Columbus has a new cocktail bar, and you are not invited

Columbus has a new cocktail bar, and you are not invited.

It’s a new prohibition-era speakeasy concept called Ezra’s, housed in the small, closed-off room underneath the dining room of The Worthington Inn. It’s also invite-only, and as of right now, only open for one day.

I learned about Ezra’s when Donnie Austin, owner of House Wine, posted on Facebook that he and Cris Dehlavi, acclaimed local mixologist, were starting a “speakeasy-style cocktail bar underground in Worthington, not telling anybody about it or letting anybody in, and making some pretty cool drinks.” As it was posted on April 1st, I assumed it was an April Fools joke.

But shortly after posting a comment to that effect, I received a long email offering me a a one-night membership for Ezra’s for $30 per person. We ask that you limit yourself to one guest. Ezra’s will be open to members on Thursday, April 17th. We have availability for you for 6pm that evening. We unfortunately can’t change your time later as we’re limited on membership for the evening.

The email also included a list of house rules. You are not allowed to talk on your cell phone, or show up in anything but evening attire, or stay for more than two hours.

“In the Prohibition days, speakeasies posted rules,” said Dehlavi. “They were there to keep people in line and make sure that nothing got too out of hand, as they were doing something extremely illegal. Ours is not illegal but we like and appreciate the need for rules, and plus it adds to the overall concept.”

The drink menu for Ezra’s is another secret, with limited choices all in Prohibition-era style.

Future dates of operation for Ezra’s have not yet been scheduled, but Austin and Dehlavi hope to organize more if the first is a success. Wanna come? You can try to email “the doorkeeper” Donnie at donnie@drinkwithezra.com, but you’re not getting in unless he says so.

So ask nicely.