Over on 5th Avenue – just west of Olentangy River Road – stands one of Columbus’ newest additions to the gastropub scene. Gastropubs – those wonderful staples of city life where stellar drinks and delicious food come together under one glorious roof – can be found in a variety of layouts and offerings, from contemporary eateries, to local establishments serving local craft beers and gourmet dishes. Today’s focus – Bar 145 – takes that concept and runs with it like Tom Hanks in a pair of Nike Classics. Come along, and discover where your next dinner out will be.
Bar 145’s slogan is “Burgers, Bands, Bourbon”, fitting as it represents the bar’s three main areas. Burgers are, of course, the food. But, as it is a gastropub, don’t be expecting the normal bar fare of peanuts, wings, and some potato skins. The menu is predominantly devoted to their burgers, and with good reason, as these burgers are three buns above epic. Ranging from a create-your-own option (including toppings such as goat cheese, oven-dried tomatoes, cucumber relish, duck confit, and peach habanero chutney) to culinary beauties like the Apple Pie burger, there’s really a burger option for the entire world. I chose to indulge in the Monte Cristo burger, complete with swiss, sliced ham, and blackberry jam, gently nestled between two lovely pieces of French toast. Oh, the burger itself was well over half an inch thick, and cooked to perfection. If you’ve never had a monte cristo sandwich, or perhaps the thought of jam and French toast on a burger is an abomination to your tongue, push those thoughts aside – this sandwich is tasty enough to make Gordon Ramsay shed a single tear of gastronomic envy. As a side, each sandwich comes with Truffle fries – seasoned with rosemary, parmesan and white truffle oil, and served with a red pepper aioli that untied my shoes before knocking my socks off.
If burgers just aren’t your thing, fear not. Bar 145 brings it with soups and salads, great snack dishes like Bavarian Pretzel bites, Foie Gras Meatballs and lobster mac & cheese, and even chicken and waffles. The only real theme at work behind the food at Bar 145 is a far-removed gourmet take on some classic bar staples (I mean, the wings are duck legs – if there is ever a reason to hold your pinky up while eating at a bar, this is it).
However, before you slip into your finest evening gown and tux, understand that the atmosphere of Bar 145 is as casual as can be. In fact, one of the walls illustrates this point perfectly, stating “Red Chucks, White China” in bright white letters. Simply, it means that the lovely servers, bartenders, cooks, and probably even the manager wear bright red Chuck Taylors – all while serving you deliciousness on white china. It also defines the Bar’s attitude – come for a fun, casual time, and expect to eat and drink nothing short of top-notch scrumptiousness. The building itself looked to be converted from an old three-stall mechanic’s garage – complete with the raising doors on tracks (which conveniently led out to a patio bar). The ceiling was exposed yet pristine – ventilation ducts, pipes and air return vents placed against a black ceiling – creating a slightly industrial look with a touch of sophisticated order. Simply put, the best way to describe Bar 145’s atmosphere is laid-back classiness.
The casual vibe is placed front and center with the bar’s near-nightly offerings of live music, comedians, acoustic performances, patio gigs…the list goes on, from local talent to entertainment from around the country. When there aren’t any live performances happening, there are flatscreens throughout the bar – usually tuned to sports of some kind – while a mixed-genre bag of music plays from the speakers. These facts are normally just accepted with a bar, but I need to point out how the several televisions showing sports and the constantly energetic and lively background music just fed into the entire relaxed attitude of the bar.
We haven’t reached the best part – the booze. And booze is aplenty at Bar 145, so much so that their drink menu is twice the size of their food menu. Of course, there’s bourbon – over twenty brands – available however you might desire. There’s also bourbon cocktails, non-bourbon cocktails, wine, martinis and beer – oh the beer. Aside from the normal domestics and imports, their craft list was quite lovely, including a generous number of Columbus and Central Ohio brews. Hats off to that.
Bar 145 is a mingling of first-rate food, splendid drink choices, and an overall atmosphere that will bring a smile to your face the moment you step inside. The staff is friendly, attentive, and high-fivingly awesome, the feel is bright yet cozy and, perhaps the highpoint of highpoints, the prices are beyond affordable. I had to give the bill a double-take to make sure they hadn’t forgotten to charge me for a drink or two. With that, please stop reading this, grab a friend and skedaddle your way over to Bar 145. It truly is a place you need to be.
