The Old Bag Of Nails Keeps It Simple, But Great.
Written By: The Gnarly Gnome
Photos By: The Gnarly Gnome
Back in 1996, the Old Bag of Nails started with a very simple concept… the founders felt like their hometown of Worthington, Ohio, just needed a pub. They were lucky enough to convince the owner of Zettler Hardware that they were allowed 1500 square feet of the historic building to run with the idea. The 125-year-old hardware store was perfect; people latched onto the place, and here we are almost 30 years later with an Ohio and Michigan-based chain with around 15 locations all across the state.
Including one right here in Mason – that I have really, really started to love.
Chains Aren’t Bad
It’s easy to hate on the idea of chains, and I’ve probably been guilty of it a few times. We think of places like McDonalds, or Applebees, and we think of these soulless corporations that suck all the life out of the things we love to create a mindless place for us to spend our money.
That doesn’t have to be the way they all work, though. I can think of plenty of examples where small, locally focused chains are actually the complete opposite of that jaded view.
It takes ownership that actually cares about not only the business, but the experience that the business provides to its customers, too. I think that the Old Bag of Nails does a great job of falling into that category, and I don’t doubt that with a couple visits under your belt, you’ll agree with me.
The Experience
When they opened their very first location in the hardware store – the name came naturally – the Old Bag of Nails. The idea took a little fleshing out, but it was all centered around a simple concept. They wanted to create a space where people could gather, laugh, and enjoy life, and they wanted to provide them with the absolute best fish and chips that you could get anywhere.
They’ve worked hard to replicate this simplicity in every one of their locations.
When you walk into the Mason location, you forget pretty quickly that you’re in a shopping plaza in Mason, Ohio. The bar sits in the center of the room, with seats around all the sides of it. Scattered all around the rest of the space are big tables, quiet booths, and intimate corners where you can gather just as easily with a group of friends as you can date.
They keep a well-curated tap list that’s always rotating with a mix of macro beer, local craft favorites, and even some great imported beer that you won’t see very often at other spots in town.
What You’re Eating And What You’re Drinking
Look, the drinks are easy to start with. They have a great selection of spirits, and I’m sure with it the cocktails are just fine. That’s not what I think you should be ordering here. This is a beer and whiskey type of place, and that’s exactly what you should be doing. Get a Guinness, and if you’re feeling a little cheeky, a pour your favorite whiskey.
The food is a little tougher for me to nail down, because I haven’t worked my way through nearly all of the menu, yet. For a place that wants to be known for the
eir fish and chips, there’s a whole bunch of other stuff that looks and sounds amazing. Until I’m proven wrong by my technique – I think it’s perfectly acceptable to meander your way around the menu and drift outside of just ordering those fish and chips (which are great, by the way).
Why You Should Be Drinking Here
The world around us is full of bars and restaurants that are trying very hard to be something that they aren’t. I think that’s what I enjoy so much about the Old Bag of Nails. They know exactly who they are, how to do that well, and keep themselves laser-focused on the mission at hand.
Eat. Drink. Enjoy Yourself.
It’s a motto that I can certainly get behind.
If you want to check out the Old Bag of Nails pub, you can find them at 5234 Kings Mills Rd in Mason, Ohio