Billy Joel song inspires Vienna, new lounge set to open in Roslyn

Vienna will come calling in Roslyn by early October, signaling the end of the restaurant and nightspot Chalet.

One might think the song “Vienna Calling” by the late Falco inspired the name, but, as new owner Matt Prince explains, it’s the Billy Joel song “Vienna” that inspired the venue’s new moniker, “as I want this place to be a fun spot, where people will hear music they love.” Although the menu will still be chef-driven, Prince says, “I don’t want this to be thought of as a restaurant first, instead of as a lounge with fantastic food.”

Prince has brought in Chef Frank Falgiano, formerly of Barrique in Babylon Village, and the ownership’s game plan is to create a menu focused on small plates and wines, featuring many of the popular dishes served at both Barrique and Chalet, which is still open for business despite renovations.

Prince, who once owned the now-defunct Bogart’s nightspots in Hempstead and Long Beach, was involved in the former sports lounge Chrebet’s Lounge in Uniondale. He retired from the industry for several years, but as a Roslyn local, he spent many a night grabbing a drink at the Chalet. “I came by all the time, and as beautiful as it is, I always wondered what I could do with the place,” Prince said.

The new owner plans to make the upstairs lounge a destination for party-minded people, targeting those in the 30-50 age range, with DJs spinning Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights; the beats will focus on all types of music genres, with sounds from the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.

Thursdays nights will also come into play, with live acoustic music. Valet parking and doorman service will also be provided.

Vienna (formerly Chalet): 1 Railroad Ave., Roslyn.