Summer is Here!

When you’ve spent lots and lots of time inside changing diapers and working on organized tummy time on a proper flat surface, it makes you jump at a chance to hang out with adults doing adult things, like tapas and summer cocktails at a rooftop bar.

Enter, VASO.

VASO @ AC Hotel Dublin

VASO @ AC Hotel DublinIf you’re totally behind the times, Ohio recently got its second and third AC Hotels, in Dublin and Cincinnati.  VASO is the new rooftop bar and restaurant at Dublin’s swanky AC Hotel.  This property is located in the new Bridge Park Development, situated at the busy intersection of US 33 (Riverside Drive) and Rt. 161 (W Dublin-Granville Road). From my experience, ACs seem to be popping up in areas just like this – new, hip developments that need a stylish hotel to anchor a development of unique local restaurants, shopping and entertainment. When you enter the hotel, it’s a full sensory experience.  The art and decor is fun to look at, it smells heavenly (AC branded scent – rumor has it there is a new one coming soon!), the beautiful floor to ceiling bar straight ahead

makes you crave a handcrafted cocktail before you even make it through the threshold and you can hear the buzz of conversation from the open lobby concept, offering cozy places to have private conversations or quick business meetings. Once you make it past the lobby, you head to a separate entrance for the exclusive rooftop bar… So let’s go.

VASO @ AC Hotel Dublin

I’ve only been in 3 AC Hotels, but all of them have a cool outdoor experience.  The rooftop bar concept is taking Columbus by storm, but fortunately VASO got in and set the bar high from the start.  The glass elevator sweeps guests up to the 8th floor where you’re greeted by a friendly host, who is hoping you have a reservation, because my guess is walk-in availability is slim here. We were visiting on a Sunday evening after the Muirfield Memorial Golf Tournament which brings in celebs like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson. Needless to say, the place was PACKED. Luckily, we made reservations about a month in advance (totally not necessary, we were just busy having a baby so you know, options are limited). Once you can look past the number of people who also thought a rooftop bar in the summer would be a good idea, you see that amazing view.

VASO is serving up Spanish-style tapas and handcrafted cocktails. Our group ordered the San Jacabo (waitress recommendation and my favorite), Patatas Bravas, Albóndigas de Cordero, Ceviche de Vieiras and Ensalada de brotes de Bruselas.  Of course, no meal would be complete without dessert.  I had the Torta de Santiago, but honestly, TJ’s Torta de toffee y dátiles was absolutely amazing.

VASO @ AC Hotel DublinWhether you sit inside or out, guests can enjoy the tapas menu with impressive views, cool music and delicious cocktails.  If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend a visit. If you’re there on a Thursday-Saturday, there is a dress code.  Kind of old school, but I like it.  Embrace the exclusivity, because at this rooftop bar, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.  And why not make a night out of it an enjoy the accommodations at the AC Hotel Dublin?

VASO @ AC Hotel Dublin

“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

 

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