Business & Tech

Southampton Eatery Owner Opens New Grille

Backbar took over the former TRs restaurant in Hampton Bays..

Tim Burke, the owner of the Lobster Grill in Southampton and 230 Elm in Southampton Village, now has a new restaurant. 

Just after Labor Day, he opened the 90-seat Backbar Grille at 78 Foster Ave. in Hampton Bays. 

Burke, who has also owned Roadhouse in North Sea and 75 Main in Southampton Village, said his looking forward to providing Hampton Bays residents with another great place to dine at affordable prices. 

"People thought I was crazy opening the last week of the season, but I plan on being a very local place that keeps prices down — that's just my style," Burke said. 

And so far, Burke said the response has been overwhelming. 

"On Monday night, we served 100 dinners," he said. "People are coming through word of mouth."

Burke said he decided to open the restaurant after he was approached by the owner of the building Jimmy Coronesi, who also owns Cor-J's Seafood Market. 

"He liked what I was doing with my other restaurants and wouldn't take no for an answer," said Burke. "We made a deal and now, I have a long lease."

The building was most recently known as TR's restaurant, which was open for two seasons. Prior to that, it was called the Blue Lobster, Before the Bridge and about 40 years ago, it was a restaurant that was part of Tully's Seafood. 

With a lease signed, Burke said he transformed the water-side eatery, enlarging the 8-seat bar to a 360-degree, 4-sided, 28-seat bar. 

The grille also features wooden tables and chairs and television screens that not only play sports, but also run videos of local scenery. 

As to the menu, Burke said it is an eclectic-seafood mix, from meatball appetizers to tuna tacos, lobster rolls to chicken kabob and meatloaf. 

"We are trying to do a lot of fun stuff with the menu," said Burke. 

The kitchen is open seven days a week from noon to 11:00 p.m. the bar is open till 2:00 a.m. 

In the future, Burke said he will be looking into offering a brunch menu. 


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