WAYLA Bar & Lounge

Lip sync your favourite song into a hairbrush on Wednesdays at WAYLA Bar’s weekly lip syncing battle. It’s like karaoke but no one has to hear you sing, claims a poster advertising just one of many uproarious events that happen at this theme-party-centric Leslieville bar and lounge.

From the outside looking in, WAYLA Bar doesn’t look like it would have enough room to host large crowds, but the Queen Street-facing lounge with chrome bar stools, art deco chairs and pink walls is just one room where good times are had.

Manager and party planner Brian Duval describes the space as “industrial chic.” The wide hallway with high ceilings and exposed ductwork leads you from the lounge to the back of the building and is perfect for intimate cocktail sipping, while the spacious bar room (which can’t be seen from the street) is made for dancing and is party perfect. Past parties have featured fire eaters, circus acts and burlesque shows. For fresh air, an adorable patio is accessible from the bar.

Brian says people approach him all the time with ideas for theme parties and he’s open to anything except, perhaps, a goth theme. “I’m an old goth from 20 years ago, but it wouldn’t work here,” he says with a laugh. But if you dig Rick Astley, love Lady Gaga or are mad about Madonna, then you’ll probably find a second home under the red disco ball at WAYLA Bar.