Watch out, Hillcrest — there is a new steakhouse in town. 1916 Chop House & Spirits is set to open mid-May at the location previously occupied by SŌ Restaurant & Bar on Kavanaugh Boulevard in Little Rock.
Owner Michael Shelton said the restaurant will serve up great steaks, brisket options, and game such as wild boar, bison short ribs, venison, duck and Cornish game hen.
“I love the area because I mainly eat over here, and the environment and vibe of the location is just welcoming,” he said. “I think this side of town needs a great chophouse with some new flair and food options.”
Taking its name from the year Pulaski Heights was annexed — 1916 — the restaurant will be decorated with historic photos of trolleys and other scenes from what was then the western edge of Little Rock.
The establishment will have a full bar upstairs and a downstairs speakeasy with a second bar and an outdoor area. Shelton said he envisions jazz bands playing downstairs while people relax and smoke some cigars on the patio.
“It’s going to be set up with a full bar down there, and we’re working on having it where we have it open on Friday and Saturday nights with a jazz band for everybody to come enjoy themselves,” he said. “Then we’ll have an outdoor area out back where friends can come and enjoy themselves, sit down and enjoy a cigar, listen to jazz music and just feel like you’re on your own back porch.”
The outdoor area also includes a garden where the restaurant will grow fresh herbs for the bar and kitchen. Shelton said he wants the establishment to feel like home for regulars, a place where they can relax and unwind after work.
“It’s a new vibe, a new feel, and it’s going to be a family atmosphere to enjoy taking a break from their day-to-day life,” he said.
READ ALSO: 1916 Chop House & Spirits Coming to Former SŌ Restaurant & Bar Location
