Take a Thursday evening stroll through the unloved Parkdale section of town. Continue heading west on Dundas West stopping at the bright orange entrance. Notice the attractive group of winers, diners and dancers enjoying the conversation and the Brazilian beats amongst 4,000 square feet of dance hall pleasure; dark wood floors, dining/cocktail tables, bright glass lamps hang from the ceiling, a small stage at the back.

Pass through the brightly coloured portals and take a seat inside by the bar. As you sip your $10.00 Cuban Special take a glimpse into the grand art gallery/nightclub/dining room constructed mainly for the purpose of having complete, unobstructed, fun.

The crowd grows as the evening moves on. A look back toward the bar reveals that fashion conscience twenty and thirty somethings move in and take their places. Brazilian cocktail orders and introductions are being made as the crowd becomes friendlier and friendlier with each delectable sip.

As the voices heighten, so does the tempo and volume of the music. Your cocktail table by the bar has been cleared for the dance party and the evening has started its course. The once soft contemporary Latin beats have now taken the pace of hyper Salsa and meringue, and those who were observed just moments before, peacefully enjoying their Cuban roast pork, have abandoned their cutlery and are now whipping each other into a psychotic frenzy on the dance floor.

Lula Lounge develops lounge-slash-club status with night owls residing inside and out. The Brazilian nation grows as the line filters in off the streets, entering free of charge and ready to go. The rabble is Latino, Euro-American and the rest of us. The vibe is upbeat, relaxed and alive! Though far from Clubland, the scene tends to take on it's own meat-market effect at times, but a bumpin salsa band and anything goes party feeling are enough to exonerate the offense.

Lula Lounge is a sensual art gallery setting setting characterized by charming décor, an eclectic and sophisticated social scene and two fun-loving owners. José Nieves and José Ortega sought out this location as an extension to their art gallery location. Lula Lounge, it would be called, with a live music stage, dance floor, dinner menu and of course, art.

Still an art gallery at heart, but with a serious sound system and good-looking patrons beckoning you for a flirt, a Brazilian drink and finally a hip-moving Cumbia dance groove. Here, happy hour lasts way past midnight with a beat and good feeling that goes on and on until 3am.

And when the doors finally come to a close and as Lula begins to take on a new meaning, that sexy and tranquil feeling that the evening has inspired will stay with you, bringing you back time and again to this unwinding oasis.


Reader Reviews
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it is still cozy
chuzuda, Toronto
May, 1, 2003
In the middle of portuguese sports bars and vietnamese karaoke bars, this place has everything a good place could have. Live bands featuring froms swing to salsa, great sound, very talented musicians. Even though is a big place, it is still cozy, candle light - chandeliers, nice decoracion, friendly people. Smoking lounge so the non-smokers can enjoy as well!!

someone’s house
Rick Bonsworth, Toronto, ON
March 10, 2003
We happened upon this place after reading much about Lula Lounge. The music was great, food was fair, but service was great (fun, friendly and non-attitudinal), and we'll definitely go back. The brazilian beats was fun. Only downside is that the room has a “someone’s house” feel to it, especially when not full. But, it is a friendly house, and we’ll be back.


simple art gallery
F. T., Toronto, Toronto, ON
March 11, 2003
Recommended. For those of you who haven't been, picture a 1400 sq. ft. apartment turned into a simple art gallery with bright walls and cocktail tables. They could use something in the design but I'll return for the excellent music, strong drinks and wonderful service.