The Middle East Archive

Mary Lou’s feels like a fever dream in the middle of Palm Beach — what sparked the idea, and how did it all come to life?

My partners and I, whether born here, raised here, or moved here, all eventually found our way through the nightlife scene in New York City. That golden era of NYC nightlife was the inspiration—the one where people danced without ego, DJs played undeniable music, and every kind of person felt welcome—was a huge inspiration for Mary Lou’s. It was nightlife at its best: free, unfiltered, and alive.

Palm Beach always felt like this aspirational world—bright, colorful, and rooted in a lifestyle of leisure and beauty. But for all its affluence and vibrancy, there was never really a venue that matched that energy or gave people a space to fully express it. That contrast always fascinated me, and I felt like it was needed.

Mary Lou’s is meant to be multi-dimensional—a space that doesn’t dictate how you should act, dress, or dance. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of night. Programming is a major part of the magic: live bands, unexpected acts, eclectic DJs, dancers, and rotating performances all working together to create something fresh and unforgettable every time you walk through the door.

But we weren’t in a rush—we wanted the right space. Then we found Berto’s Bait and Tackle, this beautiful octagon of a building with soul in the walls and history in every corner. It felt like it was meant to be.

From there, it was about building the right team. One rooted in trust, pedigree, and a family-like bond. Everyone involved has been a rockstar in their own lane, and honestly, without every single person showing up and putting in the work, none of this would’ve happened. Mary Lou’s is a dream—but it’s one that took a whole lot of hustle to bring to life.

Let’s start with the name. Who is Mary Lou — myth, muse, alter ego?

Mary Lou was my grandmother, but never “grandma”—don’t even think about it. To her family and friends, she was always “Mama” or “Mama Lou.” The term “grandma” felt too old, too traditional, and too far from the vibrant, larger-than-life woman she was.

A celebrated fashion designer and successful entrepreneur, Mary Lou carved her own path in the world of style and retail. She was the founder of La Shack, a bold and beloved fashion brand that expanded to 14 stores nationwide, including a flagship boutique on Palm Beach’s iconic Worth Avenue. Unofficially, she’s even credited with pioneering the now-standard back zipper on women’s skirts and dresses—a small but revolutionary detail that perfectly captures her forward-thinking spirit.

But Mary Lou was so much more than her business success. She was a hostess in the truest sense of the word. Her homes in Locust Valley and Palm Beach were legendary gathering spots, known for unforgettable parties filled with laughter, dancing, and a rotating cast of close friends. She had a unique sense of style that extended beyond her wardrobe into her jewelry, interiors, and every detail of her surroundings. Her presence was magnetic—every room she walked into became brighter, more glamorous, more alive.

Mama Lou has been one of the most profound creative inspirations in my life. But when I set out to create Mary Lou’s, I didn’t want the concept to be about her—I wanted her to serve as the muse. A mythical figure. A spirit that guides the essence of the space. Mary Lou’s is not a tribute, it’s a feeling. It’s energy. It’s flair.

Mary Lou’s is meant to be bigger than life—just like Mama Lou. And that’s exactly how we want you to feel when you step inside. 

Palm Beach isn’t exactly known for its nightlife. What made you bet on it as the backdrop for your club fantasy?

Honestly, I always thought it was the perfect backdrop. Palm Beach is affluent, aspirational, and built around a lifestyle of leisure, beauty, and success. The people are vibrant, the colors are bold, the fashion is playful, and there’s an underlying sense of joy in the air. It has this almost mythical energy—think Gatsby by the beach.

It checks every box for the kind of setting that deserves an iconic nightlife experience. The only thing missing was a space that gave people permission to let loose and have fun.

How would you describe the energy of Mary Lou’s on a good night — in three words or less? 

In the moment

Who’s showing up to Mary Lou’s right now — and who are you hoping shows up next?

Celebrities, socialites, tastemakers, creatives—people who don’t take themselves too seriously but still appreciate great style, great energy, and a great time. Mary Lou’s is for those who love to have fun, who walk into a room and light it up, who know how to throw a look and hold a conversation. We like it just the way it is—authentic, effortless, and full of life. If you're in the room, you're meant to be there.

What was the hardest part about launching a nightlife space in a town that sleeps early and dresses conservatively?

I think that’s a bit of a misconception. Palm Beach doesn’t necessarily sleep early—it just likes to party in private. The nights are long here, they just tend to unfold behind the gates of beautiful homes, tucked-away estates, and boats. People go out for a great dinner, have a few drinks, and then the real fun kicks in—just not always in public.

What Palm Beach has been missing is a space that invites you to stay out, let loose, and feel completely at ease. Somewhere that blends the charm and elegance of the town with real, unfiltered fun. Trust me, I’ve had plenty of late nights here—it just needed the right stage.

As for the fashion? I welcome it all—bold, conservative, classic, experimental. Palm Beach style is more eclectic than people give it credit for. And to quote Mary Lou herself: “It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, sweetheart.” That energy lives in everything we do.

Montauk

Nightlife is all about taste. What’s your personal filter for deciding what belongs inside Mary Lou’s and what doesn’t?

One of my favorite quotes is from Rick Rubin: “I don’t know anything, but I trust my taste.” That pretty much sums it up for me.

I approach Mary Lou’s through the lens of a student—of design, of emotion, of experience. I’m constantly observing what moves people, what feels timeless, and what sparks connection. My personal filter is intuitive. It’s about trusting my palate, trusting the feeling something gives you when you walk into a space, hear a sound, see a detail. If it doesn’t elevate the vibe, if it doesn’t spark a little curiosity or joy, it probably doesn’t belong.

Mary Lou’s isn’t built by committee—it’s built from instinct. Taste, for me, is about curation with conviction.

Talk to us about sound. Who’s spinning? Who’s dancing? And what’s the sonic signature of the space?

Mary Lou's is a unique space that is multi-generational. That is not only translated by the crowd in the room but also our sonic identity. Our focus is always on undeniable timeless music -- the kind of music that makes you want to put your phone down, dance and create memories. We focus on a mix of well-known artists like Sofi Tukker, LP Giobbi and the Chainsmokers playing our intimate venue for a once-in-a-Lifetime moment and tight curation of up-and-comers like CASSIMM, Moonlght and Julia Sandstorm so our guest can discover new favorites.

There’s an air of mystery around Mary Lou’s — how do you keep it exclusive without being exclusionary?

The magic of Mary Lou’s is that it feels like a secret—but it’s one we’re always happy to share. We keep things exclusive by keeping them intentional: the energy, the people, the experience. It’s about showing up with curiosity, confidence  and a willingness to lean in.

Come curious, come ready, and bring the energy. While we do welcome walk-ins, reservations are always your best bet—especially on weekends when the room fills up fast. Dress like you’re going somewhere worth remembering. Be open. Be bold. Be ready to play.

For visitors, Mary Lou’s is a fresh take on Palm Beach—playful, unexpected, and rooted in a sense of discovery. And for those of us who built it, it’s personal. It’s a place with soul, history, and a little mischief—where everyone’s welcome, as long as they’re ready for a good time.

Paint us a picture: what does a peak moment at Mary Lou’s look like through your eyes?

Disco ball spinning, smiles everywhere. Not a cell phone in sight. People are dancing like no one’s watching—because no one is watching. It’s full release, total freedom. The kind of energy you can’t manufacture.

In my mind, it’s that perfect, surreal moment—Zoe Kravitz casually riding an alligator through the middle of the dance floor. Hands in the air, laughter echoing, every single person completely locked into the now. That’s peak Mary Lou’s. It’s magic, it’s mayhem, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.

Any stories you probably shouldn’t tell us… but will anyway?

We don’t kiss and tell.

Is Mary Lou’s a one-off dream, or the beginning of a bigger world you’re building?

Mary Lou’s has always been the foundation of a much bigger vision. In many ways, it’s the starting point of something new—but also a full-circle moment in the careers of my partners and I that’s been deeply rooted in hospitality, experience, and storytelling. It feels like the first chapter in the middle of the book.

At its core, our mission is simple: to create spaces and moments that make people feel something—that spark joy, connection, and a sense of escape, even if just for a night. Mary Lou’s is the spark, but the world we’re building around it is only just beginning to unfold. Stay tuned.