Search
  1. Home
  2. FOOD AND DRINK
  3. 7 OF THE BEST BARS COLUMBUS
7 Of The Best Bars In Columbus

7 Of The Best Bars In Columbus

Sarah Clayton-Lea | | 4 minutes Read
North America Bars

It might be nicknamed “the biggest small town in America”, but Columbus has its fair share of lively places to catch up with friends, enjoy a good drink, or just hang out and relax.

Whether you’re into craft beer or craft cocktails (or y’know, just a plain old glass of vino), you’ll find suitable place here for a tipple or two. We’ve rounded up our top picks of Columbus’ bars – from neighbourhood dives to classy lounges…

Best bars in Columbus

1. Dick’s Den

A popular local spot ever since the 1960’s, Dick’s Den is an institution in Columbus when it comes to live music, jazz and bargain drinks specials. We almost don’t want to tell too many people about it – it’s that good.

You won’t want to leave.

Dick's Den Bar in Columbus
Image: tim.perdue/Flickr

2. The Bottle Shop

This is a cocktail bar and bottle store in Victorian Village. The bar side of the business is decorated with mismatched chairs and picnic tables. There’s hushed lighting, candles sitting over the mantle, and a small bar inlaid with pennies.

Grab a tasty cocktail from their seasonal menus, or choose from one of 20 craft beers on tap.

The Bottle Shop Bar in Columbus

3. Brewdog

The legendary brewery from Scotland has made its way Stateside, and this Columbus bar is haven for beer lovers. There’s a premier craft beer restaurant, a dog-friendly patio with a Dog Park, and a Gaming Room (complete with shuffleboard and pinball).

Beers on tap include Brewdog’s own craft brews as well as other local and international brews.

Brewdog Bar in Columbus

4. Two Truths

Two Truths manages to be super classy without a hint of pretentiousness – the perfect combo. As well as beautiful cocktails (try the Black Manhattan), there’s always something cool happening here. Drop in on a Thursday for live jazz, a Saturday night for an all vinyl retro hip hop night, or a Tuesday for Burlesque.

Two Truths Bar in Columbus

5. Oddfellows Liquor Bar

Oddfellows has a great beer selection, interesting cocktail lists, and the occasional free hot-dog night. What more could you possibly need? It’s the most “classy AF” bar in the Short North neighbourhood, with a cosy brick interior and funky outdoor patio.

The Mikey’s Late Night Slice food truck on the patio will cure any evening hunger pangs.

6. 16-Bit Bar + Arcade

This sprawling arcade bar has 40+ vintage arcade games for a night out with a difference.

Thirsty? Whether it’s old school, new wave, ice cold or on the rocks, there’s a cocktail to match any taste. Fun names such as Hulk Hogan, Lisa Frank or The Dude make the drinks extra memorable.

16-Bit Bar + Arcade

7. The Light of Seven Matchsticks

The Light of Seven Matchsticks is a Wes Anderson–inspired basement speakeasy with a 1920s vibe. Basically, it’s heaven. They do craft cocktails & small plates, but keep an eye out for the Secret Menu.

Opening hours vary so check their website in advance and be aware that there’s no cellphone signal, so you better be with someone you don’t mind actually talking to.

The Light of Seven Matchsticks

How do these rankings work?
Sarah Clayton-Lea Photo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York. Contact [email protected]

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

MOST POPULAR

SIMILAR ARTICLES

newsletter