The Blue Parrot: Open and Ready to Serve You

Once again The Blue Parrot, the only Mexican Restaurant in East Hampton Village is gearing up for the summer of 2016. The Blue Parrot has the feel of being right off the beach yet is located in the center of the East Hampton village (for GPS folks 33A Main St. East Hampton, NY 11937.)

When I get that craving for a chicken burrito or an amazing enchilada after sailing in Gardiner’s bay I aim for the The Blue Parrot. However the Blue Parrot offers so much more with Chef Rico Martinez spectacular menu along with his amazing daily specials. Rico has been at the Blue Parrot for almost 20 years.

The Blue Parrot is a “celeb-owned” but locally run Mexican Restaurant and received its name back in 1989 when the original founder/owner Lee Bieler, a Montauk/Hawaii duel citizen was at his home in Hawaii. While wintering in the Aloha state, Lee frequented a Mexican restaurant called Azul Loro (Blue Parrot in Spanish). A light went off in his head. The rest is East Hampton folklore. In those early days, at the Blue Parrot , Jimmy Buffett would do an unscheduled set or two while columnist James Brady drank his coveted Pacifico beer at the end of the bar, and then they both would stay to watch a screening, as in movie screen, of some surf movie that local surfers might be in. Times have changed but that same friendly atmosphere still exists.

Late last season (2015) the Blue Parrot was in the news when Jimmy Buffett hosted a party to celebrate Bill Murray’s new movie, “Rock the Kasbah.” Buffet’s Parrot Party was all “A” list including President Clinton, Bruce Springsteen, Bruce Willis, Bon Jovi (who is one of the Blue Parrot’s owners) Roger Waters, Carrie Lowell, Christie Brinkley, Bob Balaban and many others. Note the Blue Parrot is available for special event bookings.

If you are looking for some cold drinks after a hot day at the beach or after running about the Hamptons, there is no better bar then at the Blue Parrot because bartenders Julia Rodriguez, Ashleigh Rodman and Barry McGovern have the expertise in making the best cocktails. A manager was kind enough to inform me that the “Daily Happy Hour” at the bar is from 4pm to 6pm and again at 11pm to 2am. She emphasized lunch service starts at noon while dinner is served 5-10pm Monday through Thursday and 5pm to 11pm Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations (631-328-2583) are only available for parties of six or more.

The Blue Parrot is seasonal meaning it opens in May and closes in October after the Hamptons International Film Festival. It will be open 7 days a week starting July 1! For all information call (631-328-2583.)