At long last, the Worthington Inn has reopened in Old Worthington! The local institution has been closed since the end of 2018, following a run as one of the city’s oldest continually operating businesses since 1831. The building has lived numerous lives over its nearly two centuries, as a private home, hotel, restaurant, stagecoach stop, event space, and condos.
And now, thanks to the team behind Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and Understory, it’s entering a new era.
The Worthington Inn has pretty much sat empty since it closed in 2018. During that time the main floor has been unused, while the upstairs dining rooms and ballroom have been converted into office spaces. So while the space will feel mostly familiar to people who frequented the Inn during its heyday, it’s important to remember that this is a concept that nods heavily to its history while exploring new ground.
Above is a look at one of the main dining rooms!
I love the detail of the hand-stenciled walls.
And you’ll find many other historic details preserved throughout.
Here’s the other main dining room. (Not all decorations were up when we toured it at this point.)
The gorgeous bar has been preserved, now with a row of curving booths sitting opposite the bar. (Bar stools will line the counter.)
My favorite room is the front lounge – long known as the Cowles Room after some of the original owners. This room offers more informal seating but will still be full service.
I’m already excited to hang out here or at the bar!
Because the new Worthington Inn is operated by the folks from Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, it’s no surprise that the beer list features WRB brews. They even brewed a special English pale ale called The Inn Keeper, just for the establishment.
Right off the bat, the cocktail game is pretty strong. Travis Owens, long known for bygone spots like Curio and his various cocktail consulting gigs, has come up with a dynamic menu. We can certainly vouch for the draft Aperol spritz and the A La Louisiane.
We started with the large ploughman’s plate with sliced ham, rotating charcuterie, saxon shire layered cheese, red dragon mustard-ale cheddar, pickled cauliflower, a couple spent grain rolls, plus house hearthside mustard and jam.
The asparagus is served cold with a dandelion and tarragon gribiche sauce (similar to an egg salad).
The blonde French onion soup is served with a sourdough crouton topped with Black Radish Creamery raclette cheese. I can’t say I’ve had a blonde version of the soup before – it’s different than the classic, more caramelized version, which I prefer.
The campanelle pasta is served with a nice mushroom bolognese. I would have liked more of the sauce!
The 8-ounce sirloin filet comes expertly cooked to order and is served over a Jerusalem artichoke purée with sautéed baby florentino cauliflower and a rich red wine demi-glace. High marks.
One of my favorite bites was the fish and chips, a giant piece of haddock beer-battered with Inn Keeper beer and served with pub fries, a house-made tartar sauce, beer vinegar made with Wolf’s Ridge brews, and a side of cabbage-fennel slaw with black pepper vinaigrette.
For dessert I definitely recommend the sticky toffee pudding. It’s nicely spiced with black cardamom. And it’s gluten free! In general, the menu caters nicely to almost all dietary preferences and needs.
The rhubarb and honey panna cotta combines a very mild panna cotta with crisp and slightly tart rhubarb.
This was all a very good start, and we’re excited to explore more of the menu! The lunch menu is focused more on a selection of sandwiches, a burger, and other dishes. And there’s an English breakfast on the brunch menu! You can view all the menus on their website.
In addition to the dining rooms, we’re excited to see this patio re-activated once again!
Wolf’s Ridge at The Worthington Inn is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wolf’s Ridge at The Worthington Inn
649 High St.
Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 280-1500
Web: worthingtoninn.com
IG: @wrbworthingtoninn