Inside: Level Dining Lounge

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Level Dining Lounge

Upscale, New York-style lounge another bright light in...

First look: Level Dining Lounge

Upscale, New York-style lounge is another bright light in...

Level set for grand opening

New upscale night club opens in Short North this weekend

Most average bar-hoppers in Columbus might be in for a bit of a jarring experience the first time they visit Level Dining Lounge. The ultra sleek, leathered décor may have you thinking you've somehow been transplanted to a trendy scene in New York or Los Angeles.

The new Short North night club isn't sticking to Columbus' normal set of tricks when it comes to the dining and night-lounging landscape.

Food: Where do we begin? To say the menu is extensive would be like calling Barack Obama relevant. It goes a bit further than that. There's everything from tuna tartar ($11.99) and shrimp scampi ($8.99) to the sweet potato fry basket ($6.49) and grilled chicken wings ($8.49) ... and that's just the appetizers.

On the entrée side, try the fried buffalo-style ravioli ($8.99). Yes, we said buffalo, but don't scoff just yet. The lightly crisp Florentine pasta chunks (stuffed with cheese and spinach) are only lightly glazed with Level's house buffalo sauce, giving it a surprisingly refreshing kick. The scallops ($14.99), seared with lemon garlic butter and served with grilled asparagus, and the 8-ounce flat iron steak ($16.99) are also worth ordering. Planning to add a salad? Go for the Caesar—the addition of chunky Parmesan flakes and the tangy dressing make it a tasty addition to any of the entrées.

If you're looking for a sandwich, the specialty grilled paninis are a sure bet. The "Gambino's Big Hit" ($9.49) melts provolone cheese on salami and ham and tops it with a flavorful Italian olive salad. All sandwiches come with sweet potato fries or Level's house-made (and extremely delicious) Parmesan potato chips.

Level's menu also does something a little different with the inclusion of its "Lighter Level" section—a short list of low-calorie options. The "Sinless Chicken" ($11.99) is dubbed so because, unlike most restaurants, you're given a grilled marinated chicken breast with your choice of sauce on the side. The low-cal list also includes the "Ciao Bella" ($10.99), a vegetarian delight that includes grilled portabella, roasted red peppers, red onions, fresh spinach and feta cheese sandwiched between a whole grain sesame seed bun.

For dessert we recommend the N.Y.-style cheesecake ($5.99) or the traditional crème brulee ($4.99). Also be sure to head through on Saturday or Sunday for their full breakfast menu (served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Highlights on the brunch list include a potato and bleu cheese frittata ($5.29) and cinnamon French toast ($5.99).

Libations: Level's drink menu rivals pretty much anyone's in town, especially for those cocktail drinkers among us. Try the "Chocolate Snickers" martini, a mix of triple espresso vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur and butterscotch schnapps that's a guilty pleasure worth the indulgence. The "Blue Skye" is a definite crowd favorite, blending Smirnoff raspberry vodka and blue Curacoa with a touch of Sprite. The full bar also includes an extensive wine list and pretty much all of the normal beer options.

Décor: In a word, the interior of Level is fabulous, maybe even overly so. A copiously furnished downstairs dining room is full of sleek green and brown leather furniture that adorns each of the wooden dining tables. The large bar sits right in the middle of the downstairs, making the space slightly cramped on the sides. If there's a crowd, be sure to expect some shoulder grazing. The upstairs, however, opens up into a fully furnished lounge with couches, a DJ booth and another full bar.

Much like Level's direct competition—Union Bar + Food (just down the street)—the walls are covered with flat-screen televisions that play music videos. Also, while we're comparing bars, Level's most noticeable difference to Union is the lack of a patio. Smokers are relegated to a crowded sidewalk void of cigarette butt dispensers.

Service: The ultra lounge is still getting the kinks together concerning service. There are plenty of waiters that dot the downstairs, attentively waiting on those deciding to partake of the kitchen fare (served until 11 p.m. nightly), but the bar tends to be short-staffed, so expect a bit of a wait.

Crowd: Level definitely caters to a more upscale young professional. Though pretty much a gay and lesbian hangout, the bar isn't strictly so, accommodating pretty much anyone who craves a hefty injection style into a night on the town.

Insider tip: Head to the upstairs bar upon first arriving. There's sure to be a shorter wait up there for your first drink. And getting there before the 10 p.m. rush is probably a good idea, especially if you're looking to get a table.

Bottom line: A much needed departure, Level is the trendy new "place to be" on the Short North strip. And "lounge" is definitely the key word on the moniker, offering a very laid-back yet upscale aura to the dining experience. Chic, classy and comfortable. That's pretty much Level in a nutshell.

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