by Debra Rose
The Ultimate Dinner Party
Going strong since 2005, ‘The Shack,’ ‘The Gig,’ or ‘668’ as it is affectionally called, has a knack for evolving with time while staying on task as the coolest restaurant in Montauk.
Lucky for those that frequent The Shack it is wedged in the eastern section of downtown Montauk on Mainstreet, and without a doubt would be a sought out destination if it were tucked away outside of town. Starting nineteen years ago as a family experiment, The Shack was one of the first of its kind to represent a ‘city establishment’ that was almost too far ahead of their time with eclectic décor, live-music, global surf cuisine and laid-back vibe. Food was ordered at the counter, served on paper plates, and without a liquor license the vices of choice were the desserts. Established by the Gardell family originally from downtown Manhattan, mom Tracey baked the pies and was at the helm with the support of her three sons Arden, Skylar and Gray. As a holistic dentist in New York, you would find husband and dad Lewis giving dental advise and chatting with customers in his spare time away from the city.
The learning curve was steep, and the family rose to the occasion, trying several chefs over the years, clusters of staff members, design ideas and menu tweaks. Eventually the restaurant evolved to dining on dishware, using glasses, serving alcohol and the gelato case transformed into a bar that is now one of the most popular in Montauk. You will see patrons in their wetsuits after a surf, in groups waiting for their table, or just stopping by to hang out with all their favorite people. The atmosphere is a welcoming one, and the restaurant runs like a well-oiled, (beach shack) machine. The staff members are seasoned having grown-up along with The Shack and know the menu and intuitively your preferences tout de suite. The desserts are still homemade by Tracey, with the staples of her famous (yes, famous) Key Lime Pie, the rare sighting of Red Velvet cake, Burnt Breton Cheesecake and the surprise of the week, a homemade cookie in a mini cast iron pan, a European style fruit torte, or a delightful spin on carrot cake with macadamia nuts and candied ginger.
While son Gray is the proprietor, head chef Josh Farnham has led a consistent and strong kitchen, miraculously serving thousands of dishes all summer, seven days a week, for lunch and dinner. A mainstay for lunch in the sun outdoors or sitting down to an intimate or lively dinner (depending on your mood and the evening), the Shack features live music daily in the form of acoustic singers, small bands or a St. Barth-esque DJ. When Gray (a.k.a. Spyder) is not working he is at home using his telescope to check out the p-tang on Mars.
Dishes at the Shack are inspired by the family’s global travel over the years, a homemade Vongole or Puttanesca from a truffle festival in Italy, tender pulled pork Empanadas from a stint in Portugal and Madeira, Clams Ala Kasbah from a visit to Morocco, and authentic Montacos with local fish, crisp shells and juicy mango salsa to name a few. Cuisine at the shack is made with the love and precision of an epic dinner party, 
surrounded by people that are enamored about their experience. The service is on point and the options enticingly offer long loved favorites like the unique Charred Lemon Caesar using croissant croutons speckled with dill and shavings of parmesan, wildly popular Lamburghinis that even non-lamb eaters become addicted to, and new options like the Seared Local Fluke layered a top coconut rice, or the Vegetarian friendly House made Spanakopita with fresh hummus, roasted tomatoes and chunks of Feta. Tuna Tartare Taquitos have made a name for themselves, fleshy tuna, ripe avocado and organic microgreens piled into a crispy wonton shell are so adored customers have requested a food truck to drive around Montauk offering them.
The menu is substantial and thoughtful, curating just enough variety to keep each dining experience fresh while always offering the meal you are craving. “When you are planning your week around having the Crispy Chicken entrée, you know you are obsessed with the food at the Shack,” a recent patron joked. The Shack has set the bar high, if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere with top-notch food, unpretentious yet trendy vibe in a town everyone seems to clamor to in the summer the staff and family of The Gig Shack is your spot. Do not forget to order the Key Lime.
782 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY • (631) 668-2727 • www.668thegigshack.com
