It’s been too long since we’ve had dinner and drinks at Service Bar in the Short North. We were regulars more so during the years chef Avishar Barua was in charge, but a recent visit reminded us not to sleep on this place. The bar program and service are as good as ever, with Middle West Spirits heavily featured, and chef James Tuckey’s menu delivers thoughtfully executed and elevated comfort fare.
Even if you’re just making Service Bar a stop for drinks, it’s a great place to hang out. Their bar team is some of the best in the city.
I’ve always been a fan of Middle West’s work. Their Wheat Whiskey is my favorite local spirit, and their Oloroso rye whiskey is excellent.
You can order flights of their spirits, if you’re curious to learn more. Middle West Spirits also acquired Colorado’s Old Elk Distillery last year, so now you can sample their spirits at Service Bar. I ordered a flight this time around; I really dug the Cigar Cut.
Middle West Spirits has also partnered with Archer Eland Whiskey, a local, woman-owned distillery that uses MWS’ facilities and is featured at the bar and bottle shop. From what I’ve tasted so far, they make some excellent rye whiskeys; this is their Cashmere.
Chef James Tuckey has continued Service Bar’s winning streak of food that’s both comforting and surprising. Here’s his pastrami smoked trout on crispy potatoes, for instance. A delicious bite that’s artfully designed.
Same with his chicken pot pie croquettes.
For greens, he features items like this shaved rapini and turnip salad.
And favorite bar hits like duck fat French fries.
Quick stop for cocktails! Here’s their Jade Accord with MWS bourbon cream and pistachio liqueur.
Or the rich and warming Eclipse.
The Middle West Burger (seen here split) is as good as burgers come. It features American waygu beef, white cheddar, gem lettuce, caramelized onions, bread and butter pickles, with a beef tallow aioli.
But the beet pierogis were a real stand-out. Their filled with potato and a house-made sauerkraut, served with dill creamed leeks and pork jam.
Service Bar does a great Pizza, Pour, and Pint deal on Wednesdays! $20 gets you a pizza, a pour of your choice of spirits, and pint of local beer.
We can also attest that dinner or happy hour at Service Bar is perfect when paired with a show at the Short North Stage nearby! (And if you want drinks after the show, pop into Hoof Hearted Brewing’s bar next door.)
Service Bar at Middle West Spirits
1230 Courtland Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 947-1231
Web: middlewestspirits.com/servicebar
FB: Service Bar Columbus
IG: @servicebarcbus