Wolf’s Ridge Brewing expansion project Understory is ready to debut the lounge portion of its three-part offering at Open Air, 2571 Neil Ave. in Old North.
Joining the events space which started bookings last fall, Understory’s lounge officially opens its doors this Friday, January 21 at 4 p.m.
Understory will offer a different experience than Wolf’s Ridge’s home Downtown. First, the focus will be on cocktails, thanks in part to the hire of former Curio Owner Travis Owens as the company’s Beverage director. There will be beer, but cans for now as the draft system and kitchen come online later later this winter.
Understory will also have its own distinct menu, leaning more towards vegetarian fare and small plates. WRB and Understory Co-founder Bob Szuter says it’s less of a full, sit-down dining experience, but more a spot where guests can relax and enjoy cocktails and have something to nibble on.
Dishes include Burrata, Citrus Salad, Chips and Salsa, Crispy Shrimp and more, with likely new additions when the kitchen is wrapped up. For now, Understory will utilize building-mate Emmett’s kitchen as the two operations have opposite hours. (And more news on Emmett’s opening date coming soon!)
Mid-to-late February should bring the Understory project to completion with the addition of the kitchen and restaurant space dubbed the Commons, as well as the patio that overlooks the tree line to the Olentangy Trail. The lounge and commons mirror each other with about 1,200 square feet of space each, with the patio adding another 1,500 square feet.
As recent weather indicates, winter is not prime patio time in Ohio, but Szuter is excited about what the outdoor space means for Understory.
“Adding the patio is just this whole other level of experience where you get to sit out there and just be deeply connected to nature, I think, unlike anywhere else in the city,” he says.
The building’s features and Understory’s setup create an atmosphere that can go from cozy when it’s dark and cold, to light, bright and airy in the warmer months.
“That’s the thing I love about it is that it works in any situation and the vibe will change as the days change, as the seasons change,” Szuter says. “We kind of feel like there’s an infinite amount of things we can do to really create a very cool experience here.”
Initially, Understory will be open from 3 – 11 p.m. Thursdays and 3 p.m. – 12 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Still facing challenges due to the pandemic, once the industry sees some stabilization, Wednesday and Sunday hours will be added.
For more information, visit understorycbus.com.
All photos by Susan Post