The 10 Best Bars In Columbus, Ohio

Great live music seems to come naturally to Columbus, with bars such as the Woodlands Tavern leading the way in displaying local, as well as national talent. Although the bar is separate from the music venue, the good vibes flow throughout. Look out for fantastic deals during happy hour, and be sure to head to Mikey’s Late Night Slice across the street for a late-night snack.

For a smaller music venue, try Double Happiness in Columbus’s Brewery District. With a uniquely hip Chinatown feel, Double Happiness caters to a trendier crowd who don’t mind getting up close to dance. With cheap drinks, great bands, and a beautiful and expansive outdoor patio, this bar is definitely one of the best dive bars in the city.

With their spacious garage-turned-taproom, Seventh Son Brewing Company has been restoring the Italian Village, a once downtrodden part of Columbus, with its youthful vigor through the medium of genuinely delicious craft beer. The taproom is just one hangout found in the brewery – check out the front patio and the stationary food truck parked nearby too, where hearty gastro-pub favorites are served up. Be sure to try the Humulus Nimbus Super Pale Ale and the American Strong Ale for an adventure that’s loaded with hops.

Few bars can pull off what Curio at Harvest has perfected; functioning as the bar in a restaurant-bar combination that leads patrons to discover all-new combos of cocktails and food. With its intimate L-shaped bar and dim, candle-lit atmosphere, Curio at Harvest serves up excellent artisan drinks next to the classic fare of the Harvest Pizzeria, Columbus’s premier pizza location.

For a high-energy evening in Columbus’s hip Short North neighborhood check out Skully Music Diner. Part club, part Midwestern diner, Skully’s manages to do it all. With a U-shaped bar and plenty of neon, low-hanging lamps, and a wide dance floor and stage, this establishment seems like it could hail from a much larger city. The ladies 80’s night is very popular, and so are the discounted Skully’s burgers on Tuesdays.

The eclectic Local Bar Short North definitely has everything needed for an unexpected night out – furry walls, a fake fireplace, and all the craft beer you can drink. Calling this bar a dive would be off the mark, as its purposefully placed pinball machine and Pacman arcade game transcend the title somewhat. Try draft beer from Ohioan breweries Seventh Son and Jackie O’s, and be sure to bring a group to enjoy the unique ambiance inside.