The Lost Lake is a cocktail bar located in the Logan Square Neighborhood in Chicago and it is designed to emulate the feeling of being on a tropical island. The oasis was inspired by previous eras, specifically the 30s in Hollywood and the island-like nautical aesthetic that brought the first ever tiki bar, 'Don's Beachcomber Cafe.'
To draw similar energy, it features a lauhala roof, banana leaf-printed wallpapers, and tropical libations. The cocktail program nods to the 80s, drawing in more retro themes, featuring a menu that dives into rich and exotic cocktail history. The team also translate the same ambiance with their tropical attire, well-versed in rum, and friendly demeanor. The Lost Lake is meant to take guests on what feels like a mini island vacation.
Tropical-Themed Cocktail Bars
The Lost Lake Captures an Island Ambiance with Decor and Music
Trend Themes
1. Tropical-themed Bars - The growing demand for immersive bar experiences presents an opportunity for more bars like The Lost Lake to create immersive tropical-themed experiences for patrons, bringing an opportunity for exotic decoration, unique cocktail menu designs, and high demand for tropical themed drink ingredients
2. Reviving Retro Themes - The popularity of The Lost Lake's retro themes in cocktail menus presents an opportunity for bars to revive retro themes drawn from exotic cocktail history, multiple decades and bring back innovation for these time-honored themes
3. Tropical Attire - With the growing appreciation for immersive bar experiences, there's a market opportunity for more bars to introduce themed attire for bartenders to help bring the theme to life for patrons and boost sales
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality Industry - Bars, resorts, and various hospitality establishments can draw inspiration from themes like The Lost Lake to create their own unique and immersive experiences to attract and retain customers
2. Spirits Industry - The Lost Lake's cocktail program highlights the potential demand and market opportunity for spirits companies to develop and market new ingredients, such as tropical rum, to bars that aim to create unique tropical cocktails
3. Event Planning Industry - Event planners can integrate elements of The Lost Lake's themes and atmosphere to create immersive event experiences to transport guests to a tropical oasis, adding value to planning services and expanding their customer base