In case you’re not aware, they go by Sidebar Columbus now. They dropped the 122 from their name a few months ago, a move that coincided with a new outlook, new features, and a whole stack of new possibilities for the future.
Sidebar Columbus is located at 122 East Main Street and originally opened as a throwback to the speakeasy back in 2011. They offer old-fashioned cocktails the way they were meant to be served: with the best spirits, tinctures, and mixers, made with flair, pomp, and precision.
Chef Alberto Tapia is the new owner of Sidebar, and his offerings are a fusion of Mediterranean and Latin American flavors, resulting in a menu filled with seafood and packed with flavor. Customers used to be able to only enjoy Sidebar’s spread at dinner, but now they’re officially doing lunch from 11am-3pm on weekdays. The menu is a blend of old favorites and new takes on classic dishes designed to impress.
The Veal Meatball with house sofrito sauce is usually found on the tapas menu, but it will now be offered at lunch as Spaghetti & Meatballs. The same goes for the much-loved Plantain, Queso & Guava. Other offerings include Tuscan Chicken Salad with chipotle ranch dressing, slightly spicy Beef Saltado, and Bruselina — a delicate mousse cake layered with chantilly cream, butterscotch, and toasted almonds.
Lunch isn’t the whole new thing happening at Sidebar Columbus though. It’s also now home to Jazz on Main, held in the lower level of the restaurant. The first acts debuted on October 4 under the experienced direction of acclaimed jazz vocalist Kate Ross. Her mission is to transform Jazz on Main into the premier home for jazz in Columbus.
Doors open to Jazz on Main at 7pm on Friday and Saturday nights, depending on the schedule. There is usually an entrance fee — $7 to $10 for adults and $5 for students. The venue features the cool sounds of some of the region’s best musicians with plans to invite national acts to play.
Sidebar Columbus is also home to Tapas Tuesdays from 5pm-7pm, where everyone is welcome to indulge in the sumptuous creations Chef Alberto lays out, completely free of charge. During all happy hours, hand-crafted cocktails that adorn the menu are only $5.50.
For more information, visit www.sidebarcolumbus.com.
