Husband-and-wife partners Jade and Jay Novak opened the health-focused Café Bon Appetit on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights about two and a half years ago. Last summer, they complemented that daytime and early-evening business with the addition of the Whiskey Bar, a small, speakeasy-like cocktail lounge on the lower level. This intimate space features a massive whiskey selection and seating for only 30 guests.
“The Whiskey Bar initially started as a side project to the café because we wanted to make use of that space,” explains Jade. “But then it has really grown organically, which we’re really excited about, but our clients have been demanding a little more space.”
The owners decided to pull the plug on the upstairs café and replace it with an extension of the Whiskey Bar. After a complete reworking of the space, the upstairs Whiskey Bar opened its doors last week, adding seating for an additional 35 guests.
“We’re very excited,” adds Jade. “The space is entirely remodeled; it’s a whole different space filled with local art. Downstairs will be a little bit more exclusive, which it really always has been from the beginning, with higher-end whiskeys and higher-end cocktails.”
Upstairs, Jade reports, will still be upscale, but it won’t be as laser-focused on fine brown booze. In addition to a full bar there will be good-quality beer and wine. Live music, always a staple of the lower level, will also become a fixture upstairs.
“We've invested our hearts and souls and every ounce of energy into this new venture,” say Jade. “We're excited about the big reveal. It really is a unique concept on Coventry and we hope it brings more traffic to the neighborhood. The goal is to have the largest whiskey selection in Northeast Ohio. Currently, we have about 350 varieties and counting.”
