Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    SO Restaurant-Bar

    3.3 (113 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    SO Restaurant-Bar Photos

    Business Info

    SO RESTAURANT-BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Upscale
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - SO Restaurant-Bar

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    I loved the ambience as soon as you look inside. The food was spectacular and the plating was just as tasteful to look at. The head chef took some time to personally talk to me and express his vision of this restaurant which made my experience that much more. The cocktail I did have was perfectly well balanced and the bartender gave even better service. It was a great experience and I cannot wait to come back!

    Seafood Fondue
    Kris P.

    We stumbled upon this treasure when we were in Little Rock for the Elton John concert. It was amazing. Wine was delicious. Service was great. We started out with the seafood fondue and the waitress recommended we order a second loaf of bread with it (which was perfect. Thanks, Taylor). We then split the filet with mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus. It was melt in your mouth delicious. We will be back. This place was amazing.

    Calamari
    Ali K.

    Very new yorkish vibe. Small seating space but also with several rooms that can provide a sense of coziness. The prices are new yorkish as well but the quality is too notch Great place for special occasions such as valentines and birthdays. The service is courteous and quick. The desserts are amazing and a new twist on the usual definitions of bread pudding or cheese cake

    Duck de Violate
    Bubba S.

    Absolutely delicious with a very humble chef. The music was on point and brings the ambiance and atmosphere all together. Sō dank

    Blackened Seafood Fondue  (l) and Mussels and Clams with Saffron Aioli (r)
    Christine K.

    We've been to SO several times since it's literally right down the street from our house. The food has been great in the past, and they had/have a wonderfully curated wine list. Plus Veo mixes the most outstanding cocktails! We were intrigued to hear that they'd changed up the menu to focus on small plates and improved the already fantastic wine list. We're huge fans of the small-plate trend, which allows us to sample several items instead of forcing us to choose a single main course. We ordered a bottle of Domaine Serene Pinot Noir, which arrived fairly promptly. French onion soup (highly lauded by a local food blogger), mussels and clams, beef brochettes, and blackened seafood fondue were on the food agenda. The soup was just magnificent with a rich, beefy broth full of caramelized onions. The crouton and cheese were perfect toppers. The portion was more than enough for two people, especially for an appetizer and I could have made that my entire meal. We left at least a half-cup of soup in the bowl because we still had three other dishes on the way. SO might consider also offering a cup option. The three other plates arrived at the same time about 20 minutes later: I'll start with the beef brochettes since that's what I dug into first. They're described as "Beef Medallions * Cream Cheese * Jalapeño * Bacon * Cilantro Oil" What we received were eight chunks of beef wrapped in bacon, not a lick of cream cheese or jalapeño to be found. I didn't realize those two ingredients were missing until looking over the menu just now to ensure I got everything correct (It was my birthday AND we had lots to talk about). The brochettes were also cooked medium, which, absent the cream cheese, rendered the bites quite dry. The mussels and clams were quite good, perfectly steamed and served with saffron aioli and a half-loaf of ciabatta. The blackened seafood fondue was... not what I'd envisioned at all. It's described as "Seared Shrimp * Crab * Blackened Bechamel * Monterrey Jack Cheese * Ciabatta" on the menu. I assumed the seafood would be blackened and dunked in a fondue. What we got, though, was something of a seafood dip/soup hybrid. It had a subtle blackened seasoning but was very thyme heavy. And I like thyme. Again, the portion was enormous, with another accompanying half-loaf of ciabatta. I'm sure it might sound a little ridiculous to some to hear complaints of a restaurant serving too much food, but seriously, we couldn't even finish half of what we were served. I felt very wasteful when the server collected our dishes. If we'd been a party of four instead of two, the serving sizes would have been a totally different story, but forewarned is forearmed: These are most definitely not what most folks would consider small plates. Service was efficient and unobtrusive; our wine and water glasses were never left empty. Our bill was less than $175, which I think is a pretty good deal for the amount of food we received. Unfortunately, the quality control in the kitchen just wasn't there on this visit.

    Crab Cake.
    Lisa K.

    This service at this shop was Horrible. The food was so-so. But our waitstaff needed to be trained in fine dining. We were told numerous times oh I forgot. We were not even asked how our steak or other items were until the check was brought to us. Empty water and drink glasses and dishes from the appetizers remained on our table for an hour or more after. They were out of several menu items on Saturday Night because no one had been there to meet the Oyster Guy. Totally not acceptable at a place that we sought high standards from. Save your money. Go to Petit and Keet or Yaya's if you want a great meal and service. Our waiter spent more time behind and at the bar than waiting on the guests.

    Antipasto plate

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wesley W.
    38
    70
    56

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ali K.
    146
    384
    2455

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Heather S.
    173
    63
    51

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenny P.
    62
    80
    120

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    The food is not good. It used to be good long ago, but I'm not going back. I gave them 3 chances.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ray D.
    742
    829
    2612

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rea B.
    40
    28
    19

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sherri B.
    22
    21
    66

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - SO Restaurant-Bar

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for New American 3,936 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    By the Glass - Mixed Mediterranean Olives ($5.50) after my son had eaten about 1/3.

    By the Glass

    4.4(20 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    "By the Glass" may be a wine bar but for me, after a single visit, it will be forever known as "the…read moreplace with the olives". To accompany our happy hour wines my son and I ordered two of his favorite things: Mixed Mediterranean Olives ($5.50) and a Spanish cheese ($9). Perhaps I've spent too long in the Bay Area or perhaps they do things differently in Arkansas but the mountainous bowl of olives that arrived at our table sparked utter joy. This wasn't 5, 10, or even 15 olives; I think it might've been a whole jar's worth. It was not only amusing, but an utter delight. One hundred percent chance of a return visit for the olives alone. We followed with the Spanish cheese and more wine but there was no getting beyond the olives. That's what we'd be talking about. Forever. By the Glass has a good happy hour ($5/glass for selected wine) which pertains only to the wines. It's a low-key, comfortable, unpretentious spot that's received recognition as the best bar, the best wine bar, the best trendy bar, and the best happy hour bar from a variety of publications. During my visit it was quiet and welcoming, an environment I'd feel equally comfortable in either solo or with friends. If you like wine, "By the Glass" is a good find. If you like olives it's even better.

    The wine bar was about to close when we got there and the owner/bartender graciously let us in. It…read morewas empty when we went but he was a great host! The decor was very homey and intimate with quirky artwork and a really neat cork BtG design near the bar. Great ambience They had a great selection of wine and even some beer for those that dont like wine. I asked for a dry red suggestion and the wine was very good. It was smooth, dry and perfect for the night. Would definitely visit again next time i'm in Little Rock!

    Photos
    By the Glass
    By the Glass - Wine menu

    Wine menu

    By the Glass

    See all

    Hillcrest Fountain

    Hillcrest Fountain

    3.1(17 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $

    Ugh, when will this place get over itself?…read more In short, it sucks. Too loud, too smoky, and to top it off....no LIQUOR?? This kind of establishment makes me NEED stiff drink, so I was quite unsettled to learn it had none. The location has the potential to be great, but they definitely need a little help. Meanwhile, I'll go the extra half mile to Pizza D.

    Already a Kavanaugh Boulevard institution, The Hillcrest Fountain recently received a total…read moremakeover (2020). Gutted and completely redone, this bar still serves up only beer & wine and attracts the local neighborhood late 20-30-somethings crowd. No food, but plenty of surprises await you... AMBIANCE Low lights enhance the dark wood and urban chic furnishings. The classic long bar has modern comfortable bar stools and those cool hangers for a handbag below. Booths and two-top bar tables are spread out and don't overcrowd the space. Even when packed with people, the crowd flow is still ok. For a dive bar vibe, this bar is spotless and stays clean. Separate men's & women's clean bathrooms are in the back near the door to their outdoor patio (not open yet, but I hear soon). Thursday-Saturday after 8pm it becomes THE place to be at night in this part of the city. Patrons during the day and during happy hour are mostly regular locals. This is a great place to meet, watch a game, play a game, share intriguing conversation, and enjoy beer and wine. Ask the bartender to show you a peek of the speakeasy door. Or don't. There is one salty bartender. BEER & WINE ONLY That said, the taps rotate an excellent sampling of local craft brews and popular national brands at very low prices compared to other local bars serving draft beer. Happy Hour daily, but not sure of what the hours or prices are. Just ask a bartender. The new keg beer system is ice cold and they seem to have just the right amount of foam as to not waste the draft. Those bartenders know how to pull a proper pint! Many other beers in bottles and cans are available. Yuengling Lager on tap ran out, but they had Yuengling Light available. They don't stay out long and the knowledgeable and polite bartenders will offer an alternative, not just say, they are out. The local popular Flyway Blue Wing was on-tap as well. The other taps spread the beer spectrum from sours to IPAs. The wine by the bottle or glass offerings are clearly well thought out with pricing and vintages meant to fit everyone's budget and wine palate. Specials by the glass are above on a chalkboard. I had a great 5 oz. glass of a Russian River Valley pinot noir, priced excellent. ENTERTAINMENT Along the mural painted East wall is a classic bar shuffleboard puck-style game. It's the one with the sawdust alley and you glide the pucks. Very cool and chill. There are two full sized billiard tables in the front center area of this bar. See the bartender with your ID and they will hand you the billiard balls rack. Nice new large televisions above the bar typically playing whatever is popular. The Olympic trials were on and the NBA finals at the same time. Bartenders are cool and will put on whatever you want within reason. Music is probably the best in the city, with the bartenders making their own playlist vibes. I think Spotify Pro with no commercials. Super groovy music, not just some selfish rando personal playlist. It's actually very well thought out. The music playlists are probably one of the most surprising things about this bar. Not too loud, just the right tempo, and a great balance of things you know and new music you want to know. Kudos to the sound vibe.

    Photos
    Hillcrest Fountain
    Hillcrest Fountain
    Hillcrest Fountain

    See all

    Petit & Keet

    Petit & Keet

    4.4(273 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Love the staff , the customer service, the drinks, the food, the ambiance. It's one of my favorite…read moreplaces to eat. HH is great too. I always get the Dirty Hippie drink from Trey. He's awesome. The indoor patio section is my favorite place to sit.

    So I have never got to try this restaurant. My wife on the other hand has eaten here once or twice…read more So when I saw their valentines menu come out, I jumped at the chance to grab a reservation. Got there a little early and our table was ready. Since it was a fixed menu, we only had a few options to choose from. First course I chose duck and pancetta, meatball, and my wife chose the Ahi Crudo. Ahi Crudo - flavors were good, just wish they would have gone with a sashimi cut over the thicker cut of tuna. It had a little chew to it. Duck and Pancetta meatball- probably the best seasoned bite of the evening, almost to the point of being too salty. The meatball was cooked perfectly and had amazing flavor. Second course I chose the lobster bisque, and my wife chose the strawberry and beet salad. Lobster bisque - lobster meat was very tender, and you could taste the good salty water that they boiled it in. The base of the bisque was lacking a depth of flavor. I expected it to be more pronounced lobster flavor in the biscuit itself. It was good. It was just a different flavor than I was expecting. Strawberry / Beet salad - the salad was very good. I liked the cheese that they put on the salad. Luckily I was able to steal a few bites from my wife. Main course I ordered the New York strip, and my wife ordered the lobster risotto. New York Strip - when the steak hit the table, I was very excited. As you can see from the photos, it was cooked perfectly. From the first bite, I could tell the steak was tender, but there was zero flavor. I don't know if the steak was not seasoned at all, or if they were just playing on the drizzle over the top of the mushrooms in the steak to add flavor. But the overall plate was bland and flavor. I had to add table salt, which I almost never do. Lobster risotto- lobster risotto looked amazing. My first bite of risotto that I was able to steal was pretty bland. I tried another bite before my wife finished the entire plate! The second bite was much better had a lot of of the pepper flavor in the risotto. My wife said the lobster was tender and delicious. Dessert! I chose the Tres Leches and my wife chose the chocolate pot de creme. Tres Leches - this cake was probably the overall favorite thing of the evening. You could taste the vanilla and the cream. It was a match made in heaven. The frozen strawberries on top provided a good texture contrast. Chocolate pot de creme- this was an amazing dessert also. The depth of flavor in the chocolate cream was truly remarkable. You could taste the different chocolate. Rich and decadent for the last bite. We chose to add the wine pairing on with the mail. All the ones were pretty good. Nothing earth shattering, but all paired well with the meal. Service felt a little rushed, and I understand that valentines is a big day for the restaurant. We would not be halfway through a glass of wine when the next glass of wine for the next course would show up. It almost felt like our server was trying to push the pace of our dining experience. This review will ultimately get updated. Because I never judge a restaurant based on one experience. So we look forward to our next date night, where we can stop by and try the standard menu.

    Photos
    Petit & Keet
    Petit & Keet - Cobb Salad, split

    Cobb Salad, split

    Petit & Keet

    See all

    SO Restaurant-Bar - newamerican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...