Cruising Meschutt Beach: An 11-Year Tradition

Every Friday at sunset all summer long, a transformation takes place in the parking lot at in Hampton Bays. The SUVs full of tired, sandy toddlers trickle out of the lot and are replaced by dozens of classic cars of all makes and models. It’s the Beach Hut Friday night Cruise Night, a summer tradition for oldie car owners and admirers on the East End.

Cruisers begin to vie for the best spots in the lot around 4:30 p.m., and weekly attendees know the lot is usually full by 6. By then the grill, the bar and the band are all going strong and the atmosphere is fun and friendly as visitors stroll among the cars, chatting and reminiscing about cars they have known and admiring the ones they crave. The bay breezes push away the heat of the day and the sun sets behind the jetty creating a gorgeous backdrop for a perfect summer night.

manager Rob Marsilio and his dad founded Cruise Night 11 years ago, and it has built a solid reputation in the years since.

“My father has a '58 Cadillac, so this is sort of his baby,” said Marsilio. 

The event has grown by word-of-mouth among car enthusiasts, and has settled into a comfortable size.

“It takes care of itself now,” said Marsilio.

The Beach Hut's Friday night menu includes some of its most popular fare and raw bar options. Live music is another big part of the experience with the Affordable Blues Band and the Bobby Nathan Band trading weeks entertaining the crowd.

Steve LoBasso, his wife Margaret and their 1956 Ford Sunliner are regular patrons.

“I’ve been coming here probably from the first year,” he said. “The night time is absolutely gorgeous, the sunsets, it’s unreal. It's what we do, its what we live for. We’ve been coming here so long, the people here they know me, I know them, we know each other by the kind of car we have,” he said with a laugh.

Owning a vintage automobile is certainly not a requirement. Those without classic cars are encouraged to come down, enjoy the food and music and wander among the vehicles. There is nothing a classic car owner enjoys more than having people admire his ride and ask questions.

Cruise Nights run every Friday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and sometimes later, depending on the weather. There is no charge to park. Alcohol is available for responsible consumption on the Beach Hut deck only. No outside alcohol is permitted by law. The Beach Hut is open seven days a week during the summer season from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.