Powell is about to get its first rooftop bar: Lani Rooftop Lounge! It’s set to open to the public on April 9.
The third-story restaurant and bar sits atop the also-new Powell COhatch coworking space, and is owned by their Lifestyle Group. It’s a new mass timber structure on East Olentangy Street – hard to miss when you’re driving through town!
The space is accessible via elevator off the back parking lot, with lots of natural light from the south- and west-facing windows, plus tall ceilings, lots of greenery, and a bar in the center.
The patio spaces wrap around half the building, and feature a number of tables and a small gas firepit. The west-facing patio can be enclosed for all seasons.
They also feature a large events space that’s rentable for bigger groups!
We got a little preview of Lani, so here’s what you can expect!
First off, we started with a round of drinks: a Lani Old Fashioned, the Serenity Spritz, and the jalapeno-infused Hell’s Corner.
An easy starter is the olives and cucumbers, served with sesame seeds and chili crisp.
One of my favorite dishes was the kale, tossed with puffed rice, parmesan, and a sesame dressing, then topped with a gorgeous soft boiled egg.
I mean, just look at it!
This dish is a good example of how Culinary Director Lingo Quichocho and Chef Mike Gadd (who’s known locally for his dinners at The Locust Table) go above and beyond with the food.
The smoked fish spread is another winner. It’s served with black sesame, pickled onion, micro chive, and ritz crackers for scooping.
The beef skewers use a tender sirloin bavette, served in a carrot onion vinaigrette and topped with scallions.
The 24-hour pork belly was my favorite bite of the meal. It’s ridiculously tender, with a rich miso glaze, and served with a lovely side of marble potato salad.
Dessert finished off with the chef’s version of a buckeye tart. (Thanks to Lindsay from @cbusfoodie614 for the photo!)
I think Lani has a lot going for it! The views are nice, and again, the food and beverage goes above and beyond! Days later and I’m still thinking of that kale salad and the 24-hour pork belly.
Lani will be open Wednesday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m., Friday, 4-11 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.
Note that young adults aged 16+ are welcome (when accompanied by 21+ guests) until 7 p.m., after which it’s 21+ only.
Lani Rooftop Lounge
50 E. Olentangy St.
Powell, OH 43065
(614) 502-6517
Web: lanirooftop.com
FB: Lani Rooftop Lounge
IG: @lanirooftop