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Gorilla Cinema to Close Findlay Market Comic Book Shop, Rebrand Space as a Cocktail Bar

Cosmic Gorilla's last day in business will be July 21.

Jul 10, 2024 at 11:46 am

Cosmic Gorilla Photo: Casey Roberts

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Cincinnati’s Gorilla Cinema, the immersive and thematic experience group behind bars like Overlook Lodge, Tokyo Kitty and more, will be closing its comic book shop near Findlay Market to pursue a new concept for the space.

The company says the decision to close the shop, Cosmic Gorilla, comes after comic book sales dipped 70% year over year. Instead, it will pivot to what it says it does best: creating unforgettable experiences in bars and entertainment venues. The new concept, Highball, is expected to open in the space at 1834 Race St. this fall.

Highball will feature a menu focusing on highball cocktails and light bites and a weekend happy hour to cater to peak-time shoppers at Findlay Market. Owner Jacob Trevino says there will also be a new music-focused program that will create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere and enhance the cultural landscape of the market.

"It was always a dream of mine to own a comic book shop, and I am very proud of the years of memories we created at Cosmic Gorilla. However, in order to grow with the neighborhood, we’re having to retool the concept for the audience at Findlay Market,” Trevino said in a press release.

Cosmic Gorilla will clear out its inventory, marking all its items 75% off until its last day on Sunday, July 21.

Cosmic Gorilla, 1834 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. More info: gorillaverse.com.

Slideshow

These are Some of Greater Cincinnati's Most Beautiful Bars and Restaurants

Wódka Bar1200 Main St., Over-the-Rhinefrom the team behind cult-favorite Babushka Pierogies, Wódka Bar carries an ambitious selection of vodkas, stocking over 50 types, including Polish and Ukrainian brands that are lesser known in the United States. It also offers a streamlined Eastern European-inspired menu of bites ranging from pierogies to a Polish sausage platter or stuffed cabbage roll. Inside the intimate space, patrons will be enveloped by deep Prussian blues and rich golds, luxe velvet upholstery and distressed plaster walls, elegant wood paneling and all the intricacies of Eastern Orthodox architecture.

Somm Wine Bar3105 Price Ave., East Price HillFood and wine are perfectly paired at Somm, and the outdoor patio with its fountain, Edison-bulb string lights, fire table and meticulous landscaping is the perfect spot to enjoy them. This Incline District wine bar and restaurant has over 80 kinds of wine to choose from and a menu ranging from charcuterie boards to the Somm burger to filet mignon.

Alice1432 Main St., Over-the-RhineThis colorful cocktail bar doesn’t take its name or inspiration from the one of Wonderland fame, but the spot is just as charming and beguiling. Located in an old garage warehouse, Alice stands apart from the other bar options in the area with colorful industrial vibes and clever cocktails like the Smoke and Mirrors (tequila, house sour, lime and pepper tincture) or the Dinner Party (vodka, green tea, ginger, orange, lemon and bitters).

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge1432 Vine St., Over-the-RhineThis intimate, 1940s-inspired lounge has the perfect ambiance for a romantic night out or even just a solo date. Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge offers an inclusive approach to wine culture, focusing on minority and women winemakers and producers. They offer 40 wines available by the glass or bottle, including eight on tap, and curated flights, cocktails, spirits and charcuterie boards – the best combination to nosh on while listening to live jazz, soul, hip-hop and R&B music.

Alcove1410 Vine St., Over-the-RhineStuffed with live greenery from Urban Blooms and living feature walls, Alcove creates a secret-garden-like feeling. Designers also focused on integrating the rich history of the building into its design. Old photos and news clippings sit framed along the walls, telling a story of a building that has seen many lives since its construction in 1873. The space also features a "lush outdoor patio space for lounging and dining,” and in the event loft on the third floor, there's even a massive chandelier made of ferns. Their drink menu also features housemade cocktails utilizing herbs grown in Alcove's greenhouse bar and MadTree’s own brews.

Son of a Butcher Steakhouse7630 Gibson St. STE 110, Liberty TownshipWith an aesthetic and design described as “Alice-in-Wonderland-meets-Baroque,” it’s no wonder Yelp said Son of a Butcher Steakhouse, a.k.a. S.O.B., was one of the five most-photographed places in Cincinnati in 2022. The food, with menu items like USDA Prime cuts, wagyu, caviar and shaved truffles, also photographs like a delicious dream.

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About The Author

Katherine Barrier

Katherine Barrier is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s journalism program and has nearly 10 years of experience reporting local and national news as a digital journalist. At CityBeat, she oversees the digital and social media strategies, edits web and print content and writes for the dining and arts...