Is Golden Pear Still Too Expensive?

Five years ago, if you asked me to go to the Golden Pear, I would say, “Just get me a coffee, it’s too expensive there.”

Things have changed. 

These days, if you want to get lunch in the Hamptons ANYWHERE, you are going to spend at least $15 to have anything even remotely substantial. At Golden Pear, $20 gets you pretty far. 

Now and then I dip into the Golden Pear and you have to give it to them, the food is one of the best lunch options out here. They have a beautiful array of sandwiches and paninis that come with a side salad or a pasta salad as well as a coffee or iced tea included in the meal. With taxes, it works out to about $21. I challenge you to get this much food anywhere else in the Hamptons. The Golden Pear premium no longer applies, but you know what does apply at Golden Pear? The QUALITY of the food. 

I have never had a bad meal at Golden Pear. Not once. In the wintertime, the restaurant is always super warm to keep everybody cozy. I look forward to the Golden Pear in the Fall and Winter for that reason alone. The food quality never disappoints. You never get a bad version of whatever sandwich they are selling, which includes an amazing array of options that you simply don’t get at any other walk-in-and- pay-for restaurant these days. Most places are food specific, but at Golden Pear there’s something for everyone. For $18 you can get “The East Hampton” with all-natural, antibiotic-free curry chicken salad, greens & tomato on a whole grain ciabatta as well as your choice of coleslaw, green salad or pasta salad, all of which is homemade, as well as a coffee or an iced tea. If you give the clerk your cell phone number, you’ll get a few dollars off of the price. THAT’S A DEAL THESE DAYS! 

The other day I was in Starbucks and got two coffee drinks and a mozzarella stick for my daughter. The total was over $20. I didn’t even flinch when I paid it. Then my wife wanted a packet of oatmeal, that was another $6 after taxes. I should have just gone to Golden Pear!

I think it’s official. The Golden Pear premium no longer applies, it’s a Hamptons staple that you just can’t miss.