If This Bar Could Talk

In this episode, we sit down with Ari Stewart, Bar Manager at Cordial Cocktail Club. Though he's only been behind the bar for three years, Ari's roots in hospitality run deep. Raised in a family where both parents and his brother are professional chefs, flavor has always been at the center of his world.

Fresh off a trip to Mumbai to visit his grandparents, Ari shares how reconnecting with his Indian heritage sparked a new wave of creativity behind the bar. From vibrant spices and street-food flavors to the memories and traditions that shaped him, Ari reveals how his cultural experiences are inspiring some of his most exciting cocktails yet.

Join us as we explore the intersection of family, culture, and craft, and hear how one rising bartender is making a splash by bringing bold Indian-inspired flavors into the modern cocktail scene.

At Denmark on High, Columbus’ original cocktail lounge and home of the Black & Blue Manhattan, Chad Pozmantir and Isaac Osborne run the entire bar themselves. In this episode, they share how experience, trust, and teamwork keep the place moving on even the busiest nights. and make their two‑man operation feel effortless.

They walk us through the creative process behind Denmark’s cocktail menus, including how they collaborate, edit, and refine drinks alongside owner, Garry White, until they’re worthy of the city’s OG cocktail lounge.

You’ll hear their thoughts on bar etiquette, the unspoken rules of hospitality, and a few personal stories that reveal why this partnership works so well. It’s a look inside the craft, chemistry, and camaraderie that keep Denmark on High at the top of Columbus’ cocktail scene.

In this episode we sit down with Mike Feist, bar manager at Soul at The Joseph Hotel. Mike has worn many hats — trained chef, amateur historian, and one of Columbus’s most creative bartenders — but the through‑line is simple: he fell in love with bartending and never looked back. Mike pulls back the curtain on his passion project, a meticulously researched menu of historic Columbus cocktails resurrected from bars that no longer exist.

We explore how he tracked down forgotten recipes, the stories behind the city’s long‑gone watering holes, and why preserving cocktail history matters just as much as creating something new. It’s a conversation about craft, memory, and the magic of reviving flavors that once defined a city’s nightlife.

What do you get when a magician walks behind the bar? In this episode, we’re hanging out with Chris Marek, bar lead at the Still House Bar at DoG Distilling Company in Lewis Center, to hear how he traded magic tricks for cocktail shakers.

Chris is part storyteller, part bartender, and an all-around good time. He’s helping bring Columbus’ craft cocktail scene to the suburbs while doing what he loves alongside some pretty great people.

From sleight of hand to shaking things up behind the bar, Chris has found a place where creativity, community, and a really good drink all come together.

Grab a cocktail and join us for a fun conversation with Chris.

In this episode, we sit down with Cheech Kinsway, Bar Manager at Palm Valley Cocktails who is proving that a great bar doesn't just serve cocktails, it serves its community. From hosting life-saving CPR seminars and American Sign Language nights to rallying the industry for the Campari Day of Service, Cheech is redefining hospitality in Columbus. Visit Cheech at Palm Valley Cocktails located at 6770 Riverside Drive, Dublin, OH, open every day at 4:00 pm

In this episode we sit down with Justin and Sean from Sweeney's Tavern. Located in the historic Franklinton neighborhood, this community bar boasts creative craft cocktails, classic beers (aka "Dad" beers), a record player and plenty of shenanigans. And there is Malört, lots of it; Malört shots, Malört infusions, Malört cocktails. So dig out your LPs and head to Sweeney's for a good time and Malört, if you dare.

In this episode, we speak with Ken MacKenzie, Founder of Fresh Victor cocktail mixers. Each mixer is a vibrant and tasty flavor combo that is preservative-free, non-gmo, gluten-free, vegan, kosher with organic sweeteners. Use them for a simple and delicious cocktail or mocktail, in a smoothy or, like we did, in a gelatin shot. Order today at https://shop.freshvictor.com/discount/IFTHISBAR20

using discount code IFTHISBAR20 for 20% off your entire order.

In this episode, Jared Fate with Wiseguy Lounge located inside Goodfellas Pizzeria talks about his journey in the hospitality industry. Wiseguy Lounge is a sexy bourbon centric cocktail lounge featuring expertly crafted cocktails, reasonably priced whiskey pours and amazing daily specials. Jared's number one priority is creating an experience for guests that will keep them coming back.

During our travels last month to Canada we stumbled upon a tiny rum bar in Montreal called El Pequeno Cocktail Bar. It is a Cuban themed rum bar with an engaging and welcoming bartender and an amazing cocktail menu and vibe. Jackson Long hasn’t been a bartender for very long but he’s already become a Rummelier and his skills and enthusiasm were infectious and we can’t wait to see what’s to come for him.

In this episode, we stop by Goodale Station for some delicious brunch and an amazing Spring cocktail menu.