Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Selfies, Obnoxious Pickup Attempts Banned at New Harry's Velvet Room

By Paul Biasco | February 27, 2015 5:34am | Updated on February 27, 2015 8:57pm
 Harry's Velvet Room
Harry's Velvet Room
View Full Caption

LINCOLN PARK — Absolutely no selfies.

That's the rule that Dion Antic wants to represent the vibe at the reborn Harry's Velvet Room.

"Put your cellphone away. Talk to people. Selfies can wait," Antic said.

The swanky 1990s River North nightlife staple will reopen Friday in the former Webster's Wine Bar, 1480 W. Webster Ave.

"Harry's Velvet Room was my baby for years," Antic said. "I've always felt like Chicago is kind of lacking in adult lounges."

Antic views his baby as the type of place where patrons can actually hear each other and enjoy their nights without going home with ringing ears.

"River North has become a bit of a party central," he said. "That's not what people want."

The two-level business has the appeal of a French bar, with book-lined shelves and classic cocktails in the front and a brasserie and oyster bar in the back.

Paul Biasco says it'll be an old-time vibe in the new joint:

The upstairs features a second bar and a mostly candle-lit lounge where DJs will spin.

Harry's Velvet Room's food menu includes French staples such as steak frites, carpaccio, pate and mussels Normandy, and the kitchen will remain open until 1:30 am. nightly.

The oyster bar features a rotating selection of East and West Coast oysters at $3 a piece.

The cocktail list is all about traditional drinks, three ingredients max.

All the drinks run $12 including the martini, hanky panky, gin fizz, clover club, Vieux Carré and boulevardier.

You won't find anything with exotic pinewood bitters.

"Chicago has kind of lost its classic touch," Antic said. "The focus is getting back to the roots."

Harry's Velvet Room also comes with a set of house rules, a sort of manifesto.

Mind your manners, the rules start.

Phones must be silenced, and there is no yelling, hollering or loud vocalizations, unless of course that you must warn patrons or employees of danger or a police raid.

The rules also warn gentlemen: Don't approach uninterested ladies.

Instead, ask the bartender to send her a "Gorgée" on your tab.

The bar features three Gorgées (to sip or gulp in French), each 1½ ounces for $5: the Lily, with Fernet and China China; the Lela with bourbon and Angostura; and the Bella with amaro and Ancho Reyes.

"We are really back to the basics," Antic said. "Sexy and simple.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: