A long-standing Edmonton gay bar is relocating and it could have a rooftop patio

A long-standing gay bar in Edmonton will be moving to a new location, with Evolution Wonderlounge finding a new space right along Jasper Avenue.

Dished spoke with Rob Browatzke, co-owner of Evolution Wonderlounge, regarding the move and what patrons can expect at the new spot.

Browatzke says it will be undergoing a minor name change and will be known as Evo, setting up shop on Jasper Avenue and 115 Street in a space that formerly housed Reign Bar and Lounge.

“It’s good. It’s definitely in the right neighbourhood, the possibilities really are endless,” Browatzke said, adding that Evo will soon be offering seven days a week programming, Happy Hour options, a kitchen for food, a patio or maybe two, a dance floor, and a space that’s more accessible than the current location.

“We’re certainly evolving the business model, I guess, along with it as well. So it’s definitely focused more on that. Seven days a week, open at four. Come down for happy hour. Have some wings, all ages until nine o’clock, so people can come down with their kids and we’ll have some pub programming like trivia and karaoke and bingo and stuff like that.”

The move has been a long time coming, according to Browatzke, who had previously shopped around for a new location prior to the COVID-19 pandemic hitting. Evolution Wonderlounge’s lease is now up later this year, so the timing worked out.

The main floor of the new location will hold the majority of the space and will be street-level with accessible washrooms, while a downstairs area will also have washrooms, a coat check, and the potential for a showroom in the future.

There’s also a mezzanine/balcony overlooking the main level that will have seating for larger groups or busier weekend nights and will be available for corporate events or private parties and bookings during the week.

The location also holds the potential for a rooftop patio, which, in the past, was the original plan for the building, with part of the work already there.

“That is something we are actively working towards. Luckily we’re a corner space, so there’s the potential maybe for a patio on two sides, on the sidewalk, but then potentially we’ve got a great location for a rooftop patio. We can make it work.”

There will temporarily be two locations

Browatzke says they are aiming to open Evo sometime in early April, depending on how licensing goes, with a grand opening pegged for mid to late April.

Evolution Wonderlounge, which will celebrate its 12th anniversary in September, will also remain open until its lease is up near the end of the year, with its doors staying open “through at least Halloween.”

Looking forward, Browatzke added that there are plans to add to the new space next year and into 2027.

“We have so many more possibilities to do that than we had at the other location. We were so limited by the area and the building and the lease, and those restrictions are just going to be gone here. So we’re going to really see how high we can soar without those things holding us down.”

Evo

Address: 11508 Jasper Ave.