Lost Whale is a Midwestern pub focused on hospitality and was founded by two industry veterans. An April Fool’s Day report from years ago concerning whale sightings in Lake Michigan is where the phrase “The Lost Whale” originated. There is even a Facebook group with over 11,000 members who are all hoping to see a Lake Michigan whale because so many people took it seriously. But they’re wasting their efforts because there have never been any whales in that lake. The Lost Whale is dedicated to neighborhood initiatives and nonprofits that protect and preserve Milwaukee’s waterways. This is because the establishment is situated on the Kinnickinnic River and was inspired by a legend from Lake Michigan. The bar practices sustainability in various ways, including using compostable straws, repurposing produce, recycling, and composting garbage.

Lost Whale serves house staple cocktails, spiritless cocktails, and non-alcoholic beers, among a variety of alcoholic beverages. Non-drinkers can try the Hemingway-ish Daquiri, made with Ritual Zero-Proof Rum, grapefruit lime, Demerara, Bittercube Jamaican No.2, Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters, and grapefruit essence. They can also choose to drink the Run Wild Session IPA or the Upside Down Golden Ale from the Athletic Brewing Co., which both have 0.5% ABV. Some of their cocktails have been featured in publications, like the Oops Not Berry’s in Forbes.