Sonny G’s Spot: Serves ‘em up strong, and keeps the dance floor packed

A hush fell over the crowd of 50 or so revelers, who already took up most of the space in the bar. Someone asked, “Is he here?” Everyone turned toward the door, and after an extended pause, a distinguished-looking gentleman appeared. He was wearing a white leather jacket, a black turtleneck, white trousers, and a fedora. The crowd erupted into applause. “Happy Birthday, Sonny!”

What a lucky coincidence that I decided to visit a bar the same night that the owner was having his 60th birthday party. The mood was festive leading up to, and after, Sonny’s arrival. Balloons and sparkly favors adorned the tables and signs hung on the walls with their announcement of the event and good birthday wishes. The DJ kept the crowd dancing with a musical assortment that ranged from 60’s soul to contemporary hip-hop. Bright lights colored the dance floor, which sat just inside the front door, so as soon as you entered you were part of the party.

Sonny and his wife Valorie bought the bar formerly known as Club 40 two and a half years ago. They were friends with the previous owner, who asked them to buy it after he fell upon some health problems (ironically, he now runs the downtown dive called “Hard Times”, I was told). According to Valorie, it was Sonny’s dream to own a cocktail lounge, but she seemed perfectly happy perched behind the bar overlooking the crowd, or occasionally getting up to tend to the buffet that was being prepared for the party. “We’re one big happy family here,” she said, indicating not just her son who was waiting tables, but the guests as well.

Vicki is a regular who has the good fortune of living across the street. “No drunk driving,” she said with a laugh. She repeatedly got up from the table to shake her groove on the small and intimate dance floor. Wearing jeans and a red and black checkered shirt, she did not look her age. Perhaps the fountain of youth runs underneath Sonny G’s – the birthday boy also could have passed for at least 10 years younger than the six decades being celebrated.

Furthering the feeling of family, my companion and I were approached by another regular, Pam. “You don’t look familiar,” she said as she sat down opposite from us, extending her hand. “I’m the unofficial greeter.” She pointed out that most regulars are from South City, as well as the fact that they are usually more of a “middle-aged” crowd. The age diversity this particular night was actually quite extensive. Younger men with dreadlocks sporting urban attire and ladies in frilly dresses were dancing and celebrating together right next to the older gents in their classic hats and sharp jackets.

Eventually, everyone regardless of age or dress enjoyed the buffet: rib tips, chicken wings, spaghetti and green beans, just to name a few of the options that had been placed at one end of bar. With the checkered table cloths and polite “excuse me’s” that were uttered by those trying to find a seat, it felt more like being in a neighbor’s back yard for a July 4th barbecue.

Sonny G’s is located just south of where both Metrolink and I-64 (Hwy 40) pass over Vandeventer, just a stone’s throw from the many Grove establishments on Manchester with which readers are likely to be familiar. The black fence that surrounds the parking lot may seem standoffish, but it is actually evidence of years past when the place was a used car lot. Behind the bar is an out-of-business car wash that, rumor has it, may operate again soon.

While the birthday of the bar’s namesake was a special occasion, I got the impression that the atmosphere is always familiar and friendly at Sonny G’s. I was thanked by the owners and customers alike for being there and was enthusiastically invited to return. All the celebrants help the bar live up to the motto printed on the awning outside: “Where adults come to party.”

You can e-mail John Ginsburg at ginsbujo@alumni.cmu.edu.