Parlor to open in The Grove

A new arcade bar is coming to The Grove as five co-owners prepare to open Parlor in next spring or summer at 4170 Manchester Road. As reported by Feast, the hangout will feature pool tables a rotating selection of classic and modern pinball and cabinet games, as well as a drink menu of local craft beer and classic, straightforward cocktails.

“We want to be the neighborhood bar,” said co-owner Sean Baltzell. “There are a lot of party bars in The Grove to dance in until 3 in the morning, but there’s a lack of places with that neighborhood bar feel.”

Baltzell also owns Tower Classic Tattoo in The Grove and Knife & Flag aprons, and has ownership stakes in Union Barber Shop, City Tattoo and Alton Tattoo. Fellow Grove business owner Mike Cracchiolo of The Ready Room, veteran barman Casey Colgan, Casey Watson and Josh Martin round out the ownership team.

While Parlor will not have a kitchen, the bar will team up with Byrd & Barrel by way of a food truck, which will be parked adjacent to the 50-seat patio on Kentucky Avenue. Byrd & Barrel owner Bob Brazell is currently looking for a school bus to convert into the Nug Bus. In addition to serving the South City restaurant’s chicken nuggets (aka Nugz), Brazell plans to offer some of the same sides his brick-and-mortar does, including the tots and mac and cheese, as well as some funkier offerings.

“We’re still working on it,” Brazell said. “But I can see people eating fresh pork rinds with hot sauce and playing video games.”

While the design has not been finalized, Brazell plans to have a service window facing Kentucky Avenue so that Parlor patrons – and others walking by – can get a bite.

Parlor hopes to join booking forces with The Ready Room and offer music and live DJs to an after-show crowd. Look for Parlor to be open from 3 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. daily.