The Citizens Trust

Cocktail bar · Uptown District

The Citizens Trust

Cocktail bar · Uptown District

3

11 W Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215

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The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
The Citizens Trust by null
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The Citizens Trust by null

Highlights

Creative cocktails in a grand former bank lobby setting  

Featured in Eater
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11 W Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215 Get directions

thecitizenstrust.com
@thecitizenstrust

$$$$$$

Information

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11 W Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215 Get directions

+1 614 745 3864
thecitizenstrust.com
@thecitizenstrust

$$$$$$

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reservations

Last updated

Sep 7, 2025

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@eater

The 12 Hottest New Restaurants in Columbus, Ohio

"Veritas may get all the attention, but its sister bar on the lobby level of the Citizens building is worth its own spotlight. A horseshoe-shaped bar and oversized furniture do their best to fill the cavernous former bank lobby with stone and vaulted ceilings. The crowds who pack in on a nightly basis for clever cocktails made with scientific precision fill in the gaps." - Beth Stallings

https://www.eater.com/maps/the-eater-columbus-ohio-heat-map-where-to-eat-now
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The 12 Best New Restaurants in Columbus | Eater

"Veritas may get all the attention, but its sister bar on the lobby level of the Citizens building is worth its own spotlight. A horseshoe-shaped bar and oversized furniture do their best to fill the cavernous former bank lobby with stone and vaulted ceilings. The crowds who pack in on a nightly basis for clever cocktails made with scientific precision fill in the gaps." - Beth Stallings

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-new-restaurants-columbus-ohio
View Postcard for The Citizens Trust
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An elegant cocktail lounge from the Veritas team set inside a 1917 downtown bank building. Known for precise classics, seasonal menus, and holiday pop-ups, it’s a stylish stop that still feels rooted in the city’s historic core.

https://www.thecitizenstrust.com/
Best Bars in Columbus (2025)
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Schuyler James

Google
My first time check out this place, it was their holiday pop up. I had been to other Miracle pop ups, but this one was the most underwhelming. The space itself is beautiful, with large windows and wonderful architecture. The holiday decorations though were not quite in abundance like others (just some inflatables, one of which blocks most of the space and string lights and garland around the bar). My drink was good, but it was served in a plastic solo cup even though the menus made it seem like it should be in the Dinosaur tiki mug. Other Miracle events all use the expected themed cups. Along with that, their ordering system is not well thought. They give a ticket and call your number, but it’s too loud in the bar to hear anything so our drinks were just sitting in attended on the bar opposite to where we were standing for an undetermined amount of time. All of this left me feeling disappointed in my experience and we left after just one drink. I’d like to go back without the pop up to give them a more fair shake, but they really need to revamp this experience if they want me to recommend it to others. The Overlook Lodge in Cincinnati does Miracle the best in my opinion.

Sophie

Google
Th cocktails and atmosphere were fine. Very strange that they don’t serve tap water or room-temperature water. If you want to stay hydrated between drinks here, be prepared to pay for (cold) bottled water.

ET Bass

Google
Stopped in for a drink only. Tried the classic Daiquiri and the classic Hurricane. Both were professionally prepared and served. Fun atmosphere sitting on an old bank where ppl used to cash paper checks. Big high ceiling added to the feel. We walked there a o no info on parking. Server was fantastic as he chatted with us about places we all lived.

Kelly Bressler

Google
We went for Miracle, which I have attended at two different bars. The bar was not using the proper cups or decorations for the rather expensive cocktails. The decorations were also fairly underwhelming. It was not the Christmas Miracle I was expecting.

A Couple Drinks

Google
What is there to say about The Citizens? This is the best cocktail bar in Columbus by far. We end up here every week, as if we were attracted by some weird magnetic force. The lead bartender, Chris, is incredibly knowledgeable about spirits and food. The rest of the bar staff are also very skilled! Jacob always recommends interesting drinks and is happy to have a conversation about art and current events. Emma makes killer drinks! Her drinks are on point and she makes good puns lol Anna is a treasure-trove of information about restaurants in Columbus. We’ve tried everything on the menu. The menu is rotating and high quality, so it’s always a good time to get a drink and a bite to eat! The cocktail menu changes occasionally but they always have classics on there, including the best old fashioned either of us have ever had made by Chris and the best Negroni made by Emma. All of their custom cocktails are worth a try! Our favorite foods are the bread and spread, and the jamon ibérico de bellota. Those are both going to rotate eventually, but everything on the menu is delicious! The Citizens is well worth checking out and we are sure it will be your favorite in Columbus!

Jiakun Perisutti

Google
My first time here was the night when my husband and I got engaged, and had a wonderful experience - spacious lounge where you don't have to worry about loud music or noises, plenty of seats/comfortable bar chairs to hangout, delicious and creative cocktails. Fell in love immediately. Since then, it's been a "date-night" kinda bar for us. It is right above the Veritas restaurant so if you wanted to try the chef's menu and make your night more special. They have a pool table and it's good for a big group too! Currently they have a Christmas theme and menu. I wish I had the belly and bucks to order every single drink on the menu, because they are all so delicious!

H

Google
Venue is gorgeous. Music did not vibe at all with environment. Put you on some Boswell sisters some afternoons. Paradise city was going a little too hard for this elegant mix of decades of the early to mid 20th century. Anyway, drinks were amazing and had billiards. The price is very high, though, so it's unfortunately not something I can frequent. Food I had the pita and spread. Okay this was awesome but 15 bucks 1 piece of pita is just doing us dirty. I'll definitely be back - beautiful profiles in the drinks.

Robert Flowers III

Google
Very nice cocktail bar. A little on the expensive side, but great atmosphere and and top notch service!
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Sarah H.

Yelp
You can never go wrong with citizens trust. Upscale cocktail lounge with small bites.
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Leslie A.

Yelp
Service - very slow and very very unwelcoming (we sat at the bar and it was less than half full) Ambiance is cool. It's an old bank - so seeing how it has been made into a bar is cool We did not order food, we each had a drink - the drinks were not good. We left due to the service and the staff and their lack of caring that we were there plus the drinks were terrible Drinks were not good - we won't be back. One and done and we could have done without the one
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Abby K.

Yelp
I LOVE this place!! First time going and will definitely plan to go back often! The ambiance and interior was so aesthetically pleasing to make for the perfect visit. GO FOR THEIR HAPPY HOUR!! It's 7-9 PM, which is the latest Happy Hour I've found in downtown Columbus so far. Cocktails are $8, beer is $4 - a great deal especially for great cocktails made! I recommend pretty much all of their cocktails! Food choice is pretty limited, so I would not plan on going here to eat dinner or a big meal. The 4 of us split the potato croquette which was okay, but a little pricy. The food came from Veritas next store which owns this bar. The service was fantastic too, and very attentive on bringing water to our table. Overall 10/10 recommend and I can't wait to go back!
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Danielle M.

Yelp
Can you say fancy?! This bar is set up so elegantly, I had a dress on, and I still felt underdressed. Last night I went to Citizen's Trust with some of my friends for their happy hour. They have happy hour Wednesday through Saturday from 7-9 pm which is fantastic for those who work later. Their offerings include: $4 beers, $8 wines by the glass, $8 classics. This bar is definitely a must try and would be perfect for date night if you want to feel a little fancy. They do not have a lot of food, but they do have a snacks menu. We tried the bread and spread as well as my favorite the potato croquettes. The bread and spread is roasted tomato + pita + labneh + za'ata. The amazing potato croquettes are potato + fontina + black truffle aioli. So yummy!! Well, definitely come back and love the fact that happy hour is later so I can go after work !
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Robert Z.

Yelp
Came here to check out the Miracle popup after watching the Nutcracker. After hearing and reading all the hype about it, I was super excited to see it all decked out and revel in the festivities. Unfortunately, it seems as if it was reined in a bit from previous years. It was still decorated but much less so than was seen in pics from previous years. There was a lot of empty space and also not a lot of seating so it was sort of an odd set up. There was a little table to the side to order and they give you a number to get your drinks at the bar. I got the Elfing Around #2 which is basically just a cold mulled wine. It wasn't bad just not amazing for the price and really sort of lack of service. Overall I'll say I was whelmed, nothing great to see or experience but not upset I went. An easy pass for me moving forward.
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Stephanie L.

Yelp
It's hard to know if my experience here was the norm or not. We stopped by during The Miracle pop-up. The place looked like Christmas threw up all over a hotel lobby in a good way. Lots of lights and tinsel and even an inflatable igloo. Staff were friendly and plentiful. The pitfall for me was the cocktails. Neither my husband's nor my cocktail stood out to us. They truthfully gave mass produced bar & restaurant cocktail, bot craft cocktail. It could just be because it was a specialty menu. I'd be willing to try it again another time.
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Aubrie H.

Yelp
Located downtown on the corner of Gay and High this bar becomes Miracle for the holidays. There are fun drinks and even glasses you can purchase to take home. The decor is festive including an inflatable igloo! The drink ordering process is so well designed and made ordering and receiving our drinks a breeze. Also especially loved the wallpaper by the restrooms!
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Norma O.

Yelp
First time here , someone told us of the place and it use to be a bank . It was after Christmas but still had their decorations up . This is more a cocktail lounge and they were having special cocktails for Christmas. I understand you can order food from the restaurant next to it , I believe I'm right about that . They had a huge blow up igloo with sofas to sit on and enjoy your drink nice place but the drinks are alittle pricey.
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Ethan M.

Yelp
For the holidays The Citizens Trust is doing a pop-up called Miracle. This was my first time stopping in, but do look forward to checking out their typical menu after the holidays. Coming on a late Friday night, the place was packed and parking was tough to find. Luckily we got seats after ordering our cocktails which was a bit different though I'm sure effective for the amount of traffic coming in. You get in a line and order from two cashiers who then give you a number that you take to the bar. (Pro tip: get the Santa Rex mug, it's pretty amazing and their mugs are limited!) The decor was awesome here - tons of holiday lights and they even had an indoor igloo you could sit at. The building has tall ceilings and feels spacious throughout despite the crowd. Cocktails were awesome as well. Very unique menu which made it challenging to decide on which to get, but I eventually decided on two: the Yippee Kai Yay Mother F**** and the Carol Barrel. I liked both but appreciate the ube coconut orgeat in the Yippie Kai Yay as I'm a sucker for both ube and orgeat. It was sweet, full-bodied, and had a slight graininess to it but was an easy sipper. The Carol Barrel was definitely strong with both Irish whiskey and navy strength rum being a couple of the liquors. Great banana flavor. They do serve the drinks in plastic cups unless you buy a mug as last year many people stole them - can't blame them in this case! They tasted great and that is what matters most.
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
Miracle pop up bar was fun but I guess I just expected...more? Fun holiday themed cocktails did not disappoint, but the atmosphere could be so much more festive. Needs a good DJ (or just good music). Glad I got to experience it, and the giant igloo was great, but not really memorable.
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Kayla B.

Yelp
A really lovely cocktail bar - especially during off-peak hours. The drinks were delicious, and the ambiance felt really quintessential "feel fancy cocktail bar". Definitely looks extra-beautiful in the daylight. PROS: -The ambiance is fantastic here. I've seen other "bank vault" areas done up a bit more, but this one is still very respectable with large, vaulted ceilings and wood-heavy decor. Lots of the original vault machinery is polished up and on display too. -Happy hour is weird here. It's 7 to 9. If you "miss" other Happy Hours in the area, you'll still have this one available if you want to pop in. As the place seems like a popular "right after work" and "end of the night drinks" spot, this happy hour sorta makes sense. -Their seasonal menu was to die for - and adorably creative. Their "carnival" take had cocktails served with cotton candy, ring-bottle toss drinks, and drinks served in carnival "lemonade" cups. It was a great social discussion point and just plain adorable for pictures too. I'm keeping an eye out for a new seasonal menu because I think that'll end up being what draws me back. -It's "on top" of Veritas restaurant. Veritas feels higher-end (definitely looks like a place with a dress code!) than Citizen's Trust, but I like that about the bar here. While it feels like the type of place that inspires you to dress up, there's no rule requiring it. -Drinks, while pricey, were tasty. Zero complaints about anything I ordered, and I'd happily order them again. -"Seat yourself" vibes - at least on off-peak hours. We chose a spot at the bar, but I loved some of the communal seating around the space. It could definitely use more comfy, cuddle-up couches though. -Music was there but not loud. You could easily have a conversation. CONS: -I've really got nothing. Drinks are a bit pricey, but you don't really walk into a cocktail bar expecting tavern prices.
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A B.

Yelp
Great atmosphere, quality cocktails and friendly staff. If you haven't stopped in for the Holiday Pop up, grab the Grinch and go!
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Kalah Rae F.

Yelp
I visited this place the night before the great freeze of 2022. We parked at a paid street spot right outside of the building, then we walked into an unsuspecting door and up some stairs. It was pretty crowded, and the security guard said we were the last group he was letting in for the night. It was almost 1 hour exactly before they closed on a Thursday night. The bar room is large and impressive, it seems like a good place to rent for a fancy private event. We were visiting to check out the Miracle on Christmas popup bar. I felt that the decor seemed a little lacking for the space being so large and the ceilings being so high. The same amount of decor would have looked better in a smaller space. They were, however, able to accommodate a pretty large inflatable igloo that housed couches and a Christmas tree for the event, which was where we sat. The drinks were delicious-- one featuring chai flavors and the other featuring mint and eucalyptus. The glasses were themed for Christmas but totally different, I loved the delicate glass one with the sparkling mint drink. I did feel that the drinks could have used garnishes, like a sprig of eucalyptus or cinnamon stick, especially given the higher end downtown cocktail prices. The bartender, Nick, was excellent! We look forward to going back so he can make us some Citizens Trust specialties after they finish out the Miracle on menu.
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Te B.

Yelp
We went to the Miracle Pop Up event at Citizens Trust running until December 23 and it so SO worth it! The decorations are positively fabulously gauche and right up my alley. They have a marvelous drink selection including naughty/nice shots and the service is wonderful. There aren't tapas or food because they are too busy making signature drinks that are not for the weak of booze tolerance. Really, Miracle looks best to bring your bestie or a small group of friends and see who tries to take a selfie with the 10' blow up grinch. Merry Christmas!
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Amanda D.

Yelp
We realized last night that we only do fancy places when we are on vacation. So we thought we would hit up The Miracle pop-up bar at The Citizens Trust cocktail bar. Very cool. It was all decked out for the holidays, giant igloo, everything wrapped like gifts, Christmas music, fancy Christmas-y cocktails. My husband got the snowball old fashioned and loved it. I got the Christmapolitan cocktail, it was good. Just be aware it's very spicy. As in like cinnamon spicy. I dunno if I could drink more than one haha. Gonna maybe go back again and try the coffee one! Definitely worth the stop!
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Jayme J.

Yelp
I LOVE this spot. The decor is beautiful, inside of an old bank. The snacks all come from Veritas (downstairs). The grilled cheese is a MUST TRY. They also have Happy Hour 7-9pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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Jayme H.

Yelp
I've heard a lot of great things about this place and I was super excited to get the chance to check it out during their Miracle pop-up experience in December. A friend and I arrived around 6:30 and there were a good number of folks there enjoying the evening. While there wasn't any free space at the bar, we were able to snag some seats near the pool table. As an avid player, I was excited to discover that it was free to play. #Winning After ordering a few cocktails and snapping some fun photos of the holiday décor, we got to sippin' and shootin.' I started with the Snowball Old Fashioned, which came with a giant snowball ice cube (a must-have for any food Old Fashioned) a butterscotch rye and spiced brown sugar. It was gone in a jiffy and I would have gladly ordered several more. However, I decided to mix things up and explore the menu a little more. My next choice was the Gingerbread Flip. This was a bourbon cocktail with gingerbread flavored syrup, nutmeg, egg, bitters, and gingersnap cookie crumbs. This drink was also delicious. After tasting my friends Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r! cocktail, I was convinced that they simply can't make a bad cocktail. They are creative, tasty, boozy, and well worth the higher ticker price. As for the environment, it was classy yet comfortable. The bar is front and center and there's plenty of seating there and in the nooks and crannies surrounding it. The ceilings were tall and they had nice music playing. I had trouble finding the restroom and decided to hold it until I got home, but that's the only issue I ran into during my visit. The staff was also friendly and quick to refill your drink. My experience was a 5 out of 5 and I'm excited to visit again after the holiday theme is gone.
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Tyler J.

Yelp
What a fun bar! They are always doing fun things and have amazing cocktails. I really enjoy coming in and trying all of their new drinks. This year's holiday pop-up was a blast as well. Everyone is very kind and knowledgeable
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Amber S.

Yelp
My first and only trip has been to celebrate a friend's birthday. He and his partner were dining at Veritas downstairs and he was going to be surprised when they came upstairs for after dinner drinks. The music wasn't obtrusive at all. The wide space has large areas for groups of people to gather. One area had a billiard table with several TVs that weren't turned on. The drinks are about $10 - $12 each. You can start a tab or close out with each drink. My wait staff acted funny when I paid with cash like they get mostly cards. The social butterflies seemed to congregate around the bar area but everyone else that was there pretty much stuck with their friends. So if you're looking to meet new people this isn't going to be a good place for you (unless you want to stick to the bar area).
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Max S.

Yelp
Incredible cocktails and appetizers. Haven't been in a year and they did change the menu a bit. You used to be able to select a flavor profile and choose drinks based on that but the menu is a lot smaller now. Every drink is still incredible. The deconstructed Crab Rangoon was incredible as well. Wish they could open up a Milwaukee location lol!
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Veronica M.

Yelp
Such a great spot for an upscale atmosphere. The Christmas pop up bar they have during the holidays is too notch! Unique and flavorful cocktails always!
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Sarah M.

Yelp
The bank turned bar is beautiful, classy, and at its best when filled with people. While we can't enjoy the latter part of that description at present, there is still ample opportunity to support this bar. Simply reserve a spot online, and you can sit wherever you'd like, as the couches and enclaves are designed with private parties in mind. While the bar doesn't have the same level of energy as it did in its prime, due to COVID, it is still fully operable. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the serve up a shortlist of tasty concoctions. Plus, Veritas is right below, and you can't go wrong there. I look forward to seeing this place thrive once this pandemic dissipates. For now, I'll still reserve a spot and enjoy a drink or two and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Sanath K.

Yelp
Been here a few times. Love the cocktails and the ambience. Food options are limited - but very well curated.
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Adrienne M.

Yelp
Wow! Such a fantastic place. Absolutely in love. Drinks are always spot on and the bartenders reAlly know their drinks. The atmosphere is a little more upscale and I warm and inviting. Citizens Trust is a fabulous place to meet up and have a few drinks with friends. It is our go to place. Prices are great and the drinks are always changing and aLways great!
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Rodolfo B.

Yelp
So opulent!! Awesome lounge!! A must visit!! Super high ceilings!! Used to be a bank lobby, turned into an incomparable bar lounge!! Great cocktails menu.... but bar tender will try to make anything off the menu!!
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Katherine N.

Yelp
Wandered in here for a fun little holiday themed pop up. Was definitely a novelty experience; probably would not go back but for those who want to "do it for the insta photo" it would be perfect. The drinks were well-made and high priced accordingly. The ambiance is classy and it felt exclusive, so if that's your vibe, you'd enjoy it. (Certainly not mine) This would not be a place to go with a large group, it was standing room only. The building is beautiful and decorated so it is a unique venue, which makes the experience. For a huge crowd, the servers did a great job getting the complicated drinks out to customers. I saw some photos on Instagram of this same pop up in NYC and CLE. So you can tell it was well thought out. Give it a shot if you're looking for a unique experience.
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Ya Y.

Yelp
I visited the Citizens Trust during the Christmas break when they were doing the "Miracle" theme. It was the second year they did the pop-up. Very lovely space and it had a bunch of Christmas decorations. When we visited, it was not very crowded. But the space didn't offer too many big tables or group seatings. I was borrowing some chairs from other big groups. The drink menu was interesting and the drink names were funny too. But the drink tasted fine. You could also buy some merchandise at the bar. Overall it was a fun experience and cool to see what it looked like.
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Kay K.

Yelp
Atmosphere & drinks = perfect night. Citizen's Trust delivers on both a grandiose atmosphere and delicious drinks. I've been here a handful of times and have had an amazing experience every single on every occasion. The old bank feel is impressive, you're transported to the chic 1920's, full of old-timey glitz and glam. There are a couple of old vaults to check out, one of which is the backdrop to the bar! All of the drinks I've ever had here have been unique and well-crafted. You can tell there is thought behind these concoctions. Stopping in for a drink or a few is definitely worth your while, I'd recommend Citizen's Trust to any cocktail lover and to anyone wanting to sip their drink in a unique atmosphere!
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Brandon P.

Yelp
Very nice cocktail lounge just above Veritas. The drinks were creative and delicious. Swanky vibe with sofas and plenty of small group spaces. Table service was a nice touch. Great place for a date or an evening out with friends or colleagues.
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Robin C.

Yelp
Imma let you finish but I hands down come to this place on the hopes that Logan is working and can make my drinks. He is absolutely one of my favorite mixologists in the city and one sip of his elixirs and you'll know why. The vibe is swanky, the seating is super cool and the vibe is chill. I've never been there for happy hour but I willingly lay $12+ for these drinks and the experience.
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Joe M.

Yelp
We had some friends come in from out of town and we decided to come to the miracle pop up bar for a few drinks before we hit the town. We were super surprised to see the pretty decorations and all the nice holiday themed drinks. We basically worked our way down the list and every single drink was expertly prepared and delicious. The snowball old fashioned was my favorite as I am keen to the whiskey. My second favorite was the yippee kay aye Mother Trucker - it's super purple and delicious! Adrienne ended up getting most of the Gin drinks and she said they were all great as well. We ended the night with the house bubbles which was a super dry French champagne. It's the first time we had that particular champagne and it was delicious! The bar started getting pretty packed and the super comfy couches were starting to fill up. Great job by the pop up bar and we are looking forward to coming back when it's back to normal!
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Sara R.

Yelp
The Citizens Trust is kind of hidden and out of the way, but boy is it worth stumbling upon! It's spacious and gorgeous, truly a one of a kind place. We got a drink here before heading to BalletMet and it was just a quick 5 minute walk away. The cocktails are moderately priced (in my opinion) and the Manhattan I had was delicious. I didn't peruse the menu too much, but from what I've heard, you can't go wrong. My favorite part about The Citizens Trust were all the seating options: you could sit at the bar, in a gigantic booth, on a couch, or at a large table if you're part of a group. This bar is great to meet up with a group or for a romantic date! I look forward to adventuring here again towards the holiday season!
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Lindy K.

Yelp
The drinks are good. I'd say a little pricier than they're worth, but still good. You can get similar ones at Denmark. Curios were better even though some of the bartenders are the same. The bar itself is pretty and set up different than most in columbus. It's nice. The service is garbage. Twice now I've planned, and wanted, to stay longer and left because the service is so poor. And not even poor because they're slammed. Once the bartender was just rude as hell and the second time a different bartender just chatted away while we stared at our empty glasses for about 15-20 min.
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Trekforbeer B.

Yelp
Huge amazing space that is comfortable and amazing. We came during their Miracle pop up, would like to come back when they have their own menu as they are just recreating someone's else's drinks. Regardless, the drinks were good, service was great and I had a good time. I'll be back.
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maryam p.

Yelp
The best cocktail bar in Columbus, attached to the best restaurant in Columbus. There, I said it. If you aren't patient enough to wait for a real cocktail, go somewhere that has gross draft cocktails or get a beer somewhere. These are unique, thoughtfully designed drinks, in a lovely space. And Logan, the head bartender, knows his stuff and is able to create drinks catered to you. Yes, it gets busy sometimes. That's for a reason- because this place is legit.
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John D.

Yelp
This place is great. The cocktails are carefully handcrafted and delicious. The ambiance is perfect. Highly recommend!
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Taylor H.

Yelp
This is one of the best bars in Columbus! Every drink I have had here has been delicious, unique, creative and worth every penny. Very talented bartenders, an amazing cocktail menu that rotates regularly, and great service. The space is beautiful too. Highly recommend if you are looking for a great drink in Columbus.
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Nitya N.

Yelp
The inside of the bar is absolutely gorgeous. During Christmas they often host the miracle Christmas pop up bar! The drinks are usually good however pricy. Each time I have gone I have had uninterested/kinda rude bartenders.
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Melanie C.

Yelp
Tried to come to the citizens bank for their Christmas special - came in at 9:50, which is 2 hours and 10 minutes before the bar closes at midnight. Was stopped and told they were at full capacity, so my friend and I asked if we could wait until people left. Our answer was rudely no, and we were told the "real" problem is that we're out of "stuff"... whatever that means (I'm assuming alcohol, but obviously he wasn't professional. A bit ridiculous and wasn't a good experience even with the doorman. Guess we won't be trying again. Disappointing and will tell others not to bother.
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David P.

Yelp
Best cocktail bar in the city, hands down. Pulling veteran bartenders from some of the best former and current haunts and offering a perfectly balanced menu in an elegant setting, Citizen's Trust hits every mark for me personally. First up, decor: set in what was formerly a bank many decades ago, the space boasts luxurious stone and marble, 20+ foot ceilings, and comfortable seating throughout. Though the space is impressively spacious, it's rarely very busy (except maybe on Saturday nights) and so somehow manages to always feel both large and cozy at the same time. Service: always spot on. It didn't take long for the staff to recognize my wife and I, and we always receive excellent service. (Bonus tip: ask Lindsay to make you whatever she's feeling for the night; it never disappoints). Lastly, the actual drinks: as alluded to before, the menu changes seasonally and offers an interesting balance of variations on classics, tiki-inspired concoctions, and totally fresh, dynamic new experiments. The head of the bar program, Logan Demmy, is doing some really fun stuff with infusions and distillations that are fascinating and just super creative. I'm a huge fan. In other reviews, people have derided the slow service and pace with which drinks are served. I think it's important to note that the bar is staffed with 3-4 bartenders handmaking craft cocktails, and many people who have never worked in the service industry don't understand the effort and time that goes into preparing a single drink, even with juices, syrups, and bitters batched out for service. I've seen excellent, expedient bartenders spend 5, 6, even 10 minutes on a single drink before. Just don't be the asshole who orders a Ramos Gin Fizz at 8pm on a Saturday night and you'll get your drink in a reasonable amount of time.
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Emily F.

Yelp
This place is VERY cute. I came here for the pop-up Christmas bar. The only major downside is the price of drinks, otherwise, the service is decent and the atmosphere is nice. Parking is street or lot parking, and the place is a bit hard to find at first from the outside. But I love seeing old Columbus buildings converted and brought back to life!

Scott R.

Yelp
Columbus never seems to appreciate its cocktail bars. As a result they rotate, sometimes quickly. First there was Mouton in the Short North, where the owners may not have known what they wanted but the staff consistently put out amazing and creative drinks. Then there was Blind Lady, a victim of geography (and a fickle state/city worker crowd) that got mistaken for a decent NoLa lunch joint (which was great too) but actually a hidden jewel of a cocktail bar in the vein of OG San Francisco joints like Barretta. Behind it all was the constant thrum of Curio. Sadly all of these are gone, have lost key staff, what have you. What's replaced them, and in many ways succeeded them all, is Citizens Trust. Drawing the major players from many of these CT is a world class cocktail bar right on Gay Street. A beautiful space, comfortable and varied seating, and easily the most creatively consistent cocktail menu in the area it's everything I want from mixed drinks in SF or NYC. In a beer centric city it's almost more than we deserve and I worry more than most will appreciate. I should have photos, but to be honest on my many stops I get too caught up in the atmosphere, company, and of course delicious beverages to do my millennial duty of posting artistic cocktail photos. It's a step back in time, in the best of ways. Not a sports bar with a gin drink, nor a place to see and be seen vodka joint, Citizens Trust has more sense of community, place, and focus on good beverages than any of the curated establishments flooding the Short North for the past few years. Good I say. I hope the vodka tonic crowd enjoys paying too much for very little at Forno or another beer at Pint House, I'd rather enjoy something unique at Citizens Trust.
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Daren D.

Yelp
Great ambiance. Good cocktails. Friendly staff, though the bartender talked with someone she knew while making my order, which is annoying.
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Shellie E.

Yelp
Met family and friends here for after dinner cocktails and it was such a delightful surprise. We were seated on comfy armchairs and ottomans with delicious and fun holiday cocktails. The holiday atmosphere was infectious coupled with reminiscing made for a very memorable and enjoyable experience.
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Ashley Z.

Yelp
Delicious cocktails, great seating, great history. The service was wonderful and the mood was just what we wanted. They are a bit pricey, but that's what you get with an upscale cocktail bar.
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Sonblay T.

Yelp
Nice bar, classy! Not not impressed with the service. Took a while before getting service and I was at the bar. Bar was dirty, I needed to ask the bartender for a napkin and clean it my self. Ok menu and drinks over priced.

Deborah V.

Yelp
Want a stunning venue. What a horrible business plan. If you enjoy waiting in line at the bar for something like 30 minutes,to place your drink order and then wait for it... this place is for you! Novel idea.. HIRE SOME SERVERS!!!

Martha B.

Yelp
I submitted a review under Veritas because I couldn't find Citizens Trust listed on Yelp. Review is the same. Lovely venue but very tedious arrangement if there during peak hours. Only access to drinks is at the bar where there are only two bartenders for the entire place. This translates to long waits in line at the bar for a drink. No bar food menu. When music was playing thru speakers, the acoustics in this bank lobby do not lend themselves to conversations between patrons. Empty spaces at the bar due to too few barstools which are actually too bulky. Too few chairs at the peripheral tables. Could accommodate more seating at bar and tables with more sleek barstools and more chairs.

Saint M.

Yelp
How fabulous is this place? Great cocktail menu, great atmosphere, great seating, beautiful. Just love this place.

Tora B.

Yelp
Wonderful bar, wonderful people and a great place for a date night with a pool game. Highly recommend starting with dinner downstairs and finishing the evening here for the best cocktails in town!