Stories on High — Restaurant in Columbus

We had a lovely time at Stories on High. Our server was friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the menu but was still laid back enough where it didn't feel stuffy. We were greeted by the manager immediately upon our arrival and thanked several times before we left for our patronage. He was typically always in sight and on the floor if he was needed for something. The previous reviews about unfriendly management made us laugh because our experience was literally the exact opposite. They were either way off base or the restaurant took the feedback very seriously and immediately corrected whatever issue there was.

The environment in the place is amazing. Its classy, the view is great and it definitely wasn't loud. It does give a bit more of a hotel bar vibe (probably because it is) than the other rooftop bars in Columbus. There were a lot of guests at the bar in suits you could tell were there for a convention rather than locals on a night out. Maybe the vibe changes a little bit later though, we left by about 8:30pm. For context, we are a couple in our 30s. It definitely felt age appropriate. Not sure if it would be the scene for a 20s something crowd.

We showed up a bit before sunset which was a bit tricky with a glare of blinding sun coming through the windows, but they have adjustable shades which were monitored and changed pretty frequently throughout the night for guests comfort. The view of the sunset was fantastic.

We each tried two cocktails which were good but not great (most seemed on the sweet side and the menu kind of lacks variety) and got an array of food which is served tapas style. My drink came with wearable cat ears (?) which was confusing but funny. Seems like the person who complained about not getting a parting gift for coming below ordered the wrong drink! My cat ears departed with me.

We really liked the food, especially the wagyu beef tartar and the sliders, but felt the portion sizes of all the dishes were a little small for the price. That being said, I think the restaurant presents itself correctly and it wasn't a surprise a night out for two with dinner and drinks would be $150 or so.

Overall we really liked it here! Of all the rooftop bars, I still prefer Mandrake because the vibe is a little more fun/upbeat and their drinks are honestly probably some of the best and most creative in town. I would happily go back to Stories on High, but hope they expand on their drink menu or do more of a seasonal menu type thing. Can't wait to check out the patio when its warmer. Thank you for the...

My 3 stars are for the view. It is honestly really cool - as I'm sure many other reviews have mentioned. Even on a cold, cloudy, overcast Friday a couple weeks ago, it was still really neat. Definitely want to go back in the summer and get out on the patio. My missing 4th and 5th star are for the food and drinks. This place is expensive - the menu is online so you can see that for yourself. For these prices, I want to be really impressed (and not just with the view). My husband and I each got a cocktail (mind you these average about $16-18). They were good, but, again, I want to be really wowed. We ordered the salmon taquitos (2 TINY salmon tacos that you can basically eat in 2 bites) and a nigiri and a sashimi. The food is all quite expensive too and since it's "small plates", we joked our bill would probably be $300 just to fill up on food. We found all the staff to be quite welcoming and professional (throughout the whole hotel on our way up to Stories). I will say the music was a LITTLE loud and it was extra noticeable because the chairs and tables are kind of awkwardly low to the ground (I don't know if they're trying to track with the Asian-themed menu by mimicking sitting on the ground?) so the wait staff are then awkwardly high above you. Combined with the loud music it made it quite hard to hear a lot of what our waiter was trying to explain to us about the menu. I recommend Stories if you want to take someone out and really impress them or celebrate a REALLY special occasion; otherwise, I recommend it for maybe a pre- or post-dinner cocktail to take in the view. But otherwise, save your money and fill up on food at any of the restaurants...

Visited on opening day. I will say for an opening day there wasn't any type of celebration. You know how places give you a parting gift or some type of appreciation for coming. Highest rooftop bar in Columbus (the only thing unique about the bar along with its cost). Very interesting fact to make it stand out if you're in to high building things. It's on the top floor of the Hilton downtown in the arena district connected to the convention center. The place is super expensive imo. The drinks were ok, nothing amazing. You could easily get a better drink elsewhere for wayyyyy cheaper. They just need to make the drinks with a little bit more pizazz and I can justify the prices. The place is aesthetically pleasing. Looks clean and modern. Staff was pleasant and helpful. Food was better than ok but not amazing. Very pricey even for a tapas/a la carte style place. Needs more options I recommend checking it out since its new. Checking out as in walking in to look then leave to find a better bar. There's outside seating and good scenery. Again this is Columbus, Ohio and it's a bar with NY prices haha. Also annoyed I was only able to get the second review on google versus being first. RIP😭.

TL:DR. Basically another Man Drake Rooftop bar but more expensive. Probably would only go back if someone else is buying haha. So yeah probably notbgoing back

Edit. I went during the first hour of opening when it was practically empty so I personally didn't have rude staff experience at my...