As frequent visitors, 1-2 times a year, this bar is a MUST, go-to stop when we get to town. Pool table, dive-y, good vibes. (5 stars on food for the overall score...even though they don't service food, just great drinks :) )
On previous visits (last year and years prior), the bartenders were a tad off-putting at the beginning. It just took some work for them to warm-up to us over their locals, but no matter what they always eventually got a point that the bartenders working broke down and opened up.
On this most recent visit (Feb'2026/just last week), we had Autumn helping us on all three visits to St.James. She was the amazing! Not only was she extremely welcoming, but she was super engaging and made a point to make us feel welcome the was great at suggesting places for food or fun things to see as tourists. We had a great time, which was nice because we had some family with us as Columbus first-timers. Seriously going to ask about her every time we get to town going forward.
We always highly recommend this bar to friends visiting Columbus, and we will always make St. James a must-stop when we get to town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Big-J
Great place with very chill atmosphere, great cocktails and great music with 2 pool tables. Very friendly people.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Andrew Shayko
The bartender with the man bun isn’t only cute but has superior service! Pretty sure he has a cool wife
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Hannah Henderson
*update* most recently was harassed by MICHELLE HILL for a car that was parked in HER empty lot between the hours of 11pm and 6:30am. She came to my back door demanding that I understand that SHE is my landlord because she owns the business next door and her dad owns this home and the land around it or something. She then proceeded to attempt to intimidate me making threatening statements as she drove away and stared out the window at me. Haha so weird. She’s allowed her “regular” patrons to steal my door mat, she’s left nasty notes on my car IN my driveway, and now has come to my door to harass me directly. Signs in windows are highly misleading. I expected a slight HINT of kindness and was met with so much rudeness for no reason. Why is this even necessary? This bar is run by a truly terrible human.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Hannah Messaros
St. James Tavern is one of those rare places that feels like it’s meant to be there. It’s got that perfect dive-y charm—dim lighting, strong drinks, good people, and a vibe that just feels right. The kind of place where stories get told, regulars become friends, and no one’s trying too hard.
It’s also a space with heart. You can feel it in the way the community shows up here—for causes, for each other, for good nights and bad ones. I happened to catch a recent review that felt wildly out of sync with what this place is all about. You know the kind—vague, dramatic, and more about someone not getting their way than anything real. This bar isn’t built on ego or attitude. It’s built on connection, consistency, and quiet kindness.
If you know, you know. And if you don’t? Pull up a stool, order a drink, and give it a minute. You will. Shout out to “Buddy” —best liquid therapist this side of the Scioto River!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Breeanna Puckett
The owner is extremely rude. Claims to be a supporter of women, but her behavior and nastiness when met with kindness says otherwise.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Amanda Durkin
One of my favorite watering holes. Super cozy place with dope staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Micah Flowers
I’ve never written a review before until now—Actually one of the worst experiences I’ve had at a bar. The bartenders(a male and female) tried to over charge our cards triple what we ordered, and when we tried to explain there had been a mistake they were extremely disrespectful and hostile. Would not recommended at all
Food: 1
Service: 1
Sarah Choops
Used to be a great place. Bartenders not great anymore…
Food was excellent and Jose provided fantastic service! Would definitely come again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
C B
Bar with a pool table and a juke box. Great beer selection. Awesome staff. Locally owned and operated for 23 years and counting. Supportive of the arts community, and community at large. Everybody always welcome. No food. Just booze.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Joey McAlexander
Dive bar in prime location, surrounded by more expensive bars. They have good beer and good service.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
S Riverbend
Very cool spot!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Myeesa Robertson
I liked it. I enjoyed myself, and the bartender was pretty cool.
As frequent visitors, 1-2 times a year, this bar is a MUST, go-to stop when we get to town. Pool table, dive-y, good vibes. (5 stars on food for the overall score...even though they don't service food, just great drinks :) )
On previous visits (last year and years prior), the bartenders were a tad off-putting at the beginning. It just took some work for them to warm-up to us over their locals, but no matter what they always eventually got a point that the bartenders working broke down and opened up.
On this most recent visit (Feb'2026/just last week), we had Autumn helping us on all three visits to St.James. She was the amazing! Not only was she extremely welcoming, but she was super engaging and made a point to make us feel welcome the was great at suggesting places for food or fun things to see as tourists. We had a great time, which was nice because we had some family with us as Columbus first-timers. Seriously going to ask about her every time we get to town going forward.
We always highly recommend this bar to friends visiting Columbus, and we will always make St. James a must-stop when we get to town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great place with very chill atmosphere, great cocktails and great music with 2 pool tables. Very friendly people.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
The bartender with the man bun isn’t only cute but has superior service! Pretty sure he has a cool wife
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
*update* most recently was harassed by MICHELLE HILL for a car that was parked in HER empty lot between the hours of 11pm and 6:30am. She came to my back door demanding that I understand that SHE is my landlord because she owns the business next door and her dad owns this home and the land around it or something. She then proceeded to attempt to intimidate me making threatening statements as she drove away and stared out the window at me. Haha so weird. She’s allowed her “regular” patrons to steal my door mat, she’s left nasty notes on my car IN my driveway, and now has come to my door to harass me directly.
Signs in windows are highly misleading. I expected a slight HINT of kindness and was met with so much rudeness for no reason. Why is this even necessary? This bar is run by a truly terrible human.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
St. James Tavern is one of those rare places that feels like it’s meant to be there. It’s got that perfect dive-y charm—dim lighting, strong drinks, good people, and a vibe that just feels right. The kind of place where stories get told, regulars become friends, and no one’s trying too hard.
It’s also a space with heart. You can feel it in the way the community shows up here—for causes, for each other, for good nights and bad ones. I happened to catch a recent review that felt wildly out of sync with what this place is all about. You know the kind—vague, dramatic, and more about someone not getting their way than anything real. This bar isn’t built on ego or attitude. It’s built on connection, consistency, and quiet kindness.
If you know, you know. And if you don’t? Pull up a stool, order a drink, and give it a minute. You will. Shout out to “Buddy” —best liquid therapist this side of the Scioto River!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
The owner is extremely rude. Claims to be a supporter of women, but her behavior and nastiness when met with kindness says otherwise.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
One of my favorite watering holes. Super cozy place with dope staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I’ve never written a review before until now—Actually one of the worst experiences I’ve had at a bar. The bartenders(a male and female) tried to over charge our cards triple what we ordered, and when we tried to explain there had been a mistake they were extremely disrespectful and hostile. Would not recommended at all
Food: 1
Service: 1
Used to be a great place. Bartenders not great anymore…
Favorite dive bar in the great city of Columbus.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was excellent and Jose provided fantastic service! Would definitely come again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bar with a pool table and a juke box. Great beer selection. Awesome staff. Locally owned and operated for 23 years and counting. Supportive of the arts community, and community at large. Everybody always welcome. No food. Just booze.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Dive bar in prime location, surrounded by more expensive bars. They have good beer and good service.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Very cool spot!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I liked it. I enjoyed myself, and the bartender was pretty cool.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
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