Sid Gold's Request Room
New York
Arvostelut
The bartenders were fantastic—the only reason I’m giving this place any stars is because of them. The piano player seemed to handpick only the songs he wanted to perform. I was with a group of 12, and after waiting more than three hours, only one person in our group was called. Collectively, we spent well over $200 on song requests, yet almost none of them were played. We eventually had to chant our friend’s name just to get them called. We submitted our requests back-to-back, so it was obvious the songs were not being played in the order they were received. Instead, it felt like the piano player was choosing only the songs he wanted to perform, which made the whole experience frustrating and disappointing
Came here on my birthday and although the pianist was a lot of fun, he skipped over my requests many times and chose his own order. I had been practicing a specific song for this moment and had to wait till everyone in my group was leaving to get up on stage again. In four hours, I had 1 solo at the beginning, a brief duet, was invited on stage by my friend for a song, then another solo after I told the pianist I wanted to leave and had been waiting all night to sing my rehearsed song. Was bummed when both solo songs he pulled up on Smule contained incorrect lyrics. The crowd was welcoming and non-judging, but the waiter was slow, inattentive, and sort of judging and dismissive. No "happy birthday" from her! The design of the space is also awkward. The entrance is directly in front of the stage, making the performer feel vulnerable. The seating is not curved around the stage, but in two parallel lines, meaning the back seats must strain to see the stage. The alcove seating makes it easy to hear members of your group across the table though. Although the pianist's song list was extensive, it lacked some classics and contained an oddly high number of songs by obscure bands, which I don't really want to hear at karaoke night. I would maybe come back if it were a different pianist.
Had a fantastic night at Sid Gold’s Request Room. I went because Lis Bockelman was performing, I'd seen her on the Norwegian Cruise, doing dueling pianos, and she was by far the best thing on the cruise - and she didn't disappoint at Sid's - she was terrific — warm, soulful, funny, and completely in command of the room. She made the whole evening feel personal and alive, with great piano playing, a beautiful voice, and the kind of energy that gets everyone involved without ever feeling forced. Sid Gold’s is already such a fun, unique and beautiful New York spot, but Lis made the night special. I’d absolutely come back to hear her again.
Mark was the best! He really helps you out and so fun! Will definitely go back the next time we are in NYC. We were in on a Tuesday night and he just made the whole experience fun!
