The owners of Alqueria are at it again. Jacob Hough and Patrick Marker unveil their latest venture, Subourbon, today, Monday, June 27.
The Southern-inspired eatery opens at 2234 W. Dublin Granville Rd. in Linworth, most recently home to Crafty Pint which closed during the pandemic.
As the name might imply, Subourbon started with the bourbon. Hough says Marker is a bourbon lover and has amassed quite a collection over the years. And what would potentially pair well with bourbon? Southern comfort cuisine.
Marker spent some time working in South Carolina picking up some southern influence, and the kitchen will be helmed by Chef Odine Hong, who has sharpened her knives in kitchens across Columbus, including Hen Quarter.
Hong describes the menu as fun, creative comfort food. Diners can kick things off with starters like Cast Iron Cornbread, Pork Rinds, Catfish & Okra or Fried Green Tomatoes. Sandwiches include a Hot Chicken, Catfish Po’Boy and more. Traditional southern dishes like Shrimp & Grits, Blackened Redfish and Chicken Fried Chicken are available in entree form, along with some more unique takes like an Impossible Meatloaf and Miso Glazed Grilled Ribeye.
In the coming weeks, Hong aims to incorporate some specials on the menu, which might include some dishes based on seasonally-available produce. The plan is to add a brunch menu as well.
In the drinks department, Subourbon will offer 60 plus pours of bourbon and whiskey (and their menu explains the difference), with plans to continue to grow the selection over time. There are whiskey-based cocktails – think classics like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned – along with other spirits-based sippers. A lineup of beers, including local crafts and domestics, and an approachable wine list round things out.
Although the last few years have been a challenge for the restaurant industry, Hough says supportive and generous regulars helped carry Alqueria through the pandemic. Carryout business and pivots like hosting farmers markets on the weekends, put the owners in a position to expand – something Hough says they were actually looking to do even sooner.
Along with a place to showcase his love of bourbon, the address holds a bit of nostalgia for Marker. He grew up in the neighborhood and has been watching the space and its many iterations throughout the years. After Crafty Pint’s departure, the pieces came together for Hough and Marker to finally take it over.
In what Hough describes as a relaxed, approachable atmosphere, Subourbon will seat about 90 inside and another 60 on its patios – one all seasons, one outdoors. The restaurant has some special events up its sleeves as well, like bourbon or wine dinners and traditional crab boils.
Subourbon is open from 4 – 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For more information, visit subourboncolumbus.com.
All photos by Susan Post
Pork Rinds (top) & Cast Iron Cornbread (bottom)
One of each of Subourbon’s desserts: Clockwise from top left – Bread Pudding, Derby Pie, Key Lime Pie & Cobbler