Vegan in the Hamptons: Bambi's Cafe
Bambi’s Cafe
Address | 33 Carl Fisher Plaza, Montauk, NY 11954
When you think of Montauk, your mind likely drifts to windswept beaches, fresh ocean air, and a laid-back surf-town vibe. That’s exactly the energy we were soaking up one sunny morning as we strolled through the east end of the Hamptons. After a morning along the coast—barefoot in the sand and recharged by the Atlantic—we were ready for something cool, fresh, and plant-based. Bambi’s Cafe was just the place.
Tucked into Montauk’s beachy landscape, Bambi’s is a charming little cafe that fits right in with the town’s relaxed yet curated aesthetic. Light wood, minimal decor, and a whitewashed palette welcome guests into a space that feels like it was made for a post-surf smoothie or a leisurely plant-based brunch. Whether you're vegan, health-conscious, or simply seeking something vibrant and delicious, Bambi’s caters to a mindful crowd that appreciates quality ingredients and coastal calm.
The Plant-Based Appeal
Bambi’s is not an exclusively vegan cafe, but it’s certainly vegan-friendly. The menu is full of colorful smoothie bowls, housemade nut milks, superfood lattes, fresh juices, and a small but well-curated pastry case. Whether you're dairy-free, gluten-free, or looking to avoid refined sugar, you’ll find options that not only meet your dietary needs but exceed your expectations in flavor and presentation.
Many of the smoothies and bowls can be customized with vegan substitutions, and plant-based add-ins like coconut yogurt, hemp protein, flax, or almond butter abound. There's also a seasonal rotation of pastries, several of which are vegan and made with thoughtful ingredients that taste indulgent without being overly sweet or processed.
What We Tried
We came in hungry—and curious. Our order reflected both our appetite and our desire to taste a little bit of everything.
Blueberry Wave Smoothie
This smoothie is what summer tastes like. A deep indigo color and thick, velvety texture made it feel more like a soft-serve treat than a drink. Made with blueberries, banana, coconut yogurt, housemade oat milk, and vanilla, it struck the perfect balance between tart and creamy. The blueberries brought natural brightness, the banana gave body and sweetness, while the coconut yogurt added a cooling, tangy depth. The vanilla rounded everything out like a warm hug. If you're a fan of berries or looking for a refreshing pick-me-up without added sugars, this one’s a winner.
Ms. Green Smoothie
If the Blueberry Wave was fruity and lush, the Ms. Green Smoothie was its fresh, energizing counterpart. This one combined spinach, pineapple, mango, avocado, ginger, and housemade oat milk. The pineapple and mango were the stars of the show—vibrant and tropical—with the spinach adding a subtle earthy undertone without overwhelming the flavor. The avocado made the texture silky, while the ginger delivered a gentle kick. Altogether, Ms. Green was like a wellness shot in smoothie form—invigorating, satisfying, and clean.
Vegan Blueberry Scone
In the pastry case, nestled beside a few traditional offerings, was a golden-hued vegan blueberry scone that we simply couldn’t pass up. It had the craggy, rustic look of a well-made scone—browned at the edges with a tender interior. The crumb was moist and lightly sweetened, allowing the blueberries to shine. It wasn’t trying to be a sugary pastry; instead, it leaned into the wholesome texture of oats and whole grains. We paired it with iced matcha and sat outside, enjoying the quiet rhythm of the afternoon.
Chocolate Banana Tahini Cake
The real surprise came with the vegan chocolate banana tahini cake. It was dense in the best way—moist from the banana, complex from the tahini, and rich with cocoa. The tahini added a subtle sesame depth that elevated it beyond your typical banana bread. Each bite was sweet but not cloying, and the natural banana flavor lingered on the palate. This dessert felt more like something you’d expect from a contemporary plant-based bakery in Brooklyn or L.A.—yet here it was, tucked into a beachside counter in Montauk. We were impressed.
Atmosphere & Experience
Bambi’s is more than just a stop for smoothies—it’s a sanctuary. The space reflects a casual elegance, drawing in locals, surfers, tourists, and wellness enthusiasts alike. The indoor seating is minimal but cozy, and the small outdoor patio is the perfect place to sit with a smoothie in hand, sandy feet, and no rush at all. Staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to accommodate questions about ingredients or substitutions. You won’t find a lot of pretense here—just good energy and great food.
There’s a sense of care in everything Bambi’s offers, from the quality of their ingredients to the thoughtfulness of their presentation. Sustainability is also a subtle thread throughout the experience. Reusable cups are encouraged, compostable packaging is standard, and the cafe maintains a low-waste ethos wherever possible.
Why Bambi’s Stands Out
In a region that often caters to indulgence and exclusivity, Bambi’s stands out for its accessibility, its warmth, and its emphasis on nourishment. It offers a reminder that simple food—when made with integrity—can feel luxurious. Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or just in search of something light and restorative after a beach day, Bambi’s has something that will leave you feeling good inside and out.
What we loved most was that nothing here felt overly engineered. The smoothies were fresh and balanced, the pastries were hearty and real, and the environment invited you to take a deep breath and stay a while.
Tips for Visiting Bambi’s Cafe
Go early: Especially in peak summer, Bambi’s gets busy by mid-morning. Smoothie bowls and baked goods can sell out.
Ask about daily specials: The menu rotates slightly based on availability, and there’s often a seasonal vegan pastry or bowl not listed online.
Stay awhile: If the weather is nice, grab a seat on the patio and savor your meal slowly. It’s a beautiful little pocket of calm in Montauk.
Parking: Limited in the summer—ride your bike or walk if you're staying nearby.
Final Thoughts
Bambi’s Cafe is the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again. It captures the essence of Montauk’s easygoing charm while offering a thoughtful, elevated menu that nourishes body and spirit. For vegans in the Hamptons—or anyone craving a mindful treat by the sea—Bambi’s is more than just a cafe. It’s a little slice of beachy wellness paradise.
Vegan in the Hamptons isn’t just about where to eat—it’s about celebrating places like Bambi’s that make eating plant-based feel joyful, effortless, and delicious. Whether you’re local or just passing through, consider this your official invitation to grab a smoothie, try the tahini cake, and soak up the sunshine at one of Montauk’s most charming plant-forward spots.
