New members-only club built in a unique historic home will open in November

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you might overshoot 80 East Bourbon & Cocktail Club—downtown Powell’s sleek new members-only club—on your drive to visit the spot.

And for owner Gretchen Bonasera, that’s all part of the plan.

The anticipated new concept, which is located at 80 E. Olentangy St., was created by adding roughly 3,700 square feet of space to a 1,300 square foot home built in 1904, all while embracing the unique antiquated charm of the property.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

“We loved finding this place and learning about it. History is a big part of bourbon, that’s what we focus on at our bar, so the history of this place brings a lot of that together really nicely,” Bonasera said.

Alongside her husband, Michael Bonasera, she purchased the home at the corner of Olentangy Street and Grace Drive two years ago. The duo has spent that time carefully converting a former single-family home into out an exciting, refined new social club.

While a common bar space with massive windows overlooking a nearby ravine will be available to mingle in, the original rooms of the home, decked out in vintage furniture and fixtures, can be reserved by members looking for a more intimate experience.

According to Bonasera, 80 East will hold its grand opening on Nov. 1. It’s currently in a soft opening phase.

The new concept will focus on bourbon, but also plans to offer a variety of other spirits and cocktails, at a variety of price points. An on-site kitchen will also serve snacks and small plates.

“We like that you can make a meal from what we serve if you want, but it can also be something you do after dinner, or before,” Bonasera said.

The new Powell space also features multiple patios, including one where guests can smoke cigars.

Bonasera said membership will be capped at 200, but guests can bring spouses or as a guest as well. Membership spots, which you can apply for here, are still available.

Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new September issue here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY