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Review content:
Martini Park, recently opened at Easton Town Center, combines live music with a short but diverse menu and dozens of its own cocktails, mostly Martinis of various kinds. The result is an environment that is inclusive, appealing to those in their mid 20's to 60's.
If you have never been to Easton, it is a popular lifestyle center in northeast Columbus near I-270, with over 160 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. It is a great place to visit if you are from out of town, with three hotels onsite: the Hilton Columbus, a Courtyard by Marriott and a Residence Inn.
I cannot think of another venue in central Ohio that offers dancing and live music for the 30+ crowd, making Martini Park a unique experience, fulfilling a niche with little or no competition for the 4 p.m.-2 a.m. audience.
The food is mostly bar food, but fresher than usual and mixed with a good variety of restaurant items like salads, steaks and seafood. You could clearly eat dinner at Martini Park if you wanted, or just order plenty of small sharable items with friends.
Martini's run about $10 a pop, so this isn't exactly a 'cheap' night out, but it's not out of line with the more upscale bars in Columbus. As a bonus, you get the live music and what I would describe as Vegas-quality interior design, a notch above most Columbus venues.
The drinks are how you would expect them, well made and strong. You won't need to drink a lot of Martini's (especially if you go traditional) to enjoy your evening.
This is definitely a venue best enjoyed with friends, although the singles scene is also robust, and women outnumber men generally speaking.
If you go, pick out a spot in one of three bar areas early, preferably before 8 or 9 p.m. if you want to get a table. There is a patio bar with tall top tables, a main stage area with the same and a round bar with booths and tall tops.
Pros: Live music, good food, great cocktails, friendly and diverse ages
Cons: Pricey, sometimes crowded, service sometimes spread thin
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