Went for the first time on Valentine’s Day - food was just ok. There are definitely better steaks in Little Rock, though my husband liked his duck. Temperature on both could’ve been better. Wanted to try to dessert but they ran out of ice cream (mind you this was at 7:45) so only had 2 unappealing dessert options to choose from.
The real problem for us was the service. It was very slow… we waited almost an hour and a half for our entrees. Bathroom was broken downstairs so had a big line upstairs to use the one working restroom. Sat in the dark for dinner until a manager finally plugged in the lights. Just overall a weird vibe. Then the bill came and they had added a large party pre tip of 20% to our bill (we were 2) because it was Valentine’s Day and “busy.” I think restaurants should disclose this or make it visible somewhere on menu etc because that was a surprise. The service was not up to par.
For sure won’t be back, not really sure how they’re in business - MUCH nicer places in Little Rock.
David Delgado
1 star because my date was hot.
No exaggeration - took 3 hours for 2 entrees. Half the things we ordered never came nor got taken off the check. Already feeling like a fool for thinking they would ever get it together, much less refill my water, I was too embarrassed to be confrontational and just paid. I’d served for years in the food industry and I can’t believe we didn’t even get a check in from the manager. They had nearly half a shift to do so.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Ahh d AD
Our first time at SO was incredibly disappointing.
After being seated, we waited 68 minutes just to place our order. There was little to no communication from staff during that time. Our appetizer didn’t arrive until over an hour and a half into our visit, and our entrees came out at the two-hour mark. By the time we finally received dessert, we had been there for a full three hours. I wish I were exaggerating.
The service issues didn’t stop there. Our first round of drinks was undrinkable, so we switched to wine — but only one of the two glasses we ordered ever made it to the table. As for water, our glasses sat empty long enough to collect dust, even though our server said at 3 different times that she would “be back with some water”.
The food was good, and we understand restaurants get busy. Delays happen. But three hours with minimal service, poor communication, and forgotten drinks, is unacceptable.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Mary Anderson
So, so bad! Reservations for 6:15, we got there about 6:10. Another couple walked in right in front of us. Got seated right next to them, no big deal. We expected it to be busy on Valentine's Weekend. Got glasses of water right away, but it took more than 10 minutes to get our drink order placed, and we pretty much had to stop the waiter before he left to ask for an appetizer. Drinks took another 15-20 minutes to get (appetizers arrived in about 10 minutes). Thank goodness we had water to drink because the drinks took so long.
I ordered the Australian Rock Lobster from the menu and was told they didn't have that. Had to point it out to the waiter on the actual menu. Apparently they've changed the name of it online, but the print menu was not updated. I think we got food by about 7:00, but not before they tried to bring us someone else's food twice. Keep in mind, those people got there AFTER us... the couple that came in right before us still didn't have their food. Never came back to refill my water until after my meal was done and they took the plates away. Tried to get us to order dessert, and we said no thanks. Then they tried to bring us someone else's dessert. Finally got to pay, and realized they kept our credit card. Had to go to the bar area to get our credit card back.
All this time, and the couple that arrived right before us STILL did not have their food. They ordered a $70 steak! And a $50 salmon! The whole time the wait staff kept turning circles, literally, like they had no clue what they were doing.
Will not be going back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
D. Tail
Possibly the worst dining experience I’ve ever had. Service was horrific, like genuinely terrible. We were never checked on, everything took 30-45 minutes, and parts of our order were just never brought but we were still charged for them. The food was also pretty bad. The rock lobster was probably the worst thing I’ve ever eaten.
This is a harsh review, but this is not a cheap place and every single table around us had all the same exact issues.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
Amber Murphy
Wouldn’t know how the drinks or food were, because we sat at our table for 30 minutes and no one took our drink order or acknowledged us.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Chris Revelle
Update: I still cannot recommend this restaurant. From my understanding, they have changed owners and chefs but still do not have the food or service to match their prices. This is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city and offer basic drinks and food with lack luster service. Original recipe: Over priced and surprisingly bad service. Mediocre drinks that with AR taxes are some of the most expensive we have had in the city. Nothing special about the food other than the price. Surprised that what is being charged the experience was below standard.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Joel Johnson
Chef Joseph always has a way of presentation and combining flavors. We had a great dinner with some friends. The staff is awesome and the food is always fabulous. With a full bar and a good selection of wine you just can’t go wrong.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cal Anth
I had the pleasure of dining at So Restaurant-Bar on August 26th, and it was truly an unforgettable evening! From start to finish, everything exceeded my expectations.
The food was incredible—the sliders were perfectly juicy and full of flavor, and the ricotta cheesecake was absolutely mouthwatering, one of the best I’ve ever had. The service matched the food in excellence; every staff member I interacted with was warm, professional, and attentive, making me feel genuinely welcome.
The atmosphere was just as impressive. The decor is elegant and inviting, creating the perfect backdrop for a night out. To top it all off, the live band, Afterthought, filled the room with fantastic music that made the whole night magical. I had such a great time dancing, enjoying the energy, and connecting with people around me.
So Restaurant-Bar is the kind of place that makes an evening special in every way—delicious food, top-notch service, beautiful ambiance, and live music that lifts the soul. I can’t wait to return!
Arkansas' Best DJ Service
We had the best time at So Restaurant for the Wednesday night Speakeasy great experience with the staff and presentation of the food for the dinner and dancing.
The food was beautifully prepared and artfully executed. We all ordered something different, and we were each pleased with the meal. There were quite a few gluten free selections which was nice for my mom who has Celiac disease. It was a bit warm in the building because it’s an old building that’s probably difficult to cool and heat. Mary, our server, was fabulous and offered us some great suggestions. We had a really lovely dinner there, and we will definitely be back when we visit the Little Rock area.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sylvia Morrisette Witthuhn
Made reservations for jazz night. Room was packed, no ventilation. Room thermostat was 82 degrees. Ordered porkchop, over half was fat, husband ordered filet med and it came out burnt. The service was absolute chaos. HAILEY WAS ACCOMMODATING.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Larry Connelley
Stunning food and service. Haley and Mary did an amazing job! SO is a local gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Abby Sanders Wilson
We loved our experience tonight. The food was delicious and flavorful and the staff was amazing!
Went for the first time on Valentine’s Day - food was just ok. There are definitely better steaks in Little Rock, though my husband liked his duck. Temperature on both could’ve been better. Wanted to try to dessert but they ran out of ice cream (mind you this was at 7:45) so only had 2 unappealing dessert options to choose from.
The real problem for us was the service. It was very slow… we waited almost an hour and a half for our entrees. Bathroom was broken downstairs so had a big line upstairs to use the one working restroom. Sat in the dark for dinner until a manager finally plugged in the lights. Just overall a weird vibe. Then the bill came and they had added a large party pre tip of 20% to our bill (we were 2) because it was Valentine’s Day and “busy.” I think restaurants should disclose this or make it visible somewhere on menu etc because that was a surprise. The service was not up to par.
For sure won’t be back, not really sure how they’re in business - MUCH nicer places in Little Rock.
1 star because my date was hot.
No exaggeration - took 3 hours for 2 entrees. Half the things we ordered never came nor got taken off the check. Already feeling like a fool for thinking they would ever get it together, much less refill my water, I was too embarrassed to be confrontational and just paid.
I’d served for years in the food industry and I can’t believe we didn’t even get a check in from the manager. They had nearly half a shift to do so.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Our first time at SO was incredibly disappointing.
After being seated, we waited 68 minutes just to place our order. There was little to no communication from staff during that time. Our appetizer didn’t arrive until over an hour and a half into our visit, and our entrees came out at the two-hour mark. By the time we finally received dessert, we had been there for a full three hours. I wish I were exaggerating.
The service issues didn’t stop there. Our first round of drinks was undrinkable, so we switched to wine — but only one of the two glasses we ordered ever made it to the table. As for water, our glasses sat empty long enough to collect dust, even though our server said at 3 different times that she would “be back with some water”.
The food was good, and we understand restaurants get busy. Delays happen. But three hours with minimal service, poor communication, and forgotten drinks, is unacceptable.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
So, so bad! Reservations for 6:15, we got there about 6:10. Another couple walked in right in front of us. Got seated right next to them, no big deal. We expected it to be busy on Valentine's Weekend. Got glasses of water right away, but it took more than 10 minutes to get our drink order placed, and we pretty much had to stop the waiter before he left to ask for an appetizer. Drinks took another 15-20 minutes to get (appetizers arrived in about 10 minutes). Thank goodness we had water to drink because the drinks took so long.
I ordered the Australian Rock Lobster from the menu and was told they didn't have that. Had to point it out to the waiter on the actual menu. Apparently they've changed the name of it online, but the print menu was not updated. I think we got food by about 7:00, but not before they tried to bring us someone else's food twice. Keep in mind, those people got there AFTER us... the couple that came in right before us still didn't have their food. Never came back to refill my water until after my meal was done and they took the plates away. Tried to get us to order dessert, and we said no thanks. Then they tried to bring us someone else's dessert. Finally got to pay, and realized they kept our credit card. Had to go to the bar area to get our credit card back.
All this time, and the couple that arrived right before us STILL did not have their food. They ordered a $70 steak! And a $50 salmon! The whole time the wait staff kept turning circles, literally, like they had no clue what they were doing.
Will not be going back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Possibly the worst dining experience I’ve ever had. Service was horrific, like genuinely terrible. We were never checked on, everything took 30-45 minutes, and parts of our order were just never brought but we were still charged for them. The food was also pretty bad. The rock lobster was probably the worst thing I’ve ever eaten.
This is a harsh review, but this is not a cheap place and every single table around us had all the same exact issues.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
Wouldn’t know how the drinks or food were, because we sat at our table for 30 minutes and no one took our drink order or acknowledged us.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Update: I still cannot recommend this restaurant. From my understanding, they have changed owners and chefs but still do not have the food or service to match their prices. This is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city and offer basic drinks and food with lack luster service.
Original recipe: Over priced and surprisingly bad service. Mediocre drinks that with AR taxes are some of the most expensive we have had in the city. Nothing special about the food other than the price. Surprised that what is being charged the experience was below standard.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Chef Joseph always has a way of presentation and combining flavors. We had a great dinner with some friends. The staff is awesome and the food is always fabulous. With a full bar and a good selection of wine you just can’t go wrong.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had the pleasure of dining at So Restaurant-Bar on August 26th, and it was truly an unforgettable evening! From start to finish, everything exceeded my expectations. The food was incredible—the sliders were perfectly juicy and full of flavor, and the ricotta cheesecake was absolutely mouthwatering, one of the best I’ve ever had. The service matched the food in excellence; every staff member I interacted with was warm, professional, and attentive, making me feel genuinely welcome. The atmosphere was just as impressive. The decor is elegant and inviting, creating the perfect backdrop for a night out. To top it all off, the live band, Afterthought, filled the room with fantastic music that made the whole night magical. I had such a great time dancing, enjoying the energy, and connecting with people around me. So Restaurant-Bar is the kind of place that makes an evening special in every way—delicious food, top-notch service, beautiful ambiance, and live music that lifts the soul. I can’t wait to return!
We had the best time at So Restaurant for the Wednesday night Speakeasy great experience with the staff and presentation of the food for the dinner and dancing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Beautiful space.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was beautifully prepared and artfully executed. We all ordered something different, and we were each pleased with the meal. There were quite a few gluten free selections which was nice for my mom who has Celiac disease. It was a bit warm in the building because it’s an old building that’s probably difficult to cool and heat. Mary, our server, was fabulous and offered us some great suggestions. We had a really lovely dinner there, and we will definitely be back when we visit the Little Rock area.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Made reservations for jazz night. Room was packed, no ventilation. Room thermostat was 82 degrees. Ordered porkchop, over half was fat, husband ordered filet med and it came out burnt. The service was absolute chaos. HAILEY WAS ACCOMMODATING.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Stunning food and service. Haley and Mary did an amazing job! SO is a local gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We loved our experience tonight. The food was delicious and flavorful and the staff was amazing!
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