High Bank Distillery Co — Restaurant in Grandview Heights

Let me tell you all the story of some of the worst dining experience I've had. Grab your popcorn and buckle up, this is a long one.

We arrived 20min early for our reservation for restaurant week and were promptly greeted and told our table was being cleaned and we would be sat immediately. Another couple came in and was immediately sat. Then the same manager I'd just spoken with asked if I'd been helped. I (confused) replied, "yes we were told our table was being cleaned" she gave a shocked look of realization and sent a server to clean a different table for us and thanked us for being patient. We sat down and were fairly promptly greeted by our server who took drink orders as well as our picks for the first course. Then a few minutes later she comes back and says she's been cut and another server will be taking over.

The second server arrived and suggested we put in our 2nd and 3rd courses now because the kitchen was getting backed up. About 25 to 30 minutes later a different server comes out with our third course. We let them know we haven't received our first course yet. They apologize and leave. A third server arrives carrying our second course. Getting hungry and a little frustrated we told them as well we hadn't gotten our first course yet. They again apologized. This was starting to get ridiculous but we were trying to be understanding...except our third course came out again. Frustrated I explained the situation to the now fourth server who said they'd speak with the manager.

The manager came over and apologized and assured us our food would be made fresh and our meal would be comped. We let her know that wasn't necessary, but just wanted our food. Finally our first course came out. Both options were underwhelming and before we could finish out came the second course. Letting go of half full plates we started on the second course. Our 2nd server came to check on us and apologize. Then a fifth server brought out our third course before we finished the second. Giving up we gave the mostly eaten salads back.

Now you'd think with all of the issues that by now we would have to get some relief. You'd think. But instead my girlfriend's pork belly and fried rice arrived with three random stale French fries on it. Over all an hour and a half there. Safe to say we...

Dear fellow diners,

I recently visited Highbank Distillery located at 1051 Goodale Blvd in Columbus, Ohio on May 12, 2023 for a meal and had an incredibly concerning experience. When I received my bill, I noticed an undisclosed 3% inflation fee had been added, which was not disclosed to me at any point during my visit.

As a customer, I believe that transparency is key, and I have the right to know the full cost of the products and services I am purchasing before making a decision. Unfortunately, Highbank Distillery's practice of adding an undisclosed fee after I had finished my meal and didn't have a choice felt not only dishonest and wrong, but illegal as well.

After my experience, I contacted the Ohio Attorney General to report this fraudulent practice, as I believe it is important to hold businesses accountable for their actions. As a result, I have decided not to dine at Highbank Distillery any longer and will be encouraging my friends and family to do the same until they address this issue.

While the food and drink at Highbank Distillery were enjoyable, this experience left me with a sour taste in my mouth. It's important that customers are treated with honesty and respect, and it's disheartening to see a business engage in such deceptive practices.

As a diner, I believe it is essential to support honest and ethical businesses. Hopefully, this review will serve as a reminder to Highbank Distillery to improve its practices and provide full transparency to its customers. Until then, I cannot in good conscience recommend this establishment to...

Edit: Afternoon of 1/23/2020

After the manager Zach took time out of the beginning of his busy rush to call and apologize he took great care of us and we were able to get back in this weekend. Restaurant week + a malfunction in the Reserve with Google link seemed to cause the issue and they are looking into it so it doesn't happen with other guests. I feel like Zach genuinely cared, despite me telling him multiple times I only wanted my feedback to be constructive and a learning opportunity for everyone and that no apology was necessary, he insisted on the first round being on the house the next time we come in.

Thank you Zach and High Bank for caring about your customers!

Edit: Morning of 1/23/2020

6 months ago we walked into the establishment and were seated right away for a Saturday brunch, we enjoyed great food, great cocktails, and the staff was courteous. Unfortunately we hit a snag last night. With Columbus' infamous restaurant week in full swing we had been studying the menu excited to arrive for our reservation set for 5:45, only to find out that it had somehow been cancelled and we couldn't be seated.

June 2019: Went in for brunch today (ends at 3pm on Saturdays) and got the Bourbon Coffee Cream which is vanilla infused bourbon, raw sugar, COLD BREW COFFEE, and cream. It tasted as good as it looked! Followed up by hot honey chicken and sausage gravy over cheddar biscuits. Amazing! Service was great, it wasn't very crowded at all, and we were in and out comfortably with stomachs full of great...