Owners Of LT Burger West Transform Eatery To Daphne's

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — A popular burger restaurant in Westhampton Beach has seen a full pivot — with a crowd of customers embracing the eatery's new direction.

According to owner Shafqat Islam, the evolution from LT Burger to Daphne's was based on community feedback. Islam said he's very active in communication with clientele on a Westhampton Beach community group's Facebook page.

"It was clear that there was an opportunity to do something very different," Islam said. "Also, we knew if we could change the restaurant and have a bigger cocktail bar concept, it would make the economics better and allow us to stay open year long — which is another thing the community needs. Finally, when we realized we had the opportunity to build the restaurant and bar of our dreams, we just had to do it!"

Daphne's, located at 115 Main Street, is a cocktail bar and bistro, "with an innovative cocktail program but also really high quality food. Our food has a Mediterranean flair, and most of it is locally sourced."

Menu items include American bistro food with a Mediterranean flair — classics such as steak frites, crab cakes, and local fish, plus personal favorites such as roasted cauliflower, lamb burger, and calamari tempura.

The eatery opened the doors, inviting diners to its new iteration, last week.

"Reaction to opening week has been amazing. We’re packed every night, and the bar has been open till 1 a.m. on many nights. The village has been so excited, and it's really humbling for us. It's been way better than any of us expected."

Islam, who owns the business with partners, said there's also "an amazing team" onboard, including Steven Carro and Amanda Pierce — and "world-class chef" Jack Clark.

Westhampton Beach is the perfect spot to launch a dream venture, Islam said.

"We love Westhampton Beach. All of us are local — we live here, and love the village. In fact, my family fell in love with the area and only got involved with LT Burger because we just wanted to help keep it open."

However, Islam said, he wanted to have a restaurant that the local community loved and could frequent year-round. "And that was what really meant a concept change was needed. While we have a sophisticated and sexy cocktail bar look, we also tried to keep some beach vibes. You’ll also notice we have some playful references to drinks and food that were hits in some legendary Westhampton restaurants that are no longer here."

Permits have been secured to open the back patio, "so that will be huge part of our restaurant and bar," Islam said. "Lots of live music and happy hours. We will also grow all our herbs in our back patio, so it will feel more like a garden."

Recurring events will include lobster bakes, pre/post theater menus, DJ nights, and more.

As for the new moniker, Islam explained: "We loved the named Daphne’s. We all have different reasons for why we chose it — but my favorite is that it happens to be the name of Amanda’s dog."

Daphne's will be open for dinner Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:30 p.m. The bar opens at 5 p.m. and stays open "till late" Wednesday through Sundays.

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