EXO Lounge​ is quite simply, EXtraOrdinary

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Going out just got a lot more interesting in Edwardsville. At the new EXO Lounge, you can sip unique cocktails, premium wines and whiskeys or NA beverages like local Goshen coffee, kombucha and cold-pressed juice. Next door is EXO Nail Bar, with top-of-the-line services at affordable prices (basic manicure: $15; basic pedicure: $25). EXO Nail Bar works in unison with EXO Lounge in order to have your drink brought to you while receiving your manicure or pedicure.

“It’s not just a place people come to have their nails done and grab a drink,” said EXO founder Gina Gamblin. “Even if you don’t want your nails done, the lounge is quickly becoming a popular place for people to hang out.”

EXO’s signature cocktail list is unparalleled. The Bubbling Berries features blackberries and blueberries marinated in Grand Marnier, along with with fresh citrus juices, Champagne and dry ice. Made with matcha powder and packed with antioxidants, the Matcha-Do-About-Nothing is another crowd pleaser. And the dessert-like white chocolate martini includes activated charcoal to help detoxify your body.

“Our beverages will make your taste buds run wild,” Gamblin said. 

There’s also a variety of snacks like hummus, tapenade and macarons, as well as the signature charcuterie board.

“We worked extremely hard to put together a menu that would inspire, and this board certainly does,” Gamblin says. “It boasts a range of artisan cheese from our local friends at Ludwig Farmstead. If that doesn’t make your mouth water, maybe the Volpi sliced meats and our selection of nuts and bread will. The charcuterie board is delicious paired with some of our premium red wines, including Nickel & Nickel Cabernet, Opus One and Caymus Conundrum.”

Conceptualized by Shannon Petrou Design, the Instagram-worthy lounge is a stunning destination with a glossy black quartz bar top, brass tabletops in luxurious velvet and leather booths and 3-D gold ceiling panels flanking the cove-lit coffered ceiling. With the addition of starburst crystal chandeliers, herringbone Italian porcelain floor tiles and crocodile-embossed black wall coverings, the lounge exudes opulence. There are also six custom laser-cut brass liquor lockers for elite members to store their personal liquor. 

“We’ve been told it’s like stepping into a New York cocktail lounge without the fancy prices,” she said. “Your senses will be inspired as you dance, socialize and enjoy the finer things in life. During the weekdays, people stop in to have a nice relaxing afternoon, usually at one of our business happy hours. Later in the week, things start to ramp up as we set the tone for those who want to get a little frisky and let the night take them away. We up the tempo with our state-of-the-art audio system and dance until the early hours of the morning. We have DJs and live musicians every weekend and on select weekdays.”

An impressive 1,700-square-foot patio will open in the spring. 

“What beats a gorgeous sunset as you relax and socialize with friends in a unique atmosphere with live music and tasty cocktails?” Gamblin said. “With its own bar, fire, water features and outdoor TV, it’s going to be the No. 1 hang spot in Edwardsville.”

EXO Lounge is open 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, till 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and till 8 p.m. Sunday, with happy hour specials from 4 to 7 p.m. daily. EXO Nail Bar is open 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

“We focus on a blend of culture, merging the Vietnamese skills and expertise in the nail industry with the American passion for entertainment and high-level service. Health and wellbeing are ingrained in our philosophy, which is why we are Edwardsville’s first and only nail bar with a state-of-the-art ventilation system at each station. This reduces health concerns regarding the inhaling of toxic fumes for both employees and customers. Did we mention you order your drinks from your very own iPad, located at each station?”

For information on renting out the space, email general manager Marcus Owen at Marcus@VisitEXO.com. For general information, go to visitexo.com.