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]
Decoration
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]