Photograph by Alison Sun
An Over-the-Rhine party destination-turned-artsy bar, Lost & Found OTR marks Cincinnati’s newest cocktail spot. Co-owners Camilo Otalora and Steven Clemin first gained a reputation throwing biannual ragers in the space—on East 14th Street between Vine and Walnut—which used to be their garage.
“[Local band] Multimagic played their very first show in this garage,” says Otalora. “We had one that was a New Year’s party, and we had a line all the way to the Bagelry. We kind of realized that there’s something here to be had.”
Photograph by Alison Sun
Photograph by Victoria Moorwood
The two roommates’ knack for creating a fun and inviting atmosphere led them to renovate the space into a chicly decorated bar, which celebrates Cincinnati’s creativity with an adventurous beverage program.
“There’s an incredible arts community here, so why not build a bar that represents and exemplifies that color?” says Clemin, referring to the eye-catching murals that cover Lost & Found’s walls. The funky focal pieces, brought to life by Cincinnati artist Cody Gunningham, begin at the bright yellow entryway, extend to the graffiti behind the marble bar, and continue to the wallpapered bathrooms.
The bar concept, which focuses on cocktails, simplified ingredients, and local produce for bold flavors, is lead by Clemin, who has 12 years of bartending under his belt and previously worked as the bar manager at Salazar.
“We’re trying to do something kind of different while being respectful to the ingredients,” he says.
For non–spirit drinkers, Lost & Found OTR also offers an elevated wine program, with German, Austrian, and Californian wines. The beer list includes a Canadian IPA, Stone IPA’s Notorious P.O.G., a German Pilsner, and an American Lager. For a late-night bite, the menu also provides tapas-style shareable dishes.
While neither Clemin nor Otalora are native Cincinnatians, they say their love for the Queen City is what inspired them to make Lost & Found a permanent fixture.
“This space is truly for the community,” says Clemin. “I just fell in love with the city. That’s why we decided to open a business together here, because we love this city.”
Lost & Found OTR, 22 E. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 834-8441, lostandfoundotr.com
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