Cozy restaurant & bar opening in former Worthington speakeasy this month

Before 2022, on any given weekend night, there was a wait to get into the clandestine bar underneath Natalie’s in Worthington, with patrons from all over town waiting for their chance to be immersed in the chic world of craft cocktails at Light of the Seven Matchsticks.

And now, that type of energy could be back this month.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Natalie’s and Light of Seven Matchsticks may have closed, but a new duo has moved in. 

The Nine, owned by former High Bank Distillery Co. mixologist Bismaark Akomeah, is opening in the former home of the Light of Seven Matchsticks, in the lower level of the building at 5601 N. High St. Upstairs, Fired Up Pizza will reside, serving wood-fired pies and Italian-style deli sandwiches.

While an opening date for Fired Up pizza has yet to be announced, The Nine said on Instagram that they’ll be opening to the public on March 10.

Akomeah told 614Now that The Nine’s cocktail program will shine, featuring drinks like Whisper of Tomorrow (basil Vermouth, pomegranate, coconut, herbs and more), in addition to Model Village (brown butter, sage, overripe bananas and whiskey). If you’re not in the mood for pizza upstairs, The Nine will also serve tapas, offering Mediterranean-inspired shareables like braised short rib, a spicy feta dip, quartered chicken and more.

The atmosphere is dark, cozy, romantic, and most importantly, really cool. We’ll see you there!

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY