New Columbus-Area Bars to Check Out This Summer
From The Nine in Worthington to Franklinton’s The Shapeshifter, it’s an exciting time for bar openings in Central Ohio.
New Columbus-Area Bars to Check Out This Summer
By Erin Edwards
After visiting new bar after new bar for this story, I couldn’t help but think back to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it had on local watering holes.
How those tight-and-confined spaces—where you could relax with a drink in hand and share conversation (and the same air) as other people—suddenly became no-go zones. So many bars closed down for months and some never returned. I remember thinking: Will Columbus’ bar scene ever recover?
Pandemic-era concerns—the high cost of ingredients, staffing shortages—still operate in the background along with new worries, Namely that the youths don’t drink.
Despite those concerns, I think the bar scene is looking more hopeful and exciting than it has in years. This spring/summer feels like a turning point—a time when new bars are sprouting like mushrooms in the Shire. And not just new bars but interesting spaces with a story to tell about Columbus in the here and now.
Here are eight newcomers to check out plus two more cocktail bars to look forward to:
If you love maximalism, inventive cocktails and inclusive spaces…
Franklinton finally has a proper cocktail bar thanks to former Mouton manager Theo Lentz, who opened The Shapeshifter in June. The colorful, art-filled space is located at 129 McDowell St., just steps away from Land-Grant Brewing, Rehab Tavern and Wild Goose Creative’s new space. The bar carries a lineup of creative cocktails built around a theme as well as twists on classic cocktails, a handful of beers, NA drinks and affordably priced wines by the glass. The snack menu includes items such as a charcuterie, deviled eggs, dill pickle popcorn and an intriguing dirty martini dip. Happy hour is 5-6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and all day Sunday, when cocktails are $2 off.
If you love hanging out in your friend’s hip, plant-filled living room…
If there’s any indication that hard, community-style tables are out, and lounge seating is in–it’s Good Land at 510 W. Walnut St. And what a fun hang Good Land is. On one hand, this Sweeney’s neighbor is a retail shop selling t-shirts, hats, 3D-printed home decor and wine bottles. On the other, it’s an indoor/outdoor lounge filled with greenery, retro couches and board games. The large back deck offers room to spread out, and alongside it is an art-filled gallery room that provides even more comfy sofa seating. It’s like being at your neighbor’s, only cooler. If looking to imbibe, guests can either grab a wine bottle from the cooler to open on site or order a wine, beer or cocktail from the bartender. Happy hour takes place 5-7 p.m.Tuesday through Friday, when all bottles are $10 off and drafts are $2 off.
If you still love draft beer but also liquor and citywides…
The Daily Etcetera isn’t new-new, but it’s the name of a fresh chapter for the Brewery District bar formerly known as The Daily Growler. Likely thinking, like the rest of us, that beer growlers are so 2010s, the establishment shut down this spring for a cosmetic renovation and overhaul of its beverage offerings. The bar briefly reopened in June, showing off a new-look downstairs bar, new rugs on the floors and fresh paint on the walls. (The overall aesthetic is now closer to The Daily Bar in Italian Village.) The Daily Etcetera still offers tons of craft beer (24 on draft), but now places more emphasis on cocktails, wine and “citywides,” which are Philly-inspired “beer-and-a-shot” pairings. Etcetera retains my favorite aspect, which is a wide range of nooks and crannies where you can sit, including patio seating out front, standard tables downstairs, cozy couches upstairs and firepit seating out back. Two weeks after reopening, the bar became yet another victim of the car-crashing-through-front-door phenomenon. Luckily, the business was closed at the time and damage wasn’t too severe. The Daily Etcetera re-reopens today, July 8, at 702 S. High St.
If you miss The Light of Seven Matchsticks…
Although it can’t replace the free-wheeling creativity of The Light of Seven Matchsticks, The Nine (5597 N. High St.) might fill that Matchsticks-shaped hole in your heart, especially if you live near Worthington. I love the sophisticated vibe of this subterranean bar/restaurant—it’s a nice date night spot (though not quiet)—and I love the elegance of the cocktails even more. Beer and wine is also available. The tight food menu ranges from whipped feta to aguachile to nebbiolo-braised short ribs. Be forewarned that The Nine does not accept reservations, so plan accordingly.
If you miss The Grass Skirt…
Speaking of maximalism, the owners of the new Mound Street location of Huli Huli Tiki Lounge have done a stellar job turning the former Jury Room into a Polynesian fever dream. There’s lava, fishing nets, totems, skulls, bamboo, orchids aplenty, neon straws, little umbrellas and, of course, a wide range of amusing tiki mugs. And did I mention the Moai fireplace? Columbus hasn’t had a tiki bar since The Grass Skirt shuttered in 2019, so it’s wonderful to see its neon-hued return. The bar just added a patio out front, plus there is free parking after 5:30 p.m. and on weekends.
