Piano bars come in many shapes and sizes and could be located in cocktail lounges, restaurants, hotel lobbies, and even cruise ships. From the lone pianist playing softly at the end of the bar, to the rock concert like setting of a dueling piano bar, this concept has been around for awhile. Piano bars continue to grow in popularity and have sprouted in many urban cities throughout America. Playing classics like Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” in front of an excited crowd doesn’t get old. The nostalgic combination of music, booze, and food is perfect chemistry for a good time.
The dueling piano bar is usually on a large stage that consists of at least two grand pianos. The musicians are often comical entertainers that know how to get the crowd involved. Audience participation is a must at these venues. Dueling piano bars are often arranged with impressive sound systems that resemble and sound like a rock concert. The dueling piano bar is a far cry from the traditional piano bar that sometimes accompanies a fine dining restaurant. Don’t plan on a quiet, romantic meal at a dueling piano bar.
Nevertheless, if you want some lively entertainment and at the same time some good food, a dueling piano bar is a good bet.
The Derby Deli and Dueling Piano Bar:
The Derby Deli and Dueling Piano Bar is located at 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, (949) 582-5397, www.derbymv.com.
The menu at the Derby offers both hot and cold sandwiches along with the typical side dishes of potato salad and the like. For a delicious corn beef and pastrami combo, try the “Laurel & Hardy” combo plate. You’ll have the best of both worlds in this sandwich. The menu also has a section called “Manly and Stuff.” Large portions are the norm here. Order a “Cyclone Burger” and wash it down with a cold beer.
Of course what’s a dueling piano bar without a rocking piano? The entertainment at The Derby goes strong until 2:00 am. The dueling pianos and their talented musicians belt out sing-alongs that get the crowd pumped. You can sing your heart out to classic tunes like “Tiny Dancer,” “Sweet Caroline,” and my personal favorite, the Clash’s “London Calling.” I lost my voice with that one! Despite the large crowd, if you’re lucky enough to get close to the pianist, you can request your favorite song.
A good night to go to the Derby is Tuesday. You can get $2 Coronas, 50 cent street tacos, and $5 chili burgers. The dueling piano band plays from 7:30 pm until closing. The weekends are always fun, but can get ultra crowded. Just get there early and have dinner. No matter which day you choose, just come hungry and ready to sing and dance.
Villa Nova Restaurant:
Villa Nova Restaurant is located at 3131 west pacific Coast Hwy., Newport beach, CA 92663, (949) 642- 7880, www.villanovarestaurant.com. For those of you looking for something a little quieter and traditional, this is the spot. Villa Nova Restaurant is a fine dining establishment and has been around since 1933. The restaurant was originally located on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles and moved to upscale Newport Beach in the 60’s. The restaurant offers fine Italian dining along with a great wine selection. The Veal Parmigiani is exquisite. If you’re in the mood for seafood or a good steak, you have your choice of fine dining options at Villa Nova.
The mood at Villa Nova is warm and the view of Newport Harbor is beautiful. This piano bar is a great place to take a date. It’s romantic and plush, but at the same time surprisingly upbeat. Villa Nova offers Happy Hour in the lounge daily from 5 pm to 7 pm. Villa Nova offers live entertainment nightly starting at 8:00 pm. The piano bar plays oldies, top 40, show tunes, and of course takes requests.
