On May 1st, 2015, owner Genti Koci bought the original location of OPA Bar & Grill at 18 S. Sandusky St. in Delaware. This hole-in-the-wall shop had, at most, a dozen tables, a handful of spots at the counter, and a small patio. Small but mighty, this first iteration of OPA fed hungry Delaware locals for over a decade.

With some of the best Mediterranean food and hospitality in the area, OPA was a hit. OPA soon became a stomping ground for local regulars, a tight-knit community that grew even closer through this intimate dining experience.

“(OPA) was a small gyro shop, and now we have the largest whiskey selection in Ohio,” says Koci.

For those who didn’t have a chance to stop into the first OPA building, the seating was small, but the whiskey selection was gigantic. Where a regular restaurant may have a few dozen bottles of liquor behind its bar, OPA had a seemingly endless stock of whiskey and bourbon. It was a whiskey lover’s dream, from big-name brands to single-barrel specialties you couldn’t find anywhere else.

“Everybody needs some whiskey,” Koci laughs.

And, after all of these years in business, it became time for OPA to supply even more whiskey in a much larger space.

Bigger, Better, and Bourbon

The new space of OPA Bar & Grill opened only a few doors down at 22 S. Sandusky St. on April 17th, and to say it’s been a hit would be an understatement.

Welcomed by the community, the new and improved OPA is a two-story adventure. Upon entering, the first level mirrors the warm, inviting, and family-friendly atmosphere of OPA's original location. Walk upstairs and you’ll feel the inimitacy of the first OPA flood in, with the second floor being a very cozy, relaxing lounge for those trying to spend their evening with a nice glass of whiskey and a vibe.

“People come (to OPA) as strangers and they leave as friends,” says Koci. “We are a gathering place.”

Koci prides his establishment on being a special place for patrons, not just a simple dining experience. And, with this new location of OPA, he’s got more space to do it.

“People gather at restaurants when they’re having a bad time, or good times, when they need us, and when they don’t need us. Regardless of what the occasion is, our job and motivation is for everyone to live happily and as friends,” says Koci. “You know, life is hard. People gather to make it less hard or to make life more enjoyable. That’s our core value.”

The OPA hospitality isn’t a gimmick or slogan to slap on the front door; it’s at the heart of the business. And, in renovating this longtime Delaware staple, it's evident that Koci has always had the guest experience at the forefront of his work.

Some notable additions in this renovation, beyond the second story, are a bar on each level, a seasonal patio, as well as an array of liquor lockers in the lounge. These lockers, which can be purchased and are valid for the year, are perfect for any serious bottle lovers who want to ensure their bottles are right where they left them.

You pay a yearly fee for your locker, which comes adorned with a plaque bearing your name, and you can purchase and stock away any bottle sold at OPA for your enjoyment at every visit. With as many single-barrel whiskeys as they bring in, keep one safe for yourself with these nifty lockers. It’s definitely a high-class experience.

Food & Drink

Diving a bit deeper into the world of OPA whiskey, we asked Koci what exactly he chooses to carry in his large, impressive assortment.

“Not everybody has access to good whiskey out there because most of those bottles get snatched up and end up in a safe or on the secondary market,” Koci explains. “Many of my customers chase hard to find bottles, like Buffalo Trace.”

Koci is passionate about making good whiskey accessible and approachable, whether you take it neat or want to get into drinking it.

“We do flights, so we give guests four options, so that way guests don’t indulge in too much whiskey, and they can still try three or four different products responsibly.”

And if you aren’t a whiskey snob that takes it neat, the Smoked Old Fashioned is a good fill-in for those who want the taste of whiskey, but take it a little done up.

Now, between all the drinks and flights, we’ll have to take a break to order some bites. We talked to Koci about what sort of cuisine OPA offers, if you’re unfamiliar.

“We offer more of a Mediterranean cuisine. We have gyros and lamb chops, but also burgers and pasta,” says Koci. “People in town love us; they have been supporting us for a long time.”

If you’re in the mood for some “OPAtizers,” we recommend trying the Saganaki Opa, tableside, flambeed asiago cheese, and the Fried Calamari. It’ll begin the meal with a bang and some proper entertainment.

Then, once you’re a drink or two in, go all out with the aptly named “Bourbonara,” a pasta topped with bacon and onions caramelized in bourbon and olive oil. Alternatively, we recommend the gyro platter, a substantial serving of gyro meat accompanied by rice pilaf, a Greek salad, and fries.

End the meal with Baklava and you’ll leave happy, full, and planning your next visit back.

 

 

 

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Visit Opa Grill & Tavern!

22 S Sandusky St, Delaware

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