Chic, Maximalist, Unforgettable: Mary Lou's Is The Hamptons' New It Spot
Named for the co-founder's eccentric grandmother, Mary Lou Curtis, it's opulent, chic, and likely to become a local fixture for years to come.
Here's a look inside the stylish hotspot.
From Palm Beach To The Hamptons
While Palm Beach and the Hamptons have distinct vibes, many Palm Beach residents come out east for the summer, which is why the owners Alex Melillo, Joe Cervasio, and Topher Grubb, thought it was the perfect spot for a second location. They also grew up not too far away, and after spending countless summers out east, it was always on their radar.
'The vibe is similar in both places—each offers a fun, intimate setting where people can express themselves freely and enjoy the night however they choose. Both venues attract a mix of local tastemakers, celebrities, and experience enthusiasts,' says Melillo. 'Palm Beach feels a bit more rooted in residency, while Montauk still carries that unmistakable vacation energy. Palm Beach leans more toward a dance-forward atmosphere, but both spaces share the same creative canvas for guests to shape their own unique experience.'
Magical Montauk Nights
Located at 474 W Lake Drive, on the marina, Mary Lou's Montauk location is a little bit different from the Florida eatery because it is a full-service restaurant. There's also a culinary program at Mary Lou's Montauk, which hosts regular chef-in-residence programs, that kicked off in July with famed chef PJ Calapa of Marea. From August 22 to 24, the restaurant will host a limited seating omakase pop-up with Sushi by Bou.
Designed by Jason Volenec and Mama Knows, the space has a maximalist yet sophisticated and intimate feel with unique sections and plush banquette seating. 'The space blurs the line between reverie and reality, fusing high culture with hedonism. The result is a maximalist, dreamlike interior brought to life through lush textures, striking patterns, eclectic décor, and a curated art collection that pays homage to the golden era of nightlife and Hollywood—from the '60s to the '90s—when fun and freedom was a religion,' explains the founder.
This gives it a more old-school nightclub or VIP room vibe. Melillo tells me, 'That sense of comfort and personality comes to life through the warmth of the space—plush fabrics, playful patterns, a variety of seating, bold animal prints, and, of course, carpet, a design element we proudly embrace across our venues.'
Intentional Details
From the music to the finishes and food, everything was intentionally selected, according to Melillo. 'From the shift in lighting between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM to the carefully curated music that sets the tone early and builds toward elevated programming with world-class talent, the space is orchestrated to evoke emotion.'
It's not just about having a chic design—it's about creating a festive yet sophisticated atmosphere that feels very Hamptons. From the Bosch-meets-coastal-inspired hand-painted mural to hand-painted jazz and deep disco–inspired lamps by artist Delyan Kostom, and leopard-print carpet draped over the kitchen bar—every piece of furniture, fabric, and decor was chosen for a very specific reason.
The art collection is equally noteworthy. Curated in collaboration with the world-renowned Globe Archives, it features original photography by Gibson and Jim Thompson, among many other iconic talents.
A New Era For New York
With an old-meets-new feeling, Mary Lou's is one of those truly special places that feels uniquely New York, reveals Melillo. 'We've always been inspired by the golden era of New York nightlife, when people went out and truly let go—to dance without inhibition and enjoy the moment without ego. There was a certain magic back then, a raw, unfiltered energy that felt honest and electric. That same spirit lives in Montauk—and it lives at Mary Lou's.'
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