It was announced last August that Denmark On High, a modern cocktail lounge, and Secret Cellar, a beer and wine shop, would open in Yankee on High, 463 North High Street. Slated originally for an October launch, the complementary spots, which includes North Room, a private event space, are now set to open in March.
Denmark is roughly 1,600 square feet, and located on the 2nd floor of the building. It will seat 70 guests at a time, and the menu will especially feature hand-crafted libations made with the highest-quality ingredients, as well as from-scratch nibbles produced in-house.
There won’t be a kitchen inside Denmark, all preparations taking place behind the bar with the use of a single convection-style oven. Available for order will be flatbreads, salads and charcuterie boards using locally-sourced items from neighbors like the North Market.
The Duck Flatbread will be topped with the duck pastrami made popular at Explorer’s Club, while the Mushroom & Sausage will be a vegetarian’s delight, made with seitan instead of pork. The food at Denmark, however, will not be the main attraction. The drink will.
The name Denmark is a nod to the lifestyle of the country, the way the people eat, drink, and enjoy life there. It’s also an homage to the nation’s architecture. This rings true in the attention that’s paid to the decor. The bright walls, stylish art, and purposeful lack of televisions are the perfect backdrop to enjoy an artfully-designed cocktail.
The staff at Denmark will be more like bar chefs, trained to create everything from the complicated classics to the easy every day. Again, local brands Middle West and OYO will be used, in conjucntion with house-infused spirits and additives, like a 35-day aged lemon bitters.
There will also be a carefully selected collection of about 30 wines, and 25-30 beers from around the world (think Belgians and the like) and Ohio in stock. Denmark will not sell any domestic brand that’s not produced in our fair state, and will not offer shots or carry Red Bull.
“We’re trying to create a place for grown folks, somewhere approachable and warm,” shares Managing Partner, Daniel Morris. “Denmark is our take on the old-school cocktail lounge, and at the end of the day, we want to cater to people who appreciate a well-made drink.”
Secret Cellar, located in the basement, will sell wine, beer, and cheese to go. Customers will also be able to enjoy their purchase on-site, but there will be limited seating available. The North Room will serve as an event space for up to 50 people. It will be equipped with an 80-inch television and small kitchen for parties who want to self-cater.
Denmark on High, Secret Cellar, and North Room hope to open around March 10th or 11th. For information, visit www.denmarkonhigh.com.
Photos by Craig Ferance.
