T.J.Clemente's Traditions of the Hamptons #29 - Bobby Van's

In 1969, Bobby Van, a Broadway actor and noted cabaret piano player, brought his bride out to Bridgehampton from New York City and founded .

At that time it was located where is today. On hot summer nights, the tradition was that noted writers and artist like Truman Capote sipped beverages while Bobby played the piano until no one was left standing. In 1979 the landlord renovated the building across the street that is the present location of Bobby Van’s in Bridgehampton and Bobby moved the restaurant across Main Street. Even back then it was a meeting place for locals and those who just got off the bus or train from New York City and wanted a cold drink with something to eat. Thus another tradition was born, meeting up at Bobby’s after the commute from the city to start the weekend.

According to Joe Phair, a partner in the now Bobby Van’s Empire,when they purchased the establishment in 1994 the goal was to keep the tradition, but totally upgrade the food to the highest level possible. The plan was to consistently have the best “Porterhouse” available nightly. In fact Joe explained how proud he is to be able to serve perhaps the best steaks this side of Peter Lugar’s, he believes they are equal to them. He credits his son James Phair for keeping a well trained set of eyes on all purchases. So yet another tradition was born when anyone wants to get a real fist class steak meal they trek over to Bobby’s Van’s. As always the names of so many of the celebrities who dine at the fine establishments are omitted to protect their privacy but the list who regularly attend Bobby Vans is amazing. Joe stressed everyone who comes to dine at Bobby Vans is treated with great respect and should expect the highest level of service, competence and of course a world class meal.

Another idea was years back was to open up the front of the restaurant so that it drew in the ambiance of summer, and propelled laughter and sounds of people having the best of time out into the village. That idea was a home run. One has to admit when one drives by Bobby Van’s on Main Street in the evening the thought, taste and smell of great steak is in the air. When Mario Puzo was pumping out screen plays for the various Godfather films he often dinned at Bobby Vans.

The bar is still a meeting place of regulars like “Ernie”, "Paul", and the celebrities. Behind the bar mostly is a trio of young men who are friendly thorough and knowledgeable of the responsibilities of a world class saloon. Gerald Phair, who loves vintage convertible muscle cars, besides being partner’s Joe Phair son leads a crew including Jimmy “Red” Colbert, and Mike Egan. The boys know their wines, pour a true tap beer, and mix strong manly drinks. Women are of course welcome but Bobby Van’s has the feel of a world class golf club grille room. Sometimes at the bar may be a striking woman in riding attire, along with someone right off the golf course talking to a pair that just finished a tennis game, along with a crew that just got off the jitney. Bobby Van’s truly collects active people from all walks of life.

During the U.S. Open at Shinnecock a few years back it seemed like two thirds of the professional golf tour was eating porterhouse at Bobby Van’s each night. In fact I myself saw a few men eat “Porterhouse for two” but eating it solo!

Opened seven days a week all year round for lunch and dinner with the kitchen opening at 11:30 and closing at 10 PM on week days and 11 pm on weekends you can always find a seat and a friend at Bobby Van’s all year round. The address is just Main Street Bridgehampton located on the east side of Main Street right after the Candy Kitchen. On the website www.bobbyvans.com when you go to it the sounds of Bobby Vans famous piano playing can still be heard. For reservation or other information the phone number is 631 537 0590.

The big screen Televisions on both ends of the original bar are a great place to see the World Series, The NFL football games, the Kentucky Derby, and almost all major nightly sporting events. In fact Jack Whitaker who use to plays a role in the telecast of the derby was a Bobby Van’s regular until he moved out of Bridgehampton. His youngest son was Jeff Whitaker was a beloved bartender there.

So for the traditions of a great bar to gather at, at great restaurant for a traditional steak dinner, or a place to hang and meet other people kicking back casually Go visit Bobby Vans most likely Joe Phair will be there to welcome you.