant, but we were certainly disappointed by our experience.
Learn from our mistakes: if you can’t Dine-In, avoid takeout at all costs! Total bait and switch for the price of $70+. Better off trying your luck at Rowdy Hall just a few minutes away (or making...
Read more