Posted by Tricia Romano

Just because you’re summering in the Hamptons doesn’t mean you have to leave your favorite nightclubs behind. As in years past, Manhattan club owners are heading out to the Hamptons, putting their patented brands and stamps of approval on the few spaces that are available. Strict liquor laws and community boards make it hard for any truly new spaces to open. “They just change hands,” says New York area broker Stephen Kamali of Stevens & Co. “Really, it’s musical chairs.” Coupled with the short season and high costs of operating—not to mention the possibility that a weekend will be rained out, running a club in the Hamptons can be a risky proposition. Still, those who stick it out will reap the rewards. Here’s a cheat sheet of where to go if you’re in club mode—or where to find your kids if they’re out past curfew.

Dune Southampton
In Hamptons nightlife lore, the space that holds Dune Southampton has a long history. In the 80s, the spot on was called Triple H; then it had a brief spell as the Bamboo Room; and then it was a local’s bar called Jr’s. But for ten years, starting in 1996, it was the infamous Jet East. Created by Matt Shendell, Rich Thomas, and Patrick Robertson. Now Dune takes over the spot, which was vacated by Cain last summer in the process giving the space a sea-worthy facelift. Shendell, with consultants Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss of Marquee, asked interior designer Steven Lewis, the man behind Marquee and Butter’s interiors, to turn out a nautical-theme for the 600-capacity, two-room spot. With white striped wall treatments, thick ropes, and anchors, patrons can feel like they’re on a yacht listening to regular Marquee DJ s Reach, Vice and Miami club Mansion’s, DJ Rockaton, spin hip-hop, dance, and classic tunes all night long.

Coming up: May 26th, Grand opening with Maxim magazine expecting appearances from P. Diddy, Robert Iler, Kevin Connolly, Tinsley Mortimer, Amanda Hearst, Stella Keitel, Christina Floyd, Fabiola Bercasa, and Jessie Della Famina. June 16: Group for the South Fork “East End Gala” after party, with Gala Co-chairs, Ann Colley, Anne Hearst McInerney and Jay McInerney, Nicole Miller and more. Bottles run from $235, with a three bottle minimum on Saturday for groups of 8; four bottle minimum for larger parties; a two bottle minimum for groups of 8 on Friday night. Signature cocktail: the Anchor made of Level vodka; Roses lime juice, cranberry and soda. Thursday through Saturday, 10-4 a.m. Open on Sundays for holiday weekends. 1181 North Sea Road, 631-283-0808 for table reservations.

The Star Room
You could say that Star Room owner Charles Ferri is doing a reverse commute. Instead of starting out with a New York nightlife pad and creating a brand extension on the Island, Ferri’s mini-club empire originated in the Hamptons five years ago. He’s just opened a Manhattan addition this year, called the Star Lounge, in the space formerly known as Serena’s, under the Chelsea Hotel. Out in the Hamptons, he’s concentrating on creating a luxurious experience for his customers‚ utilizing the Star Room’s two buildings and outdoor courtyard, where he will literally be bringing the beach. Sand will cover the brick courtyard, lights will decorate the trees, tiki torches will blaze pathways, and patrons can lounge on beds while feasting on a late night tapas menu created by Serena Bass, as they listen to tunes spun by the A-list of the circuit like DJ AM, Vice, B-Nice, Sky Nellor, and JuSke. While Ferri is hoping to create the illusion of a summery hotspot, he has no illusions that the space will be getting a total overhaul. “For me to do renovations, the costs would be so great it doesn’t make sense,” he says. Musically, you might get a surprise set from top-notch international house DJs like Deep Dish (who played last year at a one-off event), in addition to eclectic mixers. “We try to switch it up,” he says. “People like to hear different things. We want to keep people interested—so it’s not the same old place.”
Coming up: Details magazine kicks off Memorial Weekend Saturday with Dan Peres. Russell Simmons hosts Art for Life July 28. Lucky sightings might include celebs like Ferri’s Heather Graham, and past Star Room regulars Scarlett Johannson, Wilmer Valderrama, Lindsay Lohan. Two bottle minimum for Saturday nights; vodka $350, Cristal $700. Thursday through Saturday 10-4 a.m, Open on Sunday for Holiday weekends. 378 Montauk Highway, Wainscott, 631-537-3332.

Pink Elephant at Cabana
Two is better than one for the owners of Tenjune and Pink Elephant, two popular Manhattan spots that have teamed up for their Hamptons venture at the Capri Motel. Tenjune co-owner Eugene Remm says he wanted to offer the best of both worlds for the Hamptons—pairing Tenjune’s hip hop and indie rock sounds with Pink Elephant’s house tunes. The combination of the indoor and outdoor space at Capri, means that different styles of music can take over each dance floor, with the best DJs from each spot—DJ Berrie from Tenjune, and Pink Elephant’s resident house jock, Marco Peruzzi. “In the last few years, it was the best nightlife space in the Hamptons,” says Remm of his new home. “It’s got a great size, a great location.” They plan on changing up the decorations on a weekly basis—one week, it’ll be a white party, with sheer curtains and soft lighting; another week, it’s be decorated red and black, says Remm. The waitresses will be wearing open back dresses designed by Victoria’s Secret. They are inviting a rotating cast of chefs to create limited complimentary menus for their customers. And even though it’s a pairing, the club is still called Pink Elephant at Cabana. “They had the name last year,” says Remm. “In this world of sponsors, we didn’t want to put too many names on it and confuse people.”

Signature cocktails: The Pink Jello-phant, with Jello, Belvedere vodka, and Cointreau, and the Pink Elephant, with Belverede vodka, Remy Red, Pineapple and cranberry juices, and ginger syrup. $1000 minimum for a table or cabana reservation. Open Fridays and Saturdays, Sunday for holiday weekends, 11-4.RT 27 and North Main Street, Southampton, NY. 631-287-9888

Stereo By the Shore
While most Hamptons nightspots give their spaces a simple decorative facelift, Stereo’s co-owner Michael Satski says that he’s going all out for his venture in the Hamptons—Stereo By the Shore, located at Tavern, a space with a rich history, Satski says he’s gutting the spot—”We’re doing crazy renovations!” he says, naming the number as being in the “strong six figures.” Those looking for a Stereo home away from home will find a few similarities. The DJ booth will once again serve as the epicenter of the inside—with the DJ booth raised up—and six tables set behind the booth. The outside, says Satski, will be turned into the premier area— “like it was back in the day.” Unlike the other spots, which sometimes shift around, Satksi says they are in it for the long haul—engaging in a joint venture with the landowners. “We don’t have an interest in moving around. It’s gonna be the premiere household brand of the Hamptons.” As for the changes, the industrial looking spot is going to get lightened up, with different areas for the crowd, which Satski describes as the “Young Hollywood set.” Waitresses will be wearing white a blue pinstripe seersucker-style sorts with white Stereo tanks tops for a very beachy look. “We’re trying to create a resort type of feeling,” he says. Like Stereo, DJs Am and Vice will be among the high profile DJs spinning the tunes—but Satski promises: “No matter how many years it’s been here, it’s always the same cover on the old book. This is gonna be a new cover on a new book. Tavern is just a memory at this point.”

Coming up: Official opening party on May 26 hosted by supermodel Ana Beatrice who is also celebrating her birthday with Alessandra Ambrosio confirmed to attend. Hampton’s magazine hosts an event with Anna Asimova in July. Tables range from $500- $2,000 depending on location and the event. Signature cocktails: the Pama Kiss, with Pama liquor, Level vodka, pomegranate juice and cranberry, served chilled straight up with a cherry. 1258 Tuckahoe Lane, Southampton, corner of 27 East and Tuckahoe Lane. 631.287.2125. Open Friday and Saturday 10-4, and Sunday on holiday weekends.

Restaurant Lounges
Those who want a little sustenance with their nightlife can turn to two established lounges: Nello’s Summertime and Madame Tong’s At Nello’s Summertime, run by owner Balan hopes to recreate the feeling inspired by the Great Gatsby. His restaurant’s historical architecture will add to the vibe he’s after—as will the menu, featuring chef Stefano Battistini’s Northern Italian and Sardinian-influenced menu of grilled halibut, oysters, linguini and manila clams. Listen to tunes from British DJ Nathan from Thursday through Sundays all summer long. Signature drinks: the Nello Bellini and the Apple Martini (136 Main Street, Southampton. 631-287-5500) Dinner: 5:30-midnight (Wed-Sun); Lounge: 10:30-4 (Thu-Sun).
At Madame Tong’s, it will be more like an outing in St. Tropez, says co-owner Ed “Jean-Luc” Kleefield. With a menu created by Jeff Moon, and featuring creative sushi and signature drinks like the Flaming Volcano Bowl, the beachy feel will be accented by the European DJs who will spin throughout the week. Specialty dish: creative sushi. Mon-Thur 5:30- midnight; Friday and Saturday: 5:30- 1 a.m.; Sunday dinner, 5:30-11 p.m. (256 Elm Street, Southampton. 631-204-0300).

Houses
For many the place to be isn’t at a club or restaurant with the masses, but one of the exclusive, sponsored share houses. The operative word is exclusive. The houses are private, invite-only affairs. Like last year, nightlife photographer Patrick McMullan is hosting events at a house in Southampton. He says they will be small dinner parties held at the Patrick McMullan’s Estate, which boasts a pool. Tenjune’s Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum of EM Group are holding court at the Bermuda Estate, an eight-acre Southampton estate with a 6500 square foot, seven-bedroom house, furnished with Pottery Barn furniture, with tennis courts and a pool. They are working on small charity events, having daytime spa treatments, and a building a “cultural estate, as opposed to a party house,” with private events for 75 people. Cain is shacking up with Snow Queen Vodka for their private house—a seven-acre, seven-bedroom estate with a pool. Brian Gefter, Stereo co-owner says they are going all-out for their Hamptons house. Their invite-only seven-acre property is going to have a different theme every week—ranging from Women’s Beauty to Luxury Living to Hipster—with different activities and performances built around the themes. Like last year, which drew everyone from Scarlett Johansson to Lydia Hearst, Gefter expects the house to be a magnet for high wattage stars and socialites, who want to hang poolside.