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    SO Restaurant-Bar

    3.3 (113 reviews)

    SO Restaurant-Bar Photos

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    SO RESTAURANT-BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Upscale
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - SO Restaurant-Bar

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    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.

    Antipasto plate
    Blake R.

    So date night #2 with the wife! For appetizers we ordered the surf and turf (crab cakes and skirt steak and beer steamed muscles. The surf and turf had great flavors i just wish that the crab cake had a sauce like the skirt steak. The muscles had a little grit In a few of them but over all they were tender. I also ordered the French onion soup and the wife had the wedge salad. The wife said the wedge salad was excellent. My French onion soup was good I think it could have had a touch more Worcestershire sauce in it. For the main course I chose the sea bass with creamy lemon risotto and leaks. Man I have to tell you I really liked the sea bass! It has a great crust on one side of the fish and was nice and flakey. The risotto had just enough hint of lemon to compliment the fish. The wife ordered the Duck L'orange and said the duck was cooked perfectly. She also enjoyed the farro risotto and its deep earthy flavors. Adam was our server and he did and excellent job with keeping our drinks filled and making wine suggestions. So.... took the wife on a date night for Mother's Day. We wanted to go back to a restaurant we haven't been to in a long time. Ordered the antipasto and chef choice oysters for an appetizer. Both were good the oysters were really small and made spending 20.00 on them a little steep. For dinner I ordered the cold smoked filet with bone marrow mashed potatoes. The wife ordered the salmon. Both dinners were very tasty and well executed. I was so full from the meal I had to skip desert... But the wife powered through the food wall ordered the creme brûlée....

    Crab Cake.

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    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.

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    Ask the Community - SO Restaurant-Bar

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    By the Glass

    By the Glass

    4.4
    (20 reviews)
    0.6 mi
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    "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.

    My boyfriend was visiting for the week and we are wine people and this is the place to be. Nice…read moreconversation and we met some really nice people. We will be back.

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    By the Glass
    Wine menu
    Wine menu
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    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.

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    Hillcrest Fountain
    Hillcrest Fountain
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    Petit & Keet

    Petit & Keet

    4.4
    (284 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Outstanding! We were a bit skeptical when we read the other reviews about this place as it sounded…read morealmost too good to be true. Well, I am happy to report that it IS true, that Petit & Keet is an outstanding restaurant. We made it in, in time for their terrific happy hour at the bar. Packed at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday (who woulda thunk that?) we were able to squeeze in and jump in on their goodies. The HH Menu was so appealing we would up just tasting several things; for starters, their signature frozen drink, the Peechy Keet, was absolutely phenomenal (it might also be because it was over 100 degrees outside). Not too sweet, nicely fruity and packing a punch. The Crudites was atypical with a larger assortment of veggies (including some tasty Sheshido peppers) and a really, unique and delish hummus. Next up; the Tuna Tostada. This could actually be my favorite item on the menu; sashimi grade tuna on a larger Tostada, perfectly marinated. Yummy. We topped things off with the Empanadas' that were also delectable; plenty of filling, not overly fried so as to be firm but chewable. I can't believe we wound up being stuffed, and sadly, it prevented us from diving into what looked like some wonderful entrees. Next time! A special note to the management; your bartender (sorry, her name escapes me, but she's in the pic with my wife and me) was as phenomenal as the food & drink (and the decor; sorry I hadn't mentioned that before, but it is a lovely space). She was everything (and more) for what someone behind the bar should be, an expert concotionist, professional, fun (and funny) and on top of everything at a packed bar/restaurant. Can you say "deserves a raise" with me? Also, loved the story of the place on the menu. It feels great to see a local place like Petit and Keet deliver top notch food, service and environment.

    Food was amazing and service was equally as lovely. High…read morePoints: Duck Tostadas & Goat Cheese apps. Stand outs and very unique! Meatloaf was very good. Chocolate crème brûlée was one of the best I've had. The only miss was that two bottles of wine we selected were not available but truly a minor issue as service took care of us with great alternatives.

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    Cobb Salad, split
    Cobb Salad, split
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    SO Restaurant-Bar - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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