Hampton Quarters departs, Aqua Hamptons arrives
A tarp covers the logo of Hampton Quarters, the restaurant and lounge that was at this space in Hampton Bays for only two months. It is now home to Aqua Hamptons. (July 23, 2012) Credit: Ian J. Stark
Every year, the buzz concerning what’s new on the Hamptons nightlife circuit swirls during mid-May, with many businesses preparing for their launch come the Memorial Day weekend. Sites like Facebook hum with word on these soon-to-open spots – and one of the places that generated some of that social media chatting was “Hampton Quarters” of Hampton Bays, as it announced it too was ready to roll for the 2012 summer.
The venue seemed primed for a big season, with its grand views of Shinnecock Bay, outdoor and indoor seating, a good-sized bar and the ability to handle lunch, dinner plus late-night club action. DJs were in place for weekends, and fruity cocktails were easily obtainable.
Fast-forward to Friday, July 20, and Hampton Quarters … is no more.
The current resident of the space formerly (and briefly) home to Hampton Quarters is now “Aqua Hamptons.” (The change is so new in fact, that there is no marquee stating the change in name yet, just a tarp thrown over the old sign to hide the previous tenant’s logo).
According to the hostess at Aqua (363 Dune Rd., Hampton Bays, 631-728-2103, aquahamptonsny.com), there is both new management and a new food selection in place – the latter a list of offered edibles that leans heavily toward seafood (shrimp scampi, red snapper Oreganata and salmon are among the choices). As for night life, weekends will open with both live music (7-11 p.m.) and DJs (after 11 p.m.) on Fridays, while Saturdays will be all DJ from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
The grand opening has already passed, but anyone (over 21) who’d like to sample the potential party power of this bayside lounge and eatery should consider Aqua's upcoming “White Party,” ready to roll on Saturday, July 28. Guests are asked to come clothed head-to-toe in snowy-shaded attire (but regular, nonwhite garb is OK, too), with a cover charge of $10 starting at 10 p.m. VIP reservations are available. Call 516-204-5633 for table and bottle service.
