The laid-back charm and beach vibes of Long Island are the inspiration behind The Montauk, a restaurant and lounge in Old Town Scottsdale with a menu full of East Coast classics. This is the place to go when you're craving clam chowder or fresh lobster.
The restaurant features a bright, white-washed interior, blending classic Americana with sophisticated nautical flourishes. Think modern Long Island beach house on a sunny Fourth of July weekend. The restaurant also has two spacious outdoor patios, one with dining tables and another for lounging.
The Montauk brings East Coast flavors to Scottsdale — Photo courtesy of The Montauk
The bright, welcoming ambiance at The Montauk is designed to please, and thankfully, so is the food. The menu delivers a fix for native New Yorkers craving flavors from home. From the appetizer menu, the clam chowder is creamy and savory – infused with thyme and chunks of potato and served with a crispy, gourmet cracker.
But this is Scottsdale, after all, so you'll also find regional favorites like guacamole and ceviche. The tuna tartare guacamole elevates the snack staple with fresh tuna, cilantro, cava orange and zesty bites of serrano chiles.
Another popular starter is the house potato chips, which are fresh and crispy, topped with parmesan, herbs and a drizzle of truffle oil.
For entrees, the restaurant offers salads, sandwiches and an eclectic menu of specialty plates. The lobster bake is cooked in truffle butter and served with sweet corn and yukon potatoes.
There's also a unique Asian-inspired chicken and cauliflower fried "rice plate." (The rice is actually cauliflower.) A fried egg and a side of applewood-smoked bacon are served on a bed of seasoned cauliflower and edamame. The result is a savory dish that's light and fragrant.
Pleasant patio weather is a staple in Scottsdale, and The Montauk has both an outdoor dining area and a lounge that are ready-made for sipping on a cocktail with friends.
There's more than a dozen hand-crafted drinks on the menu, including house specialties like the Absolut Wild Tea. The sweet and sour cocktail is a mix of rosé champagne and grapefruit juice in a base of Absolut vodka, and it comes in a nifty teapot with service for two or three.
Another house favorite is the strawberry rhubarb margarita, made with Don Julio Blanco tequila, sweet and sour, Triple Sec, lime juice and strawberry rhubarb syrup. There's also a special menu of group-friendly punch bowl drinks.
If you prefer dessert over drinks, try one of the restaurant's sweet dessert crepes.
