In a village where restaurants come and go almost as quickly as the summer crowd, there’s a new spot in Sag Harbor that already feels like it has the right energy to last. Babe’s Restaurant may be small in size, but that’s part of the charm and maybe part of the secret.
I recently stopped in for lunch and immediately understood why people have been talking about it. The space itself has lived many different lives over the years, cycling through various concepts and owners, it’s just one of those “tough spots”.. But after spending some time inside Babe’s, I found myself thinking, if Babe’s doesn’t work here, nothing will.
Part of that feeling comes from the atmosphere. I ran into one of the owners, John Shapiro, whose laid-back, Bob Marley vibe seems to set the tone for the entire place. There’s an easygoing coolness to the restaurant that makes you feel excited to be there. Even with just a handful of people inside, the smaller layout creates the feeling that something is always happening. It feels busy in the best possible way, lively without being chaotic.
Then there’s the food.
I ordered the Philly cheesesteak, and it was incredible. Messy in the right way, packed with flavor, and the kind of sandwich you immediately start thinking about halfway through eating it. I’m writing this two days later and am still thinking about it. What surprised me almost as much as the quality was the price. In a Hamptons dining scene where lunch can sometimes feel absurdly expensive, Babe’s prices felt refreshingly reasonable.
One of the coolest parts of the experience is that the cooking staff is fully visible from the seating area. Watching them work almost feels like watching a cooking television show unfold live in front of you. The team moves with total focus, completely locked in and “on,” while still somehow maintaining the chill energy that defines the restaurant. There’s something entertaining about it, dinner and a show, Sag Harbor style.
And if you stop by and can’t grab one of the stools inside, don’t overthink it. Takeout may actually be the move. Grab your food and head down toward the lawn for a picnic lunch by the water, which sounds just about perfect this time of year.
What Babe’s seems to understand is that good energy, solid food, fair prices, and personality still go a long way. Hopefully, that formula sticks. Because after one visit, it already feels like the kind of place that could become a true Sag Harbor staple.
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