Fire Damages Dockers Waterside in East Quogue, Forcing Closure Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

Popular Hamptons waterfront restaurant suffers fire damage just days after reopening for the 2026 season

A fire damaged the popular waterfront restaurant Dockers Waterside in East Quogue on Wednesday afternoon, forcing the longtime Hamptons destination to close just days before Memorial Day weekend.

The restaurant, located on Dune Road, had only recently reopened for the 2026 season less than a month ago, welcoming guests back for another summer of waterfront dining, cocktails and live entertainment.

Firefighters Responded Quickly

According to Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services officials, the East Quogue Fire Department responded to the structure fire at approximately 3:53 p.m. Wednesday.

The blaze was brought under control about 30 minutes later.

Volunteer firefighters from Flanders, Hampton Bays, North Sea, Southampton and Westhampton Beach also responded as mutual aid departments.

There were no reported injuries.

Dockers Waterside post on Instagram on May 20, 2026

Dockers Thanks First Responders

In a statement posted to Instagram Wednesday evening, Dockers reassured customers that everyone was safe and thanked first responders for their quick action.

“Everyone is safe and OK, and we are so grateful to all the firefighters, EMTs and police officers who were on the scene to help save our beloved restaurant,” the post read.

Dockers Waterside on Dune Rd. in East Quogue. @dockerswaterside

A Hamptons Summer Staple Since 1989

Dockers Waterside has been a summer fixture in the Hamptons since opening in 1989, known for its waterfront views, lively atmosphere and live entertainment.

The restaurant has long been a popular East End gathering spot during the summer season, particularly on holiday weekends.

Cause Under Investigation

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

It is not yet clear when Dockers will reopen as crews continue assessing the extent of the damage.

The closure comes at one of the busiest moments of the Hamptons season, just as Memorial Day weekend visitors begin arriving out East.

Angela LaGreca

Editor, Co-Founder/Publisher

Angela LaGreca, Editor-in-chief and co-Founder/Publisher of Spark Hamptons, is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, producer, writer and comedian/host. Her TV credits include NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “The View,” and, most recently, the primetime cable news program “Cuomo” on NewsNation. On the East End, she was the Creative Director at LTV, VP Features/Events/Photo Editor at Dan’s Papers, and has performed at Guild Hall, Bay Street Theater and the WHBPAC. Her publishing career began at Modern Photography, where she was managing editor. LaGreca lives in Manhattan and East Hampton and can be reached at angelatvmedia@gmail.com and angela@sparkhamptons.com .