In the affluent Hamptons, a new eight-seat diner named Babe's has emerged as a popular destination, drawing a diverse clientele that includes celebrities and local families. The restaurant, located in Sag Harbor, has seen patrons waiting for hours for a seat since its opening in May, offering a contrast to the region's typically upscale dining options.
Babe's focuses on classic American diner food, a concept owners Johnny Shipes and Julian Cavin aimed to revive in an area where such establishments are increasingly rare. The diner's small size, with only eight counter seats, contributes to its intimate atmosphere and the extended wait times, which can range from 45 minutes to an hour. Cavin described the diner's philosophy as democratic, where everyone waits and shares the same counter space, fostering a sense of community.
"We wanted Babe’s to feel democratic. Everybody waits. Everybody sits at the same counter," Cavin told The Post. "People may see a line and think it’s exclusive, but it’s really the opposite. There are only so many seats, but the spirit of the place is for everyone."
The menu features elevated diner staples, with prices ranging from $15 to $25, including items like bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, challah French toast, blueberry pancakes, and spicy vodka chicken parm sandwiches. The most expensive item is the crispy chicken and waffles at $40. The ingredients are sourced locally and from premier distributors, distinguishing the food from typical diner fare.
Shipes and Cavin, both New York City natives and entrepreneurs, wanted to create a year-round spot that felt like a routine establishment, not just a seasonal one. The diner's design, in a cedar-shingled cottage with a red checkerboard floor, aims to evoke nostalgia and create a melting pot atmosphere reflecting their love for food and New York City culture.
Babe's has also engaged in collaborations with New York institutions, such as Barney Greengrass, which drew notable figures like actress Emma Roberts and influencer Alix Earle. These collaborations are viewed by the founders as extensions of the community they are building, rather than mere marketing tactics.
"We're a smaller, for-the-people thing that’s not some huge corporate brand taking over the real estate," Cavin stated, referencing the increasing presence of national retailers in Sag Harbor. The founders have also found fulfillment in engaging with customers online and in person, with Shipes noting that taking care of people has become a rewarding aspect of running the diner.