Salem To Get Another Mexican Restaurant

A new restaurant will aim to spice up the downtown restaurant scene with a Mexican inspired menu.

Red Lulu Cocina & Tequila Bar is set to open in Oct. Described as "a spirited, tequila-soaked sister restaurant to Lolita – located on off Newbury Street in downtown Boston" the restaurant will open where once operated.

“We are excited to bring our upscale, decadent interpretation of tequila and Mexican food to the City of Salem” said co-owner and Topsfield native Christopher Jamison. Jamison owns Lolita with his sister.  “Salem is a city in the throes of some real change, and has become an incredible destination for dining and nightlife. We couldn’t imagine a better fit for Red Lulu.”

Red Lulu will pay homage to its Boston location, bringing a bordello-inspired cantina setting to downtown Salem, Jamison said. The full-service bar will offer a wide array of spirits including over 180 tequilas, mezcals and rare Mexican spirits. All of the margaritas feature fresh squeezed limes and agave nectar.

Also available are several varieties of house made sangrias such as white peach and pomegranate with passion fruit. A variety of signature cocktails will also be available.

According to Jamison, the menu, executed by Executive Chef Brian Roche formerly of La Verdad in Boston, will feature a lively take on traditional Mexican fare including tacos, quesadillas, ceviches and main courses.

As for transforming the former Strega restaurant, Red Lulu said in a press release, the space will be "dark and polished with hints of scarlet and gold, laced with a playful ambiance for diners and revelers alike. Open windows facing Lafayette Street will provide an open-air experience during the warmer months."

Yesterday, a spokesperson for Red Lulu said they would be visting the restaurant today to see the progress.

The restaurant will also have an 18-seat bar and lounge. The decor will pay tribute to festive Mexican sub-culture features.