Young entrepreneur puts his mark on The Fairmount

Jake Orosz at his bar, The Fairmount.

Jake Orosz was growing up in the Forest Hill neighborhood when he took a part-time job bussing tables at The Mad Greek. He moved through various positions there, then on to restaurants Moxie and Red, and back to The Mad Greek before he started tending bar at The Fairmount. Two years later, at age 23, he was able to buy the place.

It’s been three years, and Orosz has made incremental improvements to the space, adding bright new signage, a full kitchen, renovations and upgrades to the interior, revising and expanding the drink and food menus, and building a reputation for himself and The Fairmount as a Heights destination.

The bar features an indoor herb garden. “It’s great to cook with fresh herbs all year round,” said Orosz. The built-in liquor closet contains a dizzying assortment of liquors, wines and aperitifs. “We’ve added more taps to accommodate the thirst for craft beer on draft,” Orosz noted.

Orosz describes the bar’s ambience as “upscale casual,” and it features a cozy fireplace and lounge seating. “We have a great staff,” Orosz added. “You’ll feel welcome here.”

Rotating through the space is new work from local artists and photographers. Paintings by Betty Skufca were displayed throughout December, followed by work from Charles Herndon in January. After that, a retrospective of vintage photography from Jim Sestak will adorn the walls.

On Monday evenings, patrons are served a round of trivia with their food and drink. Orosz said of his food menu, “It’s a pretty extensive menu of small plates. We switch things out seasonally and introduce new items as weekly specials.”

The drink menu is six pages of brews, cocktails organized by types of liquor, martinis, wine, single malts, liquor by the ounce, and creative house infusions such as hot pepper tequila and coffee vodka. The Fairmount also offers its own in-house barrel-aged cocktails. “I appreciate the classics but I do a lot of ‘field research,’ updating and perfecting what I find, making it our own," said Orosz.

In the spring, customers flock to the large amphitheater-style patio and full outdoor bar, made surprisingly private with lush plantings, where Orosz grows additional herbs for food and drinks. Orosz hopes to expand the outdoor space and extend the patio season with the additions of an outdoor fireplace and water wall.

The Fairmount
216-229-9463

2448 Fairmount Blvd.

Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Happy Hour 4–7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

www.thefairmount.net