The unassuming street entrance to So & So’s may be low-key, but step inside, and you’ll find a world of vibrant musical energy and sultry charm.
Nestled in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, just off 8th Avenue on 52nd Street, So & So’s Piano Bar is the ultimate neighborhood spot for an unforgettable night out. Located inside Romer Hell’s Kitchen hotel, it’s a hidden gem for nightlife lovers, locals, and theater-goers alike. The cozy venue serves up nightly live entertainment, a supper-club-style menu with creative spins on classic continental dishes, and a cocktail list with a fun, dive-bar twist. Whether you’re in the area for the shows or just looking for an inviting vibe, So & So’s offers the perfect mix of music, food, and drinks for an evening to remember.
This is a space where old New York charm meets modern flair. You’ll find a captivating ambiance drenched in warm red lighting, intimate tables, leather booths and a stage where an upright piano is the star. Expect classic piano bar nights where audiences can make requests as well as select nights are ticketed but walk-ins welcome to purchase at the door.
This evening we’d be witnessing past cast members from the Tony Award-winning musical Once reunite for a pre-St. Paddy’s jam session of classic Irish tunes, traditional folk songs, and music from the beloved Broadway hit. The perfect pre-St. Patrick’s Day show. This special one-night-only reunion brought together an incredible lineup of actor-musicians, including Paul Alexander Nolan (Water for Elephants), Matt DeAngelis (Swept Away), Brandon Ellis (Company), Ryan Vona (Beautiful), and more. Organized by Matt DeAngelis, proceeds from merchandise sales went to The Janice Jams in honor of his late mother, showcasing the true spirit of community within the Broadway family.
As I rushed up to the door (fashionably late, of course), I eagerly showed my ticket and was about to step inside when I overheard someone asking if there were any tickets left for the night. Unfortunately, it was sold out! But knowing my table had an extra seat, I invited the stranger to join my friend and me. And, as New York often works its magic, we discovered we had mutual friends!
We settled into our seats and ordered a round of signature cocktails Guava Mia (Great Jones Bourbon, White Port, Lemon, Guava, Salt, Angostura Bitters); Bodega Cat (Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Montenegro, Coconut Milk, Espresso, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Coconut Foam) served in a ceramic style blue New York coffee cup and and an Old Fashioned (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Bourbon, Demerara Angostura Orange Bitters, Salt). The drink menu is a tribute to Broadway and the food menu consists of both shareable items and large plates like Figs or Pigs in a Blanket; Tuna Tartare Tacos; Crispy Polenta & Caponata; So & So’s Sliders and Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese ‘Fondue’.
The show was absolutely superb. It felt like the stage was a clown car, cramming in an astonishing number of talented performers, each one bringing something special to the performance. We enjoyed call-and-response folk songs that invited audience participation, soulful slow tunes, and of course, iconic tunes from the musical. At one point, the violinist even wandered around the room, seamlessly playing as she moved through the engaged crowd.
The room had an intimate, shared energy, as if we were all on a musical journey together, fully aware of how special it was to witness such a reunion. The space itself perfectly set the stage for this unforgettable evening.