Rita Cantina opens in the hamlet of Springs in East Hampton. The modern Mexican cantina celebrates local ingredients, high quality tequilas and agaves, and a celebratory atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to kick off the Hamptons summer season.
Chef Eric Miller, known for Bay Kitchen Bar, brings his passion for Mexican cuisine and the East End with the help of his partners, Adam Miller and Marc Miller. Adam is behind the innovative bar program, and Marc handles operations.
The interior is very inviting with brightly colored patterns adorning the walls and booths. There is also a back patio with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables. At the center of the outdoor patio is a bonfire where guests can enjoy s’mores and drinks after finishing their meals.
The Menu at Rita Cantina
Rita Cantina’s menu celebrates Mexican cuisine while utilizing ingredients that ‘swim, graze, and grow’ in Gardiner’s Bay and the surrounding area. Chef Eric Miller’s more than three decades of fine dining experience established him as a pioneering proponent of the Slow Food, dock-to-dish, and farm-to-table movements and an advocate of local fishmongers, diggers, producers, and farmers.
The vibrant menu features a range of ceviches, tacos, quesadillas, slow-cooked birria, and large plates made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients from beloved East End purveyors like Satur Farms, Multi Aquaculture System, and Gosman’s Dock, along with many independent local fishers who Chef Eric has had relationships with for over a decade.
Standout dishes from the smaller plates include the Tuna Ceviche Tostada with avocado and charred pineapple agua chili; Mussels Rope Grown with guajillas, garlic, and shallots; and Berkshire Pork Ribs with orange, corn, and sweet & dark adobe glaze.
Popular large plates include the Crescent Farms Duck Carnitas, Fried Organic Adobe Brined Chicken, and the Wagyu Skirt Steak. There is also a dedicated taco section that features a selection of single tacos. Top picks include the Local Harvest Fluke, Heritage Pork Al Pastyr, and Lamb Barbacoa.
Drinks
Guests at Rita Cantina can enjoy a lineup of refreshing spirit-forward cocktails focusing on various tequilas, agaves, and mezcals. The cocktail menu is categorized by Bottled, Signature, Frozen, and Margarita & Mojitos.
Highlights from this section include the Oaxaca Old Fashioned; the Mezcal Negroni; and the Tequila Forever Margarita.
The signature cocktail list includes the Watermelon Daiquiri, and the Horchata Colada, among others.
Guests may also enjoy Margaritas and Mojitos made with fresh fruit of their choice, including watermelon, passion fruit, cucumber, ginger, and more.
For some refreshing non-alcoholic choices include their Agua Frescas. Flavors include cucumber, hibiscus, mango, watermelon, and pineapple, and several others.
Retail Selections at Rita Cantina
In addition to branded retail merchandise, Rita Cantina offers various to-go bundles containing everything needed for a beach picnic.
Signature picnic bags with margaritas, tacos, and more are available. Their “Bonfire Bags” containing Mexican chocolate, house-made graham crackers and marshmallows, and house-made drinks are very popular and ideal for a family outing.
Hours and Additional Information
Rita Cantina is open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday from 4 pm to close. Happy Hour is from 4-7pm featuring $1 oysters and $10 margaritas or glasses of wine.