Hannah Bealer
With its historic homes, walkability, charming storefronts and proximity to Otterbein University, Uptown Westerville is a favorite spot to live and play in the city. In recent years, restaurant owners have also taken note of the area’s charm. Here’s a look at some new eateries that have set up shop, as well as a couple expected to open by the end of this year.
Uptown Deli and Brew and Temperance Row Brewing Company
Uptown Westerville was lacking a deli, so owner Tony Cabilovski decided to change that.
“I was looking for something that fills that niche,” he says.
Uptown Deli and Brew, which also houses Temperance Row Brewing Company, opened Dec. 17.
“We’re a brewpub,” Cabilovski says. “You can sit down anywhere in the building or the patio and have a beer and a sandwich.”
Cabilovski calls the menu “straight up deli.” Cabilovski says he wanted to get in touch with the Italian side of his family, so there are some elements of his heritage found in the menu.
“We have more of a European feel because of that side of my family,” he says.
The deli sells the expected sandwiches, soups and salads, but also offers an old world market aspect with a selection of artisan breads, cheeses and meats. For in-house dining, there’s also a European-inspired patio that faces State Street.
The Reuben signature sandwich has impressed diners, Cabilovski says. There’s also a selection of appetizers, including house-fried potato chips, spicy black bean hummus and soft pretzels.
Temperance Row Brewing Company is set up in a room behind the deli. It’s Westerville’s first – legal, at least – and only brewery.
Cabilovski, a craft beer fan, says there are 12 beers on tap including 4-8 beers made in-house, depending on the season. The Scofflaw Lager, named after a nickname for Americans who drank regardless of Prohibition, is a favorite.
Somewhere down the line, Cabilovski says, he’d like to start distributing.
41 N. State St.
Monday-Saturday, 11-2 a.m.
Sunday, noon-2 a.m.
Koblé Greek-Italian Grill
Owners Orion Trifoni and Ilias Strovolidis brought the tastes of Greece and Italy to Uptown when Koblé opened its doors on Feb. 23. The concept – a selection of both Greek and Italian staples on one menu – was about a year in the making.
Strovolidis grew up in Greece, working at restaurants during his late teenage years, before he decided to move to the U.S. Trifoni, who also owns northwest Columbus’ Panini Opa, spent time living and working in both Greece and Italy.
“We all combined our recipes and came up with this great menu,” Strovolidis says.
Koblé is a fast-casual eatery. Customers can place their orders at the bar or the front counter, take their seats, and wait for their food to be brought out to their tables. The restaurant includes a full bar, which helps broaden its appeal while also keeping the environment family-friendly and casual, Strovolidis says.
The fast-casual approach helps with customer turnover, assuring there is enough seating for those wandering in to have a bite at the new establishment. Strovolidis says there are still a few kinks they need to smooth out, but so far the setup has worked for them.
“I think we have created a very nice environment,” he says, adding that choosing décor for the restaurant was also a concern. They didn’t want to stick to the typical blue and white color scheme found at similar eateries, instead deciding on earthy, rustic color tones. “A mix of Italian and Greek food is something that’s very unique.”
The calamari fritti – breaded, fried and seasoned squid served with a side of house garlic sauce – is already a customer favorite.
“People go crazy about the calamari,” Strovolidis says.
The octopus – which is marinated and served with onions, mixed peppers, garlic and parsley – is another hit, while the Italian Panini, served with French fries, has also received rave reviews.
“I get a lot of customers telling me that ours is the best Italian panini they’ve ever had,” Strovolidis says.
For dessert, diners can choose between walnut and pecan baklava, along with a variety of cakes.
7 N. State St.
Open daily 11 a.m.
www.koblegrill.com
8 State Bistro
Set for a grand opening this spring, 8 State Bistro defines itself as an upscale gourmet American eatery. The dining area, which is currently under construction, will be incorporated into Uptown Westerville’s iconic State Theater. The former theater’s outdoor marquee will also be restored, and there are plans for the interior décor to reflect the venue’s history as a movie theater.
Menu highlights include pasta, steak and seafood. At the restaurant’s 20-seat bar, guests can enjoy classic cocktails with both unique and modern ingredients.
8 N. State St.
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight
www.8statebistro.com
Northstar Café
Westerville residents can expect to see a new location of the popular Columbus chain pop up in Uptown by the end of this year. It’s set to take the spot of the former Kyoto Tea House on the corner of State and Plum streets.
Northstar Café’s menu features New American cuisine that includes healthful, organic ingredients. Highlights include its Northstar Burger, thin crust pizzas and a variety of breakfast and brunch selections for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
www.thenorthstarcafe.com
Hannah Bealer is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
