Cherry Colas Rock & Roll Cabaret Lounge is a hellish new spot with loud music and louder people. On Bathurst just North of Queen, co-owner Glenn Hughes, a former promoter and film industry veteran, describes Cherry Colas as, "Old Hollywood meets rock and roll, baby."
The lounge is draped in black and red with gothic mirrors, chandeliers and vintage rock and roll posters and antiques, hand-picked by the owners. The place is lit with dim red and white pot lighting and candlelight at each small, round table. There is plenty of seating around the bar, at tables along the wall and in a cushy lounging area at the back - this is a predominantly stand-up spot, though.
The crowd ranges from an early 20s rock mob that Cherry Colas shares with nearby Queen West spots like Tattoo and The Hideout, along with a more mature, music-loving crowd that, while older, can party just as hard.
As the name suggests, there's a definite cabaret atmosphere. The first thing to catch your eye when you step into the main room is a dancer in red lingerie on a platform sunken into the wall. The bartenders wear red bustiers and dark makeup. A small stage at the front of the lounge has hosted impressive musical acts like Them Crooked Vultures, Eagles of Death metal, Flash Lightnin', Bend Sinister and His Orchestra (with Douglas Smith of TV's Big Love).
"We try to find acts from all over the place, but definitely not just local," says Cherish Stevenson, the other co-owner, who has connections in the music industry from her time living in L.A. When there is no live music playing, the crowd enjoys a diverse mix of old and new mainstream rock, soul and even some electro.
The signature drink, of course, is a Cherry Cola cocktail that is simple but tasty (exactly what's expected). The majority of cocktails being served, though, are strong, standard mixes. On tap are popular local beers like Amsterdam Blonde and Big Wheel (also of the Amsterdam brewery), as well as Kawartha Lakes Brewery's delicious Raspberry Wheat blend. Shots are also the popular choice: "Sometimes I'll do Cherry Cola or Green Apple shots," says Stevenson.
Downstairs, away from the ruckus, is a quiet, narrow lounge (what Hughes called the "love lounge") area with dim lighting. Past this area are the men's and women's washrooms, containing vintage photos of pin-up girls. Back upstairs, out back, is an outdoor patio area that is good for smoking only. You may also just need to get some air, because this place gets pretty crowded - even on a Wednesday night.
Having gained such a sudden following, Cherry Colas Rock & Roll Cabaret Lounge appears well-equipped to endure the summer. If Hughes and Stevenson can continue to draw in acts like Them Crooked Vultures and other talented North American artists, there's no reason why they can't aspire to be a boutique music hotspot that draws all kinds of national attention.
Additional Details
- Beers on Tap:
- Amsterdam Blonde, Big Wheel, KLB Raspberry Wheat
- Signature Drink:
- Cherry Cola Cocktail
- Bar Snacks:
- None
- Patio:
- Yes
- Music/Genre:
- Amsterdam Blonde, Big Wheel, Kawartha Lakes Brewery's Raspberry Wheat blend
- Live Music:
- Yes
- Who Goes There:
- Early to late 20s rock fans, 30-45-year-old music lovers. Same crowd as Tattoo, The Hideout.
- Hours:
- Wed-Sun 9pm - 3 am
Discussion
16 Comments
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Since this concept worked so well in this space last time.....
I went there the other night. It was hoping had a great time.
New crowd new bar. I love the red and all the ladies !!!
THIS IS A SEXCIST ESTABLISHMENT! WE SHALL NOT ALLOW WOMEN TO BE OBJECTIFIED NO SIR
I went last week to see a friends band. I was wearing a pair of admittedly lame capris since I was in the park earlier. Basically, I didn't look very rock n roll (no black). The door guy gave me the "we are full" line. My friend came out and got me in, the place was half full.
So, basically there is a dress code for this place, or the door guy is just an asshole.
Went there myself last week and they didnt have bands because of G20
and the door guys always welcome me with a smile. I love this place !
I have know Cherish for years, I can't wait to come and visit the new place. Way to go girl, you are a perfect blend of rock n roll chick and classic beauty. Sounds like the club reflects that. xx
Hey all..
sorry i jusT Had To commenT..
i work THere, wHere everyone above is TalkinG abouT..,.. aT cHerry cola's.. so does my boy friend and band maTe beTween Tours. iT Has jusT oPened uP, and is allready a sTaPle many differenT days if THe week. Proud. and HaPPy iT is GoinG well and been fun.n TruT be Told.. iT Has been awesome.!. To work, dj, bar back, annnd To ParTy slasH HanG. any old day or Time...
my only issue, i neeed To address someone wHo woTe in above, (sHane said: is for sHane, and wHo ever else cares wHaT above *(someone named sHane. (above.)).. wroTe..:.
" Shane / JULY 2, 2010 AT 10:16 AM
THIS IS A SEXCIST ESTABLISHMENT! WE SHALL NOT ALLOW WOMEN TO BE
OBJECTIFIED NO SIR.).
..."..
i know we are all inTiTiled To our own THouGHTs and oPinions obvs.... so Here is mine on yourrrr commenT.. (sHane..). Plus a liTTle more info abouT The bar, since iT is new and THe oTHer issue.. e.T.c...
so like i said, i work THere riGHT now.. and wHen (sHane said.) you say above... (anGrily.. or in caP locks..)... THe woman are objecTified.,.. and .e.Tc....
you could noT be annny wronGer.. (in my oPinion.). Hear me ouT.. or noT..
THe bar is(co) owned by woman wHo Prefers To HelP Her friends and felow female friends ouT, like me, and oTHers... loves To Hire and HelP ouT women (esP. in a some say "man's world.". and wiTH jobs beinG Hard To find,, ..eT.c..)..
"sHe..".. looks afTer and Takes care of Girls/woman/buddies like me/band members sTuck beTween Their Two jobs like me.... any one really, buT Preferrably in suPPorT of women's riGHts, Her women frie nds firsT (i know for a facT.*.).
aso... anyTHinG and everyTHinG from bar Tenders, To bar back-inG..,... securiTy. and of course dj's like me..
and dancers.
since "sHe" is all abouT female Power and GivinG woman cHances, esPecially GivinG wonen jobs in Today's and yesTerday's male dominaTed work force... sHe, cHerry, cHerisH, Provides THaT, as well as a safe and GreaT disPosiTion aT work as wel as aTmosPHere for all workers.
so THese Girls, are lookinG for jobs like dancinG.. THey wanT To. They like To.!. and wHy noT sHow off a beauTiful Peice of arT, like a woman's body...
lik ei menTioned.... i dj THere on wed.s'.. and i dance Too..!. wHile dj inG.. can noT HelP iT. so am i beinG objecTified if someone cHoses To watcH.?. i know i will be waTcHed from Time To Tim eif i dance.. so i am aware i miiiGHT be looked aT.
so.... is ThaT blasPHemous.??. i wear booTy sHorTs and T's because i like To wear THem, and because i GeT HoT workinG THere.. and all Te Time.. seParaTe issue... even THouGH maybe i sHould wear PanTs (biGGer body TyPe. *.).
.. jusT some Girls like To sHow off Their beauTiful bodies.. or are noT as sHy abouT iT. like The dancers we Have.
and wHy noT if you like THaT..and GeT Paid for iT Too.!. or noT even.!. Ha... i do iT for free as i dj every week jusT The same for free because dancinG To GreaT music is fun (fr me..).. is THaT wronG.???.
and fr THe bar's dancer's.:. They love THeir jobs, ThaT is wHY THey work There.. and They Have fun.. iT is fun.. a fun joob To Have...(GeTTinG To my PoinT..).. and mosT ofTen Than noT..,... and can make one self feeel Good.!. and beTTer abouT oneself, and emPower. i know i Have Had THaT HaPPe To me wHen i used To dance somewHere Too.!. kind of like wHen i Play on sTage.. a rusH.. a Performance..
and The Power is in The ladies Hands.. you see..
so.. .,.. Therefore your commenTs make noT a loT of sense.. (To me and many oTHers...)...
come on: iT is noT like woman atre beinG ordered To wear someTHinG,usually noT Too mucH.. Ha Ha.. aGain beauTifuln arT = a woman's body, and THe dancers are doinG us a favour by sHarinG ThaT aGain.. THeir cHoice. The Power is THeirs.
no one is or ordered slasH forced To work or dance and be beauTiful aGainsT THeir will.
(obviously..).
so..
well...
maybe you coul or sHould ProTesT your THouGHTs To Places wHere you miGHT be riGHT.. like wHen woman GeT enslaved in differenT counTries around THe world, forced To worl in bars or dance .e.T. .c.. see THaT is wHen THinGs are noT riGHT, and very wronG...
back To cHerry cola's rock n' rolla (cabareT and lounGe.. 200 baTHursT juuusssT a few sTePs norTh of queen..).]
and back To THe Girls... They wear wHaT They waaanT To wear wHile dancinG.. like anyonelse does (wHen They are dancinG or Go ouT...).
Hey man, They are lucky, i can noT cHoose my uniform aT differenT day jobs i Have. *smles.*.
.. and obviously The Girls thaT Take The jobs waaanT To do iT.
so no Problems Here..
only Problem is was./.wiTH your commenT.
and i know...
buT of course.. you Have every riGHT To your oPinion, allTHouGH or even if iT is Poosssiblyyy cominG from a (noT under educaTed, or iGnoranT.. i do noT wanT To be rude.. jusT inform you...)....... buT raTHer..you are cominG from a less-informed PoinT of view maybe...?. .. abouT The bar. well definTely....
annyways....
all THe besT.
and PeoPle wHo loe a Good ParTy, or a GreaT lounGe, Good nPLace for conversTion, or a GreaT drink, bauTifuo People, and of course ladies, barTenders, woman, dancers, dj's, bands alike..... come ouT To a niGHT.
of course i will *P8mP* if you will eH eHHH..).. ouT my niGHTs... wHicH are every wednesday. They Have really Turned in To someTHinG and Have been awesome.
and The bar Has been doinG GreaT.
and yes...wed.'s. niGHTs are a blasT.. THere are no oTHer Pkaces To HanG, dance niGHTs, rock niGHTs or ParTies (Good one's in Good Places wiTH Good PeoPle..) in ToronTo oTHer Than our new wed.s'.. THere aT cHerry cola's.
and THJis one aT cherry's on wed.'s is all ways GreaT fun, someTimes (usually) a couPle bands before midniGHT or eleven THirTRy or so...
allso... wed.'s. niGHTs: Have slasH include oTHer fun sTuff..for all differenT kinds of PeoPKe or music lisTeners, or differenT PeoPle wiTH differenT ways and Taste's for Hos THeeyyy like To HanG or Go ouT,,, we kind of do iT all on wed's.. cover all bases aT leasT all over THe bar.
cHerry's Has Had bands from THe eaGes of deaTH meTal, To local GreaT;s, To differenT bands from .la., .u.k., and all over canada... and bands Have a loT of afTer ParTies like The dead weaTher jusT lasT THursdayll THem crooked vulTures.. eaGles of deaTh meTal aGain.. vince neil.. .e.T.c... usually unfficial.. buT THose are THe reeeaaal afTerpaRTies. beinG in a TourinG band, i know ThaT raaarely THe bands sHow up The THe official one''s so.. jusT sayinG. Hmm.*.
so yes...
wed.'s.: bands beTween dj seTs wiTH sPecial GuesTs, dancers.... bands, some Times jusT sPecial GueTs, and always GreaT music.. differenT kinds.. and aloT of dancinG Towards lasT call of course.. buT allso a GreaT back drinkinG/smokinG PaTio, a GreaT lounGe and Tables for THe lounGers (or non dancers.). *Hee.*..
THank you Guys.
.-.. .care.. .f..
from die mannequin, and Proud suPPorTer of cHerry coka's rock n' rolla cabareT and lounGe.
.*smiles.*.
and .P.s... "sHane *(above.*.).. ..". buT iT's Her cHoicce To sniff The Glove..". - sPinalTaP
(jokes..).
THank you aGain.
. .-.. .care.. ..f. .failure..
www.diemannequin.ca
mysPace.com/diemannequin
face book. : die mannequi e.T.c... e.T..c... or anTHony bleed 's..
and while Die Mannequin is a great band and all. And I'm sure you message was great, but 2 things:
1- wHEn yOu WRitE LikE THis, you look like an idiot 14 year old, and No one wants to read it. Its annoying.
2- Way too long. This is blogTO. Not your personal blog. Spam elsewhere
1. that's how care writes. look at die mannequin's blog or her facebook. if you have a problem, deal.
2. if you don't want to read it, then don't read it. she's talking about the club. it's not spam.
It takes an awful lot of effort to type like that but for someone who clearly wants to communicate how much she loves that bar, she's doing a poor job of it.
She may a nice person for all I know but her "style" posits her as a spastic, pretentious twat.
I am going to the bar this weekend and looking forward to it! I will post back after with my thoughts.
I also have to comment on care f's post. I totally agree with Japhet. I actually wanted to read care f's post as I am sure there is a lot of great info and she clearly took a lot of effort in developing the post -- but I had to give up. It took too much effort to read the scrabbled capitalization.
Hilarious!
Oh, Toronto - why do you allow this place to exist? Here's the honest truth about "Cherry Cola": It's a fake burlesque bar that plays 80's pseudo 'alt' tunes for a bunch of flabby, sad 40ish cougars with bad tattoos and fragile egos. When I saw the bathrooms are plastered with sloppy, photocopied Gypsy Rose Lee snapshots and when the DJ declared "4 dollar shots of Jager" with Billy Idol blaring in the background, I knew this place was the last refuge of Betty Page aficionados who have spent their whole lives pretending to have been to CBGB's bet never left T.O.'s west end.
Good luck, frauds!
ALSO:
I don't know what the connection to Eagles of Death Metal is to this place but... fellas, distance thyself from this sad, sorry, joke of dump. It WILL hurt public perception.
my brain hurts from trying to read that mess.. ow
Oh Honey,
Lighten the hell up. If it's not your kind of place don't go, but don't bash on anyone else for enjoying themselves or god forbid, listening to Billy Idol.
Or let me guess, you're too hardcore,or you were into burlesque "before it was cool" or some nonsense like that. Please, get off your high horse.
Ok.... first things first. I like the place, I hang from time to time. Bouncers are decent, never any roid/rage attitude that wrecks the mood likr other places. Staff are great, nice attentive and so n on.
...but...
There seem to be a couple regular girls who mostly dance on Wednesdays and it's kinda gross. THey look really dirty like hookers with way too much makeup and trying too hard with their hot paints with a muffin top of one form or another, heeled boots and no regard for how creeped out the other people may be. they might look pro dancers but kind of are missing the mark on account of the blow thehy're hitting int
can downstatins. (just and honest thougt)
I've seen people clearly disappointed with this tall blonde woman who was all over the place, getting in peole's way , annoying the crowd, except for the few men who were accepting of her advances. obviouly jacked on coke or speed and having not a care in the worlf for ayone else. When we asked to to show a bit of respect she screamed at us that her husband had diead ahd sher needed this activity as part of her way to get better,. She pretended to cry until my wife and I just backed away.She cleary means well and loves to entertaining for the other patrons but some discresion would go a long way to camling down the "situation" and get rock and roll back on line. Please try to do somethig abo this.,had a really rough looking face, bad skin a little overwheight prolly 40 or late thirties and just more rough looking that a skilled dancer maybe she is. politely ask her to sit down. I totally cheapens the night. I know she' tryng hard, but too much chemical soup in her brain and its gonna look bad for the club after a few people get bumped, drinks spilled or propositison for prostitutions (only once. It was only one and it happened in the basenent near the shitter where she was scoring some cocaine power, Some one told me je was charged with prostitutioan a few years ago on one of our local street but beet the charge when the guy she propositioned got cold fee and did not attend to see the state;s attorney and the case was dumpe.