Inside Columns: A New Wine and Tapas Bar Opens on the Upper West Side

A new wine and tapas bar called Columns officially opened Wednesday at 2756 Broadway and West 106th Street. The space was previously home to Calle Ocho, the longtime Upper West Side restaurant serving Cuban cuisine and cocktails which closed in 2022 after relocating from another UWS location in 2020.

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The décor was the first thing that caught my attention when I dropped in Thursday evening. The space has seen a good amount of turnover–previous tenants have included Five Lamps Tavern and the beer garden known as West End Hall–but visitors will quickly see that Columns has done an excellent job differentiating itself, with a visually stunning room that blends architecture and arbor.

Hanging plants drape above the bar area, while some trees are placed in tables at the other end of the room, accompanied by more plants along the wall. All that greenery pairs beautifully with the marble tabletops, white columns, tin ceiling, and wood-toned wall art with chandeliers. I could hear some bossa nova music in the background, but it wasn’t audible enough for me to make out the song. Later in the evening, a baby in a stroller made sure we could all hear them for a few minutes.

The wine options at Columns span across the Mediterranean, along with selections from New York and New Jersey. There’s the Bartolotti Prosecco Brut from the Italian town of Valdobbiadene for $15 a glass or $55 a bottle, and a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from Goan Heights Winery in Galilee, Israel, priced at $18 a glass or $68 a bottle. The elegant wine case in the back corner of the room showcases part of Columns’ collection, with additional bottles stored behind the bar. Also featured is the bold and gripping Saperavi ‘Teinturier’ from Standing Stone Vineyard in the Finger Lakes of New York, offered at $24 a glass or $78 a bottle.

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The biggest surprise of the evening was Columns’ cocktail menu, as creative as it is delicious. I started with the Aeolis Crimson, a mix of gin, beet juice, ruby port, and agave, priced at $21. The drink was refreshingly smooth, and with beet juice known to improve blood flow, it felt like a boost for both body and spirit. The long, single ice cube was an elegant touch.

My guest opted for the Persimmon and Saffron Sour, made with bourbon, persimmon and saffron liqueur, and egg white, priced at $22. Next, we both sampled the Spicy Sicilian, featuring tequila, chili-infused amaro, olive leaf liqueur, lime juice, and agave, priced at $18. The black salt on the rim of the glass gave this vibrant orange drink a fiery, volcanic feel, complemented by a single square-shaped ice cube.

Columns also offers a curated selection of zero-proof cocktails, each priced at $14. Options include the Horizon, made with mango, lime, agave, pomegranate syrup and soda, and the Siesta, featuring raspberry purée, rosemary syrup, lemon juice and soda. Another standout is the Red Sea, a refreshing blend of beet purée, honey, ginger, and soda. When we complimented the bartender on the great drinks we had, she told us she was filling in for the person who came up with the drink list but she told us if he was there he would tell us about the meticulous work it took to bring the menu to life.

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The food at Columns offers a delightful selection of small plates and their signature bruschetta boards, where you can choose any three combinations for $24. We went with the labneh, a creamy and tangy Middle Eastern cheese made from strained yogurt, topped with crunchy walnuts and a drizzle of honey—an irresistible balance of savory and sweet. The apple butter, brie, and thyme combination brought a cozy, autumnal warmth with every bite. My personal favorite was the whipped ricotta and pesto, with its velvety texture and herbaceous kick. Each option was flavorful on its own, yet together they created a harmonious and satisfying trio.

In the small plates category, the tortilla Española stole the show. Made with organic eggs, Yukon potatoes, and onions, it was reminiscent of a more indulgent potatoes au gratin, with its perfectly layered, velvety texture—all for just $10. We also tried the patatas bravas, served with garlic aioli and a smoky salsa brava for $13. While satisfying, they paled in comparison to the standout tortilla Española. On my next visit, I’d be tempted to try the crispy Brussels sprouts, paired with Calabrian chile, citrus vinaigrette, and puffed rice for $12—an intriguing mix of bold flavors and textures.

Columns is ideally situated in a neighborhood that has been lacking an elevated experience like this. With its proximity to Strauss Park, Mama’s Too, and the jazz club Smoke, the location enjoys good foot traffic and fills a gap in the area’s dining scene. While the low-back bar seats could use a bit more comfort—the grated nylon webbing had me standing every few minutes—I’ll definitely be back. Maybe I’ll snag one of the tree tables instead.

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