It was announced last summer that Bareburger, the organic New York City burger joint offering exotic meat choices alongside traditional ones, was expanding to Columbus and would be located in the Yankee Trader building at 463 North High Street. Later this month, the restaurant opens.

George Matthews, Charlie Xu, and Ben Christopher are the three friends bringing the franchise to the Buckeye state. The guys fell in love with the concept after living in New York and visiting Bareburger there. As Columbus natives, they knew it was an idea that would catch on back home.

“We really wanted to target a neighborhood that was urban and had a bit of a New York feel,” shares Matthews on the spot. “We thought the closest was the Short North, and this location – across from the Convention Center, right by the North Market and Arena District, and one block from the Short North – is amazing.”

Bareburger is so named because they stay as true to the farm-to-table motif as possible. The ingredients they use are all-natural, hormone-free, and environmentally-sustainable. They source locally, when possible, and responsibly import what can’t be, like ostrich and elk.

The décor at Bareburger is eco-friendly as well. The floors are made of reclaimed wood, the light fixtures of old CO2 containers, and the chandeliers are created with forks and spoons. Even the tables are set off with recycled detergent bottles to add a splash of color.

The menu at Bareburger Columbus will closely resemble the ones at other locations. Diners choose a style of burger, like the Habanero Express with spicy pickle chips, or Supreme topped with special sauce, a protein, from choices like bison, lamb, or portablella, and their preference of bread.

There’s also the create-your-own option available, and customers can expect to pay anywhere from $15-$20 for a complete meal. They also offer desserts, and in a matter of months, brunch, complete with waffles and egg sandwiches.

One major difference at this Bareburger is the addition of a full bar. Other locations have served beer and wine, but this store will also carry a host of cocktails named after famous farmers in a nod to their overarching theme. Look for the Johnny Appleseed, with Koval Bourbon, and the John Deere, with Papagayo Spiced Rum.

The 3,000 square feet space, including a basement prep area, can seat 115 guests at a time, and has 2 distinct areas: a dining room up front with a bar, and a smaller bar area to the back with garage doors that open onto a killer view of the North Market. There are 3 televisions in the restaurant that will be tuned to classic cartoons.

Bareburger Columbus plans to hold a soft opening on March 24th, and officially launch on March 31st. Their hours of operation will be Monday-Thursday, 11am – 10pm, Friday-Saturday, 11am – midnight, and Sundays, 11am – 5pm. Once brunch begins, they will open at 9am on Saturdays.

For a longer look at Bareburger’s menu, visit www.bareburger.com.