Never Ordinary Bourbon Society Expands to Chagrin Falls

Tucked beneath the historic streets of Chagrin Falls, the new Never Ordinary Bourbon Society at La Cave offers the same refined exclusivity that first put its Aurora location on the map. The outpost officially opened its doors on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Since opening in 2023, No-BS has drawn bourbon enthusiasts into a dimly lit, lounge-like setting of leather seating, warm woods and moody ambiance, bridging the gap between a restaurant bar and a private club. Now, the Chagrin Falls space builds on that vision with an underground hideaway that blends the intimacy of a speakeasy with the curated community of a members-only society.

Set in the former Paris Room at 7 North Franklin St., Chagrin Falls, this second No-BS location takes the private bourbon club’s concept to striking new depths. Rather than echoing Aurora’s lounge style, this outpost leans into a cave-like aesthetic that feels both dramatic and inviting.

Large black stone and covered brick walls create an underground hideaway with glistening floors, while members step through a vintage phone booth, using a facial recognition system for access.
“Here, the bartenders will know your name. They'll know your drink order. They'll know what you like. It's very service oriented,” says Kathleen Dangelo, president and owner of Taproot Hospitality.

Inside, the design details are intentionally selected just like the bourbon list. A custom live-edge bar top, inlaid with amber-hued epoxy rivers, glows like the whiskey it celebrates. Overhead, hand-blown Murano glass pendants and Pininfarina sconces cast a warm light across the Roberto Cavalli wallpaper. The intimate dining space features plush blue chairs, gold accents and a moody ambiance. 

Metalwork from Higbee’s and the Cleveland Hotel tie the space back to the city’s refined, vintage design tradition. Every element is curated to heighten the sense of quiet, old-school luxury.

The amenities match the ambition of the design. A cocktail printer turns out playful pours alongside staples like espresso martinis, while a dedicated bourbon menu showcases an expansive selection capped by the club’s own select barrel from Angel’s Envy. 

Alongside its bourbon focus, the society caters to cigar enthusiasts with humidors stocked at both clubs and a new house-branded cigar available only to members. 

Unlike Aurora which only has dinner options, the Chagrin Falls location also offers brunch and lunch service on select days with a decadent French menu, broadening the ways members can gather. Guests can expect an entirely new menu of French classics, reimagined with carefully layered flavors that echo depth and indulgence. 

Highlights include the cassoulet ($36), a rich combination of duck confit, lamb sausage, pork, white beans and red cabbage, and the croque monsieur ($16), a timeless bistro favorite. Seafood lovers can opt for the Oysters Rockefeller ($22), featuring buttermilk fried oysters served with pesto creamed spinach and a parmesan sambuca finish. To end on a sweet note, the Napoli ($10) layers dark chocolate mousse and filo pastry with a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

From the extensive bourbon list, standouts include the elusive Weller Millennium, the legendary Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year, and Louis XIII Cognac, a century-aged blend celebrated worldwide for its rarity and prestige.

By combining elevated design, inventive drinks and a members-only ethos, the new space doubles down on the promise of exclusivity while inviting members into a deeper, more memorable experience. 

“In a world that’s not really personal anymore, I think people crave that personal service element,” says Dangelo. “Here, we know who you are. We know what you like.”

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