Gilligan’s – Perfect Summer Pop Up

Nothing says summer like a weekend trip to Montauk, but some people simply can’t escape the craziness of life in the city and make it out East. The good news is that a little slice of Montauk just opened on West Broadway – Gilligan’s, the SoHo Grand’s summer pop-up restaurant, is back for the season, and it’s the perfect place to unwind on a hot summer Saturday. The tropical plants and relaxed atmosphere provide a casual yacht club meets beach bar vibe that’s reminiscent of The Surf Lodge, and the watermelon frozen margaritas may be the best drink of the summer (be careful – the cayenne-sea-salt-dusted concoctions are deceivingly strong!). Of course, while one or two (or five) watermelon frozen margaritas make for a great afternoon, the food is important too, and Gilligan’s does not disappoint. The restaurant is run by the people behind downtown favorites Ruby’s, Dudley’s, and Montauk hotspot Moby’s, and the coastal Italian fare – including highlights like oysters, tuna crudo, and roasted prawns – is the perfect accompaniment to the beachy environs. The next time you want to head out to Montauk ditch the traffic and head to Gilligan’s!