You’ve heard the rumors. Maybe you saw the Instagram post of a $27 plate of chips and guacamole or heard about the 1,600-person waitlist during its opening weekend. Swifty’s at The Hedges East Hampton isn't just a restaurant; it’s a vibe shift for the South Fork.
Honestly, the Hamptons dining scene can feel a bit like a broken record. You’ve got your over-the-top Italian spots and your standard steakhouses, but the arrival of Swifty’s at the historic Hedges Inn feels different. It’s clubby. It’s a little bit Palm Beach. And yeah, it’s expensive. But if you’re looking for where the "old guard" and the "new money" are currently clashing over crab cakes, this is the spot.
The Resurrection of a Society Staple
For those who didn't live through the 90s social circuit in Manhattan, Swifty’s was the place. When the original Upper East Side location shuttered in 2016, a certain segment of New York society basically went into mourning. It was the kind of place where Bill Murray might be at the bar and Martha Stewart was a regular.
Then came Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall.
The couple, who own The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, revived the brand in Florida back in 2019. Now, they’ve brought that same "pink and green" energy to 74 James Lane. They purchased The Hedges Inn—a property that dates back to 1873—for a cool $8 million. They aren't just running a kitchen; they’re curating a lifestyle.
The Hedges Inn itself is a 13-room landmark. It was originally a wedding gift from John D. Hedges to his bride. That kind of history matters in a place like East Hampton. You can feel it in the bones of the building. But don't expect a dusty museum. The 2026 season brings a full restoration led by designer David Netto.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
Let’s talk food. Executive Chef Tom Whitaker is the man behind the curtain here. The menu is a mix of "greatest hits" and local sourcing. You’ll find things like:
- The World Famous Artichoke: It’s served with a vinaigrette that people literally obsess over.
- Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: These come with creamed spinach and Lyonnaise potatoes. It’s classic, unpretentious, and exactly what the crowd wants.
- Chicken Paillard: A staple for the "lunch-only-half-a-salad" crowd.
- The Meatloaf: It’s wrapped in crispy bacon. It’s heavy. It’s delicious.
They also do breakfast, which is a nod to the inn’s original matriarch, Caroline Isabella Homan Hedges. Think soft scrambled eggs with crème fraîche and house-made granola.
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But be warned: the prices are pure Hamptons. You might find yourself paying $18 for a mocktail. Some diners have complained that the food is "mediocre" for the price point, while others swear the fluke crudo and the pork tomahawk are the best things they’ve eaten all summer. It’s a polarizing place.
The Vibe: Palm Beach Meets the East End
The design is a bit of a departure from the typical "beach house" aesthetic. There are Schumacher linens on the tables and seasonal florals by Lewis Miller. It feels like a living room. A very, very expensive living room.
Sunday nights are for Swifty’s Trivia. This started in Palm Beach and has become a cult favorite. It runs from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. It’s the kind of thing that makes the place feel like a community hub rather than just another tourist trap.
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Waitresses often sport $900 Zimmermann dresses. The people-watching is, frankly, world-class. You’ll see everyone from Hannah Bronfman to Don Lemon drifting through the garden.
The Reality Check
Is it hard to get a table? Yes. Resy is your best friend here, but even then, it’s a tough ticket. The restaurant has 100 seats, split between the polished interiors and the alfresco patios.
The service has had some growing pains. Some reviews mention long waits for coffee or mistakes with orders. It’s a seasonal operation, and like many places in the Hamptons, finding a fully trained staff that stays for the whole summer is a challenge.
If you’re staying at the Inn, you get the "beach butler" treatment and bicycles. If you’re just there for dinner, you get the valet. It’s a tiny footprint, as the locals say, but they’re making the most of every square inch.
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Practical Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning to brave the crowds, keep a few things in mind. First, the Hedges Inn is an adults-only property (18+). Don't bring the kids for a family brunch.
Second, the season is expanding. The Wetenhalls have expressed interest in running an extended season, possibly even year-round, depending on community feedback. For 2026, the big reopening is set for May.
- Reservations: Hit Resy early. If it's a weekend, you're looking at weeks in advance.
- Dress Code: It’s "relaxed sophistication." Think Belgian loafers, no socks, and a crisp linen shirt. You don't need a tie, but you definitely shouldn't show up in gym shorts.
- Parking: They offer free valet, which is a godsend on James Lane.
Swifty’s at The Hedges East Hampton is a bridge between the past and the present. It’s a bit of Manhattan nostalgia served up with a side of coastal breeze. Whether it’s worth the $300 bill is up to you, but you can’t deny it’s the center of the conversation right now.
To make the most of the 2026 season, aim for a mid-week lunch or a Sunday evening for trivia. This allows you to soak in the atmosphere and the David Netto redesign without the frantic energy of a Saturday night. If you’re looking to stay, book the rooms as soon as the May calendar opens, as the 13-room capacity fills up almost instantly with returning regulars from the Palm Beach circuit.