Fans of excellent Emmett’s Cafe in the Brewery District have more options now because a second and roomier branch of the casual-yet-sophisticated eatery has opened, and it offers items not available at the original, pocket-sized Emmett’s Cafe.
Bonus: This new Emmett’s resides in the recently restored, buzzy and historic Open Air building at Neil Avenue and West Hudson Street in Old North Columbus.
Notable: Emmett’s shares ownership with Kelley Co. real estate, the firm overseeing renovation of the multi-purpose Open Air building.
A chic old-schoolhouse setting
A thankfully preserved, wonderfully repurposed three-story brick school building with highly stylized details, Open Air was erected in 1927 and designed by Howard Dwight Smith, who’s better known for another of his architectural projects: Ohio Stadium.
Exploring refurbished Open Air — Emmett’s occupies a ground-floor room — quickly brought adjectives such as hip, chic, trendy and fashionable to mind. But the facility didn’t strike me as “too cool for school.” Actually, the mixed-use center inspired a response far more rare for me: It made going to school cool.
Emmett’s 2.0 occupies a bright, modern and pretty space rife with natural light, neutral tones and plants. It’s frequently packed, but if space at the (four dozen or so) seats at blond wooden tables isn’t available, customers can eat their to-go food at hard wooden booths opposite school lockers in the hallway (hall pass not required). Patio seating is planned for April.
