Soho Grand is a classic New York staple – with a lively jazz bar, casual al-fresco dining stop, and one of our favorite bars, we’ve done everything here but spend the night (a little harder to justify if your apartment’s a few blocks away). The glitzy bar on the second floor debuts for the spring summer season with a revamped menu, and The Knockturnal wanted to stop by and take a peek.
The Ambiance
As you ascend the stairs from the Soho Grand lobby and take in your surroundings, intrigue takes over. To your right, a curtained doorway that leads to jazz bar. Behind you, golden arches that go into another unknown room. Straight ahead, our destination – The Grand Bar & Salon. The atmosphere here feels private, yet you’re surrounded by New York hoi polloi – a mom who’s just finished shopping in Soho with her teenage daughter, reminiscing on her city years, settling in for some fries before they take the train back to Connecticut. A first date: a crisp suit and sky-high heels. A gaggle of entrepreneurs letting off steam & dishing about their new Hudson Yards or Brooklyn Tower apartments.
Each booth is comfortably constructed with plush chaises and upholstered chairs, and feels like a private sanctuary where you’re at home and can talk freely even though you’re just a few feet away from the next party.
The Food
Let’s dive into the food and drinks – aka, the reason you came. Our Coupe de Jardin cocktails arrived promptly in twin glasses, with a beautiful pink marbled effect on the frothy surface. Strawberry and rhubarb make this taste like a sip of spring, pineapple and ginger bring in a tropical touch, and the sharp gin balances out the sweetness of the drink.
For food, we start off with a plate of oysters and truffle fries. You’ve had both of these before, of course, but Grand Bar makes them special. The truffle fries are shoestring-thin, ultra crispy, and piled high to the top with a dusting of parmesan snow. The decadent flavor of truffle makes these feel indulgent, but the thin, crispy texture keeps things snappy. The oysters are already dressed in a custom mignonette, the shallots adding some texture and bringing out the briny freshness of the oyster itself. The meal is rounded out by their burger: the medium rare patty was juicy and tender, while a slice of crispy bacon makes it feel extra indulgent. Bleu cheese and tomato jam add depth of flavor and nuance, also reminding me that tomato season is on its way, which instantly puts me in a good mood.
The meal at the Grand Bar & Salon was stellar, and we loved the people watching and ambiance almost as much as the food itself. Can’t wait for late summer evenings here, and many, many more orders of those truffle fries.
