First Look: Olive Room Now Open at Intro in Ohio City

Along with the reboot of Jaja under the new leadership of chef Daniel Del Prado, the adjoining three-season space has gotten a major overhaul. Today, Olive Room will debut in the second-level patio at Intro in Ohio City.

“It’s night and day,” says Heather Piccone, director of operations. “It has always been more of an extension of Jaja and now it’s a completely different bar experience.”

Guests will find a more stylish and sophisticated space with rich woods, warm lighting, live plants and some of the most unique views in town. The long, slender lounge boasts unobstructed views to the east, west and straight up in the air when the roof is open.

Unlike Jaja, which accepts reservations, Olive Room is walk-in only. In fact, that juxtaposition of policies makes both experiences operate more efficiently.

“We have gotten to the point at Jaja where we are getting a lot more walk-ups than we used to, with the bar filling up with people waiting for tables,” adds Piccone. “This is a place where people can know that if they walk up and if there’s a wait they can come in here for a drink.”

Guests seated in the 38-seat lounge have their choice of ordering food and drinks from the Jaja menu or a new Olive Room menu. Snacks include chips and salmon roe, fried lobster croquettes, scallop crudo with tiger’s milk, and chicken liver pate.

An all-new cocktail program takes its cues from del Prado and the team next door, says beverage director Megan Luedtke.

“The Jaja kitchen is now moving toward Argentinian, South American and the cocktails really reflect that here at Olive Room,” she states.

Chimichurri finds its way into a dirty martini, cachaça and yerba mate come together in a sweet and sour cocktail, and Fernet is always at arm’s length behind the bar.

“They drink more Fernet in Argentina than anywhere else in the world,” adds Luedtke.

For now, Olive Room hours of operation overlap with those of Jaja but down the road they will extend beyond the dinner service.