Montauk Bistro

He said:

We visited the Montauk Bistro on a blustery spring afternoon that felt more like winter, with a heavy snowstorm having raged all day. Even so, we weren’t the only customers to brave the elements to visit the small, modest bistro in Draper’s Town Center neighborhood. Happily, the restaurant was nicely heated against the weather outside.

Situated in a converted home originally built over 130 years ago, the restaurant offers little adornment, choosing instead to highlight the home’s original millwork, tile, and glass. The small dining area occupies the two front rooms of the house. In warmer seasons, patio seating is also available. The restaurant’s name comes from the home’s resemblance to the old cottages of Montauk, New York—a hamlet on the far east end of Long Island.

The menu was almost as limited as the décor, yet still I had to choose from several options that caught my eye. Many of the selections drew upon the chef-owner’s Southeast Asian upbringing. The menu included dishes such as Banh Mi, Pad Thai, and the sole dessert option, Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut Creme. Ultimately, I chose the Rib Eye Burger. This was accompanied by a mixed-greens salad with roasted almonds and a house-made vinaigrette. The dressing was delicious, with a delightful sweetness tempered by the vinegar. I didn’t mind that it was heavily applied, but others may wish to request it on the side. I also enjoyed the hamburger. I don’t know if it was actually ground ribeye or not, but it was juicy and flavorful. Melted cheese and caramelized onions topped the burger patty. A peppercorn aioli added even more flavor. I would have enjoyed a larger burger, though.

She said:

My first impression of Montauk was that it felt more like an old house than a restaurant, but still not like any house I’d been in recently. First of all, it is very small. It doesn’t have great seating capacity, and that is what makes the place cozy and intimate.

Secondly, I noticed the wood everywhere: heavy door, intricately carved archway, creaky oak floors, ornate fireplace, tables and chairs, old pews used as bench seating. All of this warm wood was contrasted by the stark white walls with little artwork displayed on them. I remarked to Brian that the bistro would feel a bit friendlier and more welcoming if there were paintings on the walls. However, I guess the minimalist vibe may be deliberate.

Anyway, I ordered the Massaman Curry Rice Bowl and was pleasantly surprised. The first thing I noticed was the aromatic fragrance of the fresh ginger. The dish included rice, grilled chicken, carrots, kale, cabbage, toasted almonds, and possibly a couple of other vegetables I couldn’t identify. It was really good, but there was so much of it that I boxed up my uneaten portion. (I enjoyed finishing my leftovers later in the day).

Montauk Bistro has its charms, and it seemed as though our waitress was also the proprietor. During our meal, she sat down at a table across the way and started talking to the other patrons about their families, catching up. The patrons were obviously regulars, and she was very personable and friendly.

Montauk seems like a cozy off-the-beaten-path option if you’re in the mood for a quite lunch and decent food, all served with a big smile.

Conclusion:

The Montauk Bistro says its “vibe is historic-chic” and that it has “an understated bistro character”. That may be part of its charm, but so are the friendly people and good food. This is a welcome part of Draper’s Town Center.