We’re always on the lookout for cool places worth checking out, especially now that patio season has all but officially ended and we’re driven indoors. Our attention has been caught by several recently opened eateries and lounges around town, and we’ve shared a few of our finds below for your dining amusement…
The Emerald
The Emerald hosted a successful soft opening a few weeks back and is now officially ready to welcome guests into their classic 1960s-style Vegas Supperclub, located at 555 Gore Street. We’ve heard rave reviews thus far. A cool, sleek and sexy space, spacious lounge, classic (and repurposed) seating, chandeliers, private rooms and more await you. Owned by the same crew behind the ever-popular hipster hangouts The Narrow Lounge and Rumpus Room, The Emerald oozes a bit more funked-up class added to its eclectic décor.
If you’re looking for some tasty bites, The Emerald offers an array of options guaranteed to tempt your taste buds. Start with a classic shrimp cocktail, some tasty tea sandwiches, followed suit by Steak Diane and wash it all down with an expertly mixed cocktail. We recommend you find yourself a seat at their glossy long bar and get prepped for a night of people watching.
Los Cuervos Taqueria & Cantina
Another fairly new spot we’ve had our eye on and love to venture out to when a pining for authentic Mexican food overtakes us is Los Cuervos Taqueria & Cantina (603 Kingsway). Owned and operated by some well-established names in the industry – they’re behind the success of spots such as Les Faux Bourgeois – Cuervos is a colourful place to land.
A huge, hand done tiled mural greets you when you enter this fresh new space. It’s warm and inviting, yet the spacious interior has a definite punch of colour added to the mix, creating a festive atmosphere that will all but transport you away from the endless rainy days ahead come winter.
Their menu boasts a full selection of tricked-out cocktails, with a healthy dose of (what else) Tequila and Cerveza. To heat things up, the menu has plenty that does that just fine. Tacos take center-stage with about ten different varieties available. Pick your fancy, be it beef, seafood or veg. Add to that their creative selection of additional options (go for the Aguachile or Flautas) and save some room for their house made Churros… MMMexico!
The Black Lodge
Looking for a space to chill out while channeling a bit of the ’90s? Head to The Black Lodge located just down the road from Los Cuervos at 630 Kingsway. It’s like stepping back in time and directly into an episode from Twin Peaks (right down to the prominently displayed framed photo of Laura Palmer herself). The very name of this funky establishment is a nod to the show’s own creepy Black Lodge, and you’ll have fun downing your beer surrounded by mementos reminiscent of the show.
Sit back and relax at one of the venue’s raw-hewn wood cocktail tables while you take in the faux cabin scene (thanks to a massive wallpaper poster mural that depicts as much). One thing worth noting: The Black Lodge is purely veg/vegan, so you’ll have to park that carnivorous craving at the door and settle for gluten-free poutine instead. Its not all bad, they’ve got plenty of cherry pie to please (and booze to wash it down).