Right Now Downtown

MO’ THAN JOE

Of course the new Cup O’ Joe/MoJoe Lounge  at the corner of Town and High Street has great coffee­­ – the perfect jolt to get you through the longest of meetings or a pick-me-up before you put on your dancin’ shoes. 

Not only do they serve up a tasty Cup O’ Joe,  they dish up everything from rockin’ food to frou-frou cocktails. How about meeting up after work for Happy Hour, Tuesday through Friday, 4-8 p.m.? This Thursday may be the perfect time since the Reaganomics will be jammin’ in the Commons across the street during Downtown Live.

Make it a date and check out this video of how Cup O’ Joe/MoJoe Lounge transformed the corner of the old Lazarus building. You won’t believe your eyes.

THIS FLEUR SMELLS SO SWEET

It’s hot and urban and oozes culture. Fleur is the new dessert, champagne and vodka lounge at the corner of Third and Long Streets – right downtown.

When you walk through the doors, the European influence flows, or you might feel like you’ve stepped into a trendy lounge in the Big Apple or Chicago or L.A. with the high-back white leather booths, simply stated, yet so electric.

Fleur has one of the largest selections of champagne in central Ohio, beginning with their super chic Personal Bubbles right up through bottles that will entice even the biggest champagne aficionado. If you aren’t in the mood for a glass of bubbly, Fleur also specializes in cocktails that incorporate vodka and champagne, and whatever you do, don’t forget the dessert.

Whether you want to stop by for happy hour after work to unwind with a Lemon Lix, opt for Bubbles by the Glass or maybe even one of the simply elegant and delicious desserts, there’s something for everyone. Clear your schedule because Fleur is open six days a week – Monday to Wednesday 4-11 p.m. and until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

TAKE A TOUR AND ENJOY A COCKTAIL

It’s hot and humid, and while Columbus may not offer up salty ocean breezes to lower the mercury on the thermometer, downtown antes up plenty of ways to cool off with frosty mugs and chilled cocktails all over town, all times of day.  Besides, it’s gotta be 5 p.m. somewhere in the world, right?  So, take a tour via one of these local hang outs.  But it’s not all-inclusive so let us know your favorite get-away.

Bartenders at Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails get the party started within minutes of arrival, and if you have any doubts, try one of their signature drinks like Commit to be Lit.  After a little bit of this concoction made with orange, vanilla and raspberry vodkas mixed with cranberry juice and a splash of 7-Up, you may never need to sit seaside again.

Sans the Manolo Blahnik’s and the four sassy chicks of Sex in the City, the Caucus Cosmo at the Double Tree Caucus Room provides a perfect way to relax after a long day at the office.

Travel on down to Barrio and pitchers of house-made white and red sangria, half off during happy hour from 4 – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Grab a few tapas to share and you have created a vacation celebration without leaving the city.

Take the Elevator to kick the party into full swing with their $2.50 handcrafted pints from 3 – 7 p.m. every Monday through Friday, but don’t watch your clock in this historical building – their menu of beer and cocktails will make you forget the time, which is the point of resting seaside.

If you are still in need of a history lesson while you toss back a cold one, visit the Jury Room.  This neighborhood tavern has been serving up food and spirits since 1831.  You don’t even need to crack open a book to take advantage of the free appetizer buffet on Wednesdays and Fridays during happy hour, but you might want to grab a napkin.

Get Uncorked with half-price bottles and champagne at Due Amici on Monday nights and be-bop to live jazz beginning at 6 p.m.

Michael O’Toole’s continues the family tradition of the first O’Toole immigrant who settled in Southeastern Ohio serving up frothy cold ones to the miners who labored long days in the foothills of the Appalachians.  But you just need to head down to Nationwide Boulevard to take advantage of this Irish-style pub, or walk on ever to The Flatiron for a Chocolate Martini.  Heck, the night is young so check ‘em all out.

Wrap up your summer cocktail tour with the high-spirited Drunken Chunky Blonde from Sugardaddy’s, but don’t worry – you can even drive home after munching on this one.  The dense, chewy blonde is like a chocolate chip cookie on steroids with its premium chocolate chunks and toasted pecans.  A splash of bourbon essence mixed into the batter will have you jonesing for more.

Let us know your favorite place to kick back, take a break and cool off.  Cheers!