Best of the ‘Bus 2021 & 2022 Winner!

WITH COLUMBUS’ PERFECT blend of historic spots and booming development, bar owners have plenty of competition around town, which has led to some creative and unique spaces to explore for your next date night or after-hours meetup. Here are some unique spaces to enjoy some fresh air and sip in style.

Understory

Understory may be the only school in central Ohio that encourages wandering the halls with a drink in hand.

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing took over the Columbus’ Open Air School in 2020 and transformed its space into a bar that keeps the historic features intact, but is optimized for grabbing a casual drink with a friend or a date.

The Open Air School was built in 1927 and designed by Howard Dwight Smith, an Upper Arlington resident best known for designing Ohio Stadium. To fight the spread of tuberculosis, the school was designed to have a constant flow of fresh air. These days, the school’s campus is home to Joshua

Schottenstein Pottery, Butcher Shop Fitness, Understory, Emmett’s Cafe and more.

The fun is in the details at the Open Air School. The bricks that make up the school were intentionally laid askew to maintain a playful tone. You can lounge in a “study nook” booth that sits in a hallway