Do you remember those carefree childhood days where you would sit on the shores of Lake Michigan and wait to catch a glimpse of a whale? No?
Well, do you remember when, in 2015, scientists discovered whales living in Lake Michigan? You don't remember that either? That's good, because there are no whales in Lake Michigan. Rumors of aquatic mammals living in the great lake are merely that, rumors.
However, all the good rumors you've heard about Lost Whale, 2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., are definitely true. Opened in June of 2018 in the former home of Boone & Crockett, the bar has become quickly known for their craft cocktails, rotating assortment of food trucks and sense of whimsy.
When you first step into the bar, you'll be struck by how cool and welcoming everything looks. The bar beckons to you. The 70's style orange couches call for you to sit. The blue suede chairs yearn for attention. Even the light fixtures, reminiscent of fireworks, seem to be saying "Come on in, weary traveler, and enjoy a drink!"
In addition to being a fun, swanky place to hang out, the bar is also hyper-focused on keeping green. Not only do they stay sustainable by using biodegradable straws, incredible recycling practices, and cross-utilizing vegetables, but they also work with local farmers to compost waste. By practicing what they preach and working with area farmers, Lost Whale have laid down their roots and continue to blossom within the community.
Take one look at their menu, and you'll realize this isn't your ordinary cocktail bar. Instead of just simply listing out the drinks you can order, the cocktails come to you in The Mystery of the Lost Whale, a fairy tale written specifically for the bar by internationally published author Nina Maybe and award-winning production designer and animator Loretta Keresen.
What else is there to say about Lost Whale? Well, the biggest things coming to the bar soon are new cocktails, new specials, and fun events.
Specials
In addition to happy hour seven days a week from 4 to 6 p.m., you'll find a variety of other daily deals to be had. On Mondays, it's $1 off all beer. Free trivia is yours to play on Tuesdays. On Wednesdays, it's all about wine; you can choose from $5 glasses, $10 cans and $15 on select bottles. Not only that, there's a Late Nightcap coming your way, featuring $4.50 house Old Fashioned cocktails, $1 Old Milwaukee and $3 house shots.
Events
Beyond specials, there are events that are sure to be a joy.
From December 13-24, the bar will be redecorated with whimsical, dark elements for The Nightmare Before Christmas holiday takeover. To celebrate, there will be a new specialty cocktail for your drinking pleasure every day.
Selections will include options like "All Hail the Pumpkin King" featuring Maker’s Mark, lemon, Stone Creek Collaborative brownie scrap syrup, aquafaba, Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla and Corazon bitters, charred pumpkin spice ($10); "Sandy Claws" with Hendrick’s gin, lemon, Rishi Rose Melange white tea, Bittercube Jamaican #2 bitters, ruby grapefruit White Claw ($11); and "Oogie’s Lair," a hot drink featuring Monkey Shoulder, turmeric, ginger, Gabriel Boudier caramel liqueur, Bittercube Blackstrap bitters, winter spiced apple cider and a ginger snap cookie ($10) Even better, proceeds from the cocktails will go to support the work of Hope House of Milwaukee.
On December 5, celebrate the end of prohibition with Lost Whale's Repeal Day party, hosted with Arts @ Large at their new space at 1100 S. 5th St. The bash will feature cocktail from some of Milwaukee's favorite places including Boone & Crockett, Bittercube Bar & Bazaar, Dandan, Fauntleroy, Jazz Estate, Lost Whale and Voyager. Check it out for free samples, surprises, and favorite prohibition classics. Tickets are $25 (and can be purchased online) with proceeds going directly to Arts @ Large.
Lost Whale is one of the most interesting bars in all of Milwaukee, and it's becoming even more interesting the longer it's here. Be sure to check it out if you're looking for some tasty cocktails, a fun story, and brand new specials. Maybe you'll find the whale you're looking for.
Lost Whale is open daily beginning at 4 p.m.
