Our Story
About The Lion
Where the art of the cocktail meets the warmth of community
Crafted With Intention
The Lion is an award-winning craft cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Bexley, on the east side of Columbus, Ohio. We believe that great cocktails are more than just drinks — they're experiences, conversations, and memories.
Every cocktail on our menu is meticulously crafted using premium spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh ingredients. Our bartenders are artisans who take pride in the details, from the clarity of our ice to the precision of every garnish.
Set against a backdrop of exposed brick, deep teal walls, and warm brass accents, The Lion offers an atmosphere that's both intimate and sophisticated — perfect for a quiet date night, a celebration with friends, or a solo evening at the bar.
We're proud to be part of the Bexley community and honored to serve as a destination for cocktail enthusiasts from across Ohio and beyond.
Philosophy
Our Values
Craft
Every cocktail is handcrafted with precision, using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Community
We're more than a bar — we're a gathering place for neighbors, friends, and fellow enthusiasts.
Experience
From the first sip to the last, we create moments that linger long after the evening ends.
Our Team
The People Behind the Pour
Every drink at The Lion is an expression of the person who made it. Meet the bartenders who bring the craft to life.
Beverage Director
Dustin
Dustin Ross is the Beverage Director at The Lion, where he leads the bar program with a passion for creative cocktails, thoughtful hospitality, and pushing the boundaries of modern mixology. With years of experience in Columbus’ cocktail scene, Dustin has built a reputation for innovative flavor combinations and memorable guest experiences. His work at The Lion has earned national recognition, including a spot on the 2026 World Class U.S. Top 100 Bartenders list.
Head Bartender
Oscar
Oscar Leyva is the award-winning Head Bartender at The Lion, bringing a passion for craft cocktails, Mexican heritage, and innovative hospitality to Columbus’ cocktail scene. A native of Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Oscar draws inspiration from the flavors and traditions of his childhood, blending them with modern cocktail techniques to create drinks that are both approachable and unexpected. His work has earned national attention, including a feature in The Washington Post highlighting his take on the traditional Mexican drink verdita. Oscar is known for his creativity, technical skill, and genuine passion for sharing his culture through the art of the cocktail.
Coffee Director
Marcus
Marcus Cason is the Coffee Director at The Lion, where he brings a passion for specialty coffee, hospitality, and thoughtful beverage experiences to the program. With a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and innovation, Marcus oversees The Lion’s coffee offerings and works to make every cup as memorable as the experience surrounding it. His attention to detail and commitment to great hospitality make him an integral part of The Lion’s beverage team. His past leadership roles included running the coffee programs at Littleton's and Parable.
The Secret Weapon
Stu
Sterling Farley is a lead bartender at The Lion, bringing energy, creativity, and a genuine passion for hospitality to the bar. Known for his approachable personality and attention to detail, Sterling enjoys creating memorable experiences for guests while continuing to develop his craft behind the bar. As part of The Lion’s talented beverage team, he's also a highly talented local graffiti artist and painted our mural in the back alley.
Bartender & Barista
Charles
Charles Schlabach brings a unique combination of cocktail craft and coffee expertise to The Lion as both a bartender and barista. With a passion for hospitality and a curiosity for the details behind great beverages, Charles enjoys creating memorable experiences whether he’s behind the espresso machine or the cocktail bar. His versatility, attention to quality, and welcoming personality make him a valued member of The Lion’s beverage team.
Come Say Hello
Meet Them in Person
The best way to know our team is to pull up a stool. They'd love to make you something.
Reserve a Table