Aqua Lounge, a Shiny New Champagne Bar Downtown

Aqua Lounge, a new Champagne bar at the corner of 5th and Spring, opened early September in the former Stray Cat Cafe space. Founded by Tyler Duncan, who also started the adjacent Onyx Lounge, the dark, oceanic interior hosts a bevy of bottles, 15 Champagnes by the glass, and cocktails. Some of the highlights include glasses of 2002 Bernard Tornay for $15 or Louis Casters Cuvee Superieure for $14.

The menu, put together by chef Lionel Mugol (Takami), features a selection of sashimi, shareable bites like gougère and deviled eggs, as well as a half-dozen artisanal cheeses. Despite its name, this establishment bears no relation to Aqua Lounge from Beverly Hills, which shuttered in 2010. Agua Lounge Downtown is open Tuesday to Friday from 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., and Saturday until 1 a.m. [ELA]