Downtown's Tip Top bar planning a facelift that includes rooftop dining

One of Downtown's most beloved restaurants and bars is planning a makeover.

Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails, 73 E. Gay St. is planning to remodel its interior and exterior, and add second floor and rooftop seating.

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The makeover will replace the building's mansard roof, which covers the partial second floor, with a white brick and black siding facade. The building's front will include a wall of windows to bring light into the famously dark interior.

The second floor will be split into outdoor rooftop seating and indoor private dining space.

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Among changes planned inside are a bigger, curved bar.

The changes come after the Tip Top changed hands last year. Xhevair Brakaj and Koli Memushaj, owners of the Arch City Tavern in the Short North, acquired the business and property from former Columbus restaurateur Liz Lessner and her brother, Tim, who opened the Tip Top in 2007. (Formerly, the bar was called the Grapevine.)

The new owners did not respond immediately to requests for comments.

The renovation is scheduled to come before the Downtown Columbus Commission next week.

jweiker@dispatch.com

@JimWeiker