Ethel's Lounge

Restaurateur Glenn Smith had previously run the blues club Pop the Gator (1989–1994) and the bar Circus Room (1992–1994).^[1][2] Smith opened Ethel's Lounge in 1994.^[1] Smith picked the location for its desirable location in the city, as well as its parking.^[1] Smith wanted the food to feel home-cooked, as opposed to typical bar food.^[1] Every year, the bar runs the "Tray Race", a relay race for charity where contestants balance trays of water bottles.^[3] On St. Patrick's Day 2019, a concert poster was stolen from the bar.^[4] The bar has been described as a "local favourite".^[5]

The bar's decor has stayed relatively the same since its opening in 1994.^[1] Smith was inspired by American dive bars from the 1950s to 70s, and named the bar after a 70s blues bar of the same name in Detroit.^[5] Adam Jackson of the Waterloo Chronicle described it as "a time machine of sorts".^[1] The bar is decorated with concert posters, pop culture and pieces of local history, such as John Belushi’s shoes and socks.^[1][4] The bar's neon sign, taken from the Detroit Ethel's Lounge,^[5] has been described as "iconic".^[6][7]

43°28′09″N 80°31′24″W / 43.4692°N 80.5232°W / 43.4692; -80.5232