Caffé Apropos: Unwind and Wine

Even with the suffocating heat here in Columbus, the patio at Caffé Apropos is as busy as ever with students, groups of friends, cyclists and smokers. Located on the corner of Third and Michigan in Harrison West, the café is a hot spot for the neighborhood. The crowd could be described as bohemian, at best. It’s a definite mix that reflects the neighborhood: rich people, poor people, old people, young people, artsy types, serious students, board game enthusiasts. Apropos offers free wifi, plenty of outlets, and a staff that will doesn’t disturb its customers. This has created a very devoted laptop crowd who I can only assume are perusing Facebook or intently reading blogs—though, actually, the student demographic is mainly graduate or professional. The patio is lined with large tables that can accommodate groups. The interior has comfy booths with large windows facing Third Ave. They provide games, and books and a nook of comfy couches for those who want to curl up.

Anton Wood, the owner of Apropos, is a roaster by trade and is known in roasting circles the “mad scientist of coffee”. You wouldn’t guess it, but behind Apropos is a 500 sq. ft. roastry where Anton invents his mad roasts. And though coffee is perhaps the mainstay of Caffé Apropos, my favorite way to do Caffé Apropos is to buy a bottle of wine from the wine shop in the back and split it. The majority of the wines are between $10 to $15. The wines are all sold at state minimum and without a corking fee, unlike most bars in Columbus. This makes Caffé Apropos a strong contender for inexpensive wine in Columbus. Anton told me that they have at least 700 different bottles of wines that come from a variety of wineries, both big and small. I asked Anton what has piqued his interest lately and he told me he recently enjoyed 7 Deadly Zins, 2008, from the Michael David Winery. He, also, excitedly showed me Seghesio Zinfidel, 2009. Reds may be a little heavy for summer, so why not try a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio? We all could use a nice, chilled white wine to sip on the patio. When you go to Caffe Apropos, check out the cold selection of whites in the back. My personal favorite is Eco Domani’s Sauvignon Blanc.

Caffé Apropos offers a wine tasting on the second and the last Friday of the month from 8–11 p.m. For $10 you get to try five wines: three reds and two whites. The tastings are pretty popular so get there early if you want a table—especially, if you want a table outside on the patio. But there is always standing room for the die-hards. The next wine tasting is this Friday, July 29, 2011 starting at 8 p.m.

Though known best for having an extensive coffee and wine selection, Apropos doesn’t skimp on the beer, either. They offer about 75 different bottled beers, both domestic and imported. There are always twelve beers on tap, and Apropos noticeably bypasses the standard domestics like Pabst Blue Ribbon and Bud Light. Instead they offer Peroni, Stella Artois, Guinness, and some other domestics. They also offer seasonal ales; currently, they have Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Brooklyn Brown Ale, and Blanche de Bruxelles (a Belgian ale with an interesting handle—check it out!) One really exciting seasonal they have on tap right now is the Kentucky Bourbon Ale. The ale is aged in recently decanted bourbon barrels. It tastes like Bourbon and Sprite and boasts 9 % alcohol. Even during happy hour, this guy is going to cost you $4—but, hello, it’s like double beer

I recently noticed the growing supply of liquor behind the bar, too. When I spoke with Anton, I was surprised to hear that they have just recently acquired a liquor license. They are definitely ready to take your order. Anton assured me that they will be creating drinks, or drink specials, to align with the happy hour. For now, you will have to stick with a martini, but check in soon for developments.

Happy hour at Apropos is every day, seven days a week, 4 – 8 p.m during which draft beers are $3. They also offer daily happy hour specials on a white and a red wine. Caffé Apropros is located at 443 West 3rd Avenue.

This is a guest post by Cate Humpage. Cate is a beverage enthusiast. She can make a mean Old-Fashioned. Cate hasn’t met a red wine she didn’t like. She is considering naming her first-born child after the greatest and most passionate love of her life: Margarita. Follow Kate’s blog here.