Lakewood’s newest cocktail bar, Amazonia, is opening October 9th. The South American-style bar is open from 4 p.m. to midnight and is located in an abandoned duplex on Hopkins Ave. The owner, Juan Vergara, also owner of Barroco and Hola Tacos, says that Amazonia will bring South American cuisine that cannot be found at other Latin American restaurants in Lakewood. Vergara, who is from Columbia, states “Amazonia is basically our vehicle to be able to show more unknown parts of our culture.” (Cleveland News)

As the name suggests, the bar takes some design, food and beverage cues from Vergara’s native South American culture. His artistic flair makes an appearance in all of his restaurants. The theme is set around explorers in the Amazon Forest. The main level is designed to look like an explorer’s home base filled with artifacts, but to enter, you walk through the Hola Taqueria taco shop. As you enter, the first floor also includes a 12 seat bar and is split into two rooms, the Sun Room and the Moon Room. 

When Amazonia opens, the cocktail bar is expected to be well put-together, with a new fresh look. The owner highlighted the fact that Amazonia is not a franchise, so he wants to take his time and personalize it. He said that Amazonia is a “project that’s done with heart, with a lot of effort by kind and loving and warm people.” (Cleveland News)

Juan Vergara has been preparing for the grand opening by trying to broaden his culinary skills. Over the summer, he spent time in Napoli, Italy, working a wood-burning pizza job, and stating that he hopes to bring a woodfired oven and pizza to the Amazonia menu soon.

On their website, you can make reservations and purchase a gift card. 

Make sure to check out Amazonia on Oct. 9 for some delicious food!  (Ages 21+ only)