'Shell Yeah!': Vinny's Clam Bar Set For Grand Opening In Tinley Park

TINLEY PARK, IL — The latest addition to the Tinley Park restaurant scene is ready for its doors to pop open wide like the clams they'll serve up.

After some time smoothing out the kinks in a soft opening, Vinny's Clam Bar will celebrate its grand opening Thursday, Aug. 17, with a ribbon cutting and appearance by Mayor Michael Glotz.

The restaurant, opening in the space formerly known as Tin Fish at 18201 S. Harlem Ave., is the newest 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's a fresh take on Italian, with coastal-inspired seafood offerings splashed across the menu. The setting is "a traditional East Coast aesthetic with a unique atmosphere and customer experience," with "quintessential music from the 70’s and 80’s playing in the background."

The menu includes handmade pasta, grilled pizzas and unique, and desserts.

"Customers will be transported to a trattoria and shellfish bar with offerings of oysters, clams, shrimp and the highest quality of fresh fish that will be delivered daily from each US coast," the the company said in a release.

"Fresh oysters from each coast within the United States and Canada are offered daily and customers can experience the memorable wood-fired oysters in three varieties that will keep individuals coming back for more."

Harris drew inspiration for raw menu items from his time residing in California, General Manager Jeff Polak previously told Patch. The name is a tribute to the executive chef's uncle Vincenzo, a resident of Staten Island, New York.

The beverage menu includes nods 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.

"We are thrilled to see Vinny’s Clam Bar come to life in the Chicago area. Our team has been developing this unique restaurant for quite a while, and the initial reactions from our customers and our staff is amazing to see," said Scott Harris, CEO and Founder of Scott Harris Hospitality. "When you join us at one of our 26 restaurants, you’re part of our family for the night."

Vinny’s Clam Bar is open seven days a week at 4 p.m. Vinny’s will have live music each weekend (Friday/Saturday) evening from 9 p.m. until close. A ribbon cutting on Aug. 17 will take place at 5 p.m.

Check out their website to view the menu and make reservations.