Plants on the menu

Like other locally owned restaurants, Hoof Hearted Brew Pub in Columbus, Ohio, proudly shares with its customers which companies the closely sourced cheese, produce, fish, bread and meat come from. The brewery’s sleek, open, industrial dining area complements the silver-colored brewing tanks displayed behind a glass window in the middle of the dining area. Also noteworthy is the colorful local artwork and variety of indoor plants that soften and warm the space. Not only are Blue Ribbon Ohio (meat) and Lucky Cat (bread) listed under the local purveyors section of the menu, but STUMP, which specializes in indoor plants, and Oakland Nurseries are also noted prominently for supplying the gorgeous foliage that fills the business. A nearly floor-to-ceiling window with grid-patterned shelving in front creates the backdrop of the bar, and toddler-sized Monstera deliciosa and a variety of stout and tall cacti are displayed among liquor bottles, glassware and growler jugs. Plants are everywhere in the space — a tall fiddly fig greets customers when they first walk in — and they distinguish the restaurant from other brew pubs in the area. Plus, the mention on the menu tells inspired diners where they can pick up their own plants.