Buckeye Bourbon House — Restaurant in Columbus

What a disappointing experience. I was excited to try this spot out because of the massive bourbon list.

First red flag were the chairs we sat on, they were dirty but they’re white so disregarded. We order a round of drinks and some food - a lot of the items on the menu were 86’d. Fine, not a big deal but some of the cocktails had basic ingredients.

Our food arrived before our cocktails, we saw other tables sat after us and received their drinks before we did. We wave down our waiter and he had forgotten them (even though he wrote them down on his phone). Mind you, we were 1 of 3 tables, quite empty.

Food was fine, and the cocktails were great once we got them. We order one more round as it took forever for him to come back and yet again, forgets our cocktails.

READ THIS IF NOTHING ELSE. THIS IS THE NAIL ON THE HEAD: after getting our check, we’re finishing our drinks at our table, our waiter steps away from the table, turns his back to us (to look towards the bar) AND PULLS OUT DEODORANT AND PUTS IT ON!!!! In front of us, all the tables, and patrons. Are you joking??? I can only imagine the standard of cleanliness of the kitchen/bar if the waiter has the audacity to do that, I felt so sick to my stomach. Will never return. This was literally the worst experience I’ve had which sucks cause this bar could be a really cool concept if their employees...

We had a reservation for 4:30 yesterday. We got there at 4:15 and were seated promptly. We waited almost 30 minutes for our server to get our drink order. We were told that there is no menu for the bourbon and that you have to go to the bar to figure out what you want. We finally got our drinks at around 5pm and had to ask for our server to take our food order after another 15 or so minutes (apparently she stated she was the only server at the time). We ordered 2 appetizers and an entrée. We were then told a little later they were out of one of the appetizers. It wasn't until another 45 minutes or so that our food came out, along with the appetizer they said that they didn't have any longer. It was cold and hard as we had watched another server bring it out, try to give it to another table/back to the kitchen, to ultimately bring it to us. We also had to ask for our check after waiting even more time as no one had even checked in on us after we received our food. There were tables that were sat after us and left before us being served their whole meal and drinks. All in all, we were there over 2 hours mostly just waiting on our food/drinks/service. Unfortunately, a very poor first experience with this...

To start, they have a terrific whisk(e)y selection - bourbon, rye, scotch. If it can be had in Ohio, they likely have it. From premium, tip-top shelf down to a deep and wide selection of regulars. The bartenders were knowledgeable and friendly. The peanuts, candied bacon, and other bar bites were wonderful.

I am a touch worried for the bar, though. I'm not sure they are attracting their intended clientele. Most of what I saw poured the night I was there were vodka drinks to a couple of groups who seemed to be wedding planners. Maybe it's the hotel location. Also, the entire bar only had one single happy-hour menu to pass around. And it was labeled for the month of March - it's now the end of June! I heard the bartender mention something about them waiting for their distributor to print more of them for free. That seems a touch ... frugal ... for an establishment that stocks bourbons which go for $30+ a pour.

It is a beautiful bar. The open space with high ceilings and classy appointments make it feel simultaneously opulent and comfortable. I want a place like this to succeed in Columbus. I'll definitely be back. I won't be ordering any vodka, but I can't speak for...