‘Sip something merry.’ Christmas bar pops up in this vacant Columbus restaurant

A new tenant is bringing Christmas cheer to the former Smoke Bourbon and BBQ building, 1047 Broadway in Columbus.

Up at Smoke announced on Facebook they have turned the former restaurant into a pop-up, Christmas-themed bar. It features more than 10,000 twinkling lights, spirited seasonal cocktails and a variety of holiday photo opportunities for guests to enjoy.

“Step inside, sip something merry, and let the holiday spirit sweep you away,” the announcement post says.

The pop-up bar is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to midnight, according to their hours of operation announcement post.

The owners did not respond to the Ledger-Enquirer’s requests for comment.

Why did Smoke Bourbon and BBQ close?

In a previous interview, Niki Gedroic, owner of Smoke Bourbon and BBQ, confirmed to the Ledger-Enquirer that the declining business and a constant need for repairs caused her to relocate. The building required approximately $250,000 to $500,000 worth of repairs, Gedroic said.

“Every time it rained, it rained into the restaurant,” she said. “It was like somebody turned a faucet on.”

Gedoric has moved Smoke to the former B. Merrell’s building at 7600 Veterans Parkway. The new version of the restaurant, Smoke Tavern and Grill, is set to open in January.

“I want this to be an experience, not just some place where you get a quick lunch,” Gedroic said. “I want the food to be warm and comfortable, familiar, inviting. We will have everything from rib eyes to burgers and wings. We will have televisions for football. We will have delicious cocktails, and we will have food that is interesting and familiar.”