Over-the-Rhine's newest cocktail bar is a funky, community-driven gathering space with an inventive drink menu and small bites inside of a creative, art-filled environment.
Co-owners Steven Clement and Camilo Otalora are the masterminds behind the bar, with the goal of creating a space where guests can feel welcome and inspired.
The bar was formerly a four-to-five car garage, which was attached to a three-bedroom home purchased by Otalora in 2013. It was zoned to be used as a commercial space and he had plans to utilize it in some form for hospitality.
"When I moved into one of the rooms upstairs, we both had a common interest in being hospitable and hosting people from the community through music, imbibing, food and (as) a safe haven (in case someone had a little too much, they were always welcome to crash somewhere in the house)," says Clement in an email. "There is a lot of history to the space itself. We're very connected to it. I can still hear the laughs and see the smiles that have wandered in and out of 22 E. 14th St."
Almost everything you see throughout the bar was made by local artists, ranging from massive murals by Cody Gunningham to obscure ceramics by Taylor Carter of CKTC and upholstery by Helen Smith of Helltown Workshop.
Guests can expect an unconventional cocktail menu featuring fresh-from-the-garden ingredients used in unique boozy pairings like in the Betelgeuse, with gin, beets, dill, lemon and dijon ($9). If cocktails aren't your thing, they offer four craft beers on draft as well as a carefully curated wine selection.
They also feature a menu of light bites including items like crudite, with seasonal vegetables, romesco and bagna cauda ($7). Or crostini, with Leonora cheese, mulberry, oat crumble and micro greens ($7).
"Providing a space that people can hang out in, be inspired by and get some good grub and drinks at brings so much joy to my heart and I hope it's expressed by our final product," says Clement.
Lost & Found is located at 22 E. 14th St. in Over-the-Rhine.
Photos by Hailey Bollinger
