Bulgogi, burgers and 24 brews: Columbus Brewing Company opens in Franklin Park

Taijuan Moorman, The Columbus Dispatch
·2 min read
A Calhoun pale ale rests on a tabletop next to halloumi lettuce cups at Columbus Brewing Company’s newly opened beer hall in Franklin Park.
A Calhoun pale ale rests on a tabletop next to halloumi lettuce cups at Columbus Brewing Company’s newly opened beer hall in Franklin Park.

Columbus Brewing Company finally opened the doors to its new beer hall this month in a historic build in Franklin Park years in the making, after several years of anticipation.

The 13,000-square-foot hall, located at 200 Kelton Ave. in the former carriage and later trolley repair shop across from East Market, features multiple bars and dining areas.

The menu was inspired by the owners' Eric and Beth Bean's travels in Europe and "stuff we just love to eat," Beth Bean said.

Feb 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Sunlight falls onto a bulgogi cheesesteak sandwich, veggie burger, kimchi pancakes, elote fritters and a shaved veggie salad at Columbus Brewing Company’s newly opened beer hall in Franklin Park. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Feb 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Sunlight falls onto a bulgogi cheesesteak sandwich, veggie burger, kimchi pancakes, elote fritters and a shaved veggie salad at Columbus Brewing Company’s newly opened beer hall in Franklin Park. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

Aside from pizza, the menu features new dishes for Columbus Brewing Company, including items for a variety of diets. CBC tried to create a menu that was mindful of the neighborhood's youthful demographic, said Evan Magliocca, vice president of marketing.

Bean said it was important for the brewery to give people with different dietary restrictions options when they go out.

The menu features small plates and mains, such as the elote fritters, bulgogi cheesesteak, veggie burger, kimchi pancakes, halloumi lettuce cups, and the shaved veggie salad with Medjool dates, with the option of adding chicken, tofu or salmon. The company tried to source local ingredients as much as possible, including from the Butcher & Grocer and Blue Jacket Dairy, near Bellefontaine.

Feb 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; A raspberry chocolate stout head rises to the edge of the glass at Columbus Brewing Company’s newly opened beer hall in Franklin Park. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Feb 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; A raspberry chocolate stout head rises to the edge of the glass at Columbus Brewing Company’s newly opened beer hall in Franklin Park. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

The beer hall has 24 drafts on tap, as well as all-natural, biodynamic wines and cocktails with spirits from Watershed Distillery and Echo Spirits. Drafts include the popular Columbus lager, blueberry chroma, the raspberry chocolate stout, and the Kelton pale ale. The new location will also offer exclusive beers each month.

The interior design is also a standout feature, with indoor plants from the plant gays, 11 different kinds of chairs from New York City-based Industry West, tables built by A Carpenter's Son Design, and upholstery by Fortner.

Feb 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Sunlight drifts through a large vaulted window onto one of two dining areas at Columbus Brewing Company’s newly opened beer hall in Franklin Park. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Feb 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Sunlight drifts through a large vaulted window onto one of two dining areas at Columbus Brewing Company’s newly opened beer hall in Franklin Park. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

CBC's beer house, which contains a seven-barrel fermenter, is smaller than its typical breweries and will be used to experiment and innovate new brews, starting in a few weeks. And in the back is the rabbit hole, which features its own bar and seating and can be reserved for private events.

The building seats 366 people, including a patio that is expected to open next month but may open sooner if temperatures continue to be uncharacteristically warm.

Feb 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Columbus Brewing Company’s newly opened beer hall in Franklin Park. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Feb 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Columbus Brewing Company’s newly opened beer hall in Franklin Park. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

tmoorman@dispatch.com

@taijuannichole

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Brewing Company opens long-awaited beer hall in Franklin Park