Brian Nagele
Columbus, Ohio, is a well-known city due to its college football culture, vibrant arts district, and fantastic food scene.
The city has a great selection of rooftop bars that offer lovely views of the growing metropolis.
These bars are perfect for enjoying a night out with friends, celebrating a birthday, meeting coworkers for happy hour, going dancing, or simply enjoying a nice spring or summer day.
Some Columbus rooftop bars are also amazing for brunch – did someone say bloody marys and mimosas? Count me in!
But first, check out my list of the best rooftop bars in Columbus below to decide where you want to go!
Antiques on High
714 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
Phone: 614-725-2070
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Antiques on High is a highly-rated brewery, appropriately located in the Brewery District of Columbus. They focus on sour and wild beers, but you can get hazy IPAs, classic-tasting pale ales, and other refreshing draft beers.
AoH is a causal environment, so it’s no surprise that the food consists of food truck meals. There’s nothing wrong with that, in my opinion, because there’s a different food truck each day, and all of the food truck options are delicious!
I love going on Saturdays to get a California Burrito from the burrito truck or getting tacos on – you guessed it – Tuesdays.
If you’re not feeling food trucks, that’s okay too. Antiques allow you to bring in your food from neighboring restaurants that might seem more appealing to you. Just be sure to order drinks from them, of course!
BrewDog Short North
1175 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: 614-908-3053
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BrewDog is a chain bar with a casual, no-nonsense vibe that all of its beer-loving guests enjoy, as it fits the inviting Short North vibe.
They specialize in Scottish craft beers, but with 24 taps, they have plenty of room to feature guest breweries.
They also serve craft cocktails and wine, so your non-beer-loving friends will have something equally tasty to sip on.
I love eating delicious and fresh meats, cheeses, and bread when drinking craft beer, so I appreciate BrewDog’s partnership with Moody Trudy’s, as they serve the best sandwiches and smorgasbords.
Pair a sandwich with the “Forbidden Brut,” and you’re good to go!
Lincoln Social Rooftop
711 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-300-9494
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If you want to drink and dine in a classier environment than the two rooftops mentioned above, check out Lincoln Social Rooftop on High Street.
The best time to visit is between 4-6 pm on Tuesday-Friday or 1-4 pm on Sundays because that’s when they have Happy Hour deals for both food and drink.
Getting half off all food and spirits doesn’t sound like a bad deal to me!
And their Diavola pizza is actually to do for. Plus, if you have a gluten intolerance, you can request to make it gluten-free!
Novak’s Tavern & Patio
475 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-224-8821
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Novak’s is a welcoming and modest rooftop tavern serving beer and pub grub right on High Street near the Convention Center.
The brick wall is charming, the bartenders are friendly, and it’s an overall easygoing atmosphere for post-college-aged visitors.
Their house cocktails are simple enough to order confidently but with a little twist to make them unique.
Try the Basil Hayden Rye Manhattan, or stick with your favorite beer. Either way, make sure to go on a weekday before 8 to get $1 off!
Seventh Son Brewing Co.
1101 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: 614-421-2337
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Seventh Son is an extremely popular brewery on 4th street, across the street from the almost equally as famous Budd Dairy Food Hall.
This brewery has a rustic style and a hipster vibe. Also, people who love IPAs love Seventh because that’s the specialty there, along with a variety of ales.
In addition to the classics, they’ve also made a craft hard seltzer called Kitty Paw, and it’s delicious given that it’s made with real fruit.
And remember Antiques on High, mentioned above? That’s the sister company of Seventh Son, and they have food trucks at both as well. So if you appreciate one bar, make sure to check out the other!
Little Rock Bar
944 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: 614-824-5602
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Little Rock is a local bar located in the Arena District, and it has one of the best rooftop patios in Columbus.
It’s small and unassuming until you get in and hear the music blasting. In general, however, it has a chill atmosphere.
This rooftop bar is the perfect place to go with a group of friends, as there’s plenty of space and tables on the rooftop.
The drinks are strong and reasonably priced, and they also have food trucks. The tacos are my personal favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with any pop-up meals they serve.
Vaso
6540 Riverside Dr, Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: 614-698-2525
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VASO is a bit further out from the High Street/Short North scene, which is pleasant for some older crowds who want to distance themselves from the OSU campus vibe.
VASO provides an excellent resort, with a noticeable more sophisticated atmosphere and panoramic views of the city.
This is an excellent choice for a special gathering, birthday celebration, or anytime you wish to have a relaxing evening with loved ones.
Get the hanger steak if you want to be fancy or the grilled cheese if you want to be safe – you can’t go wrong either way!
Callahan’s Columbus
520 Park St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-223-1200
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Callahan’s holds a special place in my heart and the hearts of many, as almost everyone has an amazing time there!
It’s a fun place to go not only for a drink and a rooftop view but also to dance the night away with your closest friends – and perhaps a few friendly strangers as well.
Located on Park St, in a bustling area downtown, this bar is known to be entertaining at night but also serves excellent food during the day.
I love personalizing my pizza to my desires or slamming down their tasty pulled pork sandwich.
Goodale Station
77 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-227-9400
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Goodale Station is a refined and chic yet accepting rooftop location in the downtown area, right by Goodale Park.
This is an ideal restaurant for a work happy hour or work lunch meeting, especially if your office is nearby.
You can go classy with a Duck Confit or classic with a Goodale Burger – up to you.
But instead of choosing beer here, I would opt for something off of their nice wine selection or a refreshing cocktail.
Lumin Columbus
517 Park St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-607-5960
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Lumin is a gorgeously designed sky bar and kitchen on Park Street, also near Goodale Park – like Goodale Station above – and right by Nationwide Arena.
It’s the perfect place to get drinks on a date night before heading to dinner. The views are incredible, the cocktails are tasty, and the atmosphere is elegant.
However, the food at Lumin leaves a bit to be desired. Don’t go expecting the greatest meal of your life, and perhaps stick with the appetizers, like the chicken shawarma flatbread.
Patio de Phipps
261 S 5th St, Columbus, OH 43215
Patio de Phipps is a small, cozy, casual rooftop bar between the Uptown and Brewery districts. If you’re lucky enough to get in, it’ll make you feel like you’re right at home or hanging out at your friend’s place!
It looks like a private house from the outside, and that’s because it sort of is. You can only go into Patio de Phipps if someone in the neighborhood invites you. That’s how it maintains its unique charm and personal atmosphere.
RH Rooftop Restaurant Columbus
4120 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
Phone: 614-968-8830
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Located in the Easton Town Center mall, RH is one of the best rooftop bars in Columbus for brunch and spectacular interior design.
It’s also the perfect restaurant in Columbus for celebrating a birthday.
This is because the decor is photo-worthy – decked out with chandeliers, indoor trees, and gorgeous furniture – and the atmosphere is lively.
Lobster rolls, salmon steak, truffle fries, and high-quality wine are all go-to orders at RH.
Terrace Bar
1079 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: 614-929-5430
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Terrace Bar is a cute little bar with limited seating in the Short North. It has a nice, welcoming ambiance, and the staff is amicable.
Additionally, they tend to play great music at this bar, perfect for a friendly hangout after work or on the weekends.
I like El Diablo, Spa Day, and the Watermelon Mule for cocktails. You can’t go wrong with the beef sliders or the shrimp skewers for food.
“Cap City” has a lot to offer in terms of rooftop bars, and these are only several of the best rooftop bars in Columbus! Each one has its unique atmosphere, so it depends on what you’re looking for in a night out.
Do you want to drink and dance the night away? Check out Callahan’s. Are you looking for a classy and chic bar for drinks before dinner? Lumin is your place.
Check out other Columbus bars to grab a drink if the weather isn’t rooftop ready!
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
