Montauk Residents Question Exclusive Members-Only Dining Concept

Entrepreneurs who previously transformed a modest bait and beer shop in Palm Beach, Florida into a high-end cocktail lounge now aim to introduce a restaurant combined with a private members club in Montauk, Long Island—a proposal that has met resistance from area residents.

While Montauk has long shed much of its rugged charm for a more upscale atmosphere, the announcement of Mary Lou’s Montauk has stirred unease. The restaurant plans to feature a "status guest component," where patrons can pay an annual $4,000 fee and commit to spending at least $2,000 on food and drinks over the summer to secure access to a members-only section. The venue is slated to open on June 5.

Kay Tyler, a 49-year-old resident of 13 years, expressed mixed feelings: "Our ZIP code is among the wealthiest in the nation, so many locals can afford it, but it’s the sentiment behind the concept that concerns some community members, who may find it offensive."

This is not the first attempt to introduce an exclusive private club in the area. Last year, efforts to open a Manhattan-style members club in East Hampton—Montauk’s governing town—were stalled after officials imposed regulations such as an 11 p.m. closing time, hindering the club’s operational viability.

Currently, Mary Lou’s does not hold licenses for liquor service or live music, according to local authorities. However, the restaurant’s owners plan to partner with NDT Development, a Palm Beach-based real estate and hospitality firm that already possesses the necessary licenses for the space. Representatives from NDT Development have not responded to inquiries.