Not since we were children did the idea of dressing up in a strange costume and venturing out into public seem like a good idea. Ordinarily, looking overtly unusual is something we avoid. Halloweenseems to take away the fear of being unusual. Since it is no longer acceptable for adults to go door to door asking for candy (think about how scary that would be the first time it happened), we seek to go places where we might encounter like-minded individuals. Whether in a restaurant, bar or taproom, being in a familiar public setting in costume may not initially seem as enjoyable as when you were seven and trick-or-treating with friends, but when everyone gets into the spirit, it becomes an adult version of the childhood act: accepting of the weird, celebrating the daring and different (after all, no one wins for “most ordinary costume”). When the waitstaff is also in costume, the evening takes on a different feeling because you’re all in this together. It could be that you’re in costume or it could be the live music and dancing, drink specials, or the really cool people cooking and serving your food and drinks that make it so much fun. A win however you look at it.
To help you plan your East End Halloween haunt:
Harbor Grill – 367 Three Mile Harbor Road, East Hampton, NY 11937 631-604-5290
“Three Mile Horror” at Harbor Grill, Friday, October 31, 9 p.m. to midnight featuring a buffet of appetizers accompanied by a DJ and dancing. $25 per person includes two complimentary drink tickets. $250 gift certificate to Harbor Bistro for best costume.
Regular dinner service from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Kids in costume dine half-price and receive a complimentary ice cream for dessert.
La Fondita – 74 Montauk Hwy., Amagansett, NY 11930 – 631-267-8800
Day of the Dead Celebration, Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2. Celebrate the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos with kids crafts by the Golden Eagle Art Store on Saturday (raindate Sunday) from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children, 5 and up, decorate their own skulls, play games, and enjoy La Fondita treats. Space is limited. Cost is $10 per child. The event will benefit a local family in need. Please RSVP by calling Golden Eagle at 631-324-0603.
La Fondita is also offering traditional food specials in honor of Dia de los Muertos on November 1 and 2.
Page at 63 Main – 63 Division Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 – 631-725-1810
Halloween Costume Bash on Friday, October 31. Don your ghoulish costume and enjoy music by DJ Twilo, half priced specialty cocktails and Halloween bites. No cover charge, prizes for best costume, best drag, spookiest costume and more.
Rowdy Hall – 10 Main St. in the Parrish Mews, East Hampton, NY 11937 – 631-324-8555
15th Annual “Rowdyween” Party, Friday, October 31 at 8 p.m. until the witching hour. $35 admission fee at the door includes one complimentary drink, delicious Rowdy snacks, $5 drafts and $6 well drinks, and DJ Noid spinning tunes all night. $500 in cash prizes for best costumes. Come in costume . . . or don’t come at all! Anthony from WEHM will broadcast live from the courtyard from 3-5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance.
Solé East Resort & The Backyard Restaurant – 90 Second House Road, Montauk, NY 11954 – 631-668-2105
The End is Here: 2014 Halloween Party, Saturday, November 1 at 8 p.m. Inviting all monsters, ghouls, witches and ghosts to celebrate Halloween in the Backyard to mark the 2014 season end. Guests enjoy free bar food, drink specials, and live DJ music. Prizes for “Best Costume.” Admission is free. Special room rates for the weekend.
For North Fork events, head over to North-Forks website!
