Columbus is the state capital and the most populous city in the state of Ohio. Nicknamed “the biggest small town in America”, it has a wonderful neighbourhood including the German Village, the thriving Short North and Arena District. Whether you are on the hunt for a fancy evening with your date who enjoys high-end cocktails or a no-frills, unpretentious and fun place to relax with a good beer and perhaps some games, there is everything here at C-bus. This is our take on the best bars in Columbus which should come in handy for you when you’re looking to go around town.
20 Best Columbus Bars
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
📍 Address: 215 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 429-3936
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 11 pm Tue-Thurs, 3 pm – 12 am Fri, 12 pm – 12 am Sat, 12 pm – 10 pm Sun, Closed on Mon
This is the kind of bar you would recommend if you had been here a few times. The beer, the food, the service all combine to make your night. Their cocktails, the stout and expresso are not to be missed!
The ambience is trendy, classy with industrial, warehouse vibes. All my beer lovers out there? Y’all need to check out this place. From dark to light and sweet, it has something for everyone! You can even order some of their best beer from 40 pus options available on their website. Don’t miss out!
Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails
📍 Address: 73 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 221-8300
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 2 am daily
Well, they pretty much live up to their name. The cocktail, food and service are all tip-top! It is a wonderful, hole in the wall kind of gastropub with a rustic and quaint old-fashioned wooden setting with a bit of dim lighting.
They have around a dozen tap handles going at all times. The beers are good and they serve some mean whiskey concoctions! There are vegetarian options aplenty and you must order their spicy corn chowder. It is delish!
Apart from their beers, they have a select list of wines and almost a dozen tasty cocktails for you to savour. The ambience is casual and divey without frills.
The Walrus
📍 Address: 143 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 817-1710
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 12 am Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 2:30 am Fri & Sat
The Walrus is located on the corner of Main & 4th in Downtown Columbus. They offer 30 beers on draft, a nice selection of wines and some wonderful comfort food to go with it. The atmosphere is classy, casual and lively. If you are in the mood for some wine, they have Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Rose wine and more to savour from. The cocktail list is small – just 9 varieties, but something to go for if you aren’t too keen on beer or wine.
There are 24 big screen TV’s to watch the game and enjoy with your friends or workmates. Or you can take a swing at the pool table. If you come here for an evening of great food and drinks, you can catch some of the best live music in Downtown! The service is top-notch and the wait staff is always happy to help with great recommendations.
Arch City Tavern
📍 Address: 862 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 725-5620
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 11 pm Mon-Thurs, 3 pm – 2 am Fri, 11 am – 2 am Sat, 11 am – 11 pm Sun
Authentic Columbus vibes here! It is located in the bustling Short North Arts District and serves fresh, gourmet food, craft beer and local cocktails. The ambience gives a glimpse into the rich history of the city, with its exposed bricks and finished wood. The ambience is relaxed and upscale, and you dine right beneath a twenty food pencil mural of Old Columbus and her famous arches.
The drink menu is pretty great with a good selection of cocktails, wine and around a dozen draft beers. The service is fantastic and the food is pretty dope!
Short North Pint House
📍 Address: 780 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 429-3986
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 2 am Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 2 am Fri-Sun
This is a neighborhood bar and restaurant, located in the heart of the Short North. They have an exceptional selection of beers on tap, wine options and a fresh approach to specialty cocktails. During happy hours, you get 50 percent off beers too! The wine and cocktail selection is small and select, but the beer list is quite extensive.
My absolute favorite part of the entire afternoon was the Biergarten area at the front, with its tiled floor, lovely water fountain and the big skylight.
Sidebar Columbus
📍 Address: 122 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 228-9041
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 4 pm – 11 pm Fri & Sat, Closed on Sun
The Sidebar features handcrafted, artisanal cocktails, eclectic wine list. There are 14 cocktail varieties, a small selection of beers and a huge wine list that is thoughtfully crafted to pair delightfully with the food on offer.
Their tapas menu is very popular. It can get pretty loud here as well, so be prepared! The atmosphere is classy, upscale with outdoor seating and a full bar with amazing happy hour specials.
High Bank Distillery
📍 Address: 1051 Goodale Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 826-5347
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat, 10 am – 4 pm Sun
The ambience here is upscale and elevated, yet casual and relaxed. They specialize in modern American cocktails with seasonal inspirations. The delightful cocktails pair with traditional pub food (particularly fond of their devilled eggs, pepperoni and tacos to make your night truly wonderful. Being a distillery, there is a lot of whiskey, gin and vodka options. One of the best whiskeys in Ohio! During happy hours, they offer 50% off their cocktails. Grab the offer!
They have outdoor seating. The patio is great for an afternoon brunch. The wait staff is knowledgeable and accommodating. The chill and easygoing atmosphere is a great spot to hang out with friends or colleagues after work. There’s nothing here not to love! Give it a try and thank me later!
16-Bit Bar + Arcade
📍 Address: 254 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 222-1616
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 12:30 am Mon & Wed, 4 pm – 12 am Tue, 4 pm – 1:30 am Thurs, 4 pm – 2:30 am Fri, 12 pm – 2:30 am Sat, 12 pm – 12:30 am Sun
The atmosphere is hip and casual with great drink options and an entertaining selection of Arcade games. Not a place to sulk by yourself – dive right in and try something fun and new. There are 40 games available and you can have your pick.
They serve over a dozen varieties of cocktails and almost 40 drafts and cans. Not looking for alcohol? Then try one of the mocktails on offer. The little mermaid is a delightful combination of pineapple and orange juice while Pinky and the Brain is a lovely fruit punch and lemonade. For something unique sip on the Lisa Simpson which is grenadine and cherry with sprite or the refreshing Optimus Prime which is a concoction of lemonade and cranberry juice with sprite.
The staff is friendly and helpful. They are dog-friendly too! With its laid back, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, it is a great escapade to forget your worries and stress for a while.
Rockmill Tavern
📍 Address: 503 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 732-4364
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Wed & Thurs, 4 pm – 10:30 pm Fri, 12 pm – 10:30 pm Sat, Closed on Sun-Tue
Rockmill has a great selection of beers that will simply knock your socks off! During happy hours you get drafts at half their price. The wine list is nice and extensive too.
The ambience is nice with wood on the walls that evoke a rustic feel. It is a good solid place to go on a date night with your partner.
Watershed Kitchen & Bar
📍 Address: 1145 Chesapeake Ave ste d, Columbus, OH 43212 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 357-1936
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Wed, 5 pm – 10 pm Thurs, 5 pm – 11 pm Fri, 4 pm – 11 pm Sat, 4 pm – 9 pm Sun, Closed on Mon & Tue
Watershed has an eclectic collection of absolutely delicious dishes. And the limitations? They are equally amazing. The cocktails are interesting, unique, and the menu is delightful to look at. The drink menu is seasonal and is theme-based. Their menu is a booklet and the cocktail menu is storytelling-super creative!
The ambience is trendy and classic with hanging plants and modern rustic vibes.
The food menu has snacks, appetizers and entree options. The Brussels sprouts are a stand out dish which I highly recommend. The atmosphere is lovely with fun decor and efficient service. If you have guests coming over from out of town, take them here. They will have a thoroughly good time and so will you!
🍺 Read More Bar Guides:
- Best Places to Drinks in Cleveland
- Top Places to Grab a Drink in Philadelphia
- Best Places to Drink in Alton
Seventh Son Brewing
📍 Address: 1101 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 421-2337
🕐 Hours: 3:30 pm – 11 pm Mon-Wed, 3:30 pm – 12 am Thurs, 11 am – 2 am Fri & Sat, 11 am – 11 pm Sun
Seventh Son Brewing has around 30 beers on draft, both upstairs and downstairs. A small brewery turned into a neighbourhood staple they serve plenty of delightful craft beer in a warm, inclusive and fun atmosphere.
The patio is a wonderful place to chill with some cold beer. The tap selection is ever-rotating. There is no kitchen here, but there is a food truck where you can get some food to wash down with the beer. The newer rooftop space is delightful and spacious.
The bartenders are friendly and helpful and will help you in choosing a good drink. And they are dog-friendly yay!
Standard Hall
📍 Address: 1100 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 381-1112
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 2 am Tue-Fri, 11 am – 2 am Sat, 11 am – 12 am Sun, Closed on Mon
They are known for their craft cocktails. It may not be extensive, but it is pretty great! The Bloody Mary is outstanding! The beer selection is wide-ranging, with everything from light, cider, ale and IPAs. They also have a rotating menu. It also features half a dozen wines for those who are into that.
The outdoor area is amazing with a corn hole. The food is great, and their Nashville Hot chicken is to die for! The ambience is hip, trendy and classy, and it can get pretty loud here! The inside is very bright and modern looking and makes for a great brunch atmosphere. It is dog-friendly too so don’t be shy to take your pawed buds!
Hoof Hearted Brewery & Kitchen
📍 Address: 850 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 522-1655
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 12 am Wed-Fri, 10 am – 12 am Sat, 10 am – 10 pm Sun, Closed on Mon & Tue
This brewery serves great crafted beer and tasty food to go with it. They have a good selection of draft beers and their sour beers are not too far behind either. The atmosphere is with colourful artwork displayed all around the place. The cocktail menu is changing, theme-based and delicious.
The patio is an amazing spot to enjoy your beer. The ambience is hip, trendy and casual with rustic vibes. It is a good place to hang out with family or as a group of your tribe.
Pins Mechanical Company
📍 Address: 141 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 464-2255
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 12:30 am Mon-Wed, 4 pm – 1:30 am Thurs, 4 pm – 2:30 am Fri, 12 pm – 2:30 am Sat, 12 pm – 12:30 am Sun
The beer selection here is impressive with over 30 choices on draft and a good list of signature cocktails. You can BYOF – Bring Your Own food which is great. Or you could get something from a couple of food trucks outside.
There are games, sports on TV and a pool table to challenge your friends. Or you could try the pinball, foosball table or the giant Jenga game. You will feel like a kid all over again. No better place to hang out with your friends for a fun and wild night!
Land Grant Brewing Company
📍 Address: 424 W Town St, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 427-3946
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 10 pm Mon-Wed, 11 am – 10 pm Thurs, 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat, 11 am – 8 pm Sun
They are known for their craft beers, brewed in-house at the Franklinton Brewery. Apart from their extensive beer list, they also offer a full selection of liquors and wines if you are not too fond of beers. The artwork on the beer cans is super creative and fun.
Their beer garden is dog-friendly. Enjoy the crisp fall on the patio as you savour the incredible beer. You could catch the game from the big screen at their place. Enjoy some great beer in the lovely hip and casual atmosphere as you watch some sports on the big screen.
Olde Towne Tavern
📍 Address: 889 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 252-2955
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 2:30 am daily
This is a neighborhood restaurant and bar in the heart of Olde Towne East near Downtown Columbus. Their drink menu includes class cocktails, a full wine list along with an extensive craft beer selection with 20 drafts and more than 100 bottles/cans. The menu features traditional American comfort bar food.
The ambience is classy, casual and the outdoor brick patio is spacious and lovely. The interior is a bit dark and almost moody with plenty of interesting artwork. The fare is good too with a fair amount of vegetarian options. You will feel warm, invited and thoroughly at home by the incredible wait staff who do a great job.
Lineage Brewing
📍 Address: 2971 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 461-3622
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Tue-Thurs, 4 pm – 12 am Fri, 2 pm – 12 am Sat, 2 pm – 8 pm Sun, Closed on Mon
This is a brewery, bar and restaurant all in one. The craft beers are always changing because they keep trying out something new to satisfy even the most insatiable beer connoisseur. From ales and stouts to IPAs, there is a lot of variety on offer. For cocktail lovers, there is enough for you as well.
The ambience is hip and relaxed, and the food is incredible. Their hand pies are out of this world delicious! The wait staff is courteous, accommodating and helpful with recos. If you are looking for a casual place to go after work with your co-workers and unwind, or to meet up with friends and relax with some great convos, you should try out this place!
Club185
📍 Address: 185 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43215 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 228-3904
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 2:30 am Mon-Fri, 5 pm – 2:30 am Sat & Sun
Located in German Village, Club 185 has been around since 1984, but it was a speakeasy back in the day. They serve some half a dozen domestic and imported beer along with some wines and non-alcoholic drinks. They have more than two dozen craft beers and half a dozen cocktails as well. A pretty impressive drink menu, we should say!
It is a beautiful place with a casual, light and cheery ambience. The service is prompt and attentive.
Bodega
📍 Address: 1044 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 299-9399
🕐 Hours: 3 pm – 12 am Mon-Thurs, 3 pm – 2 am Fri, 11 am – 2 am Sat, 11 am – 9 pm Sun
Bodega offers over 40 craft beers on tap that are ever-rotating. Apart from a wide selection of draft beers, they have a small selection of seasonal cocktails and wine. They have outstanding happy hour deals with 50 percent off on all drafts from 4 to 8 p.m. Happy hours are not just on drinks, but food too. Monday is $1 for grilled cheese which is a steal!
The crowd is eclectic, the music is incredible, and the bartenders are professional and knowledgeable. Make sure to get your photo snapped in front of the photo wall for your social media!
North High Brewing
📍 Address: 1288 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (614) 756-0100
🕐 Hours: 2 pm – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 12 pm – 12 am Fri & Sat, 12 pm – 10 pm Sun
This place has one of the finest craft beers. You can know everything you want to know about beer brewing from the brewery. The wait staff is friendly, personable and polite. The atmosphere is relaxing and cosy, with a woodsy, vintage and rustic feel. The Honey Wheat and Cover Crop are personal favorites! The establishment has tons of TVs to catch the game and chill with the buds!
🍺 Read More Bar Guides:
