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
44 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
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.
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.
All people deserve very good life time and credit loans or just consolidation loan would make it better. Just because people's freedom depends on money state.
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