Pay no attention to the big sign out front that reads "Rare Soul Now Open."
The new Canton lounge run by Yolanda Espinet isn't quite there yet.
When Midnight Sunner jmgiordano and I stopped by last night, the lights were on inside, but the doors were locked.
We pulled on one, and a friendly fellow who identified himself as a manager gave us a sneak peak ...
With its dark leather couches and deep tones, Rare Soul reminds me of the old GoodLove Bar, which used to be a few doors down (it turned into Pur, which is now closed).
The bar has a granite top and a pressed tin bottom -- inspired by so many Baltimore ceilings, no doubt. The one odd thing about the lounge's layout is the dance area, which is sunken into the floor near the back of the room. Taking a few steps up to hit the dance floor is fine, but taking a few steps down feels awkward.
According to Rare Soul's manager, the lounge will have its grand opening in June -- about two weeks from now.
(Photo by me)