Dust uncovered on upcoming DTR speakeasy
What’s going down beneath the Sir Walter Apartments on Fayetteville Street has been on the hush-hush—but something spirited is about to surface. Local restaurateur Anthony Rapillo (of Layla’s Son Hospitality—think Flour & Barrel, V Pizza, Flask Cocktail Bar and The SideDoor) and Chopped champ Katsuji Tanabe are breathing new life into the long-dormant speakeasy under the former famed Sir Walter Hotel, with an opening slated for this summer.
Currently dubbed “?”, the concept will debut as The Third House, nodding to its “North Carolina’s Third House of Government” nickname and legacy as a hub for political activity. True to its covert roots, the new 25-plus-only digs keep things tightly under wraps: no signage, a nondescript alleyway entrance, zero Google or GPS presence—and even photography will be highly discouraged, with a strict dress code to match.
Honoring the dust-covered den’s bones while adding a mod spin, the duo is resurrecting the space’s OG character—from red leather booths and wood paneling to the vintage Subway tile, original bar and dance floor. To boot, expect an Asian-inspired restaurant on the other side of the space—separated by a wall—where Tanabe will dish out sushi and nigiri. (Fun fact: Eventually, the pair will also take over the upstairs with a coffee shop that’ll offer the op to serve hot food.)…