Jordan EllisOur city actually has a nightlife scene that runs from quiet neighborhood taverns to buzzing rooftop lounges. With so many options, how do you choose?
Few things actually sink a night out, like settling for a loud, overpriced tourist trap when a far better bar was sitting two blocks away the whole time. So, I set out to find the best bars in Columbus for whatever you’re craving.
I skipped the generic spots and went straight for the places that pour the finest drinks and deliver a real atmosphere.
Grab your designated driver, and let’s explore the city’s top watering holes.
How much does a night out at a bar in Columbus cost?
A night out at a bar in Columbus typically costs between $10 and $40 per person, depending heavily on the neighborhood and the venue’s overall vibe.
| Venue Type | Typical Cost Per Drink |
| Dive bars and neighborhood spots | $2 to $5 |
| Sports bars and entertainment venues | $6 to $10 |
| Upscale and rooftop bars | $12 to $20+ |
1. Club 185
Website: club185.com
Address: 185 East Livingston Avenue
Contact: (614) 228-3904 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM to 2:30 AM; Saturday and Sunday, 5:00 PM to 2:30 AM
Looking for a spot with real historic roots? Club 185 has run continuously since 1954, serving up an authentic, unpretentious tavern feel with community spirit and reliable pub fare.
I swung by late last month after a long shift, and a cold local draft in that easygoing room really hit the spot. You can pair plenty of drink options with fresh appetizers, like their famous pigs in a blanket.
The main bar stays open late for night owls, which is great when you want one more round.
The kitchen winds down at midnight, though, so a very late snack can catch you off guard, and occasional supply hiccups sometimes leave a food item unavailable. Even so, the deep mix of spirits and beers makes it an easy place to unwind.
Customer Reviews
A loyal local neighborhood bar
I didn’t just visit once. I stuck around, and now they know my order by heart. Club 185 is one of those places that quietly earns your loyalty. From the laid-back vibe to the dependable food, this spot has made its way into my regular rotation. If you’re looking for a low-key neighborhood bar with high-key flavor, this is it.
– Let Jess Tell It | Google Review
Consistent food and great atmosphere
The burgers, the drinks, the fries, the atmosphere… Club 185 is a perfect, elevated dive within the German Village nooks and crannies. Similar to its sister Little Palace, a bar you can rely on and go to with confidence that you’ve made a good decision. Consistent and welcoming, it’s a place in German Village I love ordering from.
– Bridjet Mendy | Google Review
2. Good Night John Boy
Website: goodnightjb.com
Address: 906 N High St
Contact: (614) 800-5067 | [email protected]
Hours: Thursday, 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM; Friday, 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM; Saturday, 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM; Sunday, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Stepping into Good Night John Boy feels like time travel, with an immersive setup styled after a lively 1970s discotheque.
Beyond the glittering disco balls, the venue teams up with Sexton’s to serve specialty pies and smash burgers right on the dance floor. That veteran-founded pizza even earned a high review score from a popular sports media outlet.
If you want something fancier, they offer bottle-service reservations for larger groups, and the central location makes it an easy stop before hitting other restaurants in Columbus.
Just know the hours are fluid and can shift suddenly for private bookings, and closing time isn’t fixed from night to night. Still, the high-traffic location keeps the energy up and the crowd flowing.
Customer Reviews
Great service and game day vibe
This is my Sunday spot. The staff always has the games on. My boy Mike behind the bar always has his head on a swivel, keeps me topped off. The rest of the staff is just flirting, which I can appreciate, but you gotta find Mike.
– joe casey | Google Review
Excellent bartenders and tasty tenders
Michael was a great bartender who got us our drinks quickly and the cocktails were mixed perfectly. Tanner also helped us behind the bar and was kind and fast with service. The chicken tenders with tots were amazing and the ranch and honey mustard are both made in house and delicious.
– Grace Hambrock | Google Review
3. Denmark
Website: denmarkonhigh.com
Address: 463 N High St, 2nd floor
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Cocktail purists will love the scratch-ingredient philosophy at Denmark, a second-floor spot where every bitter, infusion, and syrup is made by hand.
The space works as a dual-concept venue, balancing the comfort of a neighborhood hangout with the look of a living art installation.
They also host two-tier cocktail classes that build from basic mixing up to advanced drinks. A friend who took one of the workshops raved about the flat pricing that bundles tax and gratuity right in.
Sadly, public lounge access is limited to just four evenings a week, and you’ll need to book ahead for a class or a large group. For a dedicated cocktail night, though, that planning is a small price to pay.
Customer Reviews
Unique cocktails and expert recommendations
Denmark is an amazing cocktail bar! I ordered a Negroni, and it was my first time having one served in a Nick and Nora glass instead of on the rocks. I was a bit skeptical, but it turned out to be absolutely delicious. I’m pretty picky about gins, and the bartender was incredibly helpful in recommending the perfect one.
– A Couple Drinks | Google Review
Great drinks with street views
Highly recommend if you are in the area! We ordered several drinks, but the old fashioned was the best I had while visiting Columbus. The old fashioned was prepared well with a fancy square cube, and the Out With the Old was refreshing, a perfect pair of lemon and apricot. The bar is located on the second floor and offers great views of the street below. Bartenders are quietly efficient!
– Bre B | Google Review
4. Sacred Palm
Website: sacred-palm.com
Address: 457 N High St
Contact: (614) 869-0249
Hours: Wednesday, 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM; Thursday to Saturday, 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Slip off the busy streets and head downstairs into Sacred Palm, a hidden underground speakeasy with an exclusive feel.
Their whole beverage program leans into tropical rum, with classic tiki-style drinks and rum-soaked specialties. If you’re planning a celebration, their event team is great at building a secluded, custom space for your group.
Overall, it’s the perfect place to wind down after a day of free things to do in Columbus.
Just keep in mind that their rum-forward menu can be a letdown if you’re after vodka or tequila, and the private event area is small, so guest counts stay capped.
On the plus side, the quick, responsive replies from management make party planning painless.
Customer Reviews
A delightful and decorated speakeasy
I absolutely love to visit a good and true speakeasy. This one was definitely one that I would visit again. The atmosphere was very nicely decorated and quaint. We had Jenny as our expert behind the bar serving us drinks. I let her know the flavors and liquors that I enjoyed and she whipped up some delicious treats. Definitely a place I would visit again and would encourage others to visit.
– Cigi | Google Review
Fantastic drinks and staff
This place is wonderful for a little outing! Definitely better for small groups. The drinks and staff are terrific and make fantastic drinks! I do miss the old music though. I feel like they used to play better music. There was some random country stuff that just doesn’t fit the vibe of the bar. Let the bartenders or the customers choose the music.
– B Tosko | Google Review
5. Lincoln Social Rooftop
Website: lincolnsocialrooftop.com
Address: 711 N High St, 9th Floor
Contact: (614) 300-9494
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Friday, 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM; Saturday, 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM; Sunday, 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Take your weekend up a notch with the panoramic skyline views from Lincoln Social Rooftop, a lively 9th-floor destination.
With a true nightspot focus, the venue swaps sit-down dining for a curated small-plate menu of wood-fired pizzas and fresh sushi. They also offer flexible semi-private spaces and full buyouts for big weekend gatherings.
A coworker booked it for a birthday and said the views alone made the night. Just note that booking here takes some commitment, since they charge a fee for last-minute cancellations or no-shows, and entry is strictly 21 and over.
Despite those firm policies, the fresh food and solid weekly happy hour specials make the rooftop climb well worth it.
Customer Reviews
Unique experience and great location
The location is great. They check IDs at the lower entrance. The food is all appetizer size, which is perfect. The drinks were good. The experience is unique. Bar service is quicker than the servers coming to the tables. Since it is near the corner, getting dropped off and picked up isn’t difficult. Or if you want to drive, public parking isn’t far.
– Cronin | Google Review
Busy rooftop bar with views
Great rooftop bar spot. Great views. Busy! Fun and more chill, nothing too crazy vibes. Cocktail prices reflect rooftop bar pricing (but they were good!). The staff was nice. They have table service. Inside and outside portions, all open. Fire pit outside. Enter on the street and take the elevator up. There was someone in the lobby to help navigate.
– John H. | Google Review
