The Early Word on Lost Lake and Thank You

It's been about a month and so far, Chicago's found Lost Lake in Logan Square as a shelter from the city's frigid winter. Paul McGee's collaboration between Land and Sea Dept. (Longman & Eagle) opened in mid-January, and even Loop regulars who frequented McGee's former bar, Three Dots and a Dash, are impressed. Check out these early impressions.

The service news: Management has taken pride in staff training, including bringing in tiki guru Martin Cate. But what do customers say? On Facebook a commenter is impressed: "Fantastic service, excellent drinks, scrumptious food...A new Logan Square gem." But a Yelper noted that there was some early speed bumps: "it took FOREVER to get someone's attention to order." Overall, one user on Twitter wrote that Lost Lake's "an oasis in the frozen tundra that is Chicago."

The line news: Every hot spot draws a crowd, and Yelp's flooded with opinions about the lines. There's a bit of a dichotomy between buttoned-up downtown dwellers and the more laid back crowd in Logan Square. One on Yelp described the eclectic customers none too flattering: "If you see a line for what appears to be a psych ward waiting room, you're at the right spot." But braving the line is worth it, according to a Tweet: "Finally made it out to @lostlaketiki last night, definitely worth the hype #tikiplease."

The food and drink news: Also opening at the same time next door, Thank You dishes out Chinese-American favorites like fried rice and Mongolian beef for take out and to soak up that rum at Lost Lake. The food is tasty, but had "small portions for the price." Tiki drinks are the focus, and one Facebooker raved, "OH MY GOD the gardenia  [honey, butter, spices] is so good!" Vampires should use care, as a Foursquare user wrote that "if you like garlic, try the Peanut Snack, the chewy garlic is amazing."

The Three Dots comparisons news: Patrons frequently compared Lost Lake to McGee's former haunt, Three Dots and A Dash. Many prefer the Lost Lake's casual vibe, as one Yelper noted Lost Lake isn't near The Loop and public transportation: "Great alternative to Three Dots if you have a car!" A commenter on Foursquare remains confused: "Are these the same drinks as 3 dots or nah?"