South Bay jazz supper club Montauk to open Nantucket concept in Long Beach

They will call it Nantucket in Long Beach, taking over the former Jade space in Marina Pacifica. And it will be the first time that Black-owned South Bay jazz supper club Montauk—making happy waves since opening in Redondo Beach last year—will expand beyond its flagship location.

Under the direction of owner and New Jersey native Lavae McClinnahan and Executive Chef Eric Travis, the space promises to be a reflection of what Montauk is all about. East Hampton vibes. Ralph Lauren-tinged design. Classic, elevated, East Coast-style seafood and steaks. And, of course, incredible live music.

Wait—what is Montauk? And how is it related to Nantucket in Long Beach?

Redondo Beach has rarely been associated with the kind of polished, East Coast-inspired dining experience found in places like the Hamptons or Nantucket. But that was precisely the opportunity Lavae saw when he opened Montauk on the Redondo waterfront.

Lavae’s journey into hospitality is anything but traditional. Before opening Montauk, he built a career working with luxury brands including Ralph Lauren and LVMH—experiences that shaped both his understanding of premium consumer experiences and his eye for design. That background is evident throughout Montauk, where guests are greeted by an aesthetic that feels more East Hampton than South Bay. Inspired heavily by Ralph Lauren’s coastal, equestrian-centric style: Rich navy and burgundy tones. Leather and wood accents. Brass fixtures. Nautical artwork. Custom furnishings developed in collaboration with Ralph Lauren Home. Lavae has described the goal as creating a space that feels sophisticated but welcoming. Or more like a beautifully appointed home than a typical restaurant. 

The significance of Montauk extends beyond its design. 

Lavae has been outspoken about the importance of Black ownership in luxury hospitality spaces. And this is particularly in affluent coastal communities where such ventures remain uncommon. He told the Los Angeles Sentinel that some critics questioned why it mattered that Montauk was Black-owned. He responded that it “makes all the difference” because it challenges preconceived notions about who builds and operates elevated hospitality concepts.

His hope, he said, is that Montauk helps create opportunities and visibility for more minority-owned businesses in spaces where they have historically been underrepresented. And Nantucket in Long Beach will explicitly reflect that philosophy as well.

What to expect from Nantucket in Long Beach…

Food-wise, Montauk positions itself as “affordable luxury,” centering seafood-driven cuisine with a refined coastal sensibility. And it is very likely what to expect from Nantucket in Long Beach.

The menu has become known for dishes such as lobster gnocchi. Fresh oysters. Seasonal fish and seafood. It’s an array of offerings that blend fine-dining technique with approachable flavors. Leave has described the concept as “seafood with a flair,” pairing polished service and an extensive wine program with dishes designed to feel special without becoming inaccessible. 

The restaurant’s ambitions don’t stop at dining. Through The Den, Montauk’s jazz club and lounge, Levae has created a cultural hub that hosts live performances and partnerships with organizations including UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. The space reflects another side of his vision: combining luxury hospitality with arts, culture, and communal gathering. 

That combination of elevated design, thoughtful hospitality, live music, and coastal cuisine is expected to carry over to Nantucket in Long Beach. While details on the Long Beach concept are still emerging, Levae has already indicated that Montauk’s expansion is part of a broader hospitality vision extending beyond Redondo Beach.

For Long Beach diners, Nantuket promises something relatively rare in the local dining landscape: a Black-owned luxury restaurant concept rooted in East Coast sophistication yet adapted to SoCal’s own coastal culture.

Nantucket will be located at 6380 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. in Suite A on the water.