Lula Lounge
Lula Lounge was formerly a Portuguese catering hall-slash-sports bar called Hollywood Nights.
The owners comes from drastically varied backgrounds - Jose Ortega was previously an illustrator, Jose Nieves was a real estate agent (and Ortega's landlord), while Tracey Jenkins worked as the managing editor of a literary magazine.
The purchasing deal was completed over espresso in what must have been a record five minutes and seemed at first to be a perfect match - the space was big and cheap but they quickly realized they had no idea what they were doing.
"We were just making it up," Ortega tells me, "and we drew from our friends: one said 'I'll be the chef,' another, 'I'll be the bartender,' but at first it was a disaster."
Perhaps it might have something to do with their screening process, with their head bartender having been selected for holding a major in Dostoevsky studies - a strange prerequisite for mixing drinks.
After going through several menu edits, they settled on what Jenkins terms "Latin soul food," such as vegetarian tamales and chicken dressed in a bourbon barbecue sauce with traditional Latin rice.
Dancing takes place Friday and Saturday evenings, following dinner and lessons from professional salsa teachers. As for the rest of the week, the space is open if there's a band booked, although they also frequently host fundraisers.
The space is dim, faintly lit by coloured paper lanterns and neon chandeliers. The large stage sits at the back of the dining room, and tables are lined on either side of a central corridor where the dance lessons take place.
The musicians range from jazz, to electronic, to big band, with each night offering a different flavor of Latin-inspired tunes.
Lula Lounge offers an array of tropical drinks in which Havana Club rum figures heavily, martinis like the Miss Lula ($9.30) - a mix of vodka, lychee liqueur and pineapple juice - shooters for $5.75 and specialty coffee.
Mojitos ($9.30) are considered their crown jewel, but to my taste buds, the simple mojito is not as flavourful as I typically prefer. It tastes strongly of only Havana Club rum and soda water rather than striking that ideal balance between mint, sugar, and liquor, but other varieties like the Green Apple or Cherry Bomb mojitos might fare better.
Domestic beers run between $4 for Pabst and $6.45, while imports top out at $6.45 for Guinness. They also offer a Sunday brunch with live music and a salsa lesson from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jesse Milns
Join us for the launch of McClelland and Stewart's Spring 2024 Poetry books!
Show Details
To reserve a table please call Lula Lounge at 416-588-0307 or book online at www.lula.ca/reservations
Check out the Lula dinner menu: lula.ca/menu
6:00pm - Doors for dinner
7:30pm - Show
McClelland and Stewart and Another Story Bookshop present Poetry Night 2024
featuring Faith Arkorfu...
Join Lula for their Cuban Friday nights, where the vibrant rhythms, live music, dance lessons, & skillful DJs make it a perfect night!
EVENT ITINERARY
7:00PM – Arrive between 7-9PM for a delicious three course meal, including your choice of appetizer main and dessert!
9:00PM – Get ready to have some fun and break the ice with a beginners dance lesson provided some of the best dance sch...
World famous Salsa Saturdays at Lula features hot live music, fun dance lessons, DJs, dinner & tropical drinks - A perfect night out!!!
RUDY BOLAÑOS & LA BORINQUEÑA ORCHESTRA
La Borinqueña Orquestra’s big salsa sound, hard hitting tunes and intense rhythmic drive caters to the dancers in the crowd. Catchy melodies and impactful horn arrangements come together in a perfect blend of classic...
Join Lula Lounge for an energy filled Sunday morning- featuring talented drag performers, mimosas and a delicious brunch. With Champagna + Guests!
Champagna's Drag Brunch
The $55 brunch includes the fabulous drag show by Champagna and her guests, one brunch item from the menu below, a mimosa or juice and coffee!
Reserve your table at lula.ca.
(You'll be billed at your table on the d...
Join Sounds of Dreams as they wish you #kalimerhaba, a concert fusing Greek and Turkish melodies