Prior to moving to Manhattan as a teenager, many of my city-girl fantasies involved sporting a slicked back hairstyle of some sort and sipping wine in a dimly lit piano bar.
This dream was made not just true but fabulously true last week, at the grand opening of So & So’s, the much-anticipated piano bar and supper club, as it made its grand debut at the Romer Hotel in Hell’s Kitchen.
The newest neighborhood piano bar is as chic as it sounds but also holds plenty of exciting surprises for its guests. Nestled in the heart of the theater district and within the boutique Romer Hotel, So & So’s blends a retro-chic ambiance with modern sophistication. The venue’s charm lies in its unique combination of old-world glamor and edgy, downtown cool—a space designed to feel like a legendary living room, offering a luxurious yet intimate nightlife experience.
The evening was an experience from start to finish, with guests able to find their seats by playing a game to see which “So & so” card was referring to them. The cocktail menu featured a delightful selection of theater themed drinks and “half and halves.”
To celebrate its opening, guests were treated to an extra special set performed by Darren Criss and Noah Cyrus. Cyrus performed some of her own hits like July, in addition to a blend of stunning classic rock covers. Criss started off his opening speech with the notion that at So & So’s, “everybody can be somebody.”
Following Cyrus’s set, the piano bar set was played by none other than Criss himself. “No need to be polite,” he joked. “This is the piano bar set.” It was Criss’s take on the classic piano bar atmosphere, completely with a theatrical mix, in addition to classics like Sweet Caroline and of course, Piano Man. He played the first few notes of Chappell Roan’s iconic Pink Pony Club, before cheekily citing that to hear that one, guests would need to head down the block to see his own show.
The culinary experience was equally impressive, courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Brad Farmerie. Guests indulged in an exquisite menu that elevated classic dishes with modern flair. The cocktail selection, crafted by a former Lady Gaga backup dancer, added an inventive twist to the night with bold, flavorful concoctions that perfectly complemented the festive atmosphere.
Guests are in for a treat should they stumble behind the blue curtain located at the back of the venue, for a glimpse of nothing they need and everything they want, a completely enticing offer that I absolutely had to find out more about. I was greeted with so, so much (pun intended) including drag queens passing out Jell-O shots, a printed rendition of Timothée Chalamet’s Hell’s Kitchen Rap (very fitting), and possibly my favorite feature, an espresso martini topping bar. I now refuse to have an espresso martini not topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.
It was, with no doubt, one of the best nights I’ve had in NYC, and you can have one just like it. Located on 52nd Street, just off 8th Avenue, So & So’s is a hidden gem in Hell’s Kitchen, designed as a discreet haven for locals, theater insiders, and nightlife enthusiasts. The intimate, dimly lit lounge is poised to become a favorite destination for those seeking live entertainment paired with a sophisticated supper-club dining experience. To learn more and experience it for yourself, click here!
