Hip, Hip, Marée!

Spring Lake is famous for its gorgeous beaches, grand historic homes, and majestic tree-lined streets. Now, it boasts its very first downtown restaurant with a full bar. 

Named after the French word for “ocean tides,” Marée is the creation of longtime local restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach and her partner, Fresh Markets owner Bret Morgan. The unique municipal project operates on a long-term lease partnership, with the town of Spring Lake owning the building and liquor license. 

Marée brings a “Coastal French neighborhood bistro” vibe to town. A welcoming spot whether you’re rolling in straight off the beach or dressing up for dinner. 

Inside the former 1940s bank building, the French coastal aesthetic comes alive through unique lighting, rich textures, and thoughtfully repurposed architecture. Unable to remove the building’s massive original vault, the team turned it into an intimate private dining space, complete with leather banquettes and original porcelain tile. 

The menu, crafted by Marilyn, highlights freshly sourced, sustainable ingredients. Produce comes from local staples like Kula Farm and Two River Mushroom Farm, where Marilyn’s husband, Scott Szegeski, is a partner. 

Eco-conscious choices are woven throughout the entire operation. Marée avoids plastic packaging, provides natural palm or agave straws only upon request, and cooks completely free of seed oils. The kitchen relies exclusively on sustainable seafood, organic chicken, and plants that support local bees and butterflies to minimize environmental impact, and for a touch of whimsy, the menu even features soft-serve ice cream available to order for takeout. 

The artwork is a celebration of all things coastal. Behind the bar, a giant mural by Olivia Hartgers offers a nod to classic scrimshaw and the French surfing spots Marilyn visited with her husband. Marilyn describes the overall look as “Ralph Lauren taking his family on a trip to the South of France”: soulful, elegant, and designed to feel more like a cozy home than a commercial dining room. 

The space continues to evolve daily. Local upholsterer Andrew Grossman is currently finishing three bar-facing banquettes featuring custom curvature designed by Scott Szegeski and designer Keith Fiore, with additional styling touches by Ninie Norris. Custom barstools were imported directly from Nicaragua. 

Whether you’re sipping a craft cocktail, a zero-proof mocktail, or a local brew, the food hits the spot. Playful starters like escargot rangoons and French onion dip sit alongside classic comfort mains like steak frites. 

Spring Lake has long craved a downtown gathering place for a great glass of wine and a delicious bite after a summer day at the beach, a long workday, or during the crisp days of autumn and winter. No matter the season, Marée has officially filled that missing piece in the heart of town.

Photographs by Michelle Wolfe

Maria O’Donnell is a passionate food and wine writer who lives in Spring Lake with her husband and two children.  She can be found @foodwritergirl on Instagram and @cookingwithmaria on Facebook.