M. Wells Returns: Pop-Up Revival Brings Bold Flavors Back to LIC

Introduction: A Delicious Resurrection in Long Island City

When M. Wells shuttered its doors last year, the culinary loss was felt across New York’s food scene. Known for its fearless approach to flavors, luxurious ingredients, and a distinctively playful spirit, M. Wells had become an icon—especially for those who like their duck rich and their salads bold. But hope was never truly lost. Thanks to a series of residencies and pop-ups, the chefs behind M. Wells have continued to delight loyal fans. And now, they’ve landed back in their old neighborhood—Long Island City—with a new Sunday-Monday residency at On The 7 wine bar.

This isn’t just a nostalgic comeback—it’s a rejuvenation. A twice-a-week celebration of bold food, flowing wine, and the kind of offbeat dining that only M. Wells can deliver.

The Story Behind the Concept: From Permanent to Pop-Up

M. Wells was never just a restaurant. It was a statement—blending fine-dining flair with comfort food heart. Founded by Hugue Dufour and Sarah Obraitis, the original M. Wells gained cult status for its imaginative dishes and unshakable belief that rich food should also be fun.

After the heartbreak of its closure, fans wondered: What’s next? In true M. Wells fashion, the answer was unexpected. Rather than return to a fixed location, the team leaned into mobility and intimacy—hosting pop-ups, collaborations, and kitchen takeovers that kept the spirit alive. Their latest residency at On The 7 marks not only a return to form but a return to community.

On The 7: The Perfect Setting for the Comeback

Located in Long Island City, On The 7 wine bar is a cozy, upscale hideaway nestled within a creative space—one that feels more like an artist’s loft than a traditional bar. It’s warm, ambient, and unpretentiously stylish, the kind of venue where conversation flows as freely as the wine.

Hosting M. Wells in this space is a stroke of genius. The bar’s commitment to organic, natural wines pairs beautifully with M. Wells’ indulgent menu. It’s a blend of refined chaos—a concept M. Wells has long championed.

The pop-up is currently open Sundays and Mondays, offering a rotating menu that celebrates both familiar favorites and experimental takes.

A Culinary Philosophy of Indulgence and Imagination

What’s always set M. Wells apart is their willingness to go big—on flavor, on portions, on surprise. This isn’t food designed for Instagram filters or calorie counting. It’s meant to be devoured, discussed, and remembered.

Chef Hugue Dufour’s culinary background, rooted in both French technique and Canadian culinary indulgence, shows in every dish. There’s no fear here—only bold creativity. Every menu item is designed to be rich in character, balancing elegance with irreverence.

Whether it’s foie gras stuffed into duck breast or a wedge salad that packs way more punch than it has any right to, the food here makes a case for more is more—and we’re not complaining.

What Makes the Menu Special: Rotating Favorites and Fearless Flair

The menu at the M. Wells pop-up isn’t set in stone—it rotates weekly, keeping things fresh and thrilling. But some early favorites have already emerged:

Foie Gras-Stuffed Duck

Arguably the showstopper. A dish so unapologetically decadent that it instantly reminds you why M. Wells has always marched to its own beat. The duck is crisp-skinned, juicy, and filled with silky foie that melts into every bite. Served with seasonal accompaniments and a glass of full-bodied red, it’s the kind of meal that inspires deep sighs of contentment.

Shrimp Cocktail

Don’t be fooled—this isn’t your 1980s country club appetizer. M. Wells takes this classic and elevates it with house-made sauces, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice. The shrimp are plump and chilled to perfection—simple but surprisingly memorable.

The Wedge Salad

How does a salad become one of the most talked-about dishes on the menu? When it’s M. Wells’ wedge, of course. Think iceberg lettuce loaded with thick-cut bacon, blue cheese crumbles, pickled onions, and a tangy house dressing. Crunchy, creamy, salty, and fresh all at once—it’s a flavor bomb in leafy disguise.

Why the Pop-Up Format Works So Well

There’s something inherently special about a pop-up—it feels fleeting and precious, like catching lightning in a bottle. The M. Wells residency at On The 7 captures that feeling perfectly.

The limited availability (Sundays and Mondays only) creates an exclusive vibe without the snobbery. It encourages diners to slow down, savor, and engage. There’s no rush, no hustle—just beautifully made food, a thoughtful wine list, and an atmosphere that feels like a well-kept secret.

The Revival That Feels Personal

For fans who loved M. Wells in its original form, this pop-up isn’t just a second chance—it’s a love letter. The dishes are familiar yet refreshed, the energy as chaotic and comforting as ever.

And for newcomers, this is an opportunity to experience one of NYC’s most beloved culinary voices, now sharper and more focused than ever. The small scale means you get to interact with the team, ask questions, and feel part of the story—not just a customer, but a co-conspirator in flavor.

Conclusion: M. Wells, Reimagined—and Right at Home

In a food scene that often moves too fast and forgets too easily, the return of M. Wells reminds us why certain places matter. It’s not just about what’s on the plate, but how it makes you feel—excited, curious, maybe even a little nostalgic.