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Sunset Beach

35 Shore Rd.

Shelter Island , NY , United States http://www.sunsetbeachli.com/main.html

(631) 749-2001

What It’s Like: Celeb hotelier Andre Balasz changed sleepy Shelter Island in the 1990’s when he converted a 60’s motel into a chic beachside hideaway—and Long Island alternative to the Hamptons. But his open-air bar and Mediterranean restaurant—with Poitoux rattan café chairs, strings of wicker lights, kitschy oilcloth-covered tablecloths, white leather banquettes, red-and-white-striped awnings—are the real places to be seen, and are especially enjoyable at sunset. Reservations are essential Friday–Sunday, when preeny weekenders in glittery gladiator sandals and skinny white jeans are on parade.

What to Order: While the menu wends its way from Andalucia to Morocco via the French Riviera, there are some not-to-be-missed standards: cooling gazpacho, salade niçoise; the Sunset Beach Burger topped with Gruyère and cornichons; a hot fudge sundae.

Best Seat in the House: Request a table on the top deck by the railing for great views.