Soho making right moves to remain trendy place

Setting the Table

After an unexpected rough patch back in spring, Soho has pulled itself back up and made some changes, with the aim of becoming better than ever. In their new location along with the rooftop lounge, Rooftop 21, they just might get there.

Only across the street from the previous building, the new Soho is still shaded by some trees with parking in the back. This popular Asian fusion restaurant still has the same atmosphere: stylish and laidback without being quiet, accompanied by some good music in the background. The somewhat small building does make it seem louder than it actually is though.

The bar is roomy and clean, and there are plenty of tables for the small space, including some on the porch. Stairs to reach Rooftop 21 are on the right side of the entrance, but the new lounge doesn’t open until 4 p.m. on the weekdays.

Down the Hatch

Soho became popular because of their great take on different international dishes, though of course they’re best known for sushi and steak. But they do serve other Asian favorites like Pad Thai, Lo Mein, and yakitori. A few European dishes also grace the menu, such as the Mediterranean Salad or Vienna Schnitzel.

Their cocktail specialties are impressive as well, with their Soho mimosa being a popular choice, especially for the Sunday brunch up on Rooftop 21. The beer list isn’t extensive although there are both domestic and imports, but no draft beers. Red and white wines along with house wines are available by the glass.

Even when the restaurant wasn’t too busy, it took a little while for the food to come out, but one bite into the sushi explained why. The sushi rice was freshly made, still warm and soft. It seems like a small detail, but it really makes all the difference in the world. Eating the fresh sushi made wanting anything else an impossibility. Alas, anything else had also been ordered.

As it turned out, Soho nailed cooked fish as well. The salmon was lightly blackened with the perfect amount of seasoning and sauce. The crab Rangoon was excellent too, just enough cream cheese so the crab wasn’t lost in the flavor.

Check, Please

There is a menu available for lunch, mostly consisting of hibachi meals that range from $7.99 to $9.99 depending on what you want. Sushi is available throughout the day as well, with specialty rolls the most expensive at $13.

The entrees for dinner are more expensive but also where guests will find the most variety. Depending on what dish you want, dinner meals can be from around $10 (for a salad) to just under $30 (for the 4oz. filet and 5 oz. lobster tail).

Soho’s Happy Hour menu is impressive with over 20 appetizer options at a discounted price, plus drink specials like 50 percent off house vodka or house sake.

In their new location, Soho is making all the right moves to remain the trendy place for good food and entertainment, especially with the new addition of Rooftop 21. Drop by and see what they’re up to every day from 11:30-1 a.m. and be prepared to spend some money…but also to have a good time.

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 5:02 AM with the headline "Soho making right moves to remain trendy place."