Aw, Schucks: Vinny's Clam Bar To Open In Former 'Tin Fish' Space

TINLEY PARK, IL — There will be plenty of puns to go around, when the newest addition to Tinley Park's restaurant scene opens.

The newest vision of a well-known restaurant group, Vinny's Clam Bar is chilling like the oysters they'll serve in the space formerly known as Tin Fish, 18201 S. Harlem Ave., readying for its much-anticipated opening in mid- to late-June.

The restaurant is the latest to join The Scott Harris Hospitality Group that touts names like Francesca's, Fat Rosie's, Vasili's Mediterranean and Davanti Enoteca rustic Italian. It'll be a fresh take on Italian, with coastal-inspired seafood offerings splashed across the menu.

"It is different," said General Manager Jeff Polak. "It’s kind of Fat Rosie’s on the other side of the equator. We want that same type of feeling, that same type of vibe."

Mostly Italian-based, the menu will include tastes of both coasts. Customers will see baked clams, oysters and a raw bar as they walk in, Polak said. Harris drew inspiration for raw menu items from his time residing in California, Polak said. The name is a tribute to the executive chef's uncle Vincenzo, a resident of Staten Island, New York.

"Whether it's drowning in butter or glazed in tomato sauce, Uncle Vinny wants every guest to enjoy our family recipes the Italian one," the restaurant's website teases, "one hand to eat, two hands to speak."

The beverage menu will include a nod to both New York and Italy: classic cocktails, Italian spirits, beers from Italy and a beefed up list of featured martinis. But it'll also pay homage to the South Side—you won't be able to miss the Miller High Life pony bottles, Polak said.

The decor—well, it's unique, Polak said—following the tone of some of the group's other restaurants. Think wallpaper—lobster and sardine can wallpaper, to be specific—and checkerboard tablecloths. And look up to see a disco ball shaped like a shrimp.

Expect the pun-ultimate experience, Polak said cheekily.

"We like our merch," he added. "There’s a lot of innuendo, puns with the graphics."

Plays on shellfish, oysters and more will be found across the menu—catch the "Aw, shucks" in reference to oysters, for instance, Polak said. A permanent DJ booth takes up some space, with music setting a '70s ambiance—Bee Gees, The Temptations, "Pulp Fiction" soundtrack, Polak said—and a DJ starting later in the night.

"Stuff that three generations sitting around a table can sit around and vibe to," Polak said of the music. "Where you know every single word to every song we’re playing. That’s the kind of thing we're going for."

Executive Chef Peter DeRuvo brings years of experience to the group, as well.

Polak has worked with the group for two decades, but this concept hooked him more than most.

"I’m the most excited about this concept," he said. "I feel like, everything that it has, we are unique."

The beer menu will even feature familiar names like Flipside Brewing and Soundgrowler.

With its prime location on Harlem Avenue, close to the Tinley Convention Center and Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, they cast high hopes for this spot. Former Tin Fish staff members lingered in wait for news on the space, and are all hands on deck for the new venture.

"It was always that spot," Polak said, of the group's pursuit of the former Tin Fish space.

With a large scope of food and restaurant offerings, this concept was always just below the surface.

"It was just kind of waiting to happen," Polak said.

Price points range, with the most expensive entrée coming in at $30. Signature cocktails are priced around $14, with martinis more like $16. Get a sneak peek of the menu online.

An exact opening date is not yet set, but Polak hopes for late June. Check out their social media for updates.