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8 Best Bars in Columbus

group of friends drinking cocktails and enjoying their time at a bar in Columbus

Discover Columbus’ vibrant nightlife as we present the best bars in the city, each a singular treasure adding to the vibrant social scene. Our carefully crafted guide helps you make your way through the dynamic and varied options that define Columbus’ bar culture, from hip cocktail lounges to ancient pubs. Come discover undiscovered treasures and well-known venues that are redefining the art of mixing drinks and mingling with others. Our guide promises a symphony of flavors and atmospheres, whether you’re a guest keen to experience the city’s nightlife or a local looking for new spots. Prepare to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as we lead you around city’s best bars, turning every night into a pleasant celebration of friendship, drinks, and the unique charm that characterizes this vibrant city after dark.


Local Bar Short North

913 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 824-2728

Local Bar Short North Columbus
Source: Local Bar Short North

Looking for a casual, laid-back bar in Columbus? Local Bar Short North should work great for you. This neighborhood bar features a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding. With karaoke, music, and happy hour deals, there’s so much to enjoy here. You’ll find plenty of drinks, of course, as well as free popcorn at this spot. People love that the prices are affordable here. Be sure to stop by for happy hour to get great discounts on drinks and more!


Dick’s Den

2417 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
(614) 268-9573
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Dick's Den Columbus
Source: Dick’s Den

If you’re a music lover, head over to Dick’s Den for your next night out. This laid-back spot offers bluegrass and jazz music on a nightly basis. Plus, you’ll find a jukebox as well as live artists from the area and around the country. The drinks at this bar are super affordable, according to reviewers, so this is also perfect for when you don’t want to spend too much. Make sure to swing by during happy hour and check the calendar on their website for live music events!


Bob’s Bar

4961 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 888-9073

Bob's Bar Columbus
Source: Bob’s Bar

Hoping to visit a bar with a divey vibe? We suggest Bob’s Bar. This neighborhood bar features a lively and inviting atmosphere. With hundreds of beer options and pool tables, you’re bound to enjoy yourself here. Choose between bottles and beer on tap as well as mixed drinks at Bob’s Bar. People love the wide selection of beer as well as the friendly staff. Be sure to play some darts or pool to really relax!

See also  11 Best Outdoor Dining in Columbus

The Walrus

143 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 817-1710
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The Walrus Columbus
Source: The Walrus

If you’re looking for a bar with food just as good as the drinks, swing by The Walrus. This place serves delicious burgers and pub food. You’ll also find craft beer and live music, of course. When it comes to the burgers, we recommend the maple burger, chili and queso burger, big rig, or short rib sliders. They also have a ton of wine and cocktails to enjoy. Make sure to stop by for weekend brunch sometime!


Short North Pint House

780 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 429-3986
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Short North Pint House Columbus
Source: Short North Pint House

Though some of the other bars on this list have an impressive amount of beer, if you’re a beer lover, Short North Pint House is the perfect place to be. This spot is actually a beer garden and serves American bar food. The menu at Short North Pint House features plenty of drafts, bottles, cans, cocktails, and more. So, no matter what your preferred drink is, you’ll find something here. And if you’re hungry, grab a pizza, sandwich, or shareable plate!


MOUTON

954 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 732-4660
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Mouton Columbus
Source: Mouton

Looking for a classy spot for some drinks in Columbus? MOUTON is the answer to your prayers. This spot is a neighborhood cocktail bar featuring sophisticated cocktails, beer, and upscale snacks. With local art lining the walls, you’ll be able to get an idea for the community, too. MOUTON offers a variety of cocktails, so you’ll be able to find something suited to your taste. Try out the social animal, the golden year, everyday superhero, or rose gold. They also have classic cocktails if you’re hoping to stick to the basics. Don’t forget happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday!


Sidebar Columbus

122 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 228-9041
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Sidebar
Source: Sidebar Columbus

Another more refined spot is Sidebar Columbus. Serving wine and cocktails alongside small plates with Mediterranean and South American influences, this spot is a tapas bar. And with a 4.7-star rating on Google, it’s clear people like it. The wine and cocktail selection at Sidebar Columbus is pretty extensive, so you might want to try a few different options. Be sure to order something from the tapas menu and stop by for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday!


DENMARK

463 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 984-7351
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Denmark Columbus
Source: Denmark

Completing our list of bars in Columbus is DENMARK. You’ll find handcrafted cocktails as well as European-influenced bites at this bar. With a chic and inviting atmosphere, you may never want to leave. The menu changes frequently at DENMARK, so make sure to check out the sample menu on their website for an idea of what they have to offer. You’ll also always have something new to try here. Be sure to visit for happy hour from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day of the week!

See also  8 Best Steakhouses in Columbus

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Nightlifepartyguide.com and Tripsavvy.com. 

We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible. 

Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.

https://ph.hotels.com/go/usa/best-nightlife-columbus
https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/things-to-do/nightlife/
https://nightlifepartyguide.com/columbus-nightlife-party-guide/
https://www.tripsavvy.com/nightlife-guide-to-columbus-ohio-4842322
https://www.choicehotels.com/ohio/columbus/best-nightlife
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g50226-Activities-c20-Columbus_Ohio.html

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Written by Kyle Green

Kyle lives never passes up the opportunity to try a new restaurant. As a former New Yorker of 7 years, he enjoys regular trips to NYC to visit friends and enjoys all the restaurants and activities the city have to offer. He also spends time on the road tasting and reviewing other restaurant scenes around the country.