Old Mohawk Restaurant
History
1933
Prohibition ends with the abolishment of the 18th amendment. Myles Elk opens Elk’s Tavern on the corner of Mohawk and Kossuth

Old Mohawk Restaurant
streets in German Village, next door to a neighborhood drug store. Legend has it that the tavern operated as a speakeasy during prohibition, but became immediately successful as a legitimate business upon prohibition’s repeal. The tavern quickly expanded to the entire building and the horseshoe bar was added. It is rumored that myles raised the turtles for the menu’s popular turtle soup and fried snapper turtle in the basement of the building.
1947
Myles Elk passes away but the tavern continues business under the name “Mohawk Grill” with the original Elk family and Walter Lynch managing until 1972.
1972
The Alexander brothers, Columbus restauranteurs and owners of the Desert Inn, purchase the business.
1974
Beatrice “Be a” Marlow begins her long career in the Mohawk’s kitchen. Shortly after, her famous meatloaf debuts as a special.
1975
The tavern is purchased by John Essmore and is operated under the name “Tiffany’s.”
1977
“The Old Mohawk” is purchased by its current owners who revert to its popular name. Jim “Jeffers” begins his long career behind the bar.
1977-1979
Guitar playing Buck and Bob are popular weekend entertainment.
1984
The famous “Nighthawk” drink, a powerful concoction of peppermint schnapps and dark rum, is invented by Jim Jeffers. A colorful blackboard is added to promote the day’s special offerings.
1985
“The Mother Mohawk” sandwich is introduced.
1986
Quesadillas are added to the menu. The Mohawk becomes known as a special place for “Fine food, timely tunes and familiar faces.”
1987
The Old Mohawk is renovated and an addition is built at the back of the restaurant.
1998
Co-owner of the Old Mohawk and resident icon Eugene “Coach” Slaughter passes away. No bar should be without a coach. He was ours.
2002
The Old Mohawk celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
2013
Friends gather and the good times continue…
Contact us :
The Old Mohawk
819 Mohawk Street
Columbus, Ohio 43206.
Visit our website > theoldmohawk.com

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