50 Best Bars in Columbus

“Fantastic new spot in Short North. Exceptional staff, great food and great vibes for dancing all night!“

“We are from Kentucky and were in Columbus for a concert. I’ve always wanted to try a place that has been featured on Triple D, and this was the best decision ever! High Bank exceeded all expectations! We left with a full belly and A bottle of whiskey to remember them by. Food was incredible. Service was incredible. From now on, every trip to Columbus will include a stop at High Bank Distillery!“

“Awesome atmosphere! Service at the patio bar was exceptional. comfortable, friendly and just an all around great time.“

“pros and cons. CONS.. If you were to base your visit on first checking out the cleanliness of the bathrooms before you eat, you'd turn around and leave. The men's room in the basement needs so much work and the multiple colonies of gnats was like visiting the basement of college kids from a party and cans and spilled beer have never been cleaned up. Horrible condition. The ladies refused to even look at theirs. Booths are small and tight. Definitely an old building, but it's kind of cool with its history. PROS... Those were some really really good burgers. Wife got the Ali and I got the Old School. Burgers are huge and easily splitable. We tried this after friends suggested the burgers and we were not disappointed. Onion rings were too greasy for us, but the fries and homemade chips were great. Alll and all, it's definitely an option to eat again when in town.“

“Friendly neighborhood bar w great food!“

“We have been taking our Vigo to The Wag since opening day, at least once a week, sometimes twice. He gets a little too excited with other dogs on leash, but we love that we can check in at the window and go straight through to the outdoor space without having to get him through the building on his leash.

He gets so excited when we're on the way, he starts whining and pacing in the back because he knows exactly where we're going when we take a certain turn off of the highway. Everyone who works there is so friendly and we've gotten to know a few of the staff pretty well, especially Vigo's favorites. He gets so excited to see Olivia when she is there, and has also gotten to know Natalie and will go to both of them for his little side hugs that he likes to give when he trusts someone.

As a veterinary professional, I appreciate that they have taken the time to train their staff on canine behaviors so that they can intervene immediately when something might not be going right, and have a points system to track dogs that are repeatedly having issues so that no one gets hurt.

Funny enough, as I was looking for pictures from when we have been there, everything that is on my phone is my dog with a random dog who had come up to lay by him. But I love that. Once they get tuckered out, they just find someone who seems cool to chill with and plop down.

We have had a membership since they opened and we plan on keeping that membership for the entire time that we have a dog.“

“Me and my friends experience was so nice in here! Such friendly vibes and great customer service! The bartender was so nice and explained so much to us and had such a great attitude! Such a vibe! 🫶🏻 The drink was amazing but this place should be called Full Baked because after a drink and a half I was gone. 😜 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Only been here once. Enjoyed the beer I had.“

“Enjoyed the “Daily Double” - two cheeseburgers and fries. Delish!“

“One of the greatest storytellers in Columbus runs this spot. Frequented by kind people with weird hobbies. Bring a friend or make one.“

“Went to the Blu Note for the first time for my birthday in August. One of the waitresses was being trained by another waitress so we had two waitresses waiting on us (: and they did a great job!!! The live music was lively and the food was excellent , lamb chops were off the chain and the chicken wings were seasoned just right! They gave me complimentary New York Style Cheese Cake for my birthday as well ! In my Arnold Schwarzenegger impression “I’ll be back”.“

“Stopped in after volleyball at Backyard. I asked if I could get the Reds game on one of the TVs and the bartender, Colton said yes. Some regulars were watching the soccer matches but we found a tv that worked for everyone. I noticed the $4 draft Monday special and asked Colton who confirmed that included Bodhi. I ordered a Bodhi and Colton changed out the keg and let me know that the closer, Ian was coming in soon. Ian came in with a great attitude and kept a welcoming atmosphere in the bar. 5 out of 5 stars. Will be back.“

“This was a delivery so I can’t comment on atmosphere. I ordered the Umami Bombi and added green peppers. The crust and white sauce were great and there was a good amount of mushrooms and shaved truffle on top. I was glad of the peppers and marinara dipping sauce because otherwise it would have been bland. I learned that I am a red sauce and multi-veggie lover more than a white pizza person.

The only snafu was the delivery person leaving the pizza on the sidewalk and not bothering to let me know that it had arrived and where it was. I have very limited mobility and I asked for it to be brought to my apartment door. I had to find someone to retrieve it from outside because I can’t manage the security doors and my walker or bend over to get the delivery off the ground. This was a Door Dash delivery. Choose Uber if you can.

Slammers refunded my money without my even asking for it. Essentially both Slammers and I lost out but the rotten delivery person got the tip. And please try Slammers pizza and other foods. You will enjoy them without a doubt.“

“Visited for the first time ever... will DEFINITELY be returning! The options of on tap drinks were great! Also, Gatto's pizza was amazing (they're right there inside the brewery, so ordering is a breeze!)! Between the bar and the pizza, the customer service was TOP NOTCH! GO!!-you won't be disappointed!“

“This was a side quest. We were supposed to visit 2 distilleries in Columbus for the distillery trail. Ended up taking a tour with Jimmy at this one and then we had to head back home. Got to bottle our own bourbon at an AMAZING price. Had tons of fun. Would come again and I recommend the bottle your own bourbon tour.“

“Wine on High was the perfect spot for our company ladies night. Leading up to the event, Tina made the process seamless & easy. Her communication was great. The evening of our event, Eric took the best care of us. We did a wine tasting before dinner & he was so knowledgeable about the wines he was serving us. Dinner & drinks were loved by all. They even personalized the menus with our company logo which I thought was a sweet touch.“

“We love this place! But didn't check my order before we left tonight and it was wrong. Bad me. Didn't get the sub I ordered and all was cold. Just check your order before you leave.“

“Lived here 25 years. Started going to see good live bands and bluegrass. Small venue, great sound and great vibe. Room to spread out, do a little dance and immerse oneself into a plethora of local bad ass musicians who love what they do!
Must stop and pop one if you're rolling through town!“

“Fun eats and drinks with board games and music! Geek out and roll a d6!“

“Our first time there was great and we will be back! One of our favorites for sure!“

“This establishment is family owned, with live music on the weekend, great happy hour along with very nice service. I have been a customer of the Canabar for a very long time, definitely would recommend meeting your friends there!!!“

“Hosted a Birthday/Retirement Sing Along Karaoke Party for us. Yes it was all of the above, Nebbie and crew made it the most wonderful and memorable night. Everyone had a great time and all I had to do was show up 🥳 Great easy location for people to get to. Food was very good and served quickly, which was great for a large party. 🎉 I highly recommend as a great venue for fun events.“

“Wonderful experience and great atmosphere“

“Great place to spend time with friends. Friendly staff and creative drinks!“

“Great place for drinks and dogs!“

“its a smallish dark divine dive bars! just how I like it! bands are right there...BAM! in ur face. awesome back patio with tables and lots of room for a conga line, if you so wish! I ❤️ Rumba🤘🌟🌙 ~Juba Moon“

“The outdoor bier garten also offers a wide variety of live music weekly spring thru fall…“

“This is such a hidden gem“

“Buy a drink and play for free! Great place for Gen X to bring their kids & grandkids“

“Bodega is one of those places that knows exactly what it is and leans into it. A low-key, no-frills neighborhood dive with just enough charm to make you want to hang out longer than you planned.

The funnel cake fries are the real surprise hit. Crispy, fluffy, perfectly dusted with sugar and dangerously easy to keep eating. I honestly came in for a drink and left thinking about those fries.

Huge shoutout to Salim behind the bar. Super friendly, attentive, and bringing just the right mix of smooth and playful energy that makes you feel welcome the moment you sit down. He made the whole experience better.

Bodega may not be trying to be fancy, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s a relaxed, easygoing spot with good vibes, great service, and snacks that punch way above their weight.

Would come back, especially for those funnel cake fries and Salim’s hospitality.“

“I've been going there for years love this spot, Friendly atmosphere“

“The staff is attentive, friendly and personable. The Draft House is clean and neat. I ordered one of their sub sandwich and a soda which was tastily. I watched ,Poor Thing's last night and enjoyed it immensely, It was funny, twisted and highly entertaining, I highly recommend this movie. I want to give a shout out to Amy who works at the Draft House and put up with me and my antics.“

“Johnnie’s Glenn Avenue Grill stands as a true classic among Columbus dive bars, blending small-town charm with a sense of history. Its walls are packed with oddball memorabilia, dusty old bottles, and bowls of free snacks that give the space a cozy, familiar feel. With its no-frills atmosphere and undeniable character, this Grandview spot is a rare find worth seeking out.“

“This bar is so awesome! Matt is one of my favorite bartenders! They have live music on Friday and Saturday and open mic night on Tuesdays! The patio was super cozy and the inside is all wood and rustic. Worth checking out this location neighborhood bar. During the summer, they have cookouts on Thursdays very affordable.“

“Yummy and great staff! The outdoor patio is the best!“

“My husband and I recently visited fir the first time this past weekend and it is now one of top spots! The staff was amazing, the food was delicious, 10 across the board!“

“So much fun! Glad we had reservations so we had actual seats. I would hate to stand all night. Our server, Alexis, was phenomenal! Friendly, attentive, and when we asked for napkins bc of the condensation from our glasses causing our table to be wet, she went a step further and came back with a wet rag and cleaned our whole table!“

“The staff was very helpful when a creep was being weird too my sister also she found something in her drink when she dumped it that said creep bought her if a staff member could give me a number too call too report this too you guys that would be amazing but overall amazing staff“

“Bob’s was my Cheers when I lived in Columbus. Super chill, bartenders are all cool af with magnificent vibes. 100% will always stop in when I’m in town.“

“If you want a place where you and your friends can go out, have reasonably priced drinks, be in a lively environment with some characters, and actually hear each other speak without massive TVs plastered on every wall, this is your spot. Some friends and I were in town for a Blue Jackets game a few weeks back, and we found ourselves coming back here each night we were there. Good times.“

“I went here to celebrate my birthday 🎂. I had an amazing time from the entrance being greeted to my seat. The place is upscale, clean, and gorgeous decor. The live music was a vibe and inspired others to sing along. The drinks menu options were very tasty. My waitress was so kind and sweet. I can’t wait to go back for another event!“

“found a rare bottle 👍 ✅ 😁“

“Love the bloody Mary’s with bacon“

“Visited Columbus for the first time and stumbled into an amazing restaurant that truly sets the bar for what ethos restaurants should operate from- no seed oils, quality water and everything cooked in beef tallow. For a health conscious restaurant their prices are beyond reasonable with something on the menu for anyone who’s looking to expand their horizons of healthy eating.

Our server Katie was exceptional- so so kind, knowledgeable about the menu and carried a smile on her face the entire service. The GM even made it a point to comp our wellness shots we ordered since we were visiting. Truly made our experience! Thank you katie! ❤“

“the atmosphere is nice they have several locations and the staff is always friendly“

“the blonde bartender Kat will nickle and dime you $1.10 for a tomato on a sandwich. She's padding her register with your money while she's sneaking shots. Sad was a great place to go“

“Excellent Food, Top Notch Staff... Wonderful place for our Holiday Party... THANK YOU!! 🎄🖖🏻❤️🤍💙☃️❄️🌎🇺🇲“

“Was working in Columbus all weekend closest spot was Mikey‘s. We ate there three nights in a row. Great pizza and cold beers. Highly recommend I will be back.“

“My best friend visited, and we stayed in a hotel .5 miles from Mugsy's. Never been there, but wanted something close to shoot a game of pool. I liked its simplicity! Had all the basics: music station, pool tables, darts, patio...and nicely spaced out so you don't feel crammed in. Very chill, nice medley of people. Bartenders are very kind. Only downside was the mixed drink I ordered, which tasted terrible. Everything else was great. Food next door (of which you can order in the bar) was FANTASTIC. I ordered wings and fries--some of the best I've ever had.“

“Great music and service. Eric poured some great drinks.“