El Verano recently opened its doors but has already garnered a loyal clientele. Located at a prime corner spot at 10 Windmill Lane in Southampton Village, it’s packed every time I pass by. The restaurant’s large windows facing Agawam Park make it the perfect place to people-watch at lunchtime or catch the park’s free concerts.
“The El Verano concept was inspired by Cuernavaca, Mexico, where people from Mexico City often spend their weekends in the tranquility of the area. The menu is Mexican, using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients from the surrounding Long Island area. I have been residing in the Hamptons for over 13 years, and with El Verano in Southampton now open for two seasons, I think it fulfills the need for an upscale Mexican spot. There is nothing quite like it around, and we are very proud to serve locals and visitors alike,” said Co-Owner and renowned Chef Julian Medina.
The interior feels warm and inviting, with bright pink, floral-printed walls. Palms and other tropical plants were carefully placed to guide you to your seat, making you feel like you’re on vacation in Mexico. Dark wood tables and chairs provided the perfect contrast to the bright teal cushioned seating. The rattan lamps and brass sconces gave the space a perfect balance of luxury and tranquility.
There is a full bar in the back with plenty of seating and high-top tables for those laid-back moments. The tequila selection is top-tier, featuring some of the highest-quality tequila I have yet to see in the Hamptons, like one of my favorites, Casa de Dragones, an exquisite sipping tequila, and Illegal Mezcal, tequila’s smokier cousin for those who love bourbon but want to expand their palates.
El Verano’s Chef Julian knew exactly what Southampton needed: an upscale Mexican menu that would not only satiate but elevate popular Mexican dishes. We’ve all had the pleasure of enjoying Mexican food, but I can assure you that you have not had Mexican food quite like this!
I ordered the guacamole as an appetizer, and when it was brought out in a molcajete, I knew this was the real deal. You can tailor it to your spice tolerance level; I went with mild. It was creamy, and the handmade tortilla chips had that perfect crunch. Utter perfection.
I am a big fan of duck and have had it in many different ways, so you can imagine how ecstatic I was when I saw Carnitas de Pato on the menu. One of the many benefits of living out east is getting to enjoy fresh Long Island ducks. This dish featured a tamarind-chocolate habanero glaze. It was tangy, sweet, and spicy all at once. Fresh butterhead lettuce made a perfect taco shell to envelop the rich duck carnitas.
In true dinner date fashion, I was satiated, as was my date, but when the lovely waiter asked, “Would you like to see a dessert menu?” we quickly nodded and replied, “Yes, please.”
We decided to go with Chef Julian’s favorite dessert, the chocolate flan. I’m a chocolate lover and a bit critical, but this is THE dessert for all chocolate lovers out there. It’s a combination of chocolate cake and traditional flan (a caramel custard) with salted caramel sauce and pecans on top. It’s perfectly balanced and a sweet ending to date night.
On our way out, I couldn’t help but look over at the bar, which was filled with laughter and drinks. I can’t wait to stop by for a drink with friends or family.
Felicidades to Chef Julian and the team at El Verano! You’ve created such a unique restaurant! It’s a perfect addition to the Hamptons dining scene that will be cherished for years to come.
