Proof Public House in Ohio City is way more restaurant than bar
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A delicious chicken sandwich and perfectly crispy fries from the new Proof. Photos: Sam Allard/Axios
The weirdest place I ate this week was the new Proof Public House in Ohio City.
State of play: Melt's Matt Fish has emerged to reopen the former Proof BBQ on Lorain as an upscale restaurant masquerading as a punk-themed bar.
- I intended to check it out last week after seeing an evening showing of "Disclosure Day" at the Capitol.
- My wife and I ventured over at about 9:30pm, hoping to grab a nightcap with a pal and catch some of the World Cup — only to discover it closed at 9pm.
💭 My thought bubble: What's more disappointing, I wondered: A new Ohio City bar closing daily at 9pm, or offering a menu of frou-frou apps, salads and handhelds without a single beer on draft under $8.50?
Reality check: It's not a bar. I returned this week for Happy Hour and learned there are no such specials — at least not yet.
- It's a nice restaurant. And it should be approached as such.
👍 What I liked: The patio out back remains a leafy oasis, with a plant wall and spangled bistro lights that make for a lovely summer atmosphere.
- I could not have asked for a better crisp-level on my fries.
👎 What I didn't: The price point. My chicken sandwich ($16), fries ($5) and single beer ($9) left me feeling pulverized.
- Yes, but: The original cocktails ($10-16) seem like a good deal for the mixed drink crowd!
The bottom line: High-quality culinary destination with a veg-friendly menu on an evolving commercial strip, but hardly a "public house."