M. Wells is chef Hugue Dufour’s audacious take on a steakhouse, set on Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. The room channels a playful, lodge‑rustic spirit—think reclaimed wood, vintage touches, and the aroma of a roaring wood‑fire grill—while the menu celebrates both primal cuts and Québécois whimsy. Regulars praise the bold, nose‑to‑tail cooking that made M. Wells a cult favorite: towering ribeyes and tomahawks share the stage with marrow‑rich plates, offal preparations, and seasonal specialties inspired by Dufour’s Montreal roots. In colder months, the team leans into cabane‑à‑sucre (sugar shack) traditions with maple‑driven feasts and family‑style spreads; throughout the year, you’ll find seafood platters, hearty game, and indulgent signatures that invite sharing. Service is warm, savvy, and game for guiding guests through adventurous choices as well as classic steakhouse comforts. Private dining is a strong suit: the restaurant accommodates intimate celebrations, corporate dinners, and full buyouts, with custom prix‑fixe or family‑style menus built around wood‑grilled meats, whole‑fish or large‑format roasts, and seasonal sides. A semi‑private rear space—often used for sugar‑shack dinners—works well for small groups, while the main dining room or patio can be reserved for larger events. The bar program complements the cuisine with robust wines (including Old World reds that love fat and smoke), Quebec‑leaning cocktails, and local craft beers. Located steps from the 7/G lines and the LIC waterfront, M. Wells balances destination dining with neighborhood warmth, making it a distinctive choice for memorable gatherings.
