By Amanda Duckstein, founder of Shadowbox Pilates: 

Marina Access 

Oakland's in Hampton Bays is right near Ponquogue Beach. What makes it special is the dock-and-dine setup — if you have a small boat (my dad's is about 23 feet), you can pull right into their marina, pay around $20 to park the boat, and walk straight into the restaurant. Otherwise, you can drive there over Ponquogue Bridge, past the beach.

Flexible Dining Options 

They've got an upscale sit-down dining room or you can choose the outdoor deck and bar with a separate bar menu.

It gets pretty busy in the summer, especially midday on weekends, but that energy is part of what makes it fun. The consistency is impressive — I've been coming out here for three summers now, and they've had the same bartenders the whole time, which I really appreciate.

Menu Favorites 

I mostly get seafood there — they have a tuna tartare that I order regularly. They also had these pork sliders on a pretzel bun that I really liked.

Drink-wise, it changes with the season — I think last summer was all about Aperol Spritzes. The combination of reliable food, friendly service, and that perfect waterfront setting makes it one of my Hampton Bays go-tos.

Inside Tip 🪄

The dock-and-dine for around $20. You can't beat it.

Contact

🌐 Oakland's Hampton Bays

About Amanda

After teaching Pilates for 15 years, Amanda created Shadowbox Pilates to return to Joseph Pilates' original vision of control, precision, and core-focused movement. 

Her Southampton studio features specialized wooden reformers with towers and jump boards, while her popular Shadowbox in the Wild series brings classes to iconic locations like Gurney's oceanfront deck and Wölffer Wine Stand.

Amanda Duckstein lives and enjoys life on the East End after many years in New York City. 

Lead-in Image

Oakland's Restaurant & Marina / Facebook