RIVER NORTH — Joy District, a new restaurant opening this week in River North, wants to be where everyone finds their happy place.
The first floor of the three-level bar is opening Thursday at 112 W. Hubbard St. Joy District sits next to Hubbard Inn, whose owners took over the storefront earlier this year.
RELATED: Hubbard Inn Takes Over Epic and Its Rooftop Bar in River North
If Hubbard Inn is rustic and old-school, Joy District is meant to be loud and vivacious, said Jason Felsenthal, director of operations for bar owner 8 Hospitality. Joy District's decor is inspired by the '80s and '90s, when the neighborhood was a vice district of sorts.
"You came down here to get what you want," Felsenthal said. "Anytime people walk in here we want them to enjoy."
The vibe is replete with funky murals and plush seats for 128. The bar's cocktails will center around vodka, while the food will range from $13 sushi rolls to $175 seafood towers and $42 steaks. The restaurant's signature dish, Felsenthal said, is a $42 pound of Alaskan halibut served on a slab of salt.
Joy District's tuna poke cones will sell for $17. [Oren Amzaleg]
The bar will be open for friends and family Wednesday, and open to the public Thursday. The bar's second-floor lounge will open around April 20, with a Miami-themed rooftop bar opening some time next month.
"It's fun to have three openings," Felsenthal said.
The restaurant will be open from 5 p.m. to approximately 2 a.m. Check out the menu and more photos of the interior before its debut:
[All photos by DNAinfo/David Matthews]
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