In July the team behind Coast Wine House in Historic Dublin added a sister business called Gene’s, located in an historic home just a couple doors down from the wine bar. Similar to Coast, Gene’s features a dynamic wine selection, but it’s rounded out by a full bar with cocktails and beer, and a focused menu of elegant but approachable dishes.
Gene’s is a single room with a U-shaped bar at the center, checkered floor, and seating all around the edges.
The space is decorated with vintage wine bottles, photos, and illustrations.
Their main bar menu features wines by the glass, classic and seasonal cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks. We both went with seasonal sips. On the left is the refreshing and apple-heavy Paris’ Predicament, with Applejack rum, baking spices, and ginger. On the right is the Harvest Moon with reposado tequila and Aperol.
Of course, with Gene’s being part wine bar, I had to sample something from the list, so I tasted a 2022 Beaujolais.
The food menu is loosely grouped into four sections, from smaller plates to larger to entrees and a couple desserts. From the first level we tasted a whipped ricotta with perfectly grilled sourdough. It was a delightful start to the meal.
From the second section we tasted an eggplant tonkatsu. It’s one of the best versions of an eggplant I think I’ve tasted, sliced thin, super tender, with a lovely crust. It’s served on top of a sumac yogurt with herbs and pickled onions.
For our mains we split two dishes. First was the chicken-fried wild mushrooms. They’re served on a bed of black eyed peas and greens. The featured mushrooms include shiitakes, maitakes, trumpets, and lion’s mane. They’re given a Sriracha glaze that’s offset nicely by a touch of sweet agave.
And then there’s the halibut on a squid ink risotto. The fish is sturdy but nicely seasoned and tender, and it’s augmented by fennel and pickled beech mushrooms.
I love the very European-style cafe tables out front, organized so they’re facing out toward the sidewalk and the street. Seems like a great spot to sip a glass of wine!
We’d highly recommend Gene’s for a night out over cocktails and wines! The food and atmosphere are comfortable and cozy, and it’s hard to beat such a great use of an historic building.
Gene’s is open Wednesday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Gene’s
91 S. High St.
Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 553-7050
Web: dineatgenes.com
IG: @dineatgenes
