"When you want your surroundings to scream “bar” but you don’t actually want there to be any screaming, head to The Velvet Elk. This place is perfect for a low-key weeknight hang, because not all birthdays fall on a Saturday. There’s colorful black-lit wall art, excellent cocktails, comfortable living room furniture, and homemade corn dogs to go with your Old Fashioned. They even have some decks of cards if you want to challenge your friends to a game of Egyptian Rat Screw while you sip a couple of drinks." - aimee rizzo