Located just west of downtown Sag Harbor and overlooking the harbor, Beacon offers elevated bar food, in a vibrant setting, with limited seating, both outside under the awning as well as tables inside.
A few items you need to be aware of. First, the prices reflect the location and the fact they are only open seasonally and secondly, there is a strict time limit on tables (with a slight grace period to pay the check) of 90 minutes for a foursome. This is a shared responsibility of the kitchen and guests to accommodate so do not delay in placing your order, and you are lucky if you have time on the clock for dessert.
Our visit included two appetizers for the table and a companion and I shared an entrée. We would have ordered desserts but we ran out of time.
A quick overview of the dishes we enjoyed.
CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD W/ HEARTS OF ROMAINE, ANCHOVY, PARMESAN, GARLIC & CROSTINI ($21) (Above) – This version included whole romaine leaves with a good amount of dressing and a large dusting of grated parmesan. The crouton was one large piece and was a little difficult to maneuver and enjoy. The salad was a little overdressed which was to my liking. This is a large salad and easily shared between 2 people as a normal-sized starter. I give it a 7
TUNA TARTARE* W/ CAPERS, WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD, CUCUMBER, RED CURRY PASTE & POTATO CHIPS (RAW) ($25) – A medium-sized mound of nicely prepared tuna. Do not be afraid that the menu states red curry paste, it did not increase the spiciness but did add a nice deep element to the dish. The chips were also seasoned and were very good. This size was a little smallish given the other sized dishes. I think others at the table enjoyed it more than I did, but I did like it. I give it a 6
DUROC PORK CHOP MILANESE W/ FRISÉE, ROASTED TOMATOES, CARAMELIZED ONIONS, CREAMY TRUFFLE VINAIGRETTE & SHAVED PARMESAN ($46) – Two of us shared the dish as the pork medallion was enormous. It was pounded super-thin, breaded and fried. It was nicely seasoned and still maintained its flavor. I thought the breading-meat ratio was a little heavy to the breading side and a touch oversalted. The salad that sat atop was very large, full of flavor, and like the Caesar was over-dressed, approaching soggy. I really liked the addition of the roasted tomatoes and caramelized onions to give a different flavor profile. I give the dish an 8.
Overall, I liked Beacon with reservations. Given the high prices and the requirement to rush through the meal, I am somewhat reluctant to return prior to Labor Day, maybe after the summer crowd leaves it will be less of a rush. When I am spending this kind of money in a bar atmosphere, I do not want to inhale my meal or feel I am about to cause an issue. The staff handled everything professionally, I would just like a little less watch the clock pressure.
8 W Water St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Jfood Eats 