505 Tapas Bar & Lounge – Cranston, Rhode Island
505 Tapas Bar & Lounge / 505 Atwood Ave / Cranston, RI 02920 / 401-464-8880
Listen up everybody. I recently discovered a place truly special and I am overflowing with enthusiasm to share this information.
505 Tapas Bar & Lounge located at 505 Atwood Ave in Cranston, RI is Rhode Island’s sexiest, most gay friendly, ultra lounge.
Do not let the unassuming outside derail you from what awaits inside.
505 Tapas Bar & Lounge is the type place you’d expect to find in Las Vegas, Miami, New York or Los Angeles. It is sleek, sexy and the ultimate place to dine on delicious tapas prepared by Chef Marvin Carter.
You can listen to hot tunes pulsating from the awesome sound system, enjoy exotic cocktails, dance and even enjoy some Hookah.
I was instantly impressed when my partner Jen and I stopped by on a recent Friday evening to experience this hidden gem.
The second you walk through the door you are transported to a big city lounge. The deep, rich reds, blues and gold give 505 Tapas Bar & Lounge almost a burlesque/Parisian feel.
The music was a mix of Latin and Euro pop. Blown away!
I couldn’t stop snapping photos of the impressive (huge) bar illuminated in blue.
One of the first things I whispered to Jen was how comfortable a place it was. The chairs, sofas and soft lighting are super inviting.
This ultra lounge is the ultra place to chill out, relax and have fun!
505 Tapas Bar & Lounge has been open less than 3 months and the buzz for this place is off the charts. I can clearly see why!
Besides the atmosphere, convenient location to Providence, amazing food and killer sound system, the staff is TRULY gay and lesbian friendly! As a matter of fact, 505 Tapas Bar & Lounge hosts gay/lesbian night each Thursday with hot Latin/dance sounds. However, I was told by the instantly likeable manager, Jay Santiago, that they are welcoming EVERY NIGHT!
I have reviewed many restaurants and nightclubs that have started or wanted to start a “gay night” and the intention was always extremely positive and supportive, but Jay Santiago goes above and beyond.
Jay, who seems like an extremely busy, in demand guy, made sure he sat down with Jennifer and I and explained exactly what 505 Tapas Bar & Lounge is all about.
Jay is the real deal. There is no B/S going on here. Jay is a Puerto Rican/Italian from the Bronx, NY with a magnetic personality that makes you feel not only safe in his presence but as if he has known you forever. He is well known in Rhode Island having worked in Providence many years. He now oversees all of the Sorboco group of restaurants including 505 Tapas Bar & Lounge, Sharx Bar & Grille, The Apartment and English Cellar Ale House. His passion for the business is extremely prevalent.
Out of all the managers and business owners I have met, no one has gone above and beyond to express just how gay friendly their establishment is as Jay Santiago has done.
How could you not want to support a business like this??
First off, the dance floor is huge! There is plenty of room to chill out and enjoy a drink. The sound system is killer and it’s stunningly beautiful.
To make it extra special 505 even has an incredible tapas menu with food that is delicious and meticulously prepared.
Talk about a VIP experience!
For dinner Jen and I ordered the Lobster tacos (made with lemon-thyme aioli and native corn salsa), Mama Sita’s infused chicken wings and a Grilled Rib-eye Steak slider (made with cheddar cheese, grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms and Chipotle aioli).
Jen (the seafood eater), could not get over the presentation, freshness and flavor of the lobster tacos. She said they were to die for.
Mama Sita’s chicken wings were sticky, sweet and soooooo good! Yum!
But my absolute favorite was the grilled rib-eye steak slider! This baby was gourmet!
Cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. The sweetness of the grilled onions mixed with the Chipotle aioli made me rave about it all night.
By this point in the evening, I was no longer “shocked” at the quality of food being served, as everything about 505 Tapas Bar & Lounge goes a step above, so of course the food was amazing.
I am truly passionate about promoting this spot! Do not let the fact that it is located in Cranston hinder you from checking this place out. I assure you that you will fall in love and want to keep coming back.
MENUS:
HOURS:
- Open Daily from 5PM-1AM
ENTERTAINMENT:
- Tuesdays: Movies! Enjoy free admission to 505’s weekly Tuesday night movies. Starts at 8PM.
- Wednesdays: Karaoke night! 8PM-11PM.
- Thursdays: LGBT night with DJ. Dirty (Latin/Dance music). Come out and support this great establishment! $5 cover.
- Fridays: After Work Party. Ladies $5 drink specials, and complimentary carving station (subject to change).
- Saturdays: Latin Flair Party! Top local & New York Latin DJ’s heat up the dance floor with Latin Salsa, Pachanga, Merengue, Bacchatta, and Latin Hip Hop! 9PM-1AM, $5 cover.
SPECIAL EVENTS: 505 is available for all types of functions and events. Enjoy either a lounge setting with couches and chairs designed for cocktail or business gatherings or more traditional setups with dining tables and chairs, it’s your choice. They can accommodate up to 80 people.
Gay & Lesbian Factor: Off the charts hot! Closest thing to being gay owned/operated. Jay Santiago really wants the LGBT community to know about 505 Tapas Bar & Lounge. Not only is he dedicating a night to the LGBT community, he stresses that everyone is welcome each and every night! Jen and I felt extremely comfortable and couldn’t wait to share information on this place with all of you. If you are looking for a night out, whether it be for relaxing or pure fun….you need to check this place out! Grab dinner. Enjoy a cocktail or wine. Dance. Socialize and most importantly support a truly gay friendly establishment. As for Jay Santiago and tell him Gay Travel Information sent you! 😉 It goes without saying that I am “OUTING” 505 Tapas Bar & Lounge as LGBT friendly and worthy of our business.
505 is elegant, exciting and chic. It is something new and exciting in Cranston and a wonderful addition to the club scene in Providence.
I cannot wait to round up a group of friends and head on over on a Thursday night to show my support. Who’s with me?
Desiree Sousa
Owner
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