Montauk’s beloved Bird on the Roof has reopened this summer season as The Bird. The restaurant features a redesign by Brooklyn-based design firm Home Studios. Now including dinner as well as a cocktail and wine bar, the menu has been reworked by chef Marcos Martinez Perez and a beverage program created by Sophia Depasquale.
Overseen by the team behind Daunt’s Albatross – its sister establishment across the street – The Bird is located in the heart of Montauk, offering a short walk to the beach as well as restaurants, bars, and shops.
The reopening was been led by third-generation proprietor of the Albatross, Leo Daunt, along with his sister Zoe. Born and raised in Montauk, Leo wanted to return to when both the restaurant and motel were under joint ownership, when his grandfather first bought the Albatross in 1977. Last year Leo took over operations of Bird on the Roof making slight tweaks, before finally unveiling his full concept this year. The new iteration of the restaurant reflects an ongoing evolution of each property – remaining familiar to regular patrons while offering updates on familiar staples.
Chef Marcos Martinez Perez’s menu reflects the updated look of the interiors. New favorites include the soft scramble toast topped with burrata, avocado, and basil oil and the fish tacos. The dinner menu features items like tempura trumpet mushrooms with gochujang sauce or the green curry with tofu, roasted baby zucchini and brussel sprouts.
“The team and I are really excited to expand upon our work in the kitchen last year,” said Chef Marcos. “By being open for dinner for the first time, we’re able to show different techniques and flavor profiles.” Prior to joining the team, Chef Perez worked in East End spots such as the Gigshack, Rosie’s, and Carissa’s.
The concept for the bar program drew inspiration from the family-owned histories of Daunt’s Albatross and Bird on the Roof. Sophia Depasquale, formerly of South Edison, developed a menu of specialty cocktails that took a classic such as a Hugo and punched it up into The Bird’s Hallie Parker, inspired by the movie “The Parent Trap,” which includes a blend of gin, prosecco, St. Germain, strawberry, and lemon. The menu has a little something for everyone, from wine to mezcal negronis.
“We want a seat at the bar to feel like a seat at your friend’s — a place you can kick back, enjoy a drink, and laugh until you only have enough air left to say, ‘I’ll have another please,’” said Depasquale.
With the redesign, Home Studio’s intent was to celebrate the legacy of the 40-year-old Montauk establishment. The aim of the space is to capture the spirit of old Montauk, providing a welcoming home-away-from-home for both visitors and locals to gather at any hour and any season, since it will be open year round.
The restaurant offers a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere that transitions from casual breakfasts to celebratory dinners and after dinner drinks. The muted color palette is a continuation of what Home Studio’s design team used throughout Daunt’s redesign and includes shades that mimic the Montauk cliffs and surrounding coastal environment – a spectrum of whites, warm grays, browns, faded yellows, rusts and ocean blues.