Columbian Country Club, an elegant martini and tequila lounge is set to open in East Dallas on Dec. 22, 2023. Inspired by the original Columbian Country Club, a historic Jewish country club in Dallas that opened in 1891, the new lounge will pay homage to this exclusive social club.
The concept was created by hospitality veteran Brian Rutt, along with his partners Justin Kallhoff and Jonathan Rosenberg.
"The original was located on Main Street in Downtown Dallas and closed down after 100 years in business back in 2004," Rutt said. "It was a place that many Dallasites spent a lot of time while growing up. It was a special place for me and my family in particular.”
The new cocktail lounge captures the essence of New York City’s golden era with old-world glamor, a live piano player, and a thoughtfully selected martini and cocktail menu with a balance of classics and innovative creations.
The focus of the drink menu is refined martinis and cocktails featuring the finest gins, tequila, vodka, vermouth and bitters. Martini options include the CC Martini made with Grey Goose or Sipsmith Gin, Lo-hi Dry Vermouth and Orange Bitters; the Espresso Martini made with Tito’s Handmade, Luxardo Espresso, Licor 43, Cocoa Bitters; and the Hanky Panky made with Greenhouse Gin, Carpano Antica and Fernet.
Highlights on the cocktail menu include the New York Sour “Mazel Tov” with Maker’s Mark, Luxardo, apple spice and Manischewitz float; the Pink Lady with Grey Whale Gin, apple, lemon and pomegranate; and the Columbian Margarita with Aguasol Repo, Grand Marnier and passion fruit caviar.
A small menu of bites are available with several giving a nod to the original Columbian Country Club including a selection of Caviar. As the original club was known for its cobb salad, the new Columbian Country Club will feature Cobb Deviled Eggs. Other notable items are the Nonnie’s Doozie, a classic sandwich from the country club as well as thinly sliced Parmesan Bagels.
The lounge features elegant carpet, dimmed lighting, plush seating, and timeless decor meant to transport guests to an era of opulence. Decor from the original country club is featured throughout the space along with pictures of musical artists from the ‘80s and ‘90s. To add to the ambiance, a piano player will perform Monday to Saturday and a live DJ will come in after the piano player on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
“This is a spot that we expect to rival martini and tequila lounges in New York City," Rutt said. "You can come here to enjoy crisp martinis whether you are on business or you want to enjoy a date-night and sip on drinks before or after dinner or even skip dinner to enjoy bites and cocktails here. We invite our guests to step into a world of sophistication, nostalgia and elegance unlike anything else in Dallas.”
Columbian Country Club will be open Monday to Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Reservations are encouraged. To make a reservation go to www.columbiancc.com.
