Tapas, wine, bourbon, cocktails, and a loyal crowd make Lula one of Sewickley’s most beloved cocktail bars.
There’s a slim, red-brick facade between the boutiques and cafes of Broad Street. Curtains frame the entrance, brushing the doorway as you step inside this favorite haunt in Sewickley — particularly after the sun goes down.
The Candlelit Atmosphere at Lula Cocktail Bar in Sewickley
Inside Lula, the room opens into warm candlelight. Colored lamps wash the reclaimed wood in soft amber while mirrors bounce light back into the space. On one side of the bar, marquee lights spelling the name of the establishment glow against the wall. Atop the bar stands a gold reindeer head with tall antlers. To the left, a life-size reclining Buddha rests above the shelves, carefully watching over the room and setting a slightly eclectic, lounge-like vibe.
Owner Stephen Browning says the space once housed a secondhand shop. More recently, the room operated as a wine bar, The Naked Grape, before Browning, who began working in restaurants at age 16, purchased the business in 2017. Rather than redesign the space all at once, Browning made gradual changes. Reclaimed barn wood was added to the interior. Lamps and chairs were replaced, and the seating arrangement was also adjusted. The intimate layout, centered on the bar, remained.
A Cozy Neighborhood Bar With Tapas-Style Dining
Today, Lula seats 30 to 40 guests. Early in the evening, diners settle into small tables with glasses of wine. Later, the bar fills; the sound of conversation builds gradually as the room grows crowded.
The menu reflects that same social energy. Lula still uses the language of tapas, though the kitchen’s interpretation leans broader than traditional Spanish small plates. The dishes are designed to be shared — and enjoyed in tandem with a glass of wine or a cocktail.
House Favorites
Several entrees have become house staples. The Lula Burger, made from a blend of brisket, ribeye, and short rib specially ground for the restaurant, is one of the most frequently ordered items. Mahi Tacos with mango chutney nod to Browning’s years managing seafood restaurants, while a house-made Cuban sandwich reflects flavors he encountered while working in Tampa’s Ybor City district and later in Key West.
Other plates circulate easily between diners. House-made meatballs arrive rich and savory. Crab cakes are a favorite. Devils on Horseback — bacon wrapped around dates stuffed with chèvre and water chestnuts, finished with a glossy teriyaki glaze — bring a balance of sweet and salt.
Wine Pairings
The wine threads through the entire menu, the list blending approachable New World bottles with selections from Europe. Wine pairings appear beside many menu items, guiding diners toward combinations that balance richness and acidity.
A grilled cheese and soup are paired with Brilla Prosecco. The wine’s bright bubbles cut through the creamy melt of cheese and toasted bread. Roasted vegetables, served over greens, are matched with Rombauer Chardonnay, a fuller style that complements the sweetness of roasted squash and peppers. The Mahi Tacos pair with Lamoreaux Landing Unoaked Chardonnay, whose clean acidity lifts the citrus and spice.
Heartier dishes favor reds, of course. Steak salad topped with filet is paired with Broken Earth Cabernet Sauvignon. The Lula Burger is suggested with Duckhorn Merlot, a plush Napa Valley red that stands comfortably beside the richness of the beef.
Classic Cocktails and a Full Spirits Selection
The cocktail program leans classic. Dirty martinis (garnished with plump, bleu cheese-stuffed olives) move steadily across the bar. Cosmopolitans, Manhattans, and Old Fashioneds are steady favorites. Early in the evening, Aperol Spritzes often appear in front of friends gathering to catch up.
A deep spirits selection — one larger than the room’s size might suggest — sits behind the bar. Lula carries a range of bourbons, including bottles that can be difficult to find in Pennsylvania. The bar also maintains a wide selection of rums and gins, again hearkening to Browning’s time managing coastal bars.
Tasting Experiences
The beverage program occasionally expands into tasting events; Lula hosts wine dinners and whiskey dinners throughout the year. One recent dinner centered on Japanese whiskey and included a visiting master distiller.
Most evenings, though, follow a familiar pattern: A regular walks through the narrow doorway and slides onto a barstool. The bartender begins preparing the drink before the order is spoken. Lula functions as a neighborhood bar as much as a restaurant.
By late evening, the room fills nicely, buzzing with easy joviality. In a town that tends to wind down early, Lula keeps the night young. A martini, a plate for the table, and another round if the conversation is going well. At Lula, it usually is.
Other Food Options Nearby
Mi Cita, 418 Beaver St. — Cocktails inspired by Latin flavors, small plates and an inviting atmosphere makes Mi Cita a perfect stop after dinner or an early movie (the bar does close at 10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, so head straight over).
Sewickley Quarter, 545 Beaver St. — NOLA vibes define this event space and restaurant with ample outdoor seating. Hours are limited, but worth scheduling around.
Sidelines Beer House, 518 Locust Place — Pub grub and a good beer list make Sidelines worth the stop — and the bar is open until midnight, seven days a week.
Story by Aakanksha Agarwal
Photos by Laura Petrilla