Sunset Lounge Reopens Tonight on Ross

Sunset Lounge, the bar-slash-nightclub on Ross Avenue in the shadow of Central Expressway, reopens tonight at 5 p.m. with intentions of being a neighborhood bar with better-than-usual cocktails. Now owned by FreeRange Concepts, the group behind Bowl & Barrel, Sunset has been closed since September undergoing a makeover by Coeval Studio, the design firm responsible for CampO.

"Remember Cuba Libre? We're kind of trying to be the baby Cuba Libre of 2013, but more of a lounge," says general manager Nico Ponce, referring to the long-lost Consilient spot known for rum cocktails and Caribbean-leaning fare. Post-renovation, the bar has a bohemian sort of feel, with lots of plants and palm tree wallpaper. Ponce says all the bartenders are thoroughly versed in proper cocktail techniques, so expect some killer drinks, including a Stoli Jalapeno Mule with grapefruit juice and cinnamon-infused honey. Monday nights will feature guest bartenders (like Kevin Gray of Cocktail Enthusiast) slinging drinks.

Expect food service to begin in a couple weeks with items like jerk chicken tacos and fried plantains with a trio of sauces. Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, with weekend nights until 2 a.m.

[Photo credit: Sunset Lounge/Facebook]

· Sunset Lounge on Ross to Reopen Next Week After Its Makeover with Freerange Concepts [SideDish]
· Sunset Lounge [Facebook]