Take the old world of jazz, give it a hint of New York at the corner of Style and Class, and you’re at Sidebar Columbus. I found myself here on a rainy evening, considerably the best weather to enjoy drinks to songs by Frank Sinatra and Diana Krall. It felt like I was on the brink of the holiday season without quite going overboard. But I was happily sailing this ship and I’m ready to bring you on, too.
With an upcoming new cocktail menu and plans for bringing about new weekend entertainment, my visit brought never-before-seen drinks to the table. If you’re in need of an escape, Sidebar is the oasis of groove, unashamed personality, and longevity.
Considering only eclectic tastes deserve to try the cocktails and cuisine, it was only right to enjoy cilantro hummus with an edge at the very start. This starter is the perfect indicator of a bar looking to go above and beyond. It’s the little things with this snack; garlic and lime juice give it the smoothest of tastes, while the fresh cilantro exceeds expectations.
The Rhubarberry Coast
One taste of this drink is sure to send you into Strawberry Heaven. Never having been a fan of the ice cream truck man, this drink would have anyone running halfway down the block for a taste. Don’t be fooled by this carefully-infused cocktail – it’s not for those who favor the typical light and fruity drinks. All alcohol is hidden behind hand-crafted flavors to create a daring mix of strawberry, rum and confidence.
The Herb Royale
Point blank, this is the strongest cucumber drink I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. The basil flavor steps out of its usual supporting role and finds its way to center stage. Lovers of unexpected flavors will find The Herb Royale quite satisfying. I enjoyed this drink throughout the entire platter of too-good-to-be-true tapas, discovering the power that such an underrated vegetable can have. The Herb Royale is not an airy, fresh drink, and it surely isn’t a strictly summer staple. Its smokiness and earthiness is beyond compare; this drink is royalty at Sidebar.
The Living Daylights
Raspberry and orange are a match made in heaven for this drink, making a gorgeous rendezvous for anyone looking for something unusually original. Earthy notes make this drink one to flaunt its fearlessness of dark rum. The depth of the raspberry flavor and citrus intensity complements this bolder alternative to the ordinary cocktail.
Nothing completes a drink outing like light appetizers. The long list of tapas is sure to please, whether you’re looking to play it safe or dive right in to more daring dishes.
- Quinoa Salad: Headed out for a run? Stop in to Sidebar for a fresh filler that won’t weigh you down. Want a nice segue into your dinner without getting distracted by over-the-top tastes? The quinoa salad will tease your palette gracefully in time for the main course.
Spicy Potatoes: Who knew spicy mayonnaise could take potatoes from blah to bliss? A wonderful canvas to the all-encompassing flavors of this appetizer, the potatoes are perfectly pan-fried to allow for the seasoning to settle in.
Fried Squid: You can’t complain about the simplicity of this treat. Popcorn is to the movies as calamari is to Sidebar; it doesn’t make sense to go without this lightly fried, ever-so-lightly seasoned appetizer.
Tilapia Fritters: Dip one of these bad boys into the rocoto or cilantro-lemon aioli sauce. The tanginess of the sauces will highlight the light breading and let the full tilapia flavor shine.
Beef Tenderloin Empanadas: I could swear this tapa was Indian-inspired at first bite. A few more bites in and the sweetness of the chicken seeps out quickly, showing off the South American intensity. A must-have for the table, the empanadas are filling without being overpowering.
Alberto Tapia, owner and executive chef, gets his inspiration from his Chilean background. While the food is strictly South American, the presentation is clearly European. Rob, one of the servers, explains the beauty behind the house-made food and drinks: “We make all the ingredients from scratch. It’s all fresh. The kitchen is using fresh fruits to make the dishes. Our bartenders are using fresh fruits to get the best-quality drinks.”
The Sidebar experience always seems to come full circle, as Rob explains: “If you come here for the food, you’re going to enjoy the drinks. If you come for the drinks, you’re going to find that you enjoy the food.”
Cluelessness is welcomed at Sidebar; from the inspiration of the flavor to every ingredient’s purpose, the Chilean theme is clearly and consistently conveyed. And the servers and bartenders don’t stop at their wealth of knowledge; their passion for what Sidebar represents sends the experience over the edge for smooth sailing from the first course to the final drink.
