So where do you go when you want relax and have a few drinks with friends? A lounge, that’s where!
Much like its name implies, a lounge is a place where you can chill (relax), enjoy cocktails and conversations. Its pace is not as frenetic as a bar or nightclub; its music is not as loud – more in the background, more soothing. It may serve light snacks, sandwiches, fancy burgers, finger food and so on.
However, it is my opinion that Georgetown is not really known for its lounges. I would say that what this city offers is a mix. You would easier find a lounge/bar; lounge/nightclub; lounge/sports bar. I believe the key to enjoying a lounge atmosphere in this city is knowing what night to go where.
Gravity Lounge, on the sixth floor of the United Centre at Camp and Regent Streets, is a perfect example. There are times when the music is not very loud; there is always a variety of drinks and yummy finger foods and appetizers including the ever present fries and chips; seats to chill and space to mingle if you so desire.
Gravity is open during daytime hours when it functions as a restaurant and bar. On the weekend nights its transformation is tremendous. It becomes a full-out nightclub; incredibly loud music, and the dancehall vibe. This is the mix to which I was referring earlier.
Then there is the 704 Sports Bar on Lamaha and Albert Streets, which is making that splash as the go-to bar for some drinks, an awesome atmosphere to socialise and finger-licking food. Take away the huge television screens and this “sports bar” really has the atmosphere of a lounge.
It has become one of my favourite hang-out spots. 704 offers a variety of mixers and drinks and is very creative with its cocktail menu.
But I have left the best for last. Perhaps the only true lounge in the city, the one that stays within its boundaries and does not change to draw the partying crowd is the Vintage on Lamaha Street. Vintage is special to me; it is where I had my first real date and well… I can say those were good times.
The bar is soothing with its dim lights, plush and cosy chairs and of course the wine. Vintage is small so it is never really crowded. It serves the must-have cheeses and crackers that go well with wine along with other food and really promotes a social, lounge-like space.
There may be others, but that is as far as my exploration went with lounges. If you have a cool hang out spot that can be a classified as a lounge, let me know and I will certainly check it out.
Because nightclubs and loud bars are not my thing, I would say yes to more lounges in the Garden City.
