This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOC advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.
If you’re looking for a place with great food, wild history, and a chance of being haunted by a turn-of-the-century philanderer… have I got the spot for you.
Elevator Brewing is located inside the Larrimer Building in downtown Columbus, a National Historic Landmark that was once home to the infamous Bott Bros. Billiards, a rowdy pool hall that doubled as a saloon and was rumored to have been a brothel, too. Just a casual Tuesday night, really.
The original Bott Bros. signage still exists in the stained glass that dons the front windows, and walking through the entrance feels like stepping straight into a time machine. But in this case, that time machine serves steak and homemade root beer.
The history behind this building is about as wild as the food is good.
Murder, Ghosts, and… Presidential Pee?
Here’s where things get really interesting. Legend has it that in 1909, a man named Colonel Pritchard, who happened to be a frequent guest of Bott Bros., was murdered during a snowstorm just outside the front door. Some say it was a woman he’d been having an affair with. Apparently, Pritchard crawled back into the saloon, bled out and died… and now haunts the building to this day.
Some people claim they’ve seen his murderer’s footprints appear in the fresh snow on the sidewalk, right before their very eyes.
Julian, one of the bartenders during my visit (shoutout Julian!), swears he once saw a glass pitcher fly off the bar and across the room while closing up without a single person nearby. Either a ghost or a really, really strong draft (it is a microbrewery, after all!).
Speaking of the bar… it’s not just historic. It’s legendary. The actual bar at Elevator came from Chicago’s World’s Fair. Like, the real one. And if that’s not wild enough, rumor has it that President Theodore Roosevelt had himself a night at Bott Bros. that was so rowdy, he ended up peeing on the bar. That’s not a joke. There’s still a little drainage trough underneath the bar from the days when public urination apparently counted as nightlife.
Those days are long gone, but the history of this spot adds to the character of the spot, no doubt. Shoutout to Elevator and Bucky from Columbus Ghost Tours for all the amazing stories and info. What a time to be alive. Or dead. Or undead?
The Vibe Is Immaculate
Even if you don’t believe in ghosts or presidential bodily fluids, Elevator is worth visiting for the atmosphere alone. The space is long and sprawling, with multiple distinct areas that each feel like their own little pocket of the past.
- The bar area greets you with that iconic World’s Fair bar. It’s grand, gleaming, and practically begs you to order a pint and hear a ghost story.
- Walk a bit farther in, and you’ll enter the main dining area… Full of warm lighting, massive paintings, cozy tables, and a layout that somehow feels intimate and expansive at the same time.
- Keep going, and you’ll reach the very back, where you’ll find two full-size billiard tables (one of which is a historic Bott Bros. Billiards table) and a massive wall of absolutely gorgeous stained glass. It’s jaw-dropping.
- And then, if you’re lucky (or in the know), you can reserve the secret balcony dining area tucked up under the staircase to the second floor. It’s perched above the main room, giving you a sweeping view of the bar and dining area below, but with privacy and ambiance all its own. Think moody lighting, elegant curtains, and just enough separation from the hustle and bustle to make it feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem within the hidden gem.
But Let’s Talk About the Food
If there’s anything more supernatural than the ghost stories, it’s how ridiculously good the food is now. Don’t worry, no one’s peeing on the bar anymore. The space is clean, beautifully preserved, and it’s become a favorite lunch spot for downtown Columbus workers. That renovated patio out front? Also a vibe.
Some fan favorites?
- The Almond Crusted Chicken Salad: This one lives up to the hype. The chicken is juicy and savory with a golden almond crust, paired with smoked bacon, crisp green apples, white cheddar, and mixed greens. It’s all tied together with a combo of maple shallot vinaigrette and honey mustard drizzle. It’s fresh, it’s filling, and it’s delicious. Prepare to take home leftovers!
- Homemade Root Beer: Straight from the tap and straight-up phenomenal. Sweet, fizzy, and nostalgic in the best way.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: I wasn’t prepared for how good these were. If you didn’t tell me they were cauliflower, I genuinely might not have noticed. That buffalo sauce is phenomenal.
- Fresh Walleye Sandwich: Juicy, tender, perfectly cooked. A Midwest fish fry in sandwich form. No notes. Too busy shoveling it down my throat.
But the main event was something I’ve never seen before…
The Steak on the Stone
Elevator’s Rock Filet is one of the most fun and delicious dining experiences I’ve ever had. They bring you a 6oz hand-trimmed beef tenderloin, lightly seared with Elevator’s “E” logo on top, and serve it sizzling on a 500-degree tulikivi firestone. You slice it up yourself and cook each bite just how you like it. It comes with dipping sauces and grilled mushrooms right on the stone.
Is it extra? Yes. Is it delicious? Also yes.
I have to say, it is incredibly satisfying to play with your food and still look like a classy adult. Thanks, Elevator!
And if DIY cooking isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can still get phenomenal Filet Medallions or Ribeye cooked to perfection by the kitchen. But for those of us who never really got over our Easy-Bake Oven era, the hot stone is where it’s at.
A Secret Table & A Special Deal
Make sure you ask to reserve the secret private dining table that overlooks the restaurant. It’s tucked away, cozy, and makes the whole experience feel even more special.
And here’s a little treat: if you mention Step Out Columbus, you’ll get 10% off your meal. Consider it our ghostly gift to you.
This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOC advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.