Rumba Lounge Has Become Spot For Entertainment, Food In Bristol Since Opening

By Jamila Young, The Bristol Press

January 27, 2022

The Rumba Lounge has been a spot for entertainment in Bristol since it first opened this past May.

“Over the years [rumba] got bigger, so why not add something for the Spanish community, and everyone?” said Owner Paola Acosta, who has lived in Bristol for the past 17 years after moving to the United States. “I used to have a Latino restaurant with my ex-husband.”

The lounge is open Thursday-Sunday, but Acosta said the busiest day are Fridays and Saturdays.

“We have free salsa lessons on Thursdays and karaoke on Fridays,” Acosta said.

The lounge hosts holiday events and Acosta said she is working on something for Valentine’s Day.

“We did a New Year’s Eve party, Christmas party, a Halloween party for kids from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and then an adult party,” Acosta said.

Private party packages are also available at the lounge. Acosta said she needs at least three weeks notice. Acosta also said outside food can be brought in for a party, but alcohol must be purchased from the lounge, and there are many party options, including a cash bar, a buffet style and decorations.

“It depends on the people. We can do a cash bar, open bar,” Acosta said

Acosta is Columbian, so the food is Spanish-based, but she said they do sell wings, quesadillas, nachos and sandwiches, along with signature dishes.

Acosta said the lounge is filled with people from all different backgrounds.

“It’s different cultures getting along together. The DJ plays to the crowd; plays everything,” Acosta said. “I feel proud we all get along together. It doesn't matter where we came from – just having fun.”

Acosta said although there is a pandemic happening, the lounge is still open, but she is doing a lot of cleaning, and wearing a mask inside is optional. She also said safety is top of mind for her and her business. Her staff consists of three bartenders, a cook and two security guards inside the lounge and two outside.

“I tell my security if you see people already tipsy wanting to come in, I rather them not come in because they will get drunk,” Acosta said. “The police department works with me a lot. When it's time to close, they make sure everyone goes home, everyone is safe.”