Summit Street in Columbus, Ohio, carves a unique path. A largely one-way southbound artery for US Route 23, it’s also surprisingly residential. Yet, interspersed amongst the homes, are landmark businesses, etched into the city’s landscape for decades. Local musical ties run deep here; Dwight Yoakam, a Columbus native, has even alluded to this road in his songs. Adding to the street’s mystique, rock legend Joe Walsh spent his formative years on Summit Street, reportedly learning guitar within its houses. The local band The Godz also honed their craft in a Summit Street space during their early days.
Starting where Summit transitions into its one-way flow at Hudson Road, and moving southward, we encounter a series of noteworthy locations, each with its own story to tell. Among these, at 2216 Summit Street, sits Cafe Bourbon Street, a venue that has become synonymous with live music in Columbus.
The Handshake at Cafe Bourbon St.
Cafe Bourbon Street: From Reluctant Host to Live Music Staple
Initially, the idea of hosting live bands at Cafe Bourbon Street wasn’t immediately embraced. However, around 1997, the owner was persuaded to give it a try, a decision that would indelibly shape the cafe’s identity. That pivotal year marked not only the beginning of live music at Cafe Bourbon Street but also the debut performance of the band Superstar Rookie. The exterior of Cafe Bourbon Street retains its familiar charm, highlighted by the dark blue awning proudly displaying its name in white lettering.
For a significant period, Cafe Bourbon Street was also home to Taco Ninja, the culinary venture helmed by Chef Ninja X. Active within the cafe until at least 2006, Chef Ninja X, who also played drums in a band called Classical Ass, brought a unique flavor to the venue. Cafe Bourbon Street offered his homemade falafel and signature dishes like Big Bad Buddha’s Black Bean Hummus and the Nunchuck Chimichanga. His playful tagline, “your hunger has been assassinated by the Taco Ninja!” added to the cafe’s quirky appeal.
Inside Cafe Bourbon Street, a distinctive feature has always been the line of mirrors running along the north wall, positioned halfway up and overlooking the stage. Adding to the ambiance, Christmas lights were strung up, often remaining long after the holiday season, perhaps even year-round, contributing to the venue’s relaxed and bohemian vibe. For musicians gracing the stage, there was a perk – for a time, they were treated to complimentary Black Label beer on their performance nights, a testament to the cafe’s support for the local music scene.
Summit Street’s Musical Tapestry: Beyond Cafe Bourbon Street
Cafe Bourbon Street is a cornerstone of Summit Street’s vibrant character, but the street is punctuated by other venues that contribute to Columbus’s rich musical and artistic landscape. Heading north on Summit, you’ll find:
- Rumba Cafe (2507 Summit Street): A long-standing venue, Rumba Cafe has hosted the Hoodoo Soul Band every Sunday night since 2008, continuing a musical tradition that shifted from Oldfield’s On High.
- Used Kids Records (2500 Summit Street): Now in its third Summit Street location, Used Kids Records isn’t just a record store; it’s a cultural hub. This iteration includes a performance area, adorned with walls plastered with music posters, and the iconic Used Kids logo, making it a haven for music lovers.
- Wild Goose Creative (2491 Summit Street): A versatile space, Wild Goose Creative hosts a diverse range of events, from epic novel readings to independent film screenings, showcasing the breadth of Columbus’s creative community.
- The Summit Music Hall (2210 Summit Street): Located just a few doors down from Cafe Bourbon Street, The Summit Music Hall, with its striking black exterior and red trim, is a more recent addition to the street’s music scene. Historically, this location was known as Summit Station, a prominent lesbian bar, reflecting the evolving character of Summit Street.
- Ruby Tuesday (1978 Summit Street) / Ruby’s On Summit: Further south, Ruby Tuesday, now seemingly rebranded as Ruby’s On Summit, has been a celebrated dive bar and live music venue for many years, continuing the street’s legacy as a home for Columbus music.
1990 and 1988 Summit Street Columbus Ohio
Cafe Bourbon Street embodies the spirit of Summit Street – a blend of the everyday and the extraordinary. Its history as a live music venue, its association with Taco Ninja, and its enduring atmosphere make it a memorable landmark in Columbus’s cultural geography. While Summit Street continues to evolve, places like Cafe Bourbon Street preserve the unique character and musical heritage of this distinctive Columbus thoroughfare.
