There are venues that simply offer a night out, and then there are venues that create an entire world for you to step into. When Lulu’s Lounge made its grand comeback in Chinatown as a modern supper club, nightlife aficionados across the island held their collective breath. Could it recapture the intoxicatingly rebellious charm of its original iteration while carving out a sophisticated new identity? The answer is a resounding, glamorous yes.
Step past the threshold, and you are immediately transported across time and borders. The new look of Lulu’s Lounge is said to be inspired by the golden age of 1930s Shanghai, an era of opulence, silk cheongsams, jazz notes lingering in smoky air, and decadent nightfall. You feel it in the rich hues, the lacquered surfaces, and the deep, velvet-lined sofas that call for whispered secrets. A sleek baby grand piano anchors the room, while low-lit table lamps scatter a warm glow across the floor.
Yet, beneath that polished Shanghai allure lies an unmistakable pulse that instantly reminded me of prohibition-era speakeasies in the United States. There is a playful air of secrecy to the space. The deep crimson lighting gives the distinct feeling that you’ve stumbled into an underground hideaway reserved only for those in the know. The vibe shifts subtly as the evening progresses, seamlessly transitioning the room from an intimate twilight glow into a magnetic, kinetic nightlife energy.
Culinary Distinction: Beyond the Standard Bar Bite
Where so many lounges fall short is the food menu. All too often, bars relegate food to an afterthought; a monotonous parade of truffle fries, sliders, and popcorn chicken. Lulu’s cleanly shatters that mould.
Positioned as a modern supper club, the menu puts Asian flavours front and centre with a refined, elevated touch. It offers a well-crafted balance of delicate appetisers, grilled skewers, and heartier dishes, making it entirely feasible and thoroughly enjoyable to make a full dinner of your visit.
We kicked off the meal with the Soft Shell Crab Steamed Bao, featuring golden, crispy crab tucked into pillowy buns with a bright crunch of pickles that set the tone for the meal. Equally impressive were the Stuffed Chicken Wings, generously packed with a fragrant lemongrass-prawn mousse and finished with a sticky, zesty nam jim tamarind glaze that delivered a brilliant hit of Thai-inspired punch.
The skewer selection, however, proved to be a bit of a mixed bag. The Mala Grilled Fish Skewers fell short for us; the flavours lacklustre. Thankfully, the BBQ Beef Short Rib Skewers completely redeemed the charcoal grill. Braised for 36 hours before being finished over the flames, the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, glazed in a glossy reduction of hoisin and Shaoxing wine, and dusted with sesame and chilli oil. It was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the feast. To cap off the night, we ordered dessert and the cheesecake was decadent, offering a lush, velvety finish that balanced out the bold, savoury spice profile of the preceding dishes.
Inventive Beverages & Impeccable Hospitality
A venue of this calibre requires a drink program to match, and the bar at Lulu’s delivers on all fronts. The cocktail list is inventive, echoing the Asian-forward theme with house-infused spirits, subtle spices, and balanced botanical accents.
What elevates the bar experience from great to exceptional, however, is the hospitality. The service throughout the night was incredibly warm, strike-the-right-balance attentive, and completely devoid of pretence.
When I asked the server for something off-menu, she didn't miss a beat. The bartender crafted a bespoke concoction on the spot that ended up being one of the best sips of the night. That genuine willingness to go off-menu and tailor drinks for guests speaks volumes about the depth of skill and warmth behind the counter.
The Stage: Unmatched Live Performance
If the food and drinks set the stage, the live entertainment provides the soul. Lulu’s programming evolves dynamically over the course of the week, but on the night of our visit, the resident singer stole the show. Delivering soulful, raspy jazz vocals that slinked over the lounge's acoustic landscape, she had the entire room hypnotised. The live music feels organic to the space, never overwhelming conversation, but commanding total attention during every crescendo.
Depending on what kind of night you are looking for, timing your visit is key. Wednesdays are Ladies Nights, while the energy ramps up significantly on weekends. The crowd shifts to a lively, stylish mix of expats and locals out for a late-night supper club vibe. Expect dynamic cabaret, burlesque accents, and DJ sets that carry the room well into the early hours.
The Verdict
Whether you are seeking a sultry mid-week escape or a vibrant weekend destination, Lulu’s Lounge nails the brief. With its intoxicating blend of 1930s Shanghai glamour, prohibition-era secret charm, inventive off-menu cocktails, and top-tier culinary offerings, it stands out as one of the absolute best date-night spots in the city. Go for the short ribs, stay for the drinks, and let that incredible voice carry your evening away.
