ADVERTISEMENT

    Rathskeller Vape Bar Opens Downtown

    The Ringside Cafe is one of the oldest bar/restaurants in the city of Columbus with nearly 120 years is operation under its belt at 19 North Pearl Street. That doesn’t stop current owners Adrian and Kim Rosu from keeping up with modern trends, as the husband and wife duo recently opened the Rathskeller Vapor Bar in the basement of the establishment.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The new venture is not just a new business for the Rosus, it also has a personal connection. Adrian explained that he and his wife both made the switch from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes three years ago, which has helped them to to reduce nicotine levels gradually over time to the point of eliminating their addictions.

    “The reason why we decided to open the vapor lounge was to help others transition from regular cigarettes to the e-cigarettes to help them cut back or completely quit like we did,” he says.”The more people start seeing others doing it and actually kicking the habit, the more curious they will be to try it.”

    To that end, the Rathskeller features a “taste bar” where customers can try different e-cigarette flavors before they buy the liquids, and staff can assist with pairing wine and liquors to compliment the selections.

    We are the first bar in Columbus to offer a full service vapor lounge,” added Rosu. “The basement of The Ringside didn’t have a very inviting atmosphere, but with this vapor bar addition it has made it a place for those who wish to just sit and vape, order a cocktail or even order something to eat off our Ringside Menu.”

    The State of Ohio passed a smoking ban in 2006 that has prevented legalized cigarette smoking inside local bars and restaurants, but e-Cigarettes skirt the law due to their emission of vapor rather than second-hand smoke. Regulations of the popular new devices are minimal, as are scientifically supported medical research reports, but Rosu doesn’t think that these issues will harm the new business venture.

    Honestly, at this point, we are not worried,” he says. “They haven’t found anything yet and I would assume that after all these years of doing research that they would have found at least one thing harmful in e-cigs by now.”

    For more information, visit www.facebook.com/rathskellervapes.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    French Bistro Slated for Prominent Downtown Corner

    Another new restaurant is coming to the corner of...

    The Confluence Cast: Downtown with Michael Brown

    We're exploring the evolution of downtown with Michael Brown, who has been a cornerstone in the city's development planning and worked both in and outside city government to cheer on its growth. Columbus Underground editor Walker Evans and Mike delve into the city's challenges and triumphs, the synergy between projects, the balance between iconic and neighborhood-level public art investments, and the concerted efforts to address systemic issues like homelessness and affordable housing. Through anecdotes and insights, they highlight Columbus's young, creative energy and the dynamic urban policies that continue to drive its growth.

    Main Street Delaware Launches “Just Next Door” Brand to Enhance Downtown Identity

    In response to the voices of downtown businesses and the community, Main Street Delaware recently unveiled a new identity brand for Downtown Delaware – "Just Next Door." 

    A Guide to Clintonville’s Brewery Scene

    With three brewery taprooms in Clintonville, all opened within...
    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
    ADVERTISEMENT