Greatest Locations to Drink in Columbus Ohio is a metropolis that embodies the spirit of nightlife and drink tradition, a metropolis that has been brewing an environment for socialites and fun-seekers for many years. Whether or not you are a neighborhood or simply visiting, there’s all the time a spot to seize a drink and have a good time.
From the hipster neighborhoods to the vigorous downtown areas, Columbus Ohio has an array of bars and pubs that serve up all the things from basic cocktails to craft beers.
Introduction to the Greatest Locations to Drink in Columbus Ohio

Columbus, Ohio, has a wealthy historical past courting again to the early nineteenth century, with its consuming tradition enjoying a big function in shaping the town’s social scene. From its humble beginnings as a small village to its present standing as a thriving metropolis, Columbus has all the time been recognized for its vibrant nightlife, with a plethora of bars, pubs, and nightclubs catering to numerous tastes and preferences. The town’s consuming tradition has its roots within the 1800s, when German immigrants settled within the space and introduced with them their traditions of beer-making and communal consuming. These early influences can nonetheless be seen immediately within the metropolis’s many German-American bars and eating places, which serve up basic beers and conventional delicacies.
The importance of bars and pubs in Columbus’s social scene can’t be overstated. These institutions have lengthy been on the coronary heart of the town’s social material, offering an area for individuals to collect, socialize, and luxuriate in good firm over a pint or two. From informal watering holes to upscale cocktail bars, Columbus’s consuming dens cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, making them a staple of the town’s vibrant nightlife. Whether or not you are seeking to meet new individuals, meet up with mates, or just get pleasure from a quiet evening out, Columbus’s bars and pubs have one thing for everybody.
The kinds of drinks usually featured in Columbus watering holes replicate the town’s numerous cultural influences and its standing as a serious metropolis within the Midwest. From craft beers and artisanal cocktails to basic American whiskey and Belgian ales, Columbus’s consuming scene presents a variety of choices to go well with each palate. A number of the hottest beers in Columbus embody these from native breweries similar to Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and Land-Grant Brewing Firm, which provide a variety of types and flavors. In the meantime, cocktail bars like The Quick North’s Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and B-Facet Bistro serve up inventive concoctions made with premium spirits and recent elements.
Columbus Beer Tradition
Columbus has a thriving craft beer scene, with quite a few native breweries and bars showcasing a variety of types and flavors. A number of the hottest beers within the metropolis embody IPAs from native breweries like Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and Land-Grant Brewing Firm, in addition to seasonal releases from bigger breweries like Nice Lakes Brewing Firm. For craft beer lovers, Columbus presents a wealth of choices for exploring new types and flavors.
- Columbus has over 20 craft breweries working inside the metropolis limits, every providing a singular collection of beers and experiences.
- The town hosts a number of main beer festivals all year long, together with the Columbus Beer Pageant and the Central Ohio Craft Beer Week.
- Columbus breweries usually collaborate with different native companies to create distinctive beer-themed occasions and experiences, similar to brewery excursions and beer-and-food pairings.
Columbus Cocktail Tradition
Columbus’s cocktail scene has seen vital progress in recent times, with quite a few upscale bars and eating places providing inventive concoctions made with premium spirits and recent elements. A number of the hottest cocktails within the metropolis embody basic cocktails just like the Outdated Original and the Manhattan, in addition to extra fashionable creations just like the Columbus Mule and the Ohio Dawn.
- Columbus’s cocktail tradition is influenced by the town’s giant variety of bars and eating places with cocktail applications, in addition to its proximity to main cities like Chicago and New York.
- The town hosts a number of main cocktail occasions all year long, together with the Columbus Cocktail Week and the Central Ohio Craft Cocktail Competitors.
- Native bartenders and mixologists usually collaborate with different trade professionals to create revolutionary cocktails and experiences, similar to pop-up bars and speakeasy-style occasions.
In style Neighborhoods for Consuming in Columbus

Columbus is a metropolis with a vibrant nightlife, providing a variety of neighborhoods that cater to totally different tastes and preferences. From fashionable bars to dive pubs, the Ohio capital has one thing for everybody. On this part, we’ll discover among the high neighborhoods for consuming in Columbus and spotlight their distinctive characters and must-visit spots.
The Quick North
The Quick North is one in all Columbus’ most iconic neighborhoods, recognized for its arts and cultural scene, in addition to its vigorous nightlife. This vibrant district is residence to quite a lot of bars, golf equipment, and lounges that supply all the things from craft cocktails to reside music and dancing. Some must-visit spots embody:
- The Pearl, a classy cocktail bar with a classic vibe
- Clyde’s and Co., a preferred spot for reside music and dancing
- The Quick North Tavern, a comfortable pub with a wide array of beers
Downtown Columbus
Downtown Columbus is the center of the town’s nightlife, with a variety of bars, golf equipment, and lounges to select from. This neighborhood is residence to the well-known Enviornment District, which presents quite a lot of consuming institutions, together with:
- The Basement, a preferred spot for reside music and dancing
- The Ainsworth, a luxurious bar with a wide array of craft cocktails
- The Pearl’s sister bar, a classy cocktail bar with a classic vibe
Fashionable Cities – Grandview and German Village
Grandview and German Village are two up-and-coming neighborhoods which can be shortly changing into well-liked locations for Columbus’ nightlife crowd. Grandview presents a mixture of fashionable bars and eclectic eateries, whereas German Village is residence to quite a lot of historic bars and taverns. Some must-visit spots embody:
- Grandview’s The Pour Home, a preferred spot for reside music and dancing
- German Village’s Hofbräuhaus Columbus, a standard German beer corridor
College District
The College District is a vibrant neighborhood that is residence to Ohio State College’s principal campus. This neighborhood is understood for its student-friendly bars and taverns, which provide all the things from low cost drinks to reside music and occasions. Some must-visit spots embody:
- The Union, a preferred spot for reside music and dancing
- The fifteenth Avenue Pub, a comfortable pub with a wide array of beers
- The Library, a preferred spot for cocktails and learning
Clintonville
Clintonville is an enthralling neighborhood that is residence to quite a lot of eclectic bars and eateries. This neighborhood is understood for its laid-back vibe and broad collection of craft beers. Some must-visit spots embody:
- The Clintonville Tavern, a comfortable pub with a wide array of beers
- The Clintonville Wine Bar, a preferred spot for wine and cheese
Bars and Pubs Serving Distinctive Drinks
Columbus has a vibrant nightlife scene, with loads of bars and pubs serving up inventive concoctions that can tantalize your style buds. From craft cocktails to uncommon beers, these bars are pushing the boundaries of what you may order at your native watering gap. Whether or not you are a seasoned bartender or simply seeking to strive one thing new, listed below are among the finest locations to drink in Columbus.
Craft Cocktail Bars, Greatest locations to drink in columbus ohio
The craft cocktail scene in Columbus is prospering, with bars providing distinctive and inventive drinks that can impress even essentially the most discerning palates. Listed here are among the high craft cocktail bars within the metropolis:
- The Quick North Pint Home – This well-liked bar presents a variety of craft cocktails, together with their signature drink, the “Pint Home Punch,” which contains a mix of bourbon, grapefruit, and honey.
- The Eagle – Situated within the coronary heart of the Quick North, The Eagle presents quite a lot of inventive cocktails, together with their well-known “Eagle’s Nest” drink, made with gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon.
- The Pearl – This fashionable bar within the Enviornment District presents a variety of craft cocktails, together with their signature drink, the “Pearl Jammer,” which contains a mix of bourbon, peach liqueur, and cranberry.
New Breweries and Taprooms
Along with craft cocktail bars, Columbus can also be residence to a thriving craft beer scene, with new breweries and taprooms popping up all around the metropolis. Listed here are among the high breweries and taprooms to take a look at:
- Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – This well-liked brewery presents a variety of distinctive beers, together with their signature drink, the “Wolf’s Ridge IPA,” which contains a mix of hoppy goodness and Columbus-style pale ale.
- Land-Grant Brewing Co. – Situated within the Franklinton neighborhood, Land-Grant presents quite a lot of inventive beers, together with their signature drink, the “Land-Grant Lager,” which contains a mix of Munich and Pilsner malts.
- The Guild Home – This fashionable taproom within the Enviornment District presents a variety of craft beers, together with their signature drink, the “Guild Home Pale Ale,” which contains a mix of Columbus-style pale ale and citrus.
Distinctive Drinks and Substances
A number of the distinctive drinks and elements you could find at Columbus bars and pubs embody:
- Bourbon-infused syrups and bitters – Lots of the metropolis’s high bars use high-end bourbons to create distinctive syrups and bitters that add depth and complexity to their cocktails.
- Honey, honey wine, and mead – Columbus is residence to a thriving beekeeping neighborhood, and most of the metropolis’s bars characteristic honey, honey wine, and mead of their drinks.
- Vegan and gluten-free choices – With the rise of the wellness motion, many bars in Columbus now provide vegan and gluten-free choices that cater to diners with dietary restrictions.
Craft Breweries in Columbus: Greatest Locations To Drink In Columbus Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, has develop into a hotspot for craft breweries, reflecting the nationwide pattern of a thriving craft beer trade. In recent times, the town has witnessed a surge within the variety of breweries, every providing distinctive flavors and experiences to guests.
One of many defining options of the craft brewery motion in Columbus is the emphasis on native elements and neighborhood involvement. Breweries like Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and Land-Grant Brewing Co. have develop into beacons for neighborhood engagement, with occasions like beer releases, reside music, and meals pairings changing into more and more well-liked. These occasions not solely foster a way of neighborhood but in addition permit breweries to experiment with new flavors and elements, additional enriching the town’s craft beer scene.
Historical past and Mission of Columbus Breweries
Many Columbus breweries have a wealthy historical past and mission that set them other than each other.
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, based in 2014, is a pioneer in Columbus’ craft brewery scene. Their mission is centered round creating daring and complicated beers, usually that includes native elements. Their taproom, adorned with rustic decor, presents a comfortable environment, good for sipping on one in all their signature beers.
Land-Grant Brewing Co., established in 2015, is one other distinguished brewery in Columbus. Their mission revolves round creating high-quality, approachable beers that attraction to a variety of palates. Their taproom options a big outside space, making it a super spot for summer season gatherings and occasions.
High-Rated Breweries in Columbus
There are a lot of glorious breweries in Columbus, every providing a singular expertise.
- Lindale Brewing Firm: This family-owned brewery is understood for its eclectic beer menu and welcoming environment.
- The Brewery on the Strand: Situated within the coronary heart of Quick North, this brewery boasts a formidable collection of beers and a vigorous environment.
- Hoof Hearted Brewing: This brewery is known for its inventive beer names and distinctive flavors.
- Galloping Goose: This brewery is understood for its deal with sustainability and its dedication to utilizing domestically sourced elements.
Breweries Increasing and Innovating in Columbus
Columbus’ craft brewery scene is continually evolving, with breweries increasing and innovating in numerous methods.
- Breweries like The Brewery on the Strand and Wolf’s Ridge Brewing have expanded their taprooms, providing a extra spacious and welcoming environment for patrons.
- Lindale Brewing Firm has launched a cell beer cart, permitting them to succeed in a wider viewers and take part in native occasions.
Greatest Practices for Visiting Columbus Breweries
When visiting Columbus breweries, it is important to be respectful of their mission and practices. Listed here are some finest practices to remember.
- All the time test the brewery’s social media or web site for hours of operation, as they could change seasonally or for occasions.
- Be conscious of brewery-specific guidelines, similar to not bringing exterior meals or drinks.
- Suggestions and presents for the brewery staff are all the time appreciated, however not required.
- When taking a tour or collaborating in a beer-pairing occasion, make sure you comply with the brewery’s guidelines and directions for security and pleasure.
Discovering Columbus Breweries
With so many glorious breweries in Columbus, it may be difficult to determine which of them to go to. Listed here are some assets that can assist you discover the proper brewery in your go to.
- The Columbus Brewery Affiliation: This group gives a complete record of Columbus breweries, together with their addresses, telephone numbers, and hours of operation.
- The Columbus Metro Parks web site: This web site presents quite a lot of guided excursions and tastings at numerous Columbus breweries.
Have fun the Columbus Craft Brewery Neighborhood
Columbus’ craft breweries have created a thriving neighborhood that celebrates creativity, innovation, and camaraderie. By supporting these native companies, you’re contributing to the town’s progress and financial improvement.
Sustainability and Beer Manufacturing
Breweries like Galloping Goose have made a aware effort to include sustainable practices of their brewing course of.
- Utilizing domestically sourced elements reduces carbon emissions from transportation and helps native farmers.
- Recycling and reusing supplies minimizes waste and conserves assets.
- Breweries that undertake sustainable practices create a optimistic impression on the atmosphere and contribute to a greener future for Columbus.
Dive Bars and Native Favorites

Dive bars, also called native watering holes or neighborhood bars, are a staple of any vibrant metropolis. They’re the form of locations the place individuals go to flee the chaos of on a regular basis life, seize a chilly beer, and chat with mates over a plate of wings. Dive bars are unpretentious, no-frills institutions that serve a variety of drinks and sometimes host reside music or sports activities occasions.
Traits of a Nice Dive Bar
An important dive bar is greater than only a place to seize a drink. It is a gathering spot for locals, a hub for neighborhood, and a spot to unwind after an extended day. A number of the most defining traits of a dive bar embody:
- Tough-around-the-edges environment: Assume dim lighting, worn-in cubicles, and a normal air of light grandeur.
- Basic drinks menu: Dive bars usually serve up basic cocktails, draft beers, and easy spirits.
- No-frills service: Bartenders could also be gruff, however they know their stuff and can maintain you well-stocked.
- Native following: Dive bars are sometimes the go-to spot for neighborhood regulars.
Greatest Dive Bars in Columbus
Columbus has its fair proportion of nice dive bars, every with its personal distinctive character and allure. Listed here are just a few of the top-rated spots to take a look at:
- Soiled Brothers Bar and Grill – This north aspect establishment has been serving up chilly beer and good occasions since 1994. Count on a vigorous environment and loads of reside music.
- Nightclub 26 – Situated within the Quick North, this dive bar is understood for its low cost drinks and eclectic clientele. Catch a sporting occasion or live performance on the weekends.
- Leggs – This German Village staple has been a Columbus favourite for many years. Take pleasure in a chilly beer and a plate of schnitzel within the cozy environment of this old-timey bar.
Hidden Gems
Columbus has loads of hidden gems ready to be found. Just a few native favorites value trying out embody:
- The Pearl – Situated within the Brewery District, this dive bar serves up a variety of craft beers and options reside music each weekend.
- Outdated Mohawk – This north aspect dive bar is understood for its low cost drinks and pleasant environment. Catch a sporting occasion on the weekends or simply seize a pint and hang around.
These are just some of the numerous wonderful dive bars Columbus has to supply. Each has its personal distinctive character and allure, so make sure you discover and discover the one which fits your type.
Bars and Pubs Serving Native Meals
In Columbus, Ohio, you will discover a plethora of bars and pubs that serve mouth-watering native meals, showcasing the town’s culinary scene. From basic pub fare to revolutionary twists on conventional dishes, these institutions provide a eating expertise that is as scrumptious as it’s genuine.
Native Favorites with a Twist
Relating to native meals in Columbus, you may anticipate finding dishes made with recent, locally-sourced elements, usually with a inventive spin. Take, as an illustration, a basic burger made with Ohio-raised beef, topped with locally-brewed BBQ sauce and served on a brioche bun. One other instance is a reimagined conventional Irish dish, similar to Shepherd’s Pie, that includes grass-fed beef, locally-foraged mushrooms, and a medley of seasonal greens.
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The Pearl
Situated within the Quick North neighborhood, The Pearl is a gastropub that celebrates Ohio’s wealthy culinary heritage. Their menu options objects like Pan-Seared Walleye, topped with remoulade sauce and served with a aspect of locally-grown greens. The restaurant additionally hosts common foods and drinks pairings, showcasing the perfect of Columbus’s native delicacies.
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Soiled Franks Sizzling Canine and Pink Herring
This Columbus establishment has been serving up scrumptious scorching canine and pub classics for over 20 years. Soiled Franks’ menu options locally-made condiments, toppings, and craft beers, making it a must-visit for anybody on the lookout for a standard pub expertise. Their signature dish, the ‘Soiled Canine’, contains a locally-raised all-beef scorching canine topped with Ohio-made chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and a aspect of locally-made coleslaw.
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Blackbird Baking Firm
Situated within the German Village neighborhood, Blackbird Baking Firm serves up candy and savory treats, together with locally-made bread, pastries, and sandwiches. Their menu options objects just like the ‘Buckeye Burger’, made with locally-raised beef, topped with Ohio-made chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and served on a brioche bun.
Consuming Occasions and Festivals in Columbus
Columbus, Ohio, is famend for its vigorous consuming tradition, which is widely known all year long with numerous festivals and occasions. From craft beer festivals to cocktail competitions, there’s one thing for each style and choice on this vibrant metropolis. Every occasion has its distinctive historical past, traditions, and collaborating bars and breweries, making them a must-visit for anybody occupied with exploring Columbus’s consuming scene.
Ohio Craft Brewers Pageant
The Ohio Craft Brewers Pageant is without doubt one of the hottest occasions in Columbus, showcasing the perfect of Ohio’s craft beer scene. Held yearly on the Columbus Commons, the pageant options over 50 breweries, providing a variety of beer types, from IPAs and stouts to bitter beers and seasonal releases. Guests can pattern beer, get pleasure from reside music, and discover the pageant grounds, which embody a big tent for meals and merchandise distributors.
- The pageant has been operating for over 20 years, beginning in 1995 with simply 10 breweries.
- Right now, the occasion attracts over 10,000 attendees, making it one of many largest craft beer festivals within the Midwest.
- Proceeds from the pageant profit native charities, such because the Brewers Affiliation of Ohio’s charitable arm, the Beer for Cures basis.
- Collaborating breweries embody a few of Ohio’s most famous producers, similar to Founders Brewing Co., Fats Head’s Brewery, and Nice Lakes Brewing Firm.
Columbus Beer Pageant
The Columbus Beer Pageant is one other distinguished occasion on the town’s consuming calendar. Held on the Ohio Expo Middle, the pageant options over 400 beers from round 150 breweries, together with many native Ohio producers. Guests can get pleasure from reside music, meals vehicles, and brewery reveals, in addition to take part in beer tastings, seminars, and competitions.
- The pageant has been operating for over 15 years, making it one of many longest-running beer festivals in Ohio.
- Attendees can discover the pageant grounds, which embody a big exhibit corridor, a beer backyard, and a meals court docket with native distributors.
- Proceeds from the pageant profit native charities, such because the Ohio Craft Brewers Guild’s charitable arm, the Brewers In opposition to Abuse basis.
- Collaborating breweries embody many native producers, similar to Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, Seventh Son Brewing, and Land-Grant Brewing Firm.
Imogene’s Birthday Get together
Imogene’s Birthday Get together is a singular occasion that celebrates the birthday of imogene, a beloved bar within the Quick North neighborhood. Held yearly at Imogene’s, the occasion options reside music, meals, and cocktails from among the metropolis’s high mixologists. The get together is a fundraiser for native charities and has develop into a preferred occasion on Columbus’s consuming calendar.
- The occasion has been operating for over 10 years, making it one of the crucial well-liked fundraising events within the metropolis.
- Attendees can get pleasure from reside music, meals, and cocktails from among the metropolis’s high mixologists, who come collectively to create distinctive and scrumptious drinks.
- Proceeds from the occasion profit native charities, such because the Quick North Neighborhood Affiliation’s charitable arm, the Quick North Basis.
- Imogene’s is a beloved bar within the Quick North neighborhood, recognized for its inventive cocktails, reside music, and enjoyable environment.
Columbus Cocktail Pageant
The Columbus Cocktail Pageant is a celebration of all issues mixology, that includes reside music, meals, and cocktails from among the metropolis’s high bartenders. Held on the Columbus Commons, the pageant features a cocktail competitors, mixology demonstrations, and a spirits market that includes native and nationwide producers.
- The occasion has been operating for over 5 years, making it one of the crucial well-liked cocktail festivals within the Midwest.
- Attendees can get pleasure from reside music, meals, and cocktails from among the metropolis’s high bartenders, who come collectively to create distinctive and scrumptious drinks.
- Proceeds from the occasion profit native charities, such because the Columbus Cocktail Affiliation’s charitable arm, the Cocktail for a Trigger basis.
- Collaborating bars and eating places embody a few of Columbus’s most famous watering holes, similar to The Pearl, The Guild Home, and The Preserve.
Final Phrase
Whether or not you are on the lookout for a rooftop bar with a view or a dive bar that is been round because the 1800s, Columbus Ohio’s received you coated. So the subsequent time you are within the metropolis, take a stroll round and discover one in all these gems for your self. You will not be upset!
In style Questions
What’s the perfect time to go to Columbus Ohio’s bars and pubs?
The town’s nightlife is normally busiest on Fridays and Saturdays, however weekdays are additionally nice for a extra relaxed environment.
Are there any bars in Columbus Ohio that serve nice pub meals?
Lots of the metropolis’s bars and pubs have glorious menus, however some well-liked spots embody The Pearl, Brothers Drake Meadery, and The Boathouse.
Can I go to Columbus Ohio’s craft breweries with no tour?
Most craft breweries provide self-guided excursions, however some well-liked spots like Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and The Columbus Brewing Co. provide excursions with their pleasant workers.