Ace of Cups is bringing great music to Columbus. A friend and I were talking about how he loves Austin more than Columbus because Austin embrasses music and has a hell of a scene. We both agreed that Ace of Cups is helping to bring that type of excitement to our city. Thank you to the folks booking great local, regional and nationally touring acts. Columbus needs this.
Review Source:I'm old. That is basically what this comes down to. I didn't want to admit it, but my 30s are here and I only feel like I am still in my 20s when I am not with people who are actually in their 20s- correction: early 20s.
Went to Heat Wave with Sammy T. and another friend. The music was great. The space is awkward, the floor is sticky, and the bathroom borderline scary. The bar is a mess with little rhyme or reason, especially because I can remember a time not so long ago where PBR was drank unironically. There is no crowd etiquette here. People fall into you like bowling pins and look confused when they bump into you. There is no "sorry," "pardon," or "excuse me" here.
This place has the potential for greatness, but I think I am going to leave it up to you kids.
I came specifically for the Motown Heat Wave Dance Party. I had heard good things about the party and yelp seemed favorable to this establishment. The music was good until it wasn't and cued my exit. I drank PBR from a tall boy can to fit in. My only complaint is that the patrons were mostly younger than me and I'm only 29. Folks had no party/concert etiquette which is if you need to get around people say "excuse me " and touch them lightly on the shoulders. Instead it was like playing bumper cars with v neck sweaters and ironic librarian glasses. There was also a variety of not so awesome smells present such as "bonfire" and "too much garlic for dinner". We came at 10 and left by 11:30 at that time there was a line outside wrapped around the building. I'd be back to check it out again with a different band.
Review Source:I said I'd eventually come back and do an update on Ace of Cups, and here I am. Well over a year has gone by, and some things have changed, but you'll notice I'm only adding one star. AoC is still a bit of a shit show. Here are some new complaints:
1. The bartenders will charge you different prices for the same drink. Some of them charge what a drink should cost, some of them charge more than what something is worth. I hope if the management bother to read my review, they don't fix this problem in favor of the overchargers.
2. Speaking of those bartenders, some of them are serious assholes, while others are very nice and considerate. Some of them have a minimum charge they enforce, while others do not. I go here often enough, because they book decent shows, to know which bartenders will run my tab at 6 bucks and which won't.
3. The hours suck. Rock'n'roll is an all night thang. Why on earth do you close at 1am? Even on show nights?!?!?
After a show one night this past summer, I think it was the Nobunny show, I was chatting up a lady friend of mine at the bar. The barback/door/security guy comes up and tells me I have to finish my drink "now."
I said, "what? It's nowhere near closing time."
He replied, "We close at 1am."
I asked "even on show nights?"
He said, "yeah, even on show nights."
So I pulled out my phone, looked at the time, and said, "okay then, looks like I have four more minutes to finish my beer" and took another drink.
Mind you, this is a microbrew they were plenty happy to charge me $6 for just ten or so minutes prior. If you're going to sell me the beer, give me a chance to finish the damn thing. But no. The door guy says "gimme the beer NOW."
I look at him, anger mounting, and drop the beer on the ground. "Have fun cleaning that up." and off I go.
Before you go assuming anything, this was maybe my third drink of the night. I was not drunk. Just angry at receiving shitty service and having my wallet taken advantage of. In fact, if I were reviewing AoC based on this experience alone, they'd actually be losing a star instead of gaining one.
BUT, they have improved on a few things:
1. They built a stage. Unfortunately, it's in the exact same place the bands set up when there was no stage, and the best view is still right beside the entrance, where you will either be cold, or moving every minute as someone comes in. The stage is too short. This is a huge room, you're going to pack a lot of people in, you need a bigger stage. It's not even a third the height of the stage at Little Brothers, an incredibly smaller venue in its time.
2. They did make the patio brighter. Didn't really have a choice there if they wanted to stay in business. Giant ashtray buckets still there, cement steps still there, but now that you can actually see, these things are less of a hazard.
3. Got more beer. They are up to somewhere close to a dozen beers on tap now.
Other things to note:
1. In my original review, I said maybe they wouldn't cater to the same crowd as Ravari. WRONG. Ravari is basically just a place you go for karaoke or Clampdown now. This is actually as much a result of the promoters bringing their shows here as anything, but still...let's not open a competing shop across the street from one venue and a block away from another and still pretend we're all pro-local and pro-Columbus. You're pro-profit, whatever the cost to the scene.
2. The name is actually from a tarot card, which is every bit as lame as the stuff I said about the name the first time around. Â
3. Oh, they also managed to all but kill another bar in the local scene - They stole away Cafe Bourbon Street's biggest night: Sunday karaoke with Excesss Karaoke. Granted, it's still fun because It's Karaoke Dave, but there's that whole "whatever the cost to the scene" thing again, and its actually shittier than Cafe Bourbon Street because THIS IS A MIDSIZE VENUE. So it is impossible for it to not look completely empty on karaoke night. There will never be 400 people here for karaoke. And of the 10-30 who are here, half of them are out on the patio, so even on a good night, you're performing in front of 15 people, of whom only the two friends you brought with you are watching.
As I write this review, I can't help but think "fuck it, the two decent bartenders and occasional good show are not worth the extra star." I'm dropping this shit back down to two.
If I lived in the area, this would probably be my dive bar of choice. Â The beer and liquor selection is great. Â The atmosphere is pretty cool. Â The only issue is that there is not much area to sit, as the main area is a venue for concerts. Â Also, service can be a bit slow as so many people gather around a small bar.
Review Source:I've now been here for two special evenings.
The first being karaoke on Sundays, the second was the monthly Heatwave dance party.
Pros: Huge floor for dancing
Decent bartenders
Huge patio out back when you get too sweaty from dancing
Water cooler off to the side so you don't have to wait for water at the bar
Cons: Smaller bathrooms.. the place can get crowded quickly and lines will form
Parking
Overall I have enjoyed myself thus far.
Okay, I came here after a night of drinking in Springfield to meet up with a few people who were interested in catching some of the punk acts going on.
Phrases tossed around: "This reminds me of Bernie's...without that persistent smell of ass"
"If Bernie's is the ass of punk rock, this is the arm pit"
Several others, but we were drinking and I digress.
I liked it. Despite sticking out like a sore fucking thumb - my glasses rims aren't thick, actually, I don't even wear glasses - my clothes were more "contemporary" and not the mix of 1980's references, punk rock bands, or "saved this from the thrift store" and  I seem to be missing out on a "black flag tattoo comeback."
That set the stage of the people watching going on? A mix of girls wearing there "I'm totally punk rock at night" outfits like my ex-wife used to try to do, mixed with the "...she looks like she's looking for Sid Vicious" to the wide array of hipsters and punk rockers.
My kind of fucking crowd, even if I got judgmental glares for not being as "cool" as the rest.
I stuck with drinking Guinness, but after seeing Luke's review - I'm going to start going for the mixed drinks. My friends were drinking an array of beverages as well.
It doesn't seem to be dimly lit anymore - but the band placement is weird, and I recall in the days of its life of Miani's Chode Bar, they had an upstairs, which now is all blocked off. Whatever.
All in all - I liked it. I'll be back, wearing my up-tight "you obviously live in the suburbs" outfits, kicking back drinking in the patio (which Luke is right, that step? Seems dangerous. Actually, the whole patio process seems dangerous - steps down, low exit, another step - but what a huge patio!)
In a few words:
1. cheap beverages
2. great live music (with an amazing acoustics)
3. friendly bartenders
4. cool selection of drafts/bottles/liquor
5. HEATWAVE! (dance party)
6. the stage is huge! so is the whole place
7. the patio still needs some improvement but at least it's here!
Also, we have played a few shows there with my band and the staff is very friendly. The sound there is great too compared to some other venues the same size in Columbus.
I was able to venture to Ace of Cups for a Rockabilly gig a couple months back, and was glad to finally check this place out.
I never ventured into the establishment when it was Sloopy's (lol... nobody else did either... they just got their cars towed) So I was amazed by the mass amounts of space.
I like what they're doing here, but I'm just not thoroughly impressed. I feel like Ace of Cups is still in the process of "finding itself" and perhaps even the group they want to cater too, but it simply was not my "cup of tea (or booze)."
Speaking of booze, they have a full bar for all your thirsty needs, and PBR for the hipsters. All of it average priced for the area.
I wasn't impressed by the sound at this location, but that could have just been an inadequately run sound board.
Another thing was that I literally watched three drunks wander in off the street and walk right past the frail EMO joke of a bouncer at the front door without paying the cover, because the bouncer was dealing with someone else. Â It was amusing to say the least after seeing some of the massive and gruff bouncers and front door people at Shrunken Head and Ravari Room.
So if the music groups I like start playing here, then I will be there, but not entirely, because I want to be.
Maybe it will grow on me with time.
Was here for the Donewaiting anniversary show and I'd rate this place about 3.5 stars if there was a half a star option. Â It's got almost everything a rock bar needs. Â Stage? Check. Â Awesome looking old bar? Â Check. Â Beer menu including some microbrew/ local stuff for me and some cheap specials for my frugal friends? Â Check. Â Reasonably ample (if not terribly comfortable) stools, and a staff that doesn't carp if you move a bar stool for a better view of the show? Â Check. Â Parking lot of its own? Â Check. Â Big back patio with a roof over it for pals who smoke? Â Check. Â About the only thing this place does not have is a decent bathroom - only two stalls in the ladies and it's teensy to boot, does not work well for a crowded show. Â There's a neat old-fashioned loft in this building overlooking the bar area - would be great if they opened that so you could view the band from up there or just go up there and lounge, but alas it was all closed and curtained off. Â An okay rock bar, I'd go again.
Review Source:This club has been open 6+ months, in the process of honing their groove but I already enjoy it thoroughly. Â Most all of the minor issues mentioned during the first weeks of its opening in the prominently negative early reviews have been addressed; stage, lighting, variety of beers, karma, etc. Staff is consistenly efficient, pleasant and if they're not too busy, also friendly and very funny. Â Also, the club itself seems to be alienating exactly the same people I want to avoid anyway. Â A bonus is that they have considerable actual parking as well - in contrast to the fictional parking that often exists in the Short North. Â Perhaps the biggest plus is overall attitude, as unlike say, some other bars in the area, where even the doormen act like celebrities, the folks at AoC actually seem to LIKE their jobs.
Food is considerably above-par bar fare, leaning to the healthier side of things like cold wraps and such - but somewhat limited in scope for now. Â Beware, however that the "Pot Roast Nachos" is delicious and addictive to any carnivore (Sundays only). Â Beer selection is good for a new club. Â Higher-end (for me) Bitburger is as cheap as a PBR. Â Praise the German Beer Gods. Â So, for a club that is finding its niche, they are well on their way. Â Good variety of booking, excellent sound & sound-guy and don't worry - even if you can't stand the band on that night (it happens), you can always get one more beer and chat with friends in the semi-sheltered back porch before pulling up the collar and heading home. Â Ace of Cups, glad you're making it.
Keep in mind I have only been here on Tuesday during the early evening and for a free event that was called Boris Karloff's birthday eve. I had a great time watching classic Boris Karloff movies for free. They have a limited, let me emphasize very limited menu and the food was nothing to get excited about. However I got a PBand J complete with a side of Cheetos for a buck so really no sense in being mad that it was not gourmet. The bartender was also the server and cook and still he managed to keep up pretty well. They have a neat slection of lemonades (ginger, cucumber, lavander) which can and should be mixed with alcahol that were absolutely delicious. Also offers hot spiced cider (awesome in the winter and can also be mixed with alcahol) limited draft choices and a cute gothy ambiance. I enjoyed!
Review Source:Great sound, great location, amazing owner, hard-working and friendly staff, great draft selection, house-infused vodkas and simple syrups!!
They also have amazing boxed wine-Vina Borgia (garnacha) and Petite Frog (Picpoul)
$1 Pb & J? Shut up! Ping pong, whaaat?!
21-100 is the age group & leave your crappy attitude at the door!
xoxo
Here's what I like about Ace of Cups: the clientele isn't necessarily niche-driven and the age range of bar-goers is WIDE. Â Personally, I like those two elements in a bar. Â True, it's unfinished (and there is reason for that) but what's on tap and on the cocktail menu is great. Â It's easy to chill out...perhaps run into someone you know and definitely see a few faces that you don't. Â Low key. Ping Pong table. Â Great for nights without an agenda: walk in for the infused vodka/lemonade drinks...stay for a band...go home happy.
Review Source:Ace of Cups will probably never be "my" bar--not only because I don't live in the neighborhood, but because I just didn't get down with the vibe. Â I didn't have any major-major issues, but I did have a few issues:
1) the flow of the bar kind of weirds me out. I feel like the actual bar is in the wrong place and it feels awkward to me. Â I can't imagine going to see a show here. Â It felt.. unfinished. Â Perhaps it was unfinished.
2) The bartender was nice enough but spent a lot of time talking, occasionally disappearing, and wasn't extremely attentive when I was empty (and I was sitting at the bar trying to get her attention, trying to make eye contact, empty glass pushed to the edge of the bar to signal that it's time for another round). Â It wasn't extremely busy--certainly not packed--so I wasn't sure why it was so hard to get her attention. When I asked about wine, I got wine out of a box that she ordered but didn't know anything about--it was okay, I guess. Â I probably shouldn't have ordered it since she didn't really know anything about it, but I'm brave when I've had a couple of cocktails.
3) Um. The chip situation kind of grossed me out. Â I appreciate free bar snacks as much as the next person, but I watched the bartender (and the other people wandering behind the bar--employees? friends of employees/owners?) combine bowls of chips that many people had their hands all over and put it back on the bar. Even if I weren't ServSafe certified, I think that would still wig me out.
Still, I can think of far worse places to spend money. Â The bar definitely has potential to be a chill rock-and-roll bar; I would be more than willing to deal with the awkwardly-angled bar if the service was a little more prompt and the food situation weren't quite so ... casual. My drinks were pretty good (save the mystery wine), the service was friendly, and my bar tab was completely reasonable. Overall, I approve.
Let's see...
Beer? Check
Liquor? Check
Patio? Check
Awesome bartenders? Check
If it ain't Baroque, don't fix it! Get it? No? You will once you go inside....although it's probably more Gothic than it is baroque... I digress. It's nice and dark the way a bar should be. It's in my 'hood, and it's not full of students or creepy old dudes. My heart will always belong to O'Reilly's, but when a change of scenery is needed without leaving Clintonville, this place will be on the list!
Edit: I guess I should clarify and say that this technically isn't Clintonville. By my standards, it is close enough. I apologize if this is offensive to anyone.
This is what you were wishing was here instead of Miani's/Sloopy's and it actually came true. There's no need to hesitate; Ace of Cups is the exact opposite of its former incarnations. The clientele is douchebag-free, meaning all those obnoxious, brainless OSU students just lost their northernmost outpost and will have to make due with Little Bar, Tipsy and BW3 which are all thankfully way down near Lane Ave where they belong. Ace of Cups is dimly lit and awash in wood:a nice wooden bar and hardwood floors. The draught selection is small for the time being, but I can't complain too much when Bell's Two Hearted and Stella is on tap, The bottle/can selection includes that famous, magical Milwaukee PO BOX responsible for PBR, Old Style, and Stroh's along with higher end offerings like Duvel. They even have healthy bar food here including veggie hummus wraps and chicken salad sandwiches while boasting basil/lavender infused vodka lemonade for what little is left of summer (where did that go?). Add in the fact that this high-ceiling establishment is also a live music venue and I think I just found my favorite spot in Old North Columbus.
Review Source:LOL Some of us don't have TVs and had to look up your "Ace of Cakes" reference, Luke. Some of us are rockers and think immediately of "Ace of Spaces" by Motorhead, instead of some silly show about cake decorating. And lastly, I'm pretty sure the bar's name references the tarot card...ace of cups. Just to set the record straight. m/
Anyway, Luke T., I love you so dearly but I've got to disagree with most of your main points. Ace of Cups is a rock bar, and doesn't necessarily cater to the draught beer crowd yet. You know it's owned by Marcy Mays of Scrawl, yeah? *swoon* I loved it when I was there, because it is a low key, dark, shadowy, sultry place in which to consume cheap beer and whiskey shots while listening to amazing DJ sets (such as the dark 80s night on Sundays) and live music (like the Ex-Whites and Scrawl).
Anyway, Ace of Cups recently opened and I know they're working on the patio and building the stage. It can only get better from here. Also, the location might help my old neighborhood (South Clintonville/North Campus) become more dynamic in the ways that Campus/Short North used to be back in the day. Think, Staches or Little Brothers of yore, and then remember how that's sooo missing from the Cbus music scene - and so very missed. Ace of Cups works to fill that void.
I'm all for Ace of Cups and wish I was still in the 'bus to enjoy the amazing rock club that has been summoned forth by one of Columbus's most beloved lady rockers - and the plethora of other folks who have made this happen. *jealous*
Hey there, Saturday night! Â Yes, yes, I am looking for a low key bar to check out to escape the masses at Gallery Hop. Â
What's that? Â A new bar in town? Â Ok, I'm in!
So goes my internal workings when thinking of places to go. Â Or something like it. Â Anyways. Â A friend of mine wanted to meet up for drinks, so I suggested we check out Ace of Cups. Â I'd heard zero reviews, but the tweets/fb posts seemed good, so why not? Â I am so glad we took a chance on the bar! Â It's not perfect, but there is oodles of potential and it made me feel right at home. Â First, the decoration is sparse, but I hear that's because it's not totally done. Â Second, it is dark. Â I mean, barely see your feet dark. Â Since it was still light outside, we went to the patio, which while big, is also pretty sparse. Â Ah well. Â Any complaints to be had were done when I took a sip of the house infused vodkas. Â I had the lavender first, and basil second. Â The basil was the hands down winner for me. Â So good. Â So cheap. Â Really. Â When I closed out a few hours later (3 drinks total), my tab was....$9. Â Amazing. Â There are now 4 draft beers, and more to come, as they have the ability to have about 15 set up. Â The bottle selection is pretty good.
Outside of the excellent tab, and proximity to the North Campus Late Night Slice, my favorite thing about the bar was the crowd. Â It skewed a bit older than the typical campus crowd (late 20's/early 30's), and was so unbelievably friendly. Â We made friends with the woman sitting beside us, chatted with the guys to the right, conversed with people as they came to order drinks at the bar. Â It felt like I'd been there 100 times before (I mean that in the nicest way)! Â I can't wait to go back, and am glad I live far enough away that I can't make weekly, or nightly, stops because it feels exactly like that kind of bar. Â I'm really psyched to see how it develops, and to catch a show there soon!
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