The Nine in Worthington has always been more than just a cocktail bar. Yes, it carries on the history of its subterranean space, the former Light of Seven Matchsticks, with its accomplished beverage menu. But its food menu has gone above beyond, especially given the small space!
But they recently updated their menu and we had to check it out. We started with a couple of classics, a rye Manhattan and a properly made dirty martini (i.e. it has an obscene amount of blue cheese-stuffed olives).
The real selling point, though, is this new cocktail menu!
It’s designed like a composition notebook, and the drinks are designed around a bit of 90s nostalgia. Stay tuned to see what we tried.
Backing up, though… if you’re not familiar with The Nine, it opened earlier this spring, offering a clean and open revamp of the space below Fired Up Pizza.
Where Light of Seven Matchsticks was delightfully kitschy, The Nine is a little more modern but still cozy.
We began with their spicy feta with warm naan, a really nice, comforting start. The feta carries a little bit of heat, but not so much that it overwhelms the rest of the meal.
The Mediterranean cornbread is infused with feta, sun-dried tomatoes, charred corn, shallots, and a touch of burnt honey. Again, very comforting.
Owner Bismark Akomeah recommended the empanadas, and we’re glad we followed his suggestion. They’re filled with a very summery mix of roasted poblanos, corn, onions, garlic, crema, and salsa falsa.
Pit stop for a new round of cocktails, this one from the new menu. On the left is the Cartoons and Cereal. Its combination of cereal milk-washed rum, mango, amaretto, and vanilla really does make it taste like a bowl of cereal. I feel like I just finished my paper route.
On the right is the Reading Rainbows with Watershed Distillery’s barrel-aged gin, suze, melleti, and a scoop of sorbet!
We rounded out our meal with the cacio e pepe. It’s one of my favorite pasta preparations, and this version was nicely done, if just a touch watery. It’s built around pecorino, parmigiano, black pepper, and a za’atar blend.
The tuna crudo is clean and zesty, with lots of acid to balance out the sweetness. Thin slices of tuna are layered with mango, balsamic, parmesan, argula, capers, and a heavy dose of lemon honey vinaigrette.
It’s great to see how The Nine is growing and innovating over its first few months. This is definitely becoming a regular spot for us!
The Nine is open Tuesday to Thursday, 4–11 p.m., Friday to Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight., Sunday from 5 p.m. until closing.
Get a look at The Nine when it first opened in March of 2026!
The Nine
5597 N. High St.
Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 515-1064
Web: thenineplated.com
FB: The Nine
IG: @theninecolumbus