We tried Columbus' first "sober bar"

The Dry Mill feels like a standard sports bar at first glance, but a closer look offers hints of a different type of vibe.

• The bartender serves up water without asking. The bathroom offers mints and mouthwash.
• Most notably is the sign on the entrance door: "No alcohol beyond this point."

Driving the news: Columbus' first "sober bar" held its long-awaited grand opening two weeks ago on Fourth Street near Capitol Square.

Why it matters: The Dry Mill has already proven popular among the region's non-drinking community as well as patrons interested in checking out the unique business.

• Two friends were inspired to open the non-alcoholic restaurant and bar following their own journeys toward sobriety.
• In the corner is a small plant used as a symbol in Alcoholics Anonymous to represent the hope of recovery and the gift of paying it forward.

👋 Tyler here. I stopped in for a bite to eat between reporting trips downtown.

• Lunchtime has been quiet these first few weeks, aside from workers from nearby businesses and the YWCA.
• Things pick up during evenings and the past two weekends have been, in the words of the kitchen manager, "killer."

On the menu: A wide variety of zero-ABV beers, energy drinks, teas and alcohol-free cocktails.

• On the bar manager's recommendation, I tried the Island Breeze, a beach-themed blend of passion fruit, pomegranate, ginger, guava, coconut and Sprite.

• At no point did it make me yearn for alcohol — I just appreciated a delicious cold drink on another 80-degree day.
• I also ordered a sweet potato quinoa burger, thinking it would be fitting to wash down a non-alcoholic drink with a non-meat burger. It was divine.

The bottom line: Come for the novel experience, stay for the welcoming environment and solid menu offerings.

• And you might want to come sooner than later. I predict it'll be packed when the word starts to get out.

If you go: 11am-11pm daily, 79 S. 4th St. Closed Tuesday.