Gigi’s Adds The James, a Dessert and Bourbon Bar

Since opening their charming wine bar, Gigi’s on Fairmount at 3477 Fairmount Blvd., owners Gia and James Patsch have cultivated such a passionate following that the restaurant literally has spilled over into adjacent spaces. Diners flock to the glamorous but casual eatery for its extensive wine list, signature bruschetta boards, and nightly dinner specials such as prime rib Saturday.

In 2014, a year after the Cleveland Heights bistro opened, the owners expanded into an neighboring space and opened Gigi’s After Dark, a chic cocktail lounge. With seating for 50 guests, the room offers a posh place to go for drinks before or after dinner as well as overflow seating for the main dining room.

Five years later, the owners busted through another wall and grabbed the corner property. This space, which is dubbed Gigi’s Blu, bumped up the occupancy even more while introducing a much-needed space for private events.

And now, 12 years in, Gia and James Patsch are expanding once again. This time around, the owners are shifting one space west, bringing the total number of rooms up to four. This latest addition, called The James, will serve as a new dessert and bourbon bar.

“It will have a Great Gatsby speakeasy feel,” James explains. “A quaint, kind of cozy little place to go for dessert after going downtown for a show.”

Desserts like chocolate pots de crème, lavender crème brulee and lemon tarts will be served alongside signature cocktails devised by bar manager Mackenzie Flanagan. A lengthy selection of fine bourbons will also be on hand. The new real estate also provides some much-needed space for the kitchen crew.

This latest expansion, which should be completed in December, brings the total number of indoor seats up to 120 – a far cry from the diminutive 45-seat wine bar that opened in 2013. In summer, that number will swell to 160 thanks to the well-appointed 63-seat sidewalk patio.

Gigi’s shares a block with On the Rise, a bakery that habitually has a line leading up to its front door. The day-night combo of OTR and Gigi’s keeps this otherwise tranquil residential neighborhood buzzing with activity.

“I remember when we first opened, the big worry was parking,” James reflects. “And here we are 12 years later and parking hasn’t been an issue.”

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