If you’ve walked past Bristol Republic in the Short North lately and thought, “Wait… where did it go?”, you’re not alone.
It’s kinda old news, but it still doesn’t quite feel real yet.
This southern-themed bar brought together three things Columbus has clearly been craving: American BBQ, live country music (from both local acts and Nashville stars), and a nightlife scene that’s more boots and bourbon than espresso martini and cosmo’s. And with Buckeye Country Superfest now ranking as one of the largest country music festivals in the entire U.S., it’s no wonder Bristol became such a fan favorite.
So when they suddenly announced they were closing up shop in the Short North? Yeah. People were shocked.
But don’t hang up your cowboy hat just yet.
A Bigger, Better Bristol Is Coming to Bridge Park
Turns out, Bristol Republic isn’t gone. Not even close. They’re just upping their game tenfold with a massive new location in Dublin’s Bridge Park.
This new space is going to have it all:
✅ Bigger concerts
✅ A larger menu (still packed with mouthwatering BBQ, but with new additions too)
✅ Indoor and outdoor spaces
✅ Multi-level spaces to show off your line dancing skills
✅ And a whole lot more they haven’t even teased yet
Honestly, this move makes total sense. Bridge Park has become one of the fastest-growing hubs for food, drink, and entertainment in Central Ohio. And now it’s getting its own honky-tonk-style music venue with killer brisket? Sign us up.
Their opening is slated for later this year, and we couldn’t be more excited.
But What’s Happening to Their Short North Spot?
Here’s where things get really interesting.
While Bristol is heading north to Dublin, they’re not totally pulling out of the Short North scene. The prime real estate they left behind is already getting a fresh new concept, and it’s bringing something totally rad to the neighborhood.
Introducing: Black Sheep Kitchen & Spirits.
This new spot is LGBTQ-owned and operated and rooted in community. Think happy hour offerings, dinner 7 days a week, and brunch on the weekends, and live performances from the West Family and DJs, all in a space that’s inclusive, welcoming, and full of personality.
And here’s the kicker: the owner of Bristol Republic (who also runs Bodega, Worthington Tavern, and Apt. B) is backing Black Sheep as a partner. So while Bristol may be moving zip codes, they’re still keeping a hoof in the Short North.
A New Chapter for a Beloved Bar
Look, we’ll miss the original Bristol. That place had some serious flavor… both in the food and the vibe. But this feels like a win-win.
Bristol gets to scale up, fans get even more live music and BBQ, and Columbus gets a new, inclusive space that promises to be just as bold as its predecessor.
We already know the food at Bristol was top-tier. So if the team is staying involved in Black Sheep? We can’t wait to see (and, more importantly, taste) what’s on the menu.