Top Five Sales In Montauk That We're Trying Not To Be Grumpy About

A lot has been said about the changing face of Montauk as some venerable institutions change hands. Each sale generally elicits one response from us: SIGH. But there are some newbies that have also hit the market, and we have to accept that times are changing. So, we’re gonna try not to be curmudgeon-ey and hope our new neighbors will respect the history and down-to-earth vibe of our most easterly hamlet. Without further ado, here’s a quick recap of some old timers that have hit the road.

Trail’s End Restaurant, with its recognizable neon sign and red and white striped awning, is receding into the past like many of Montauk’s stalwarts. Whoops, old forlorn-y habits die hard. Let’s try again: Last month, Trail’s End sold to Long Island entrepreneur Michael Nasti for $2.2 million. On and off the market for a few years, the restaurant first opened in 1927 and was located on Fort Pond Bay. Following the devastating Category 3 hurricane in 1938, the restaurant was relocated to its present spot on Euclid Avenue, near the town center. Former owner Robert Rottach ran it with his family for 31 years, serving American comfort food in a casual atmosphere. You’ll be missed, old friend.

Pour one out for Shagwong. Gah! What we meant was: The venerable Shagwong tavern was sold this past summer for $1.9 million to Jon Krasner, an owner of Harlow in Manhattan and Harlow East in Sag Harbor. Shagwong’s former owner, Jimmy Hewitt, bought the establishment from Mary Wood in 1969. We’re gonna miss the Carl Fisher-era bar and restaurant with its tin ceiling and Peter Beard photographs. But, it’s only fair to respect Mr. Hewitt’s wishes since it had been on the market for about five years. Incidentally, Mr. Krasner also took over the former O’Murphy’s Pub on the Circle in Montauk, where Saltbox, a restaurant, has opened.

Did you know, lobsters mate for life? They don’t LEAVE. Actually, that’s been entirely rebuked and lobsters are kinda mean, but we’re still sad to see Duryea’s Lobster Deck and Seafood Market go. While it was sold last year for $3.85 million, the longtime restaurant and market on Fort Pond Bay operated as it was this summer for what may be the last time. The new owner, Marc Rowan, was leasing it to former owner Perry Duryea III, until construction of a new seafood restaurant can get under way. Mr. Duryea’s family was running the business since the 1930s, and the property had been on the market for roughly three years. At least the seafood spirit of Duryea’s will continue on.

It’s been owned and operated by John Kronich and his family for generations, but one day Johnny’s Tackle Shop will be gone, hook, line and sinker. Er, we mean, it’s simply on the market for $1.995 million. The price tag includes the retail space and a second floor living space with three bedrooms. And for the avid or amateur fisherman, Mr. Kronich is having an everything must go sale, so get it while it’s hot.

Admittedly, we’re not too emotionally attached to these hipster hot spots, since they’re only a few years old. They’ve also drawn in some wack crowds (that’s right, we said wack), but we can’t deny their contribution to the local economy. In any event, the boutique hotel and resort Solé East and Solé East Beach, were put on the market a few months ago and have an ask in the $30 million range. And Ruschmeyer’s, yet another playground for summer residents, is also thinking about throwing in the towel. The owners are apparently asking $10 million. Good luck, friends.