Looking for a night out with friends but something uniquely different? My friends and I had a triple date night most recently at Keys on Main at the Triangle in Costa Mesa. None of us knew what to expect, but we all had a blast! Have you been to an interactive dueling piano bar? We got there early to get a good table near the stage, and we found song request forms at our table. I didn’t know what to select and thought a classical song would do. Wrong! As the night progressed, my song selections kept changing. Preferred song requests should be upbeat and high energy, not put everyone to sleep on a Friday night. However, these guys can play anything – 80s, ABBA, Heavy Metal, Pop Rock, Elton John, and even rap like Eminem! Most were celebrating something special like a birthday, bachelorette party or anniversary. We were highly impressed how talented these guys were.
How does it work?
It is definitely not kid-friendly because of the language, and you have to be 21+ years old because of the bar. They are open Thursday through Saturday nights. The shows begin at 9pm and feature two performers playing baby grand pianos in front of a custom 14-foot-wide video wall. Songs are requested by the audience, and can range from classic rock and oldies, to modern pop and alternative music.
(Hint: They take tips along with the song requests, and they play in order of how big the tip is. You can also “buy out” the current requested song if you tip higher than the current tip. The performers will make you laugh. They are not shy about it either, and it’s part of the entertainment.)
Casual Dining
Keys on Main features a casual menu designed for sharing, such as nachos, flatbreads and wings. In addition to a full bar with beers on tap, select craft beer and a wine list, Keys on Main has signature cocktails with music-inspired names, such as Lady Gaga (Bacardi Dragon Berry rum, Bacardi Coconut rum, pineapple juice and cranberry in a sugar-rimmed martini glass), Britney Bitch (Skyy Blood Orange vodka, Watermelon Pucker, Red Bull and grenadine), and Bohemian Rhapsody (Skyy vodka, Bacardi Superior rum, peach Schnapps, pineapple juice and a splash of cranberry.)
Keys on Main
The Triangle
Costa Mesa, California
(ground level at corner of Harbor and Newport Blvd)
(714) 619-9850
KeysonMain.com
ADMISSIONS
All seating at Keys on Main is reserved in advanced, with no cover charge on Thursday nights, and a $10 cover on Fridays and Saturdays. General reserved seating is free, but guests must arrive by 8:30 pm. Premium seating next to the stage is $10 per person and you must arrive by 8:30. VIP packages with reserved lounge seating and bottle service start at $300 with no time restrictions.
PARKING
The Triangle offers seven levels of free parking, as well as a Valet on the first level near Tavern + Bowl. www.go2triangle.com