The glowing green neon lights of the Garden Theater sign have been illuminating the Short North off-and-on for almost a century. Short North Stage has taken over in the past few years, giving new life to the historic theater. Next door, Stage Left Bar is rebranding itself as Ethel’s Bar, named after Columbus native Ethel Miles, a Vaudeville organ player that became the youngest owner of the theater to date at age 21.
Manager Zack Baird and several other resident bartenders have crafted a new cocktail menu of old-timey drinks that he describes as “going back to the roots of cocktail-making.” One of their modern take on old drinks includes Hot Alpine Tea, a mix of honey jagermeister and hot water, which is surprisingly soothing and great for the upcoming cold weather. The Sloe Gin Fizz is a true old-time cocktail, popular in the 40s, is made with a subtle red plum-flavored liqueur and soda water. The Dark Monday, Ethel’s take on the Dark and Stormy, is made strong with tart apple brandy. The bar also makes their own limoncello, which is smooth and sweet paired with OYO lemon vodka and assorted essential oils.
Ethel’s happy hour is also primarily cocktail-based. Four dollars will get you a slew of traditional cocktails from 4 to 6 pm Monday through Friday. They have a small but decent craft beer selection, including CBC IPA and Pale Ale, Jackie-O’s Chomolungma, Scrimshaw, and Six Point Sweet Action.
Baird intends to start several community theater-themed event nights. Performing Arts Mondays will follow the tradition of Dark Mondays, where theaters generally close, and offer 25% off to all involved in the performing arts. Swank Night, the fourth Saturday of each month, will include swing dancing and encourage guests to show up in 20’s garb. The large film projector will be used to show traditional films, and the spotlight, stage and piano will all be utilized. The bar atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, with an emphasis on focused customer treatment. Baird is hoping to experiment with several other events in the next few months, setting a solid schedule around late January. In these formative months, check out Ethel’s for a cabaret lounge experience where endangered cocktails thrive.
Ethel’s Bar is open 4 p.m. – midnight Monday through Friday, and 2 p.m. – 2 a.m. Saturdays.
For more information, visit www.shortnorthstage.org/ethels-stage-left-lounge.