Second House Tavern brings an old-fashioned feel and big flavors to the vintage site of Ruschmeyer's resort. It's a big, family-filled restaurant that's ideal for visitors, vacationers, anyone looking for a very good American meal. Consider it a sane and satisfying antidote to the trend-fueled frenzy of The Surf Lodge. Recommended: lobster "sliders," a snappy lobster salad play on the burger theme; clam-and-corn fritters with japapeno-spiked aioli; mac 'n cheese "carbonara," which delivers a homey dish with applewood-smoked bacon and peas; a creative vegetarian cassoulet; and fine pan-seared halibut with basil-strewn couscous and minty raita sauce. They're open year-round, too.
--Peter M. Gianotti
Photo of Montauk Lighthouse/photos.com