High Bank Distillery targets summer opening for new eatery in historic post office

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio distillery pub is readying to open a new north Columbus restaurant and speakeasy inside a former post office built in 1935.

High Bank Co. is opening a third distillery later this summer at 28 S. State St. in Westerville, the company announced on social media. The 89-year-old building has been transformed into a more than 3,600 square-foot full-service restaurant and bar with two patios, a retail store and an exterior "Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area" window.

"We are renovating the old post office building into two entirely new spaces. Actual Prohibition, Anti-Saloon League propaganda was mailed out from this building, which is amazing to me," Hines said. "It has always been my dream to have a High Bank location here to contribute to the culture and community of Uptown Westerville."

Guests will also be transported by elevator down to a 2,000-square-foot speakeasy underground with a specialty cocktail menu that will pay tribute to a 19th-century saloon owner, Henry Corbin.

Corbin opened a Westerville saloon in 1875 when the area was known to strongly oppose the consumption of distilled spirits. The saloon was blown up twice and Corbin is believed to have ignited the "Whiskey War" of prohibition and the Anti-Saloon League when he confronted protestors with two drawn pistols.

The $2.7 million project has kept the historic building intact with crown molding and original brickwork, paired with the interior mixing modern furnishings of High Bank’s industrial aesthetic.

"As a local resident and business owner, to play a part in bringing a national award-winning operator to our nationally award-winning community is special," said John Brooks, managing partner of BTTS and developer of the new location.