I'm updating my review as I've had time to 'digest' the whole night (and also read the other reviews)...
First off- I think this bar is in the perfect location to capitalize on the younger at heart theatre going crowd that isn't into the soft & quiet bars & restaurants of the theatre district. Sure- must of the 'show going' crowd are looking for something soothing & calming but the shows my wife & I like to go to have energy & excitement and knowing that Howl is right down the block- we'll be leaving the theatre on an 'up-beat' instead of a down.
Yes- it's set up as a dueling piano's bar but the opening night featured a band that played pretty much everything and even if you go on a 'piano night' you're going to have fun. We especially liked the front bar that sat up a little higher than the other bar & dance floor so we could watch the crowd. The bartenders were ultra friendly and offered to refill drinks as soon as they were empty.
The crowd for the soft opening night was more subdued in the beginning but as friends told us that stayed all night- it really heated up closer to midnight.
Thank you Howl for giving us an excellent option for when we want to break away from our regular places and 'hit the town'...!