Inside Comfort Station, a Chic Bar in a Renovated Century-Old Walnut Hills Public Restroom

Comfort Station in Walnut Hills is the latest drinking destination from the team behind creative OTR apothecary cocktail bar Sundry and Vice. Another fun concept located in a former "Public Comfort Station," this century-old building was once used as a rest area and bathing house along the Walnut Hills transit and retail corridor. Owner Stuart King and general manager Jack Keane hope it will be an anchor in the ever-developing neighborhood. “We’re incredibly happy to be opening in Walnut Hills,” King says. “Our team can’t wait to breathe new life into a building that at one time was vital to daily life in the area. Comfort Station will be a return of the building’s roots and purpose, a spot along people’s journey to relax and rejuvenate.” Guests enter Comfort Station from the original women's room. A back patio creates an airy indoor/outdoor feel. For more of the mischievous "vice" the duo has been attached to at their OTR bar, the men's room entrance leads to a subterranean cocktail lounge. Comfort Station is located at 793 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. *A previous version of this story said the bar will offer daytime hours and a coffee program; that is no longer true
Photos by Hailey Bollinger
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Entrance to Comfort Station's main bar
Hailey Bollinger
Entrance to Comfort Station's main bar
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The main bar, with an abundance of light steaming through the original skylights
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The main bar, with an abundance of light steaming through the original skylights
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The patio offers ample seating and a laid-back vibe.
Hailey Bollinger
The patio offers ample seating and a laid-back vibe.
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Cozy patio nook
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Cozy patio nook
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Lounge area within the main bar
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Lounge area within the main bar
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Bartender crafting cocktails
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Bartender crafting cocktails
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Creating the "Why Not Elope" cocktail
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Creating the "Why Not Elope" cocktail
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"Why Not Elope" with cantaloupe, Campari, simple syrup, Venezuelan white rum and lime
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"Why Not Elope" with cantaloupe, Campari, simple syrup, Venezuelan white rum and lime
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More seating inside the bar
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More seating inside the bar
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Summer Wine, a low ABV cocktail with cabernet, grapefruit, rosemary, tonic and sherry-based sweet vermouth
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Summer Wine, a low ABV cocktail with cabernet, grapefruit, rosemary, tonic and sherry-based sweet vermouth
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A swing on the patio
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A swing on the patio
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Inside Comfort Station, a Chic Bar in a Renovated Century-Old Walnut Hills Public Restroom
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"Why Not Elope"
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"Why Not Elope"
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Inside Comfort Station, a Chic Bar in a Renovated Century-Old Walnut Hills Public Restroom
Hailey Bollinger
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Two-way mirror in the restroom (don't worry, the people at the bar can't see in).
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Two-way mirror in the restroom (don't worry, the people at the bar can't see in).
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