Vegan in the Hamptons: Carissa's Bakery East Hampton
Address | 221 Pantigo Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937
Vegan in the Hamptons: A Late-Summer Brunch at Carissa’s Bakery, East Hampton
There’s something especially magical about a breezy late-summer morning in East Hampton. The light has begun to soften, the air is still warm but edged with a whisper of fall, and everything feels just wide-open. On one of those perfect weekend mornings, we made our way to Carissa’s Bakery on Pantigo Road, anticipating something both familiar and fresh—a garden brunch, good company, and a few vegan options to satisfy.
Carissa’s Bakery: Atmosphere & Seating
First impressions count, and Carissa’s delivers. You approach along a quiet street, then step into a light, airy room of baked goods, wood tones, soft linens, and natural light. But what really sets the scene is the seating: both indoor and outdoor patio seating, with a mix of private tables and communal ones. You can nestle into your own intimate corner indoors, or sprawled under trees outdoors, among mixed tables of strangers and friends alike. We opted for the garden patio, where a gentle breeze rustles through leaves, birds call at a distance, and sunlight filters in, dappling the table—a perfect spot for a long, unhurried brunch.
Vegan Offerings: Limited But Tasty
Carissa’s is not strictly vegan, but its plant-based offerings are thoughtful, fresh, and—crucially—delicious. The vegan options are limited, so you won’t be overwhelmed with a long list, but the items they do have are carefully designed, beautifully plated, and satisfying. On this particular morning, we tried:
Iced coffees with oat milk — smooth, creamy, with just the right level of sweetness, and a chill that complements the warmth of the day.
Avocado Toast — avocado mash with mixed greens, parsley, and fava beans on sourdough, finished with a shallot dressing. The sourdough is excellent: hearty, with a crunch-just-right crust and porous inside that soaks up flavors. The avocado is smashed but still with texture; the greens give a freshness, and the shallot dressing adds just the tiniest bite.
Farro Salad Bowl — farro paired with snap peas, peas, baby beets, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, carrots, mixed lettuces, all brought together with a green tahini. It’s colorful, full of texture, observably fresh, and tastes like summer on a plate.
Each dish felt generous, not perfunctory—something too often a risk when vegan is just a “special request.”
Extras: Service & To-Go Bread
One small but lovely touch: at each table there’s a QR code that you can scan to order breads and pastries to go. Since Carissa’s gets busy—especially on weekend mornings—this allows for a breezier exit. Indeed, after lingering over cups of coffee, we scanned, ordered a loaf of sourdough, and picked it up on our way out. It’s warmth changed hands at the counter, wrapped simply in paper, and we carried it off toward the next adventure.
Service overall was relaxed but earnest: staff seemed used to accommodating dietary preferences, with melt-in-your-ears kindness when clarifying options. Because vegan dishes are few, it helps that they’re consistent, so you have a sense of what you’ll get.
Reflections: What Works & What Could Grow
What makes Carissa’s special is how the vegan items that are offered don’t feel like an afterthought. The combinations are balanced; the flavor profiles subtle but intentional. The garden patio setting amplifies the eating-in pleasure. And the bread program—especially that sourdough—is a highlight, whether you eat in or take out.
That said, there is room to grow. More vegan main-dish options would be welcome—perhaps a vegan quiche or a tofu scramble, something a little heartier beyond toast and grain salads. Expanding plant-based pastries might also help: I noted baked goods aplenty, but they all include butter, egg, or dairy in their description. Still, given the locale, seasonality, and the overall care in the kitchen, what’s there is more than satisfactory.
Why Come Here If You’re Vegan (or Vegan-Curious)
You want a pleasant, relaxed brunch experience where you can linger outdoors under trees and enjoy both privacy and company.
You want food that feels fresh and lightly composed, with care in presentation and flavor—things like crisp greens, bright herbs, creamy dressings, good bread.
You want good coffee with non-dairy options that don’t feel like an afterthought.
You love bread and baked goods; even if your brunch is modest, you can leave carrying something to enjoy later.
The Verdict
Carissa’s Bakery in East Hampton is a gem for a late-summer vegan brunch: charming setting, approachable but well-made plant-based options, and that tangy chewy sourdough worth going out of your way for. If your expectations are calibrated—knowing that vegan isn’t the entire identity here—you’ll be richly rewarded. The arrival of fall may bring even more menu shifts, so there’s reason to return, again and again.
