Good news, all!I know it's been a long wait, but guess what: One of our favorite bars, SCARLET, is about to re-OPEN and be ready for business!
I KNOW!...Pretty exciting stuff, right?
As you all know, there was an unfortunate fire back in February that took out our neighborhood bar right when it was hitting its peak.
It seems like EVERYONE was there that Thursday night before, so it was quite the shock to wake up the next morning and hear that the bar was on fire!...realizing that just a few hours earlier, we were in there having a wonderful time!
But alas, we are merely days away from being able to enjoy this great establishment once again!
So PaulBenjamin, what makes Scarlet such a great place?
Well...first of all, there seems to be something for everyone! With the various theme nights throughout the week, you will find a different crowd of people. Second, the bartenders are very down-to-earth & friendly; they will not look their nose down at you. The bar, in general, is a very non-pretentious place. In fact, you can feel the positive vibe from the moment you walk in the door!
According to bar owner, Paul Cannella, he wants Scarlet to be a place where "any patron should be welcome to feel like they fit in."
AWESOME!
I had the priviledge of meeting with Paul C. to get a walk through of the bar, to see it's new layout. You will be very pleased with the new design. Not only does the bar have new furniture for its seating areas (including LONG couches to seat your entire group of friends!), there is also much more space to gather around on those busy weekend nights.
And I gotta tell ya...This bar has got PLANS, y'all!
Listen to this: Scarlet will be beginning Liquid Brunch Sundays! According to Paul C., Scarlet will be offering $12 Champagne bottles...and complimentary milk & small cereal boxes. The bartenders will be dressed in Pajamas/Robes. What a GREAT idea! This way, when you are waking up on sunday morning from your 'trick's' house, you can take your 'Walk of Shame' right to Scarlet, messy hair and all, and fit right in, looking like you just woke up!
Monday Art Nights are back as well! Host Adam Guerino will be heading up a variety of events that include: viewing of Film shorts, Local artists showing up, Live music/bands performing, etc. Sounds delish!
Wednesday nights will have a "Downtown" feel. Scarlet is partnering with TimeOut Chicago to bring in some Bigger-name DJs, offering bottle service, and making it a nice alternative for a place to bring your friends/coworkers and still feel like you are in a downtown club.
THURSDAYS...I don't even have to tell you, because you all know what Thursday is already, right? :)
That's right...It's the return of the original Frat House party. The night where we all show up and play Flip Cup and Beer Pong until the bar closes and the night has gotten away! I know other bars had tried to capitalize on this while Scarlet was out of commission, but our hearts just weren't in it. Welcome back, Scarlet!
The First Ward Ball will be moving from Sunday nights to Friday Nights, so look for weekly information detailing what the various theme nights will be that week. So much fun! The First Ward Ball, if you haven't been to one, is a 'Full-on-PARTY!'
AND...a cool new idea...Scarlet will be opening up around 2pm daily (Monday-Friday) serving as sort of a Cafe/Coffee shop. Adam Guerino will also be heading this up, and will offer a select few coffee varieties, making this a new place to meetup with that friend you haven't seen in a while, or plan to meet a business associate. Instead of going to a coffee shop and getting 'shushed' by the people studying next to you, NOW you have a place to come and just chat away!
NOTE TO OTHER BARS IN THE 'HOOD: If you steal any of these ideas in the next couple of days before Scarlet officially opens, I will make sure everyone knows you are a THIEF and publicly write about your BAD business habits for everyone to see... Consider this your warning... :)
So...GET READY! Our fun hangout is back!
Keep your eyes posted for the official opening, and please visit Scarlet to show your support to them after this time of recovery! You will have a great time in the process.
Looking forward to it. I've always had a good time there and am curious to see the new layout. Good post, Paul!
ReplyDeleteYAY! I Love Scarlet. Do you have an official date?
ReplyDeleteI knew that they were going to be opening again soon, but I didn't know it was this early. For the most part, the bartenders have always been really nice. There was one guy who was a little snotty, but i guess there will always be that exception. I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteHope they have Free WiFi for coffee clatching!
ReplyDeleteGreat Exclusive! You're a real Dan Rather!
ReplyDeleteYES! Scarlet was my favorite bar. I'm so glad to see that it will be back up and running very soon. Good stuff, PB!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great place. I think I need to come for opening night!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it is back right before I visit! It was my favorite bar before and I was so sad when I heard about its unfortunate fate earlier this year.
ReplyDeleteCOOL!
ReplyDeleteI remember that night too. That was a really fun night, playing flip cup with all of you. I was pretty surprised to hear about the fire as well. I hope they can duplicate the same feel as they had before.
ReplyDeleteI will make sure to check this place out when I come to Chicago in November. Hopefully I can be there to check out one of these Thursday night parties!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I am not able to say when the date of the actual opening is. However, i will say that it is VERY soon...so be ready! HAHA!
ReplyDeleteWasn't it a meth lab that burned Scarlett down? Why would we continue patronizing if it was owned by meth heads?
ReplyDeleteHow are you in your 30's and still getting excited for "Beer Pong" nights and PJ mornings. Way to break the stereotype. No wonder so many gays are single and have such a bad rep. :(
ReplyDeleteHey anonymous dumbass, the fire occurred in the apartment above Scarlet. That has nothing to do with the bar. From the reports in the paper, the owners didn't live about scarlet, so even if there was a meth lab up there you are a complete idiot for your comment.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of giving gays a bad rep, it's negative attitudes and comments like yours that do more damage than getting together to play beer pong.
Oh Lord...Can't we all just get along?
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I don't understand why someone would leave a mean-spirited comment like that, unless you are from another bar that doesn't want to see Scarlet open. Another friendly neighborhood bar is opening, so let's enjoy it...There is no need to be ridiculous now.
Second, to clarify, I rarely go out on weeknights, and if I do, it usually isn't a late night. According to the bar owner, AND many of you all, the Thursday night party is one of the business nights they have. So I wrote this, knowing that many people will be excited for this. Do i enjoy a good game of flip cup on occasion? Sure, i do! So get over yourself...
I loved scarlet too! I am looking forward to hanging out there again because you are right it is a very chill relaxed place. Don't feel like you have to defend yourself against haters. You wrote a very nice article.
ReplyDeleteoh jow! i cannot wait to have a big bowl of fruity pebbles floating in champagne!
ReplyDeleteLove Scarlet. Love Frat Night. Love Your Blog. Love You!
ReplyDeleteI am not gay, in my 30's, have three kids and would love to get out and burn off a little steam from the daily grind with a few games of beer pong. Being gay or straight has nothing to do with going out during the week in your 30's. What a moronic post.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Paul C. I look forward to hearing and reading about Scarlet's success.
Whatever made it sound like it's openning of some really cool bar and it is not a cool bar...it's called bad marketing. Chicago doesn't have any good gay bar (not to mention clubs)
ReplyDeleteLOVE Scarlet's. I recommended this bar to all my peeps! It really is the bar that everyone can feel secure and accepted.
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ReplyDeleteI asked about the wifi...they will have it.
ReplyDeletei'm gay, 27, and have never played beer pong or flippy cup in my life. what does that make me?
ReplyDeletei went by today and it looks like they are missing some bricks on the front still ? ?
Wow, what a lively comments section. Hi, Paul Cannella here! ;o) We're in the final stages, just waiting on the final plumbing inspection and working on a few of the finishing touches and details. To answer a few questions, we will have free WiFi and the facade and those bricks will be finished. :o) I don't live in the building, nor do I own it. Thankfully everyone got out of the building alive since the rest can all be replaced. I attended every fundraiser held and donated 100% of the revenue to the displaced employees and residents. The cause of the fire is public record and it was determined to be accidental. It happened, its part of life, and it's well past the time to move forward. The bar was not exposed to fire, but 3 million gallons of water was a bit much for her to handle. We hope to step right back in to where we were and trying to provide a fun, entertaining place where anyone can come in to have a good time. If you're not into the Frat House theme, come check out Art Haus on Monday nights - art displays, film shorts from local artists, live music and more. If you're not a Scarlet customer, there are other choices offered from other hard-working entrepreneurs on the street. I tip my hat to all of them and any small business owner. After 15 years as an advertising executive I poured my life savings and heart into this business. I went to bed and woke up to my life being turned upside down. I can't tell you how grateful I am for the love and support I have received from friends, family and my extended family - Scarlet patrons! Thank you for your support and we look forward to earning your business in the future. Be well! - PC (Thanks again Paul for this coverage and opportunity!)
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