There seems to be some confusion over Harris Fine Dining. Some people seem to think that it is a dining hall when it is in fact a club. I hope this review eliminates some of the confusion.
Theme: *****
After traveling eight different countries in Europe in addition to visiting many major cities in the United States, I have never come across a cafeteria-themed club until Harris Fine Dining. Brilliantly executed, the entrance reveals buffet style rows that you would find in dining halls, filled with parodies of food like “yellow cake” or “ham with fruit topping” that appear edible, but make the few who consume them rather ill.
From the entrance it appears as if Harris Fine Dining is the real deal, but locals know that the back of the club is where the real party begins.
Behind the food façade is a large open dance-floor and social space complete with plenty of tables and easy access to drinks. Harris Fine Dining even goes the extra mile to provide plates and silverware if someone wants to get the “food” and sit down at the tables and pretend that they’re having a balanced and nutritious meal.
Atmosphere: ***
Since Harris Fine Dining commits to its theme so thoroughly, it sacrifices elements of atmosphere to complete its authentic “dining hall” look. The bright fluorescent lights are a bit harsh for those used to dusky dance clubs, but it does make the club extremely easy to navigate without unnecessarily flashy elements like strobe lighting or lasers.
The main room is usually packed, but veterans know to come a bit later than the 6 o’clock rush to enjoy a more intimate experience. In previous years the décor struck an excellent balance of “wacky” and “tacky”, but the removal of cereal mascots “Snap” “Crackle” and “Pop” for the confusing and hideous paintings of camels is a move that leaves regulars bewildered.
Exclusivity: **
Like any happening spot, Harris Fine Dining is equipped with bouncers, V.I.P. passes in the form of a card, and a cover charge ($6) if you don’t have one. However, it has become extremely easy to obtain one of these V.I.P cards. There tends to be a wait, but it’s fairly short, as Harris Fine Dining doesn’t believe in capacity, allowing everyone in who wants to come.
While all of the big players are there, so is the kid you really don’t want to hang out with but is totally going to come over and talk to you. The only real exclusive spot is the V.I.P. room behind the fake “tray clearing” area, where top 40 is usually played.
For some reason, Harris Fine Dining doesn’t attract many celebrities. It still remains one of the few clubs Bill Murray hasn’t attended.
At best Harris ropes in D-list celebrities like Leo Higdon, the president of Connecticut College, but these visits are rare. Harris already accomplishes its theme well enough that it can afford to be a bit more exclusive and attract Hollywood elite.
