After 6 Years of Parties, Chinatown’s Johnnie Walker Lounge is Closing Its Doors For Good

Back in 2017 Johnnie Walker Lounge/Karaoke Rooms opened its doors and changed the landscape of Chinatown nightlife. Owners Kenny Poon and Dave Taing opened the lounge which is situated on the second level of Chinatown Square (1016 Race St.) and provided a diverse space for the neighborhood. Now Johnnie Walker will play its last song on July 30th.

So what did Johnnie Walker Lounge mean to the duo?  “Everything! From our staff – all the customers we have met, all the friends we have made, and all the memories we have collected from Johnnie is everything to us,” Dave states.

With various liquor-themed rooms for karaoke as well as a sleek lounge, the space was a hot spot for many. So what did Johnnie Walker Lounge mean to Chinatown’s Nightlife? “Honestly, I believe it all depends on who you’re asking.  But to us, we believe that Johnnie helped pioneer and bring mainstream nightlife to Chinatown with being one of the first to really bring DJ’s and bottle service etc.  It was a big change from the typical traditional karaoke bar.   Johnnie was more DJ driven.  We also brought in a more diverse crowd to Chinatown as a whole giving Chinatown more mainstream exposure.  Hopefully it benefited the late night restaurant businesses as well. It’s a sad thing see this coming to an end,” Taing adds.

So what’s next for the space? Kenny and Dave plan to lease or sale the space and are open to different concepts as well.  However, Chinatown Square itself will not only remain open but will soon see more tenants.

Kenny and Dave are working towards revitalizing this all day and night food hall and make it a bustling hub once again. In fact just this month the all-new hot chicken spot Screamin’ Rooster opened for business in Chinatown Square and they will soon be joined by a new sports bar and a pizza & steak concept.  Other potential tenants are currently in talks as well.  See the farewell message below.