Check it out, Chicago has its very own aquatic lounge right in the heart of Lakeview.

An ode to coral reefs around the world, Lost Reef will feature high-end cocktails and delectable small bites in a peaceful, underwater-themed lounge featuring exotic fish and coral from around the globe.

Located at 964 West Belmont Avenue, Lost Reef is a new concept from CPG Restaurant Group made possible in partnership with Tank It Easy, a full-service aquarium maintenance and design company in Chicago.

The lounge will be home to eight saltwater fish tanks that contain over 2,500 gallons of exotic fish and coral to create a tranquil escape, even on the coldest of Chicago winter days. The 3,000-square-foot space will offer 72 seats, including 12 bar seats among the impressive aquariums for a truly immersive experience.

Lost Reef’s cocktail menu features Classic and Signature Cocktails as well as Knot-Tails (zero-proof beverages) and “The Great Whales.” Classic Cocktails include Boulevardier, Gimlet, Old Fashioned, Sidecar, and more.

Signature cocktails include:

• Anchor Aweigh with Ketel One Citroen, Aperol, Apricot Liqueur, 5 Spice Syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters, and smoke bubble
• Lost in Manhattan with Sazerac Rye, Cardamaro, and Drambuie in a smoked decanter
• Chicago Sunburst with Vida Mezcal, Fino Blanco Tequila, bergamot liqueur, passionfruit syrup, and Hellfire/Orange Bitters The Jib is Up with Roku Gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur, Fresno chili syrup, cucumber, and lime
• Great Barrier with Four Roses Small Batch, rosemary syrup, lemon juice, and egg white
• Gold Coast with Santa Teresa Solera, banana liqueur, allspice dram, demerara syrup, pineapple, and lime juice
• Arrecife with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, lime juice, guava syrup, fresh basil, and reef salt
• The Capone with caper-infused gin, olive oil wash, dry vermouth, and torched pickled onion
• Last Splash with Pierre Ferrand 1840 Grand Cru Cognac, ginger & peach liqueurs, sparkling water, lime, and fresh mint
• Mooring Seeker with Plantation Dark Rum, mango, pineapple juice, Ramazzotti Amaro, and orange blossom water

“The Great Whales” are cocktails presented in a way that will make your Instagram followers jealous. The Treasure Chest, Lost Reef’s most interactive cocktail is presented in Captain Levinson’s buried treasure chest and features Col. E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon, Demerara Syrup, Smoked Aromatics and House Bitters. The Blood and Sand has Laphroaig 10 Yr. Islay Single Malt, Luxardo Maraschino, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, and Citrus and the La Capitana includes Clase Azul Plata Tequila, Aperol Liqueur, Green Chartreuse, Lemon Juice, and Candy Bubble Garnish.

“We’re very excited to bring Lost Reef to the Chicago people,” says Tony Contri, Managing Partner at CPG Restaurant Group. “Tank It Easy created a work of art for this space. Many of the fish and other aquatic livestock that will live in these aquariums would require a scuba diving trip on the other side of the world to see. It’s absolutely remarkable and we’re proud of what the team has accomplished.”

To accompany the breathtaking aquatic lounge environment, Executive Chef Daniel Pineda has created a delectable light faire/cold scratch menu. “With the aquatic theme, we wanted to create a menu that was light and refreshing while also having something for everyone,” shares Chef Pineda. “Keeping to a casual lounge vibe, we developed an elevated selection of small plates and signature dishes that properly allow the ingredients to shine through.”

To give back to the natural environment that makes Lost Reef possible, the lounge is a regular benefactor of the Coral Restoration Foundation, the largest reef restoration organization in the world. Proceeds from every Tock reservation and $5 from every Treasure Chest cocktail purchase are donated to the foundation with additional fundraising efforts to come in the future.

Lost Reef is located at 964 West Belmont Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The lounge is open Wednesday – Sunday from 4pm – 1am with Happy Hour daily from 4pm – 6pm. For more information, please visit https://www.lostreef.com/.

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