A Fine Feathered Friend
Gatsby-Era Partying in River West

With all due respect to Johnny Depp, this city's history isn't always about gangsters.

Sometimes, it's about the moll.

So we'd like to introduce The Red Canary, an alluring vamp of a cocktailing parlor opening soon in River West, and we've got tickets for Thursday's VIP preview blowout.

Located in that meandering 1918 building last occupied by Avenue M, the space now looks more like a Charlie Chaplin film directed by Frank Miller. You'll walk in to find a stylized mural of Louise Brooks (the Megan Fox of 1929) peeking down from the second-floor catwalk and silent movies above the bar. Down a few house cocktails (grapefruit-infused vodka, Chambord and fresh lime juice) and supply your own rat-a-tat dialogue.

And while the main bar has the unmistakable feel of a jazz-era den of iniquity—exposed brick, big red booths and one enormously looming crystal chandelier swaying overhead—you may feel the need for some fresh air (and some Angus sliders or buttermilk fried quail). So move the proceedings to the ivy-covered confines of the back patio.

And if bottle service is your thing, Red Canary is happy to hook you up—but no pressure. If you're fine with beer, they'll even be offering five-liter table taps soon.

Just say it's root beer if Eliot Ness crashes.