33 Best Dive Bars in Columbus

“Someone told me this place had the best Italian Sub in Columbus, and they weren't kidding – I tried it, and I'm officially hooked! Seriously, if you're in the neighborhood, this needs to be your go-to spot for an amazing sub. If you're on the other side of town, it's worth the journey at least once a month. Don't miss out! What really sealed the deal was the incredible atmosphere: the employees were genuinely nice and clearly passionate about their work. Even a couple of regulars were out in the 90-degree heat, cheerfully welcoming me in, mirroring the staff's enthusiasm. This might be a 'hole-in-the-wall,' but it's the kind of hidden gem Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives should feature this place.“

“They don't sell food so I didn't rate them on that. This is an excellent, dark, small, sticky, homey, old, jazz club dive bar. Great music, lots of local history, cheep beer. Would recommend, but only if you are polite and like music.“

“Great food and friendly atmosphere 👌“

“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. 😜 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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.“

“I would like to see the bartenders to be able to control or at least have some type of control over patrons that come in they’re arguing and making threats to the person they’re arguing with. Last night there was two people in there and they were in the middle isles when you come closer to the front door. One of the two people that were arguing was making threats to the other person, saying that he will kill him. He will shoot him. The bartender does nothing at all nothing. The bartender called out the wrong person loudly thought that called the police. Police came in and everybody got quiet. Safety should be number one at all times if somebody’s gonna argue, making threats and threatens to shoot the person that they are arguing with in the bar be put out and or the police called . The bartender has a responsibility to the bar and protect the patrons. This did not happen, there should be some type of protocol in place that all the bartenders need to adhere to when something of this nature happens. There was also two killings last year at two close bars we don’t need to have it at The Rock!!!!“

“Totally recommend this place!! What a great time we had at Paddy Macs, great music, drinks & exciting atmosphere!!They were featuring this new BLAST ENERGY mix with featured drinks!! Totally awesome!! Gave me a great buzz to keep going all night! Plus WAY healthier than all that other garbage!! Anyhow, my fav.... CLASSI BLAST + BERRY VODKA =???If you know what I mean!!“

“Good band tonight. Small crowd. But great atmosphere“

“"Be Nice To Each Other" -Sheila Ann SteuberHometown atmosphere with down to earth people. Relaxing and entertaining, known to many as the local Cheers! Everyone knows your name and are happy to see you! My mother loved this place and its owner until the day she died. May the wind always be at your back, may the sun always shine down upon your face, and may the wings of destiny carry you off to see the stars.“

“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“

“Nicole, Jonah and Matt are my absolute favorites!!! amazing vibes, great service!! the best dive bar in the brewery district 🙌🏽!! Kitchen open till 1am always a plus 🤌🏽 and if you can catch Tommy he's best gem of the whole place ❤️“

“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.“

“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.“

“This Tavern offers excellent drinks and real down home hospitality. The regular clientele here are all laid back, very friendly and inviting. Great place to meet new friends, swap stories and listen to a variety of older rock and country music. As the evening crowd begins pouring in, the music changes just a little to more recent covers. Great place to put some roots down and chill.“

“I remember the first time my mom asked me to go to the patio i was like no iv heard so many things about it im not doing all that & here i am years later considered a regular & its one of my favorite places to go ☺️ I have met some of the nicest, caring & loving ppl there. I can honestly say its not just a bar out west these ppl are like family 💯 Patio Forever Party Forever Friends Forever. 🫶🏻🫶🏻“

“I really liked this place. It has a good atmosphere and good music. I recommend it if you're looking for a quiet, non-fancy place to hang out. The drinks are reasonably priced, and it has pool tables and darts. It's ideal for after work.“

“This place pours the strongest, most dangerously good Long Islands in town. The vibe at Char Bar is unbeatable—no frills, no fuss, just the perfect dive bar

Many people aren't aware that Abraham Lincoln spent the night there once many years ago! Historical!“

“Great owner great food great place“

“Easily the best bar on campus! My friends and I were so sad to see Toos go but Thr3es lived up to all our expectations. They have a free bus to pick you up (which is great when you live on the opposite side of campus lol) & a free party room with its own bar! We held a surprise party here for our roommate and it was so much fun & so easy to book the room. The staff is great & there’s always good drink deals!“

“My wife and I are well above your average age of clientele. I must say your staff as well as customer base has always been nothing but respectful to us. THANKS“

“Owner is a great guy and they have great drink prices awesome pizza and amazing staff!! Highly recommend!!“

“Bar keeper was excellent! Food was spot on“

“Recently visited this establishment for a small MGK pop up concert. The venue provided us with ice cold water bottles and water jugs that had cold water in it. they were some of the sweetest and most kind people I've came across. 10/10 will have to come back and try their food!“

“I recently visited The Rack in Columbus with a group of friends, and we had a fantastic time! The place has a great, laid-back vibe that made for a perfect last spot out. We played pool and darts, and with three pool tables available, there was plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. The ceilings added a nice touch to the atmosphere! We also enjoyed a few drinks, and the service was friendly and efficient. Overall, it's a chill spot that's perfect for hanging out and having fun with friends Recommend!“

“Food isn’t always consistent, we live close and stop by often. Yesterday bartender seemed new and talked a lot while trying to make an order but usually good consistent service. But the food was GREAT last night better than normally, ordered a steak it was made medium rare perfectly usually they just make it well done no matter what. Great cook also D is a great bartender“

“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.“

“Well if you want to be Off path But in the company of others this is the place never overcrowded But Never a group of people that you can't talk to it's safe and pleasant vibe and I am Dewger and I came down from the ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars ?“

“Just a straight up fantastic dive dream. Beers, bands and badazzz awesome people all the time. As Columbus is rapidly loosing it's edge becoming an almost YouTuber rich kid "establishment" overpolished bowl of glitter-vom, places like these keep it no-nonsense and I love it! Bar staff is always awesome, crowds are good, drinks are cheap!“

“Rehab Tavern in Columbus is just an awesome spot to kick back and have a good time. The vibe hits right as soon as you walk in – it’s cozy, chill, and has this cool mix of old-school charm with a modern feel. The staff is super friendly, too; they make you feel right at home and are always happy to help with drink recommendations or just chat for a bit.

Speaking of drinks, they’ve got a fantastic selection! From craft beers to unique cocktails, there’s something for everyone, and the bartenders seriously know their stuff. Plus, the live music nights are a blast. They bring in some great local talent, and it really adds a fun, energetic feel to the place.

Overall, Rehab Tavern is just a great, laid-back spot to hang with friends or meet new people. It’s the kind of bar that makes you want to come back, whether you're from around here or just in town for a visit. If you're looking for a place with good drinks, good vibes, and a friendly crowd, this is it!“

“Overall good experience here some little hang-ups but maybe because they were busy that day.... I will try to come back and see if I can give another star or not.... I do understand they have lots of awesome jazz players in the evening trying to come back for that...“

“Karaoke is off the hook here.“

“Our whole experience was awesome because of our bartender Mike. We had a crappy night and it happened to be our anniversary, and ended up picking this place to have some Drinks. Mike took great care of us and celebrated with us with a shot. He always made sure we had a drink and had great conversation. Awesome experience!“

“Fun Patio! Love the Hugs!“