Second House Tavern has been one of our favorite spots since opening last year. The owners, Jon (also father of two really awesome young boys) and Abbey, are gracious and accommodating as is the staff—very important when with children. We go on the early side (5-6pm) and typically eat in the Grill Room or backyard (great space for kids to run around) for more casual dining. Perfect timing for the $30 three-course prix fixe from 5-6:30pm 7 days a week. When with my Nana (who is 90 and loves “fine” dining) we enjoy the Tavern Dining Room for a more sophisticated yet down to earth menu. Kids welcome too!

A few words on typical kids’ menu choices—I have grown tired of burgers, chicken fingers and pasta. How about grilled chicken, broiled fish, some kind of vegetable! That is how I feed Jack at home thus I prefer to feed him that way when out (though I do cave at times). On our last family visit to the Tavern, I asked Jon if I could order grilled chicken and a vegetable for Jack. No problem! We were served the most delicious chicken and asparagus. Jon, Abbey and staff are flexible. Ask and you shall receive!

Atmosphere
Everything about the Tavern is casual and down to earth. It is clean, comfortable and on the cozy side (for a fairly big restaurant).

Menu Favorites (GR—Grill Room; TDR—Tavern Dining Room)
•    Fire Roasted Tomato Soup (GR)
•    “Grill Room” Chopped Salad (GR)
•    Margherita Pizza (great entrée for the kids) (GR/TDR)
•    Lobster Sliders (GR)
•    Lump Crab (TDR)
•    Vegetarian Cassoulet (GR/TDR)
•    Gunpowder Chicken (GR/TDR)
•    Montauk Black Bass (TDR)

Cool Kid Add-Ons
•    Huge outdoor sandbox in front parking lot area
•    Great back lawn with outdoor dining
•    Wiki Stix (colorful wax sticks) to keep your kids busy for quite some time
•    Spacious dining area for kids to walk around if necessary
•    High chairs

~Stefanie Sacks Dec

In the aftermath of 9/11, Lewis and Tracey Gardell, residents of downtown Manhattan, made the move to Montauk with their three boys in tow. Making the move from NYC to Montauk can surely be culture shock for many but knowing that, Lewis and Tracey committed themselves to making sure that their new kids on the block (and the local youth they befriended) had something more than this amazing one-horse town could offer. Soon after their arrival, the Gardell home became the local hang out for the teenagers and their friends. Tracey, a talented culinarian, cooked her way through cultures while the kids enjoyed and commented on her cuisine. What an amazing way for kids to learn about the world around them!

The Gardell home quickly became a place where 12 local kids, including the Gardell boys, began to identify themselves with different cultures and cuisine. It was then that Tracey and Lewis agreed to buy 782 Main Street and embark on what they called a community project helping to give these kids and the many to follow a sense of being part of something, a sense of responsibility and a real sense of self. The kids literally handmade what is now 668 The Gigshack, laying tile, painting, creating menus, etc. And to this day, they continue to work together to create menus, run the shop and give it the personality that it carries. All with the continued love and support of Lewis and Tracey.

Now in their fourth season, The Gigshack, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner has become a Montauk mainstay. The unique global surf cuisine, all prepared to order by 19-year old head chef, Gray Gardell is fresh and delicious. Portions are huge so come with an appetite. They truly cover the cultures with tapas, sushi (Wednesdays and Fridays at 6pm), bohemian BBQ, 35 kinds of well-researched beer (no hard-stuff offered), homemade baked goods and LavAzza coffee.

The kids menu is simple with real chicken fingers and quesadillas. FYI, you can ask for fresh fruit or vegetables instead of French fries. They were happy to oblige. Plus there is plenty on the main menu that the kids would love.

Can’t forget the live music every night from 6-8pm and during the day on weekends. By the way, on Mondays there is this great boy band, Rite of Way.
Atmosphere
Surfer shack sidewalk café with a cool local vibe. Totally kid-friendly! Indoor and outdoor seating.

Menu Favorites (really everything!)
•    Chips and guacamole
•    Provolone salad
•    Fish tacos
•    Lobster tacos
•    Soft shell crab BLT
•    Fresh baked goods (also going to be offering wheat-free items)

Cool Kids Add-Ons
•    Safety First high chairs with trays (like no other!)

Other
•    DOGGIE friendly (sidewalk seating allows for dogs to be on leashes next to table; ask for water and biscuits and you will be served!)
•    Wi-Fi services

Six-Six-Eight The Gigshack
782 Main Street
Montauk, NY 11954
631.668.2727

Especially in the warmer months, I often pack a picnic and go hiking or to the beach with my kids. We typically do this in the late morning so we hit the lunchtime hour while out and about. Though there have been those few early mornings that I pack a picnic breakfast and we go to the beach with the whole family, even our dog Blossom. Breakfast favorites are scrambled eggs wrapped in tortillas. I wrap them tightly in foil so the kids can get a bite while keeping the tortilla together. Fresh cut seasonal fruit is also a favorite. And to drink, water in our stainless steel bottles ( www.kidskonserve.com or   www.kleenkanteen.com).

For lunch, I usually make something at home. Hardboiled eggs are easy and a real hit. Hummus, carrots and rice crackers are also easy, nutritious and delicious. There is always that quick sandwich too. For snacks we love the healthy version of yogurt tubes and cheese sticks (Horizon brand a good choice). If not water, I go for the Honest Kids juice pouches (1/2 the sugar than juice boxes). Since my oldest son is a real snacker, I am always sure to have pretzels or Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies on hand.

But if not local to Montauk and you find yourself without a kitchen (or you don’t want to take the time to prepare food), some great places to pick up healthy eats are Naturally Good and Joni’s. Herb’s Market and Cromer’s make great sandwiches (especially the fresh roasted turkey; other lunch meats I tend to avoid). Get it on whole grain bread. At Herb’s you can make your own salad and Cromer’s has a variety of vegetable and grain sides to choose from. Just make sure to choose wisely! No foods with artificial ingredients, colors, preservatives, hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup.

Oh, there are many places with picnic tables: Camp Hero, Hither Hills Park, Navy Road Park, Kirk Park, The Lighthouse playground are.  Don’t forget a bag for garbage just in case a trash can is not nearby.

Happy picnic!