If This Bar Could Talk

In this episode we sit down with Justin and Sean from Sweeney's Tavern. Located in the historic Franklinton neighborhood, this community bar boasts creative craft cocktails, classic beers (aka "Dad" beers), a record player and plenty of shenanigans. And there is Malört, lots of it; Malört shots, Malört infusions, Malört cocktails. So dig out your LPs and head to Sweeney's for a good time and Malör...

In this episode, we speak with Ken MacKenzie, Founder of Fresh Victor cocktail mixers. Each mixer is a vibrant and tasty flavor combo that is preservative-free, non-gmo, gluten-free, vegan, kosher with organic sweeteners. Use them for a simple and delicious cocktail or mocktail, in a smoothy or, like we did, in a gelatin shot. Order today at https://shop.freshvictor.com/discount/IFTHISBAR20 using...

In this episode, Jared Fate with Wiseguy Lounge located inside Goodfellas Pizzeria talks about his journey in the hospitality industry. Wiseguy Lounge is a sexy bourbon centric cocktail lounge featuring expertly crafted cocktails, reasonably priced whiskey pours and amazing daily specials. Jared's number one priority is creating an experience for guests that will keep them coming back.

During our travels last month to Canada we stumbled upon a tiny rum bar in Montreal called El Pequeno Cocktail Bar. It is a Cuban themed rum bar with an engaging and welcoming bartender and an amazing cocktail menu and vibe. Jackson Long hasn’t been a bartender for very long but he’s already become a Rummelier and his skills and enthusiasm were infectious and we can’t wait to see what’s to come fo...

In this episode, we stop by Goodale Station for some delicious brunch and an amazing Spring cocktail menu.

In this episode, Theo Lentz is back on the podcast but this time they are here to announce the long-awaited opening of The Shape Shifter cocktail bar located at 129 McDowell St in Franklinton. The soft opening will be on June 8 and open to the public on June 17. The first iteration of their menu will be "Greatest Hits" from their cocktail pop-ups around town and old favorites from Mouton.

Get into Noble Cut for their great Spring cocktail menu which includes the cocktail Evil Mom, Fan Favorite at the "I'm Not "Really" A Bartender" amateur bartending competition AND proceeds from this cocktail will be donated to Service! A Relief Organization for Hospitality Workers.

In this episode Derek Reno returns to talk about another winning mentorship in the I'm Not Really A Bartender amateur bartender competition, why he changed the name of the liqueur he created and what's coming soon to Echo Spirits.

Check out The Stillhouse Spring menu. It does not disappoint

Get into Denmark for their amazing Spring menu

From childhood dreams sparked in front of the TV to the glow of a buzzing dining room, Bismark’s journey into hospitality is anything but ordinary. Inspired at just six years old by hours of Food Network, he set his sights early on owning a restaurant—and never let go of that vision. In this episode, we trace his path from dishwasher to barback to bartender, learning the craft from the ground up a...

In this mini-sode, we sit down with Mike Feist at Soul Bar to review his historical menu "Lost Cocktails of Columbus".

In this episode, we’re joined by Emma Lambert and Megan Randolph from Noble Cut Distillery Cocktails and Pints for a lively conversation about all things cocktails, spirits, and what’s next for their exciting new space. From behind-the-bar insights to what they’re shaking up this summer, they give us a taste of the events and experiences you won’t want to miss. Emma also shares a memorable (and ve...

In this episode, Danielle Goldtooth, a Native American mixologist, Zooms in from New Mexico to share her mission to reconnect Americans to their food and honor the farmers, ranchers and agriculturists who provide it. Danielle, along with her husband Allen (who is a chef), and their business partner host pop-up dinners in the Phoenix area featuring as many foraged and locally-sourced ingredients as...

Genevieve Johnson and Lindsay Koontz stop by to chat about their new bar "I Like It Like That". Located inside of Natalie's in Grandview Heights, ILILT is a place for everyone. Learn the backstory and inside jokes behind their fun and quirky cocktail names and the intentionality of their beverage program. G and Lindsay are a creative force that will surely bring a new perspective to the Columbus c...

Sang and Letha, two of the three founders of Service! stop in to talk about their first annual fundraising gala on Thursday May 16, 2024 at High Line Car House from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This event is not just a fundraiser but also a way to show gratitude to the hard-working hospitality workers in our community. Buy a table, a single ticket or make a donation to support this amazing organization and th...

In this episode, we talk with Alex Chien and David Yee two of the owners of Cobra in the Brewery District of Columbus. We talk about where they've been, what they're doing now and what they have planned for the future.

Because of the scarcity of Chartreuse, Derek Reno with Echo Spirits has gone full mad scientist by creating his own version of Green Chartreuse. It's absolutely delicious… and it's damn close to the original.

In this episode, we learn about the history and uses of Chartreuse from Kyle Strategier, Beverage Director at Soul Bar at The Joseph Hotel in Columbus, Ohio.

In this episode we chat with Erin Edwards, the Food and Drink Editor at Columbus Monthly (by day) and our reigning champion of the I'm Not "Really" a Bartender — amateur cocktail competition. She reflects on the event and shares some sage advice with our three competitors for the upcoming competition.

In this episode we chat with Megan Randolph, sales rep and bartender extraordinaire at Noble Cut Distillery. We chat about her creative process, inspiration, and the challenges of helping a young distillery grow.

In this episode, we take a short road trip to Buckeye Lake, Ohio to visit with Ben Long, owner of Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern. Ben and his staff are crafting classic cocktails while Chef Justin Gottschalk serves up traditional Southern fare. In addition to tasty food and cocktails, the tavern has live music, cocktail classes, craft ice and a wine shop. Definitely worth the trip!

In this episode, we chat with bartender Argy Mendoza about his passion for crafting cocktails, his own concept for a bar and what it's like bartending in Columbus, Ohio

While vacationing in St. Croix this Spring, we stumbled upon a quaint bar with an ocean view. Desperate to escape the heat, we were thrilled that they had a fan and AC at the bar. Grateful for the respite from the heat, we would have been very satisfied with anything cold but as it turns out, we hit the cocktail jackpot. Kellie Knopp and her husband Dave recently purchased Tap Deck Bar and have cr...

Learn about Ancho Reyes from Mary Palac, Mexican Spirits Portfolio Ambassador for Campari America and Sarah Oppelt, bartender at Alibi in Columbus, Ohio.