A New High End Steakhouse With a Nod to History Coming to East Setauket in Former Mario’s Restaurant Space
For decades, Mario’s Restaurant was a cornerstone of East Setauket’s dining scene, beloved by locals for its comforting Italian fare. But after a tumultuous few years, including multiple fires and a sudden closure at the start of 2024, the space at Old School House Square, 212 Main St, East Setauket is about to be reborn. Enter Culper’s 1778 Steakhouse, an upscale dining destination set to bring a new level of sophistication to the area.
Behind the ambitious new project are co-owners Scott Brittman and Christopher Otero, the duo behind Whiskey Barrel, and Ed Fabian, a restaurateur also involved in the upcoming speakeasy-style Artemis at Station Yards in Ronkonkoma. The partners recently signed the lease for the Mario’s space and are preparing for extensive updates ahead of an anticipated May or June opening.
“It’s not going to look like Mario’s,” said Brittman in an interview with LongIslandRestaurants.com.
The name Culper’s 1778 Steakhouse pays homage to the famous Culper Spy Ring, which played a crucial role in the American Revolution and had deep ties to Setauket. The restaurant will specialize in high-end steaks and seafood, offering Wagyu specials and premium cuts done right. They are drawing inspiration from classic steakhouses like vintage George Martin’s, Brittman explained.
The bar program will be just as impressive, featuring an extensive whiskey selection—at least 60 varieties—alongside a robust wine list.
“We’re going beyond what we do at Whiskey Barrel,” Brittman added.
This marks a major shift for the location, which has seen several ownership changes since Mario’s first opened in 1979. The original owners, Jack and Gary Tipley, ran it for nearly three decades before selling in 2007. After a fire in 2019, the space briefly returned to the Tipleys before changing hands again, ultimately closing earlier this year.
Culper’s 1778 Steakhouse aims to fill a void in the local dining scene, offering East Setauket a true high-end restaurant in a space with deep community ties. “This area has been missing a destination steakhouse,” Brittman noted. “We’re excited to bring something fresh, elegant, and lasting to the neighborhood.”
With updates underway, locals can expect a transformed space that blends historical reverence with modern luxury. One thing is certain: the spirit of Mario’s will live on—but with an entirely new vision.
Stay tuned for updates on an official opening date.
