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Long Island City gem M. Wells to bid farewell at year-end after 14 years

Photo via Google Maps

July 9, 2024 By Czarinna Andres

M. Wells, the cherished Long Island City restaurant known for its Michelin-starred cuisine and unique ambiance, will close its doors at the end of this year.

The restaurant just made the announcement, which comes exactly 14 years after it first opened in the summer of 2010.

Located in a former auto body repair shop at 43-15 Crescent St., M. Wells has been a staple in the community. It offers a distinctive dining experience that has drawn patrons from across the city.

In a heartfelt letter, the M. Wells team reminisced about their journey and invited patrons to celebrate their final months.

“It was today, July 6th in 2010 — mirroring this very quiet stretch of a hot holiday week when summer in the city sizzles, spits, and starts — when we opened our gates to M. Wells, a real diamond in the rough and definitely something different for everyone,” the letter read.

For those looking to savor the M. Wells experience one last time, the restaurant is offering a special menu during its remaining months featuring new dishes and an extensive list of cocktails and mocktails. Highlights include the Artichoke-Stuffed Cabbage, Ratatouille and Housemade Merguez and the “Chef and Daughter” Salad.

The owners of M. Wells gave thanks to their landlord, who they say supported them since their inception on Crescent Street. “We are privileged and so psyched to celebrate very publicly this Long Goodbye and to have this extended time to honor our history here at this special shop in Long Island City,” the letter stated.

The restaurant, known for its spontaneous and seasonal approach, plans to host various events throughout the remainder of the year, including block parties and marathon gatherings.

M. Wells has been more than just a restaurant in western Queens; it has been a community hub where many have gathered to celebrate special events.

The restaurant invites residents to join them in their final months to celebrate the legacy of M. Wells and to create new memories before the doors close on December 31.

The letter concluded, “Every community member is a beautiful part of M. Wells.”

The restaurant had operated M. Wells Dinette at MoMA PS1 as the museum’s cafeteria-in-residence for seven years. It closed that operation in early 2019.