NYC-inspired cocktail bar and live music venue opening in the Short North
In 2020, as the world came to a standstill, Matthew Silva and Corey Jenkins understandably felt the pull to escape the hectic pace of New York City, and really, they explained they wanted to be closer to their family here in Columbus. “We came here, saw grass and trees, and thought, ‘This is really nice,’” Jenkins quipped.
But after four years here in Columbus, the duo admitted that they missed the vibrant restaurant and bar scene of NYC. How could you not, after spending decades in the cultural epicenter of the world? Their combined 50+ years of NYC hospitality experience left them longing for that dynamic energy they were once a part of.
“But Columbus is a really good city, with really good stuff going on,” emphasized Jenkins. And Silva, Jenkins, and Corey’s brother Kyle, are set to elevate the local scene. Drawing from their extensive backgrounds in theatre, voice, interior design, and hospitality, they’re introducing a fresh concept to Columbus – one that’s hopefully unlike anything the city has seen before.
Their new concept, The Rivington – named after a beloved street in NYC – will debut next February, taking over the former Bar 23 space at 584 N. High St. While live music venues are nothing new in Columbus, The Rivington will set itself apart by focusing on vocals, not just instrumental performances.
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“There’s a lot of places in Columbus where you can listen to jazz, which is awesome. But we want a place where you can sink into a beautiful seat, enjoy a perfect cocktail, eat some great food, and really lean into other people singing,” Jenkins explained.
At its core, The Rivington is all about reviving the seductive, intimate ambiance of a class NYC cocktail and music lounge. Monochrome red everything (ceilings, floors, walls, custom plush velvet furniture), a bar serving classic cocktails like Brookylns and Manhattans alongside their own unique craft creations, and a kitchen specializing in small, light plates, all presented in specially selected glassware, chosen by the owners.
Both Silva and Jenkins own the local interior decorating company, Mood and Vibe, and they plan to infuse the space with just that – a distinct mood and undeniable vibe, that Jenkins said would ultimately be “sexy.”
They’re not cutting corners. Every detail has been meticulously planned. “This is an industry that we understand really well and that we constantly try to finesse and make better,” said Jenkins. “We’re crafting this with the utmost care.”
The food, drinks, and atmosphere will be top-notch, but the trio emphasized that the music will run the gamut. They plan to showcase a wide range of genres, from jazz and funk to even hip-hop, but focusing on already established 3-6 person bands, specifically with standout lead vocalists. They’ve already lined up bands from NYC, but they’re equally eager to spotlight local talent, and we know Columbus has plenty of it. Columbus based bands with stellar vocalists are encouraged to reach out via their website to perform at the venue.
“We’re bringing our love for NYC to Columbus,” said Silva. “But it’s a love letter to Columbus as well. This is personal for us – this is us taking our love of hospitality and bringing people together.”
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