Mary Lou’s Montauk Arrives: A Glamorous Coastal Sanctuary Redefining Hamptons Dining
May 15th, 2025 – This summer, Montauk welcomes a new chapter in elevated hospitality with the arrival of Mary Lou’s Montauk—a polished yet playful destination conceived with East End ease and a wink of Palm Beach extravagance. Following the brand’s celebrated debut in West Palm Beach, the new outpost lands at 474 West Lake Drive as a compelling fusion of refined dining, inspired interiors, and an atmosphere designed for the culturally attuned.
Helmed by hospitality veterans Alex Melillo, Joe Cervasio, and Topher Grubb, in collaboration with NDT Development, Mary Lou’s Montauk is more than a seasonal transplant—it’s an evolution. The space has been meticulously shaped to reflect Montauk’s distinct rhythm while maintaining the original spirit that turned heads down south.
A Muse with Attitude
At the heart of the concept is Mary Lou Curtis, the late grandmother of co-founder Alex Melillo and the creative muse behind it all. Known for her flamboyant fashion boutique La Shack—which charmed legends like Jackie O. and Betty White—Curtis was a style force in West Palm Beach, remembered for her unapologetic flair and signature mantra: “always have a sense of ridiculousness.” That ethos pulses through every detail of the Montauk iteration, channeling the glamour of Studio 54 with the intimacy of a coastal hideaway.
The Space: High Style Meets Seaside Irreverence
The interiors, brought to life by designer Jason Volenec, abandon the expected for something far more daring. Layered textures, whimsical décor, and a curated art collection from the Globe Archives—including works by Jill Gibson and Jim Thompson—create an ambiance that’s part gallery, part dream sequence. Volenec draws subtle references to the brand’s Palm Beach origins, including nods to the original Berto’s Bait and Tackle Shop, reframed through a surrealist, East End lens.
It’s a venue that doesn’t aim to be a scene—it offers a respite for those who appreciate curated details and genuine connection. Inside or out on the sunlit patio, guests are invited to linger, not pose.
Culinary Delights and Cocktails with Character
At Mary Lou’s Montauk, food and drink do more than anchor the experience—they shape it. While the Palm Beach location leaned into high energy, here, it’s the culinary program that leads. The menu straddles indulgence and irreverence with confidence: seasonal dishes rooted in coastal traditions, prime cuts with flair, and nostalgic staples elevated to statement status.
Returning favorites like the A5 Wagyu Burger and fries share the stage with Altima caviar towers and locally sourced seafood that pay homage to Montauk’s maritime culture. It’s a coastal kitchen with conviction, where every dish is served with style and substance.
Cocktails mirror the culinary tone—seasonal, strong, and refreshingly unpretentious. The bar is a gathering point, a place for stories to begin and evenings to unfold.
A Sonic Playground and Cultural Catalyst
Mary Lou’s Montauk doubles as a haven for the sonically curious, launching an ambitious new chapter in live music programming for the region. Inspired by the spontaneity and spectacle of the ‘70s and ‘80s, entertainment here is defined by its unpredictability. The musical direction is loose, the energy is high, and the lineup is built around the idea of creating unrepeatable moments.
It’s not about spotlighting the familiar, but about cultivating an experience—where music becomes movement, and dinner effortlessly dissolves into dancing.