There are many things to like about living in New Albany, but the local beer scene has never been one. Two breweries had been looking to open in the suburb, but neither materialized, and craft beer bars were few and far between. One of the only good things to come out of 2020 is that finding a good craft beer is now easier for those in the area thanks to the addition of these three bars.
Beerhead Bar and Eatery opened their fourth Ohio location in the new retail center at Hamilton and Dublin-Granville in July. The upscale pub features ample bar seating (appropriately spaced for now), plus individual tables, groups tables, a stand-up table, and a nice sized patio well shaded from the evening sun. Beerhead showcases craft beer with 50 taps and hundreds of bottles and cans from breweries around the country and around the world. Their tap list is heaviest on Ohio craft beers, but also typically includes some national and international favorites. Ciders, hard lemonade, and Wild Ohio products have found their place on the tap list as well. For others, there are wines, spirits, and cocktails available. Want something outside the box; try a spiked root beer float. Their wide selection of bottles and cans includes ciders, meads, seltzers, gluten free options and nearly 60 different IPA’s.
The food menu includes a wide range of bar snacks, appetizers, pizzas and sandwiches, and brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday until 2. Beerhead’s Happy Hour is Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 and features 50% off local (Ohio) drafts and wines by the glass, plus deals on craft cocktails and beer flights. Happy Hour food specials include 50% off specialty pizzas, Tatchos, Bourbon Trail meatballs, and Pico Just in Queso. Beerhead is located at 6294 E. Dublin Granville Road.
A brand well known throughout Central Ohio, Local Cantina came to New Albany in late September via the retail center on New Albany Road anchored by Giant Eagle. This 150-seat location was the home of several failed restaurants over the past 10 years including Mia Cucina, Rosa and Rocco’s and FireFly. The décor includes parrots overhead, lizards crawling across the ceiling, license plates, hubcaps, flat-screen TV’s, and sombreros.
Their list of craft beers is no match for Beerhead, but Local Cantina has quickly become a local hangout. One of their four taps always pours the requisite Mexican beer, either Tecate or Modelo, while the others rotate. They do, however, carry 40 additional beers in bottles or cans, that will make a craft beer lover smile. Check out their list of “$3 ALL DAY BEERS” for some good craft at a great price. And if you’re not set on a craft beer, grab a PBR for just a dollar. Of course, beer and cocktails are available, with Margaritas being offered for $5 during their Happy Hour (M-F 3-6). The food menu includes the expected Mexican favorites: tacos, burritos, fajitas, and chimichangas with $2 tacos on Taco Tuesday. Brunch is offered on the weekend from 11-4. Local Cantina is located at 5525 New Albany Rd W.
Just a mile up Hamilton Road from Beerhead is Double Barrel Kitchen and Bar located in a strip mall at Central College Road. It turns out this place is new to me, but in fact has been open for just over a year. With seating for over 100 plus a couple dozen more on the patio, Double Barrel includes wood paneled walls, flat screen TV’s all around, tin tackers, Keno, and overhead strings of Edison bulbs. Their 12 taps include only a few craft offerings, but a couple of strong entries with New Holland Dragon’s Milk, and Bell’s Two Hearted Ale. There are a few more craft offerings available in bottles and cans. But what it lacks in craft beer Double Barrel makes up in bourbon, with more than 30 bourbons available. The food menu includes the expected fare: wings, salads, burgers, sandwiches. The highlight of the menu may be in the dessert section – Deep Fried PB&J! Double Barrel offers live entertainment on Friday and Saturday. Double Barrel is located at 6445 N. Hamilton Rd.
