Carrying the Flame: A Family Tradition Reimagined
Our Story
Forty-one years ago, retired FDNY Captain Jim “Cap” Breidenbach and his wife Maureen brought a family tradition to life by opening a laid-back seafood spot on the docks of Seaford Harbor, nestled along the Great South Bay. With the freshest local catches coming straight off the boats, their humble eatery quickly became known for more than just great seafood—it became a gathering place.​​
Soon enough, “Cap’s” was more than a restaurant. It was the neighborhood’s go-to hangout—a cozy bar and eatery where friends and locals would meet for a cold drink, a plate of local fare, and the soothing sight of boats rocking gently in the harbor. It was a place full of life, laughter, and the salty breeze of Long Island’s South Shore.
​
But in October 2012, everything changed. Superstorm Sandy tore through the region, and “Cap’s” was literally swept away by the storm. Rebuilding wasn’t possible. Just like that, a beloved local landmark was gone, and with it, a chapter of the family’s history came to a close.
Or so it seemed.
Carrying the legacy forward, Jim and Maureen’s daughter, Amy—already a restaurateur in her own right with Crabby Amy’s (est. 1998) and Catfish Max (2001–2012)—set her sights further east. In 2019, she brought her culinary passion to Montauk, opening the Gin Beach Cafe, perched above the docks at the Montauk Anglers Club. There, she channeled her family’s love of hospitality and fresh seafood into a new destination where the food and drinks rival the unforgettable sunsets.
And now, in 2025, Amy is honoring her roots in the most fitting way possible.
This May, Cap’s is making its long-awaited return—this time in Montauk Harbor, taking over the beloved old Sammy’s location on the docks. With a renewed sense of tradition and a continued commitment to fresh, local seafood and warm hospitality, Cap’s is back to welcome neighbors, friends, and travelers alike. It’s a new home for an old soul—a chance to make fresh memories while keeping the spirit of Cap’s of Seaford Harbor alive and well on the East End.