What Manifesto is to scotch, Oliver’s is to bourbon. Hey, if something works, why not try it again? Downtown Columbus’s new bourbon-centric restaurant, Oliver’s, is owned by the same folks who opened the nearby scotch bar Manifesto.
House-infused bourbons are the shining star at this new bar. Fresh mint; anise with German noble hops and tea; honey with cayenne and thyme; blackberry; walnut and tobacco; espresso; fig and vanilla; almond and clove; bacon; and chocolate.
Selections will change seasonally, but bacon, chocolate and espresso will be available year-round. The infusions all use Evan Williams Black Bourbon, except for the bacon bourbon, which uses Middle West Spirits’ OYO Bourbon, and the chocolate, which uses Watershed Distillery’s bourbon. Flights are available to sample several selections.
If you’re a bourbon fan who doesn’t want the extra flavor added, Oliver’s has almost 40 different bourbons and rye whiskeys from which to choose. Some of the specialty cocktails also include bourbon, although non-bourbon drinkers will find a few drinks to choose from, too. A dozen drafts join 30 wines available by the bottle (12 of which are also available by the glass) rounding out the drink offerings.
As the restaurant’s full name – Olivers burgers, steak, bourbon – implies, meat is on the menu, with eight different burgers and several specialty sandwiches (though only two steaks. hmm.) There’s also six meat-free entrees in addition to a few salads for the vegetarian crowd.
Oliver’s happy hour takes places Monday-Friday from 3-6pm and 7 days a week from 10:30pm to close, during which you can try $7 bourbon infusions, $5 specialty cocktails, $6 house wines, $1.50 domestics, half-off drafts and discounted small plates.
Oliver’s is located at 25 N High Street, tucked in Lynn Alley.
