Red Lulu Cocina and Tequila Bar makes a spicy splash!

msmith | November 29, 2011

For a big night out at a decadent, delicious, totally happening hotspot, we used to have to jump on the train (or into our car) and head into the big city. But not anymore. Introducing Red Lulu Cocina and Tequila Bar, in semiURBAN Salem. This fancy schmance spot from the people behind Back Bay’s super hot Lolita, is one tasty tequila-fueled concoction with amazing upscale Mexican eats and drinks. We are big fans of the original Boston outpost (see our post here), so we’re super psyched that Red Lulu Salem in many ways outshines the original.

As you may surmise from it’s name, Red Lulu Cocina and Tequila Bar specializes in…wait for it….tequila. As in over 180 tequilas for sipping not shooting (we’re not in college anymore). And although we look forward to working our way through this extensive list, on our first visit we were too thirsty to figure it all out, so we stuck to the easier to digest drinks list that features some pretty magnificent margaritas. We couldn’t resist the Spicy Cucumber (a Lolita fave), which packs some heat from fresh Serrano chilies, but goes down super smooth. We also tried out the Bonita, a refreshingly sweet switcheroo with ginger liqueur, white peach puree, and tequila, of course. There are also several mojito options, Mexican and local cervezas, and a full bar. Needless to say, this is our kind of spot.

With our thirst quenched, it was time to order up their amazing Mexican eats. We started out with the lobster enchilada. That’s right, a lobster enchilada! Made with ancho-orange glazed Atlantic lobster, fire roasted corn, chipotle chilies and some jack cheese, it was melt-in-your-mouth amazing. So were the deliciously different garlic roasted oysters served up with lemon buttered cornbread crumbs and hot sauce. Did we mention they have the best tortilla chips. We did now, and you’ll devour them like the best of them too. Next, we opted to share some tacos around the table. Um, estos tacos son muy bueno. We sampled many and all were delicious, but the standouts were the pulled pork with Serrano radish salsa and red chile hot sauce, and the pina roasted duck with sweet chile mole sauce, pineapple salsa and chicharron! We opted to forgo the larger plates on this visit, because we were getting full, and we love a good dessert. We also love donuts. So we ordered up some churros – warm, cinnamon-coated Mexican DONUTS served with a milk almond dipping sauce. Um…amazing. So was the coffee , which comes with white and raw sugar cubes, and shaved Mexican chocolate.

But it’s not just the food that’s decadent, so is the space itself. (Check out the images below.) Like the Boston original, Red Lulu’s decor makes a big city statement, with rich crimson hues, velvety walls, wrought iron railings, and glass chandeliers. But unlike the subterranean Boston location, Red Lulu’s high ceilinged space feels far less claustrophobic, even though it’s just as crowded. This is a scene, and we mean that in a great way. Hell, we ate on the early side, and by the time our check arrived, it was packed. Which reminds me, even the check delivery is unique and fun. Where else (other than Lolita of course) do you receive a giant spool of apple cotton candy and press-on temporary tattoos with your bill? Um…nowhere. How deliciously bad ass is that! We love it. And we loved Red Lulu. We’ll be back for more! So will our dining companions, who loved everything, even though they “don’t normally like Mexican food.” Enough said.

Details: Red Lulu Cocina & Tequila Bar / 94 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA / 978.594.4282 / www.redlulusalem.com

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