JEFFERSON PARK — The bar is stocked, the tables are set and the Tommy guns are stashed — Vito’s Vault is ready for business.
The 1920s-themed dinner theater speakeasy will open 4 p.m. Wednesday in the former Galvin’s Public House building at 5901 W. Lawrence Ave. The restaurant will feature Al Capone-era gangsters, flappers, police raids, a secret back entryway and a Roaring ’20s-themed stage show.
The stage show won’t start until mid-May. Owner Mark Forrest Virkler said customers may be treated to a few impromptu musical performances in the meantime.
When customers step into “the Vault,” they’ll be transported to the year 1929.
The evening will consist of a three-course meal followed by a 90-minute show. The show will include Abbott and Costello-esque comedy routines, 1920s songs and interactive police raids where audience members are pulled onstage.
Virkler worked at Tommy Gun’s Garage, a 1920s-themed dinner theater spot in the South Loop, for 17 years. When that closed during the pandemic, Virkler began looking for his own spot. He signed the lease for the Galvin’s building in November.
Vito’s general manager will be Pat Pohrte, an actor who also worked at Tommy Gun’s.
During the show, Pohrte will take on the role of “Bugsy,” a hardworking kid “who got into some shady business and got sent to Vito Valentino’s Vault to lay low for a while,” he said.
Though the Vito’s Vault stage show will be largely fictional, there will be a dose of real Chicago history. Old newspaper clippings and photos of gangsters from the era will adorn the walls.
“It’s going to be very Chicago,” Virkler said.
Vito’s Vault will operate as a regular restaurant 4 p.m.-midnight Monday-Wednesday. On non-show nights, Vito’s will serve traditional pub food. The show will be performed 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, though attendees will be able to stay until about midnight.
On show nights, the dinner menu will include steak, chicken, fish and two pasta options. Attendees will pay $80 for the three-course meal and the show.
Vito’s will also be open for private parties. For more information, visit vitosvault.com.
A look inside:
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