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After almost nine years as one of Ohio State’s staple watering holes, the recently closed Four Kegs changed its name and image to The O Patio and Pub, opening next week.
“We wanted a name more identifiable with Ohio State and we wanted to change directions. Twenty-one and over – basically upgrade the facility to go along with everything else that’s going on on-campus,” said Ed Gaughan, the bar’s owner. “With south campus being brand new, and Lane and High (Street) being brand new, we had to re-focus ourselves in the market.”
The new bar still uses the same floor space and will offer a variety of new features including a retractable awning, a new patio floor with a fire pit and a garage door front.
The retractable awning will allow different parts of the patio to be shaded or opened for sunlight, Gaughan said.
Plasma TVs will line the walls and bathrooms, stone floors accompany an ice-top bar in the basement and a large open kitchen exists with an emphasis on lunch and happy hour.
For drinks, Gaughan said the popular Liquid Dope drink will return with a variety of beers.
Clark Simon, a sophomore in political science, said he frequented Four Kegs every week when it was open.
“I went there usually once a week. During spring quarter it was usually two times a week,” Simon said. “I liked how they had the upstairs roof patio and the outside patio so you could talk to people who walked by.”
And although Simon made Four Kegs a weekly stop, he did have some complaints.
“I don’t like how they didn’t use the basement,” he said. “And Liquid Dope night is really crowded. Even when you get in line and finally get your drink it’s shoulder-to-shoulder. You always have to wait.”
Addressing Simon’s complaints, Gaughan said the basement will be open more seating inside and outside.
Even though the name is new, Simon said The O Patio and Pub will always be Four Kegs to him.
“I’m indifferent. I’m always going to call it Four Kegs and my friends will too,” he said. “It’s just like we call Jimmy Guaco’s, Moe’s.”
Eric House can be reached at [email protected].
