Legendary Taco Tuesday Feature
Hard or soft shell seasoned beef or bean tacos topped with cheddar, lettuce and homemade salsa.
Retro Tavern & Lounge · University District
Ethel’s Lounge
Beloved retro tavern lounge, legendary Taco Tuesdays, local craft taps and rock’n’roll soul
Retro Tavern & LoungeUniversity District, Waterloo$Details being confirmed
The review
Ethel’s Lounge is the beating heart of Waterloo’s casual drinking culture. Situated between the university campus and Uptown, the lounge is packed with mid-century memorabilia, vintage tin signs, and neon beer fixtures that give the space an authentic retro character.
The food punches far above typical dive bar expectations: the smoked pulled pork and famous Taco Tuesday specials draw devoted crowds week after week. The beer selection is heavily Ontario-focused, poured cold and priced fairly.
Honest notes: Taco Tuesday is a Waterloo institution for a reason — come before 4:30pm or after 8pm to snag a booth without waiting on the sidewalk. On summer weekends, the front patio is the best casual perch in town.
What to order
Ethel’s Pulled Pork Sandwich
Slow-smoked tender pork shoulder, tangy barbecue sauce and coleslaw on a toasted bun.
Local Craft Tap Pint
Featuring fresh local pours from Waterloo Brewing and Grand River breweries.
What works
- Taco Tuesday is genuinely one of the best food and drink values in Southwestern Ontario
- Warm, unpretentious tavern atmosphere where university professors, students, and locals mingle
- Spacious street-side patio on King Street North for sunny afternoon pints
What doesn’t
- Taco Tuesdays have lines out the door by 5pm
- Casual tavern self-service ordering at peak hours
- No reservations — strictly first-come, first-served
Verdict
Taco Tuesday with local draft beer on the patio. The warmest tavern in Waterloo.