Review: Venkmans, Old Fourth Ward
Dinner and a show. It’s the stuff that date nights are made of. Smart are the businesspeople who cook up a plan to get customers in the door with quality food and keep them in their seats with good live music.
Situated in the bustling Old Fourth Ward, Venkman's is the brainchild of musicians Nicholas Niespodziani and Peter Olson, who hail from the popular local '70s hits-strumming band Yacht Rock Revue, along with chef Nick Melvin.
Melvin has spent time in such notable area restaurants as Parish, Empire State South and Rosebud, and he founded the food product label Doux South Pickles a couple years ago to satisfy his passion for pickling.
The large industrial space impresses with high ceilings and natural light that lend an airy, breathable feel. There is a stage against one wall, an open kitchen opposite that (where pickled everything is on display) and a backlit bar to one side. On the other side, above a row of banquettes, is an eclectic art collection ranging from a Native American leather beaded purse to an ancient Israelite musical instrument known as a kinnor harp, plus all sorts of random framed 2-D pieces. Together, these elements create a funky, cool vibe that’ll make you smile as you take a seat.
About the Author
Ligaya Figueras is the AJC's senior editor for Food & Dining. Prior to joining the AJC in 2015, she was the executive editor for St. Louis-based culinary magazine Sauce. She has worked in the publishing industry since 1999 and holds degrees from St. Louis University and the University of Michigan.
