First Look: Torpedo Room Relaunches into Members-Only Film-Centric Speakeasy

 

Gateway Film Center President Chris Hamel spent a lot of time researching speakeasies attached to movie theaters across the U.S., and couldn’t find a precedent. Which means that the renovated Torpedo Room may be a first not just for Columbus, but for the U.S. as a whole.

 

“If I’m going to be quoted, I feel confident saying thus far we haven’t found another in North America,” he stated during an opening preview of the space on Wednesday afternoon. “If there’s one out there, get in touch with us, because we want to collaborate. But as of right now, being this unique is pretty cool for Columbus.”

 

The nautical-themed restaurant and bar first opened in 2014 as a collaboration between the film center and local restaurateur Elizabeth Lessner. And while the theme remains intact, the renovations have breathed some new life into the space 10 years later.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-torpedo-room-relaunches-into-members-only-film-centric-speakeasy-we1/

 

First Look: Casa Cacao is Columbus’ First Kava and Cacao Bar

 

Columbus’ first bar dedicated to serving kava and cacao is now open at 367 E. Hudson St. in Old North.

Casa Cacao has carved out a home inside a long-dormant building with a long history, from being a theater to a barbershop to a church. A few long pews are some of the seating options inside of Casa Cacao, nodding to its history. More traditional seating options, including a long bar with stools, a secluded couch in the front window, and long tables create an atmosphere primed for working away from home. A back patio is nearly ready to welcome patrons for warmer weather.

Owner Alaya Wolak, daughter of Nick Wolak of Evolved Body Art, has created a menu that highlights two plant ingredients, kava and cacao.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-casa-cacao-is-columbus-first-kava-and-cacao-bar-as1/

 

PBR Cowboy Bar + Smokehouse opens at Easton Town Center Thursday

 

Easton Town Center’s newest dining and entertainment attraction opens this week.

 

PBR Cowboy Bar + Smokehouse will welcome the public to its new Columbus venue at 3950 Gramercy St. starting at 9 p.m. Thursday.

 

The bar will open Friday for happy hour and dinner service at 4 p.m.

 

Regular hours will begin on Saturday when it will open at 11 a.m. Normal hours going forward will be Sunday to Wednesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/02/28/pbr-cowboy-bar-smokehouse-opens-easton-town-center.html

 

First Look: Bull-Riding Bar Opens at Easton

 

Saddle up for your next night out at Easton. Bull riding has officially arrived at the shopping and entertainment center as PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse opens its doors at 3950 Gramercy St.

 

According to PBR Cowboy, their bucking bronco is the “only league-endorsed mechanical bull in the region.” (And it’s the only PBR Cowboy location in Ohio.) For those looking to take a ride, the bull’s hours are limited – 7 p.m. to close Thursday through Saturday. But that’s not all guests will find in the 8,500 square foot bar and restaurant.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-bull-riding-bar-opens-at-easton-sp1/

 

Pickleball-anchored sports and entertainment venue coming to Westerville

 

A pickleball-anchored entertainment venue with food, drinks and other recreational activities is coming to Westerville.

 

Smash Park Entertainment Group, an Iowa-based company with multiple locations in the Midwest, will build its newest facility at the southeast corner of Polaris Parkway and Cleveland Avenue. It will be located within Westerville's Westar Place district, which the city has prioritized for new amenities to serve nearby businesses and activate the area throughout the week.

 

“Westerville is home to a number of corporate headquarters, and this is exactly the type of amenity those businesses have requested and that we’ve envisioned for this prominent site," Westerville Economic Development Director Rachel Ray said in a press release. "With its event spaces and team-focused games, we’re confident that Smash Park will become a go-to destination for employees of Westar business and visitors from across the region.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/03/06/smash-park-entertainment-venue-westar-westerville.html & https://columbusunderground.com/new-pickleball-entertainment-venue-headed-for-westerville-sp1/

 

On 3/6/2024 at 3:53 PM, ColDayMan said:

Pickleball-anchored sports and entertainment venue coming to Westerville

 

A pickleball-anchored entertainment venue with food, drinks and other recreational activities is coming to Westerville.

 

Smash Park Entertainment Group, an Iowa-based company with multiple locations in the Midwest, will build its newest facility at the southeast corner of Polaris Parkway and Cleveland Avenue. It will be located within Westerville's Westar Place district, which the city has prioritized for new amenities to serve nearby businesses and activate the area throughout the week.

 

“Westerville is home to a number of corporate headquarters, and this is exactly the type of amenity those businesses have requested and that we’ve envisioned for this prominent site," Westerville Economic Development Director Rachel Ray said in a press release. "With its event spaces and team-focused games, we’re confident that Smash Park will become a go-to destination for employees of Westar business and visitors from across the region.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/03/06/smash-park-entertainment-venue-westar-westerville.html

 

Is this the lot that has a pond right at the corner, the one more at Altair Pkwy? It didn’t give a great example of the location. They are going to need to add a parking garage to this development soon. 

Edited March 10, 20241 yr by VintageLife

@aderwent^

Houses on Franklinton street are being transformed into music venue, restaurants, bar and more

 

Developers want to transform a row of houses on sleepy Walnut Street in East Franklinton into a collection of music venues and small businesses, including a bar and restaurant.

 

Jim Sweeney, former executive director of the Franklinton Development Association, and Blake Compton, owner of Compton Construction, are partnering on the project.

 

"The music is already here, we just have to accentuate it," Compton said.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/03/07/walnut-houses.html

 

First Look: I Like It Like That to Open Adjoining Natalie’s Grandview

 

I arrived at I Like It Like That for the first time in mid-February 2024. Something innocuous to the lay reader was happening; they were assigning table numbers.

 

For those of you who don’t work in the industry — every table, bar seat, and rickety bench you’ve ever sat at has a (secret to you) number assigned to it. This number becomes shorthand for almost everything: who is serving you, what food you ordered and when, and how many people at your table have a soy allergy.

 

As if by magic, these numbers become symbolic. Weeks later, servers talk about their Number 71 because every good storyteller knows that the first step to jogging a memory is setting the scene. These numbers serve as collective memory and a quick point-of-reference between all staff members.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-i-like-it-like-that-to-open-adjoining-natalies-grandview-sk1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/03/20/natalies-grandview-opens-new-bar-i-like-it-like-t.html

 

Saucy Brew Works to run Urban Meyer's Pint House at Bridge Park

 

An Ohio craft brewery will soon operate Urban Meyer’s Pint House at Bridge Park in Dublin.

 

Cleveland-based Saucy Brew Works is coming on as a partner with Columbus’ One Hospitality, which opened that restaurant and bar in 2019.  

 

Saucy operates six bars and restaurants around the state already, including a Harrison West location that opened in 2020. One Hospitality operates six bars and restaurants, but the Pint House is the only location it has outside the Short North area.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/25/saucy-brew-works-to-run-urban-meyers-pint-house-a.html

 

Sports Betting Bar Opening Soon in Short North

 

Sports entertainment and gaming company DraftKings is staking its claim in the Short North. The company will partner with Live! Hospitality & Entertainment to open DraftKing Sports & Social at 840 N. High St. in the Short North. It will make its debut at 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.

 

It’s the third DraftKings branded Sports & Social to open in the country and the first in Ohio, joining locations in Troy, MI and Nashville, TN. (Live! Hospitality operates several other Sports & Social venues across the country.) It fills the 5,500 square foot void left behind by Melt Bar & Grilled, which permanently closed in the summer of 2022. The venue will be Live! Hospitality’s second venture in Central Ohio. It’s also behind the recently-opened PBR Cowboy at Easton.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/sports-betting-bar-opening-soon-in-short-north-sp1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/04/29/draftkings-sports-social-opening-short-north-nex.html

 

First Look: Land-Grant Expands Franklinton Campus with New Bar

 

Land-Grant Brewing Company is opening a playground. Not in the literal sense – though there is the Gravity Experience Park – but the figurative one as they unveil the Land-Grant Extension on Friday, May 17.

 

Located at 458 Chapel Alley at the rear of the Idea Foundry near the Park, the Extension serves as a space to test recipes and get innovative – while still having a little something for everyone.

 

The Extension’s menu offers a curated list of wines and spirits, a line up of specialty cocktails…and a lot of new avenues for the 10-year-old brewery.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-land-grant-expands-franklinton-campus-with-new-bar-sp1/

 

Old North Music Venue Adding Coffee, More Food Options

 

What do coffee, hot dogs, barbecue and live music have in common? Soon, Ace of Cups.

 

While the Old North music venue has long hosted Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace and Blackened Coffee Co. are joining the party at 2619 N. High St.

 

The last few years have brought changes to the venue which initially opened in 2011. A new ownership group took control in 2021 and has since made interior and exterior updates, expanded the events schedule and improved amenities. Up next are improvements to the patio and balcony space, and the owners are also implementing a first for the venue – food will be available to order inside.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/old-north-music-venue-adding-coffee-more-food-options-sp1/

 

Sports Bar Homefield Opening in Grandview

 

Sports, a little bit of nostalgia and an all-American menu are the hallmarks of a new bar and restaurant opening this summer in Grandview.

 

Homefield will take over the former home of Round II, which quietly closed up shop earlier this year at 1312 Grandview Ave.

 

It’s a bit of a serendipitous full-circle moment, and a new line of business, for Owner Matt Barnes. Before moving to its current location in the Trolley District, Barnes’ members-only Leisure Club also had a Grandview Avenue address. He’d thought the Round II space would be a great location for a sports bar – with a little bit of nostalgic, Leisure Club touch.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/sports-bar-homefield-opening-in-grandview-sp1/

 

High Bank targeting late summer opening, shares details on Westerville speakeasy

 

High Bank Distillery expects to open in Uptown Westerville by early August.

 

The Central Ohio spirits maker and restaurant operator last spring announced plans to take over the historic post office building at 28 S. State St. with a restaurant on the ground floor and a speakeasy bar in the basement.

 

Adam Hines, co-owner and master distiller, said history was the allure of the space.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/06/14/high-bank-distillery-westerville-speakeasy-opening.html

 

Plain City getting private bourbon and cocktail club with 114 West

 

A private Powell cocktail club is adding a second location.

 

Owner Gretchen Bonasera, who opened 80 East in Powell in 2022 this month will add 114 West in Plain City.

 

The bourbon and cocktail bar and restaurant is taking the third floor of the building at 114 W. Main St. in that town.

 

Plain City might strike some as an unconventional choice, but Bonasera said the region is growing and likely will continue to based on Central Ohio’s housing needs, so what might feel far to some now, is going to feel much closer in the years to come. Not that it’s truly that far in the first place.

 

“We’re already close to both Hilliard and Dublin. We’re 10 minutes from Muirfield Drive,” she said. “Our intention is to be in communities. We want to be a 10-minute drive or a $10 Uber ride from where you live.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/05/plain-city-bourbon-cocktail-114-west-opening.html

 

See inside Homefield, a new sports bar on Grandview Avenue

 

Grandview has a new sports bar. Homefield opened Saturday at 1312 Grandview Ave., the former home of Round II.

 

Brand and experience consultant Matt Barnes describes Homefield as a classic sports bar where you can grab a drink, a bite to eat, play some games and talk sports.

 

The project is a collaboration between Barnes and the owners of Grandview Cafe. Barnes also is the owner of members-only social lounge Leisure Club, which previously had a location on Grandview Avenue before moving to the Trolley District last year.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/08/homefield-bar-open-grandview.html

 

Little Rock Bar in Italian Village closing, but new owners lined up

 

One of the pioneers of 4th Street in Italian Village is closing, but it won’t be gone for long.

 

The last day of business at Little Rock Bar, which opened at 944 N. 4th St. in 2013, will be Aug. 18.

 

Owner Quinn Fallon announced the decision on social media. The neighborhood bar will maintain normal hours until then. 

 

“We’ve had a fantastic run, but for me personally, it’s time to step out from behind the bar,” he wrote. “I’ve been solely in the service industry since I started bussing tables at Farrell’s Ice Cream at Graceland on my 16th birthday in 1981. My job was clearing tables, washing dishes, mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, and taking out the trash. 43 years later, my job hasn’t changed much.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/08/02/little-rock-bar-closing-new-owners.html

 

Neighborhood bar that's part of transformational Franklinton project to open soon

 

A new Franklinton bar is scheduled to open soon on Walnut Street.

 

Sweeney's Walnut Street Tavern, built by Jim Sweeney, former executive director of the Franklinton Development Association, will open this fall at 500 W. Walnut St.

 

Sweeney and Blake Compton, owner of Compton Construction, are working to transform the street of small homes into a quirky commercial corridor. There are eight houses slated for renovation in total: 494, 500, 510, 514, 530, 532, 536 and 544 W. Walnut St.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/08/08/walnut-street-update.html

 

The Rivington taking former Bar 23 space, opening in 2025

 

A new cocktail, food and live music venue is coming to the Short North.

 

The Rivington is expected to open at 584 N. High St. in early 2025.

 

It is owned by Matthew Silva and brothers Corey and Kyle Jenkins. The trio haven’t operated any establishments in Columbus, but are hospitality industry veterans.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/08/16/the-rivington-bar-23-short-north.html

 

The Rivington hopes to include a touch of Broadway in its performer mix

 

Though the owners of The Rivington expect their food and drinks to stand out, it’s the entertainment they hope will really make the venue shine.

 

The upcoming restaurant, cocktail bar and live performance space expects to open at 584 N. High St. in the Short North in February.

 

The vision, according to co-owner Corey Jenkins, is a theatrical venue combined with a New York supper club.

 

Jenkins is joined in the venture by his brother Kyle Jenkins and Matthew Silva. Corey Jenkins and Silva lived in New York for 20 years before relocating to Columbus in 2020. Silva was a partner in the eight-unit Sauce Restaurant & Pizzeria chain.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/08/23/the-rivington-hopes-to-include-a-touch-of-broadway.html?csrc=6398&utm_campaign=trueAnthemTrendingContent&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR23KqZrRTXysC-hPpU52rtSUVhLosbb0DWdO89RYehF540UQZLpMbc2ZYE_aem_68MbiiZNNJNdJXkbTsicDg & https://columbusunderground.com/cocktail-bar-coming-to-the-cap-in-the-short-north-ak1/

 

Sweeney's Walnut Street Tavern opens in Franklinton

 

Franklinton’s newest bar opens Thursday.

 

Sweeney’s Walnut Street Tavern is ready to welcome in the public at 500 W. Walnut St.

 

It’s been at least three years of work for Jim Sweeney, former executive director of the Franklinton Development Association, to transform the first of several old houses in the neighborhood into new uses.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/08/29/sweeneys-walnut-street-tavern-opens-franklinton.html

 

First Phase of Walnut Street Project Kicks Off with Launch of Sweeney’s

 

If everything goes according to plan, then a quiet residential street in Franklinton will slowly become a new entertainment hotspot over the next several years.

 

A vision to convert the row of houses along Walnut Street into commercial use was inspired by Rainey Street in Austin, and spearheaded by resident Jim Sweeney, who took the first steps with his own home at 500 West Walnut Street. As of yesterday, that address is now home to Sweeney’s Walnut Street Tavern, which hosted a grand opening party for friends, family and neighbors in the community.

 

“I’m a planner, and I’m a big fan of adaptive, creative reuse of buildings in order to keep them, explained Sweeney during an interview with CU in the summer of 2023, prior to the start of construction. “And I’m particularly enthused now by the the way that the city and others have embraced adaptive reuse of buildings, with higher density and more creative zoning approaches.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/first-phase-of-walnut-street-project-kicks-off-with-launch-of-sweeneys-we1/

 

Bexley Home to Latest Cocktail Bar

 

A new cocktail bar has made its way to Bexley.

 

The Lion opened last Friday at 2511 E. Main St. The cocktail bar is run by Bexley Hospitality — a hospitality company founded by Bexley residents Matt Eshelbrenner and Mike Davis. The Lion, named after Bexley High School’s mascot, serves craft cocktails and various drinks. 

 

The cocktails are priced at $16, with classic drinks such as Moscow Mules and Martinis. Additionally, food trucks located outside the bar will rotate regularly. Buckeye Country Angus was the first food truck to accompany the bar for its grand opening. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/bexley-home-to-latest-cocktail-bar-ak1/

 

Adelaide's Gin Joint could make a comeback with a new owner

 

The owner of a closed Old North Columbus cocktail bar hopes it will get new life with a new owner.

 

Adelaide’s Gin Joint at 2333 N. High St. opened last fall, but closed over the summer after less than a year in business.

 

The “prohibition inspired” spirits, dining and music venue was started by husband-and-wife team Rodrick Pauley and Laura Justice.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/09/11/adelaides-gin-joint-could-continue-with-a-new-own.html

 

Thirsty’s Pub to Replace Little Rock Bar in Italian Village

 

A West Side pub is expanding into the city and is opening its second location in the former Little Rock Bar. 

 

Thirsty’s Pub will open on Oct. 18 at 944 N. Fourth St. The pub is owned by partners Summer Stepp and Taylor Bryant, who opened the first Thirsty’s Pub in 2020 at 5668 W. Broad St. in Galloway. 

 

Thirsty’s is taking the place of Little Rock Bar, which was open from 2013 until August of this year.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/thirstys-pub-to-replace-little-rock-bar-in-italian-village-ak1/

 

City Winery still plans to open in Columbus – what's behind the delay

 

City Winery still expects to be pouring glasses and hosting shows in Columbus.

 

The New York-based restaurant and entertainment venue announced plans to open a Columbus location at 2108 S. High St in 2022.

 

But news on the project has been mostly quiet since then.

 

Founder Michael Dorf this week told Columbus Business First that City Winery still is coming.

 

“We are almost there and look forward to starting construction soon,” he wrote in an email.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/10/11/city-winery-columbus-construction-soon.html

 

Gay Street Home to New Sports Bar and Lounge

 

Sam Chedid and Francesco Todisco closed down their German Village restaurants in August, but it didn’t take long for them to get back into the swing of things. 

 

Capri officially opened at 39 E. Gay St., formerly ML Lounge, on Monday. The bar features cocktails and small plates and will showcase a variety of sports from across the country. The concept comes after the closure of Chedid and Todisco’s Ferdinand Lounge at 491 S. Fourth St. and Bistrolino at 495 S. Fourth St. 

 

The space can hold roughly 45 people inside and 15 to 20 outside. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/gay-street-home-to-new-sports-bar-and-lounge-ak1/

 

New Golf-Inspired Cocktail Club Slated for Dublin’s Bridge Park

 

The owner of numerous popular Cincinnati bars and restaurants is bringing his latest concept to Dublin. 

 

Sand Valley Cocktail Club is expected to open in early 2025 at 6770 Riverside Dr., across the street from North Market Bridge Park. The club will span over 2,200 square feet and feature indoor and outdoor patio seating with a view of the Scioto River. 

 

Sand Valley is the latest concept of Gorilla Cinema Presents, a Cincinnati-based bar and restaurant company inspired by film, music and pop culture. Founded by Jacob Treviño, GCP is responsible for Cincinnati concepts such as Tokyo Kitty, a Japanese-stye karaoke bar, and The Overlook Lodge, an apres ski bar inspired by “The Shining.”  

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/new-golf-inspired-cocktail-club-slated-for-dublins-bridge-park-ak1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/10/18/sand-valley-cocktail-club-bridge-park-dublin.html

 

Hilliard Home to New Winery

 

A new family-owned winery has opened its doors in Hilliard.

 

Firefly Winery celebrated its grand opening last weekend at 5435 Franklin St. Founded by partners Jennifer and Joe Hollanbaugh, Firefly Winery’s official first day of business was Oct. 17. The winery serves a variety of drinks and small bites such as charcuterie boards, salads and sandwiches.

 

Joe has close to 20 years of wine-making under his belt, according to Firefly’s website. When Jennifer made a Facebook post in 2021 asking if people in the Hilliard area would support a winery, she received an overwhelmingly positive response.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/hilliard-home-to-new-winery-ak1/

 

High Bank Distillery's speakeasy, P.O. Box 21, opens next week

 

P.O. Box 21 hopes to deliver a true speakeasy experience.

 

High Bank Distillery’s new bar opens Wednesday beneath the Westerville restaurant it opened in August at 28 S. State St.

 

Adam Hines, co-owner and master distiller, committed both to the theater of a true speakeasy and the actual history of the building, which was a post office. And not just any post office, but one opened to handle mailings from the Westerville-based Anti-Saloon League during its role in the temperance movement.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/10/25/high-bank-distillery-speakeasy-po-box-21-westervil.html

 

New Bar Opens on Downtown’s Main Street

 

Mainline Bar + Courtyard is ready for business. 

 

The new bar, owned by Miles Drake, opened Saturday at 216 E. Main St., formerly a part of Lev’s Pawn Shop which is still directly attached at 220 E. Main St. The space has indoor and outdoor seating and will feature rotating food trucks. 

 

Spanning 3,500 square feet, Mainline features a 58-foot bar. The space can hold 99 people inside and 49 outside. Various games like pool and shuffleboard are a part of the bar’s offered entertainment, as well as numerous TVs for sporting events.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/new-bar-opens-on-downtowns-main-street-ak1/

 

OTR's Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge expanding to two new cities in 2025

 

An Over-the-Rhine jazz bar and wine lounge is expanding to two new cities in 2025.

 

The owner of Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge, which opened in a 1,650-square-foot space at 1432 Vine St. in 2020, announced Dec. 4 she is opening two new locations – in Atlanta and Columbus – next year. Both are expected to open by fall.

...

The Columbus location will open in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood, while the Atlanta bar will sit in that city's downtown, near Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. Addresses for each bar were not disclosed.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2024/12/04/nostalgia-wine-jazz-bar-expands-atlanta-columbus.html

Rise Brands reviving Bogey Inn as 3-acre 'entertainment campus' in Dublin

 

The owner of Pins Mechanical Co. is reviving a venerable Central Ohio institution – the Bogey Inn.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/01/08/rise-brands-bogey-inn-dublin-golf.html

 

New Bar and Lounge Opening on Downtown’s Main Street

 

The owner behind The Cave Bar and Lounge has brought his latest concept to the Downtown nightlife scene. 

 

Bodi is a new lounge and event space that is expected to open this month on the third floor of 122 E. Main St. Located in the basement of the same building is The Cave, a cocktail bar and music venue launched by Derek Amaya in 2021. 

 

The new space is about 2,000 square feet and is split into two sides. On one side is a bar and lockers for people to place their bottles. On the other side is a DJ booth and an open dance floor. Leather booths and chairs are spread across both sides for people to mingle and sit. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/new-bar-and-lounge-opening-on-downtowns-main-street-ak1/

 

Rise Brands to Transform Bogey Inn into Entertainment Center

 

A new owner is bringing The Bogey Inn back to life with a new look. 

 

Located in Powell at 6013 Glick Rd., The Bogey Inn was recently purchased by Rise Brands, the same group behind 16-Bit Bar + Arcade and Pins Mechanical Company. The brand has plans to transform The Bogey Inn into an entertainment campus with bars, food, live entertainment and a putting course. 

 

The project is a collaboration between Rise Brands and the Memorial Tournament, an annual golf tournament that takes place at Muirfield Golf Club in Dublin. The Bogey Inn was a popular dining and drinking destination for many of the tournament-goers. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/rise-brands-to-transform-bogey-inn-into-entertainment-center-ak1/

 

North Market wine bar operators expand with new Grandview Vinoteca

 

Grandview Heights has a new wine and cocktail bar.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/01/13/north-market-wine-bar-grandview-vinoteca.html & https://columbusunderground.com/grandview-welcomes-new-wine-bar-ak1/

 

Dueling Axes taking over former Grove City bowling alley

 

A locally owned ax throwing bar is bringing games back to downtown Grove City.

 

Dueling Axes is taking over the historic Grove City Bowling space at 3940 Broadway. It most recently had been Zassy’s Tap Room.

 

They see a good opportunity in a historic and growing downtown, Jess Hellmich, chief marketing officer, said in a press release.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/02/25/dueling-axes-taking-over-former-grove-city-bowling.html

 

Rise Brands shares first look at revived Bogey Inn

 

The reimagined Bogey Inn is more than a year away from opening, but it’s already growing.

 

Columbus-based bar and entertainment venue operator Rise Brands Monday released the first renderings of its revival of that well-known Central Ohio name, which is bringing food, drink, entertainment and a putting course back to the Dublin site in summer 2026.

 

It also shared an update. The putting course, which is being designed to mimic real greens, will now be 36 holes, up from the initial 27 announced. The food plan also includes a food hall.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/03/rise-brands-shares-first-look-at-revived-bogey-inn.html & https://columbusunderground.com/renderings-of-the-bogey-inn-released-by-rise-brands-ak1/

 

Simulation racing bar opens in downtown Columbus

 

A simulation racing bar has opened in downtown Columbus.

 

Racing Line, described as the first dedicated sim-racing center in Ohio, is located on the ground floor of the former Express design studio at 235 N. 4th St. in the Warehouse District.

 

Express vacated the 20,000-square-foot space amid bankruptcy proceedings, providing opportunities for tenants such as Racing Line and Schaefer, a structural engineering firm that occupies the entire top floor of the three-story building.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/06/racing-line-simulation-racing-bar-downtown.html

 

Speakeasy adds to mix at bar and entertainment venue West Church Social

 

The last piece of West Church Social is now in place.

 

The Newark bar, entertainment venue and gaming space opened in late 2023 in a 13,000-square-foot space at 1650 W. Church St.

 

Owners Brian Hoy and Matt Maynard knew they needed several ideas beyond serving beer and cocktails to fill that box, including a stage for live music and an arcade.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/07/west-church-social-speakeasy-newark-open.html

 

Dueling Axes to Fill Historic Grove City Building

 

Grove City Bowling Lanes hasn’t operated as a bowling alley in years but a local axe throwing facility is bringing back the art of flinging things across a room for sport with its latest location. 

 

Dueling Axes will open its fifth location this spring in Grove City at 3940 Broadway, most recently home to Zassy’s Tap Room & Home Decor, which closed last summer. The space will feature eight throwing lanes, a performance stage and a full bar in addition to small bites. 

 

The building operated as a bowling alley before Zassy’s took over in 2018 and the cocktail lounge never took down the historic Grove City Bowling Lanes sign. Chief Marketing Officer at Dueling Axes, Jess Hellmich, said they plan to keep it up as well. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/dueling-axes-to-fill-historic-grove-city-building-ak1/

 

The Bier Stube may have found a new Columbus location

 

A historic Columbus bar might have found a new home.

 

According to liquor license applications filed with the state, the Bier Stube could move into the 234 King Ave. space that most recently was Junior’s Bar & Grill.  

 

License holder 1479 Inc., (the Bier Stube is listed as “doing business as”), has been transferred from its 1479 N. High St. location to that King Avenue address.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/03/20/bier-stube-potential-new-columbus-location.html

 

VHS Social Club to open in former restaurant space in the Brewery District

 

A Columbus restaurateur is thinking back to the 1980s as he ponders the future of a Brewery District space.

 

Rhome Ruanphae will open VHS Social Club this month at 520 S. Front St.

 

“It’s a 1980s dive bar,” he said.

 

That theme will go well beyond the decor, movie screenings, trivia and karaoke events.

 

Some tables will have TV/VCR combo units where customers can grab a VHS movie from the bar’s selection to watch at their table. There will be several arcade games set to free play as well as console game systems including a classic Atari.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/04/04/vhs-social-club-open-brewery-district.html

 

VHS Social Club Launches in The Brewery District

 

Not too long ago, the Brewery District was the most popular nightlife destination in Central Ohio. The brand new VHS Social Club, which launched last weekend, leans heavy into 80s nostalgia in order to bring people back to the neighborhood.

 

Located at 520 South Front Street in the spot once occupied by acclaimed restaurant Handke’s Cuisine, the VHS Social Club preserves much of the historic low-ceiling charm of the slightly-below-street-level space. A rainbow of colorful lights glow from the tiny tv/vcr screens scattered around the bar as decor. Several arcade cabinets and a working Atari 2600 round out the 80s-themed vibes.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/photos-vhs-social-club-launches-in-the-brewery-district-we1/

 

Palm Valley at Bridge Park, Cincinnati Distilling at Polaris now open

A pair of Cincinnati-founded cocktail and spirits options are now serving in Central Ohio.

Palm Valley Cocktails is now open at 6770 Riverside Dr. at Bridge Park in Dublin while Cincinnati Distilling has opened its bottle shop at Polaris Fashion Place.

Palm Valley is a new concept from Cincinnati-based bar and restaurant operator Gorilla Cinema Presents whose ventures there include Tokyo Kitty, a Tokyo-style karaoke bar; Lonely Pine, which takes its design from roadside Route 66 eateries; and the Overlook, which is inspired by the movie The Shining.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/05/08/palm-valley-bridge-park-cincinnati-distilling.html

& https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/05/09/palm-valley-cocktails-brings-bold-bridge-park.html

Leisure Club Adding Location North of Columbus

Leisure Club is expanding to Delaware with an underground speakeasy.

The lifestyle brand and social club made an announcement about the expansion in late March via Instagram. Founder Matt Barnes said the grand opening weekend will kick off June 5 in Delaware at the corner of Sandusky and West Winter Streets.

Leisure Club got its unofficial start in 2017 inside a 400-square-foot art studio off of West Rich Street. Barnes said people really liked the vibe of the studio and encouraged him to turn it into something. 

“I took it as kind of a call to action, and started hunting around for spots in the city,” Barnes said. 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/leisure-club-adding-location-north-of-columbus-ak1/

& https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/05/19/columbus-leisure-club-cocktail-lounge-delaware.html

Smash Buddies Expands with New Bar

Smash Buddies started out a little under two years ago as a food truck and has since grown into a brick-and-mortar with a full bar attached. 

The Beat, the latest addition the the Brewery District burger joint, will officially open Tuesday at 460 S. Front St. The opening of The Beat comes almost a year after Smash Buddies first opened last summer. 

Smash Buddies was founded as a food truck in the summer of 2023 by veteran friends Kole Nuehs and Jared France. The pair moved to Ohio from the Pacific Northwest in 2022 and were drawn to the Brewery District after learning about its rich history and popularity years ago. 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/smash-buddies-expands-with-new-bar-ak1/

Cure Coffee & Cocktails Opening Downtown This Month

Combining cocktails with coffee isn’t exactly a new trend, but the owners of Cure are looking to put their own spin on it when they open their doors Downtown later this month.

“Most coffee shops aren’t really operated past five o’clock, so we came up with this idea to do coffee and cocktails,” explained co-owner Jason Kibler. “During COVID there wasn’t really anything open, but since then, places have been popping up.

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/cure-coffee-cocktails-opening-downtown-this-month/