I’ve walked by Oddfellows Liquor Bar countless times and, for some inexplicable reason, it just never seemed like the right time to stop in for a drink. Between the dimly lit interior, Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Katalina’s weekend brunch and their new kick-butt patio, there were few excuses left for this dive bar loving, food-guzzling female not to venture inside. So, I set out to write a feature on Oddfellows.
I walked in at 6:45pm on a Monday and was promptly greeted by a smiling blonde bartender. She was pleasantly manning the few people spread across the back half of the bar. I was immediately a fan of the joint when I saw the popcorn machine and hot-dog station set up in the back corner. Free popcorn and hotdogs seem to be a common denominator across my favorite dive bars and while I’ve probably only ever eaten a bar hot dog once, I enjoy knowing it’s an option should my night take a turn in that direction…
Oddfellow’s happy hour is pretty standard: 1/2 off drafts, $1 off wells and $5 wines. The draft list was approachable but not overly impressive. There were 16 beers on tap including Coors and Angry Orchard as well as some main hitters from local breweries. This may not be the kind of bar you come to in search of the newest in beer, but a craft beer fan could definitely find something to enjoy–especially for $2.75. My accomplice and I both chose the Four String White IPA and drifted off into a beer and popcorn induced girl talk frenzy.
When the time came to look back to the menu, I wondered if I should give one of their cocktails a try. The male bartender noticed my indecision and began walking me through the menu. He quickly took a few options off the table, noting that they were fine but nothing special. He suggested the Mule Kick or the Odd Dog (but be wary of the salt) if I was going for a traditional cocktail. My other option was to go for a Lushie, Oddfellows’ adult form of a slushy. Lushies are subject to change seasonally but the current menu boasts a Dark N Stormy, Mai Tai and Negroni. Lucky for us, we got to sample each of these flavors. I was a pretty big fan of the Dark N Stormy but opted out as the alcohol content of a Lushie definitely lives up to the name. I ended up going for a cocktail called The Hound, which was your pretty standard gin raddler; watershed gin, stiegl rattler and grapefruit beer.
Overall, what you see is what you get with Oddfellows Liquor Bar. The sundry of mix-matched decor and sarcastic signage is pretty indicative of your experience. It’s nicer than what I traditionally picture for a “dive bar,” but as the sign says they’re classy as f***. Oddfellows does exactly what it needs to given the location; it’s unique, relaxed and can please a diverse crowd. It might serve as a nice change of pace for many on a Friday or Saturday in the Short North. I will definitely be back for some hair-of-the-dog drinks on the patio (and Katalina’s brunch).
Oddfellows Liquor Bar is located at 1038 N.High St.
