We tried Columbus' first "sober bar"
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The entrance to The Dry Mill at 79 S. 4th St., which opened April 30. Photos: Tyler Buchanan/Axios
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.
