If you’ve ever driven down the High Street drag that connects the Short North to Downtown, then there are a few places you could not have missed: the Convention Center, the old Yankee Trader, and Novak’s.

Novak’s has proudly been a fixture at 475 North High Street since the early nineties. When the doors closed in 2012, fans of the local haunt were understandably dismayed as it had boasted one of the best patios and best happy hours in town.

Enter Eric Goodman and his partners, Greg Tishkoff and Katie Frankl. The trio has already successfully launched three other bars in Central Ohio (2 Yogi’s Bar & Grills in Dublin and The Filling Station Bar & Grill in Powell), and are eager about the possibilities of the new Novak’s Tavern & Patio.

“From floor to ceiling, stairwells to bathrooms, and everything in between, we are excited to unveil the new space,” said Goodman. “We are’t looking to reinvent the wheel, but rather improve upon a lot of the elements that were already in place”.

Most of the changes customers will see will be in the renovations and layout. The previous Novak’s had a long, narrow bar that led into a cramped back area littered with pool tables and tiny televisions. This new version will allow patrons to walk comfortably through the bar area, includes large windows that open out onto High Street, boasts cozy booth seating where there was previously none, and features remodeled stairways and bathrooms.

The real gem of this new project though is the completely redesigned patio, which features relaxing furniture, a permanent covered bar area where it was previously a summer-only luxury, and several new televisions.

In addition, Novak’s Tavern & Patio will be partnering with a few local eateries to offer convenient food options for the hungry masses. They still won’t have their own kitchen, but promises that customers will not even have to leave their bar stool to order some quality eats.

“We hope to deliver a superior level of service, while pouring a great drink and giving the customer the atmosphere they are seeking,” Goodman adds. “We hope to grow upon the same customers that made the previous Novak’s their go-to watering hole”.

Novak’s Tavern & Patio is set to open late May. To follow their progress, and get updates on their kickoff, visit www.facebook.com/novakstavern.

Photo via Novak’s Tavern & Patio.