Jackie Ohhhhhh

Born in Athens, Jackie O’s recently-refurbished Columbus taproom brings a polished new space with massive patios, on-site restaurants, and a whole lot more

By Sav McKee/ Photos by Aaron Massey / Story Design By Bryce Patterson

In a city renowned for its expansive selection of craft breweries, how does Columbus’ newest addition, Jackie O’s On Fourth, stand out? Well, aside from their rare, complimentary downtown parking lot and stunning skyline views from the rooftop, their commitment to sustainability, their eclectic beer selections and styles, and their ability to bring a slice of Athens to Columbus makes this brewery a distinct Downtown hangout.

General Manager Johnny Clift knows Jackie O’s is popular, but he was astonished by the way Columbus welcomed the Athens staple to the community. “The amount we’ve been embraced by everyone…well, it’s overwhelming,” he said. “It was busier than we thought! I knew people would show up on our opening weekend, but not quite in the numbers they did. I may have underestimated the excitement.”

For the past decade, people would ask Johnny when, and if, Jackie O’s would ever build a taproom in Columbus. Cbus has always been Jackie O’s #1 market for canned sales and distributing, even surpassing the sales in Athens, so opening a taproom and brewery here was the next logical step. After all, we do love our beer. While little pieces of Athens are still honored in the taproom, such as the family style oak tables made from trees in Athens, the Columbus location will have its own unique and exclusive style of beers and flavors debuting this summer, made from scratch right on Fourth Street.

In 2020, Jackie O’s launched a small Columbus taproom at the current home of Jackie O’s on Fourth. Only a fraction of the size it is now, the space did offer Columbus denizens a place to grab cult favorites like Mystic Mama IPA or Dark Apparition Imperial Stout on tap, but it didn’t offer too much else. At the time, at least.

Part of this was due to the timing of their opening, in the heart of the pandemic; but just as much stemmed from the small size of the taproom. So what did Jackie O’s do? They built.

In early 2022, Jackie O’s broke ground on the project that transformed their modest Columbus taproom into a Downtown destination, now boasting a 4,500 square foot brewery, 5,000 square of space for a bar, retail store and more, and 8,000 square feet of patio space. The updated space, which reopened in May, also offers Athens’ very own Bagel Street Deli, who operate a food cart slinging their signature bagel sandwiches on the new patio. A Midwestern-inspired restaurant from the owners of lauded Columbus sandwich-makers Wario’s Beef & Pork is also set to open soon at Jackie O’s on Fourth this summer, boasting both seating and a concession-style walkup window.

While their Columbus expansion was important to the brewery, keeping sustainability at the forefront is essential for the progression of the Jackie O’s brand. “We thrive and survive alongside each other,” said Jackie O’s President Art Oestrike.

They’re utilizing solar energy on the roofs of their Athens production facilities, and soon, they’ll do the same at the Fourth Street location. Their 4 and 6 pack cans come on eco-friendly, biodegradable, and compostable rings in an effort to minimize their footprint. The highquality grains used for beer production find a second life as feed for local cattle. They worked closely with local construction and architecture businesses to ensure the Columbus location was upgraded using upcycled materials. Even the rain in Columbus will have a greater purpose – they’re making a conscious effort to harvest and recycle rainwater to make their beer.

The Athens brewers’ devotion to their craft also makes Jackie O’s noteworthy. They recognize the world of beer is evolving, so they are, too. They’re trying to stand out in the brewery business by continuing their bourbon barrel and sour programs, but also by dabbling in new brewing styles, such as their Pique (pronounced peak), which is kind of like an ale and seltzer fusion. Known for its lightness, drinkability, and “patio pounder” tendency, it’s already making a name for itself this summer. Their mango grapefruit version, which is canned and also offered on draft, is the perfect pick for watching the sun set over the Columbus skyline.

If you’re not a beer person yet you find yourself at Jackie O’s (hey, maybe you wanted to take in that incredible rooftop view?), cocktails and mocktails like a Cucumber Smile or N/A-quiri are there for you. Johnny’s intent for this new space is for your cocktail friends to be able to come and enjoy themselves, too. And if you are a beer person, then welcome to your new favorite Columbus hangout.

Jackie O’s on Fourth is located at 171 N. Fourth Street, Columbus, OH 43215. They’re open Thursday 3-10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am12am, and Sunday 11am-10 pm.