Photographs: Contributed
Coming to the rescue of popular people everywhere, these eight restaurants in the buzzy section of South Norwalk (SoNo) have plenty of space for everyone. All you need to do is add more names to the guest list, send out the invites, and show up. These high-occupancy party places will take care of the rest. All of them know how to please a crowd, from creative cocktails to inventive cuisine. Yet each of them has their own distinct vibe; so whether your group is into New England seafood or Southern BBQ, the fun starts here.
BEACH HOUSE SONO
SoNo Harbor gets a dose of the Mediterranean with a vibrant menu consisting of market fresh fish, refreshing cocktails, and a global wine list. The nautical atmosphere puts one in the mood for oysters, lobster risotto, and spicy fish tacos.
Capacity: seated dining space 1, 45; dining space 2, 55; reception, 125
Buyout Option: Yes
Private Dining Room: Yes
Cuisine: Seafood
Catering Menu: Inquire
Event Highlights: Private bar, A/V capabilities, and separate music capabilities
Booking Contact: John Estrada, beachhousesono@gmail.com, (203) 956-7171
Address: 19 N. Water St., Norwalk
Web Site: www.bhsono.com
EL SEGUNDO
Global street fare, craft cocktails, and high energy are at the forefront of this graffiti-laden eatery and social scene. An open kitchen and adjacent outdoor bar add to the pulse of the restaurant.
Capacity: Seated, 60-80; reception, 150
Buyout Option: Yes
Private Dining Room: No
Cuisine: Global Street Food
Event Highlights: Jukebox, separate music control, multiple TVs, A/V capabilities
Event Packages: Tailored to individual events
Catering Menu: thespreadsono.com/catering
Booking Contact: spreadoutcatering@gmail.com, (203) 939-9765
Address: 3 N. Water St., South Norwalk
Website: elsegundosono.com
JOHNNY UTAH’S
Yes, Norwalk does indeed two-step! This large restaurant, bar, and music venue is pure Americana with real deal BBQ, PBR in a can, and rockin’ country tunes filling up this popular saloon. There’s even a mechanical bull if you’re feeling adventurous.
Capacity: seated, 120; cocktail style, 225
Buyout Option: Yes, can include adjoining Killer B space
Private Dining Room: No
Cuisine: American
Event Highlights: TVs; DJ booth; surround sound; music choice/volume control; mechanical bull
Catering Menu: Two Price Tiers; Inquire for seasonal menu
Booking Contact: Tierney@killerbsono.com, (203) 299-0711
Address: 80 Washington St., South Norwalk
Website: johnnyutahssono.com
KILLER B
Answering the call for everyone’s favorite; beer, bacon, burgers, and bourbon (try adding extra smoke), Killer B’s over-the-top reputation for indulgence pulls no punches. This neighborhood bacon joint and bar is a fun break from the norm, with added seasonal dishes, hearty salads, and veg options for the faint of heart.
Capacity: seated, 80; cocktail style, 120
Buyout Option: Yes, can include adjoining Johnny Utah’s space
Private Dining Room: No
Cuisine: American Cuisine – “Bacon, Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer”
Event Highlights: TVs; surround sound; music choice and volume control
Catering Menu: Two Price Tiers; inquire for seasonal menu
Booking Contact: Tierney@killerbsono.com, (203) 853.2326
Address: 80 Washington St., South Norwalk
Website: www.killerbsono.com
O’NEILL’S PUB & RESTAURANT
Known as the “soul of Ireland in the heart of SoNo,” this spirited Irish pub pours a perfect Guinness and offers hearty, from scratch Irish fare in a setting straight from the hills of Killarney.
Capacity: seated, 120; reception, 150
Buyout Option: Yes
Private Dining Room: Yes
Cuisine: Irish
Event Highlights: Large bar, multiple levels, Irish specialties, and pub favorites
Catering Menu: oneillsono.com/banquets
Booking Contact: Oliver O’Neill – irishpub@optonline.net, (203) 838-0222
Address: 93 N. Main St., South Norwalk
Website: www.oneillsono.com
PEACHES SOUTHERN PUB & JUKE JOINT
Low-country cuisine bathed in whiskey and hospitality compliment this bi-level restaurant and live music juke joint which features a mix of local talent and rock legends. Southern fried, pickled, or smoked, Peaches is a true Wall Street standout.
Capacity: seated, 45; cocktail style, 110
Buyout Option: Yes
Private Dining Room: Yes; Juke Joint on the second floor offers privacy, full bar, private restrooms, fireplace, and rooftop deck with heaters.
Cuisine: Southern-inspired
Event Highlights: Four 55-inch TVs capable of running any program or DVD simultaneously; DJ booth; surround sound; music choice and volume control.
Catering Menu: Designed per event
Booking Contact: Greer Fredericks, greerfredericks@gmail.com, (203) 831-0399
Address: 7 Wall St., Norwalk
Website: peachesnorwalk.com
THE SPREAD
With an ever-changing menu of innovative New American fare, with cocktail cred to match, The Spread offers dining, lounging, and a convivial bar for hardcore foodies and revelers.
Capacity: seated, 100; reception, 150
Buyout Option: Yes
Private Dining Room: No
Cuisine: New American with global influences
Event Packages: Tailored to individual events
Catering Menu: thespreadsono.com/catering
Event highlights: Open dining room concept, large bar, TVs
Contact for booking: spreadoutcatering@gmail.com, (203) 939-1111
Address: 70 N. Main St., South Norwalk
Website: thespreadsono.com
WASHINGTON PRIME
A SoNo anchor restaurant and gathering place with a panoramic view of the city, Washington Prime embraces its namesake offering prime wet-aged steaks, icy raw bar favorites, creative small plates, fresh seafood, and a curated wine list.
Capacity: private dining room seated, 25; reception, 35; main dining seated, 65; reception, 80; lounge seated, 26; reception, 40; Buyout Option: Yes
Private Dining Room: Yes
Cuisine: Contemporary Steakhouse, small plates, seafood
Event Highlights: Events can be held in the private dining room, main dining space or high-top lounge. All rooms feature Ultra-HD 3D TVs that are WiFi, AppleTV and SmartTV ready for presentations, photo-collages and videos and wired for private sound to sync with guests’ multimedia or to play music. The main dining space also features a 125-inch drop-down movie screen with an Ultra- HD, 3D projector and is equipped with a Club Lighting System that can enhance nighttime enjoyment.
Event Packages: Tailored to individual events
Catering Info: washingtonprimect.com/corporate-events
Booking Contact: (203) 857-1314
Address: 141 Washington St., South Norwalk
Website: washingtonprimect.com