Jordan EllisFinding the best happy hour in Columbus can completely change up your weeknight plans.
The capital city is bursting with great spots to unwind over food and drink specials, and the local restaurant scene delivers deals for young professionals and weekend visitors alike.
You can find everything from fancy rooftop lounges to cozy neighborhood joints serving half-priced bites.
In this guide, let’s dig into the finest spots in town to score cheap drinks and great food.
Planning something bigger? Many of these venues also offer catering services for private parties.
How much does happy hour cost in Columbus?
Happy hour in Columbus is easy on the wallet, with drinks running about $3 to $9 and bites ranging from half-price to around $15. Your total depends on the venue and whether you stick to beers or splurge on craft cocktails.
| Drink or Food Item | Typical Price Range |
| Domestic Beers & Wells | $3 – $5 |
| Drafts & Cocktails | $5 – $9 |
| Wine Pours | $5 – $8 |
| Appetizers & Bites | 1/2 off to $15 |
1. Forno Kitchen + Bar
Website: fornoshortnorth.com
Address: 721 N. High Street
Contact: (614) 469-0053
Hours: Monday, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Tuesday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Friday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM; Saturday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM; Sunday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Scoring a great deal on food and drinks is effortless at Forno Kitchen + Bar. They center their identity on custom stone-fired cooking, with a prime Short North location and an immersive view of High Street.
Their famous happy hour runs Monday through Friday and features hand-crafted drinks alongside signature pizzas. My friend visited last Tuesday and loved the half-price stone-fired pies.
I also like that the broad menu goes well beyond drinks, so it works whether you want a quick cocktail or a full shareable spread.
The main downside is that service can be inconsistent during busy rushes. Some guests end up waiting a while for their drinks.
Even so, the strong value on their signature shareables makes it a top pick for after-work gatherings.
Customer Reviews
Would go back without hesitation
Found this gem and the timing was perfect for their happy hour. I recommend the garlic shrimp, the crispy rice with tuna, and the scallops, which were the best dish. The mussels had the occasional bit of sand but were otherwise delicious, and the warmed ricotta is a must. We had two rounds of cocktails and came in around $90. We had the pleasure of having Luke as our server, and he was an absolute prince. Would go back without hesitation.
– Emilio Finatti | Google Review
The vibe here was unmatched
Wow! I can’t believe that after living in Columbus for so many years I had not yet discovered the best happy hour in town. The vibe here was unmatched! Service was prompt and some of the friendliest I’ve ever had in town. Everyone seemed in high spirits even though the place was super busy. The operation seemed to be a well-oiled machine. Overall, a fantastic atmosphere, and our food and drinks were fantastic. Can’t wait to be back.
– Anna Defendiefer | Google Review
2. Goodale Station
Website: goodalestation.com
Address: 77 East Nationwide Boulevard
Contact: (614) 227-9400
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM; Saturday and Sunday brunch, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Sunday dinner, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Enjoying a striking view of the downtown skyline completely elevates your evening. Goodale Station delivers it from a stunning rooftop.
They specialize in a chef-driven menu using fresh products, plus an extended Thursday happy hour that runs until nine.
I like that their craft-focused beer list features plenty of local Ohio pours that pair beautifully with their substantive kitchen dishes. It’s a step up from the usual rooftop bar fare.
The upscale environment feels truly special and works great as a pre-event destination. You can easily make a night of it before a show or game downtown.
That said, the kitchen can sometimes miss the mark with food served cold. Billing errors can also crop up on the final check, so it’s worth giving your receipt a quick look.
Customer Reviews
The bartenders were great
This is the most wonderful place in Columbus! The food was amazing and unique. We go for happy hour and then take food home. The bartenders were great and will make whatever you like, plus any of their unique specialty drinks. Jordan was the absolute best. We also went for brunch, and the stuffed French toast is heavenly and the steak and eggs are a must-get every time. The manager is very friendly. I would visit a couple times a week if we lived close!
– James Peoples | Google Review
The cocktail menu kept bringing me back
I stayed at the Canopy on a work trip and this restaurant was the highlight of the stay, no doubt. The few members of the service team I met (Vee, Jordan, Christina, and Jake) made me positive the culture here was premier. Each drink on the cocktail menu was unique, which kept bringing me back for happy hour to try the next one. Finally, the Jeow Bong pork and crab dish stood out with its distinct sweet heat. If I’m ever in Columbus again, I’ll be sure to stop in.
– Rodney Golson | Google Review
3. Astra Rooftop
Website: astracolumbus.com
Address: 517 Park St
Contact: (614) 420-2298
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Experiencing a theatrical, fire-forward dining concept high above the city is an absolute blast at Astra Rooftop.
They offer half-price deals on cocktails and flatbreads right on their eighth-floor outdoor deck.
The Spanish-inspired menu features bold presentations that make any weekday afternoon feel like a real celebration. It’s a fun way to sample premium dishes without a massive price tag.
I stopped by last week for a quick drink and loved the vibrant atmosphere. The playful cocktail program is the real star here.
On the downside, my table had to wait past our reservation time, and large groups sometimes face incorrect check splits. It helps to confirm your split before the bill arrives.
Customer Reviews
A lot of yummy food and drinks for a great price
I’m a senior at OSU and I love Astra! Tonight I went to happy hour for my friend’s birthday. We had Michaela B as our waitress. She was very sweet, funny, and attentive. My friend was so pleased with the experience she provided. We also got a lot of yummy food and drinks for a very good price. Would recommend over and over! Not to mention the beautiful views and atmosphere.
– Sierra Mitchell-Smith | Google Review
Great for a happy hour or a nice dinner
Our dinner at Astra was excellent! Great happy hour deals and atmosphere. Definitely will be back. Lena was an amazing server and very attentive. Definitely get a mini sando and some flaming shots. A great spot for a happy hour or a nice dinner! Cheers!
– Grace Shaw | Google Review
4. Lincoln Social Rooftop
Website: lincolnsocialrooftop.com
Address: 711 North High Street, 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
Happy Hour: Tuesday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Soaking in panoramic views from a trendy ninth-floor lounge makes for an unforgettable social outing. Lincoln Social Rooftop delivers this setting.
They stand out with an extensive craft cocktail menu and a happy hour that draws an energetic crowd.
I like that you can easily pair premium beverages with a broad food selection that includes fresh sushi and shareable plates. There’s plenty to graze on between drinks.
Also, the stylish atmosphere is perfect for networking or a celebratory night out. Their Short North location keeps it convenient, too.
The trade-off is the strict pacing policy. Drinks can take over twenty minutes to arrive when floor management enforces the rules tightly, which slows you down if you’re ordering multiple rounds.
Customer Reviews
A perfect place to host a happy hour
The atmosphere is exquisitely executed with the open feel of the bar. The drinks were delicious. I ordered a custom cocktail and the bartender was up for the challenge. Shout out to the excellent people behind the bar, Jeremy, Marcus, and Amanda, for making our first experience awesome. It is a perfect place to plan an event or host a happy hour this summer!
– Eric Williams | Google Review
Awesome view and good drinks
Had so much fun. Awesome view. Our server was really cool and attentive. The drinks were good. Go during happy hour. I wish they had a bit more of a food selection, but overall everything was great. Will be a continued customer.
– Sharica | Google Review
5. Club 185
Website: club185.com
Address: 185 E Livingston Ave
Contact: (614) 228-3904
Hours: Monday to Friday, food 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM (bar until 2:30 AM); Saturday and Sunday, food 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM (bar until 2:30 AM)
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Stepping into a historic neighborhood staple brings an immediate sense of genuine warmth. Club 185 has it in spades.
Operating since 1954, this beloved German Village gem offers an authentic neighborhood bar atmosphere that welcomes a diverse crowd.
Their popular weekday happy hour features a complete beverage program alongside quality comfort food served late into the night. It’s the kind of place you can settle into for hours.
I love that the unpretentious charm makes it a classic choice for easygoing after-work gatherings. That rich local history and cozy vibe keep regulars coming back.
That said, some staff interactions can feel a little brusque, with servers occasionally clearing menus from the table mid-meal. It’s a minor hiccup against an otherwise great spot for an affordable drink.
Customer Reviews
Great happy hour prices for drinks
My husband and I had the best experience here. Best burger I’ve had in a long time, great happy hour prices for drinks ($6 wine, $2.50 domestic, half off draft, $3.50 wells), and quick service. The only issue is that everyone else loves it too, so you may have to wait for a seat to open up, and it’s seat yourself. Will definitely be coming back!
– Caroline Baxley | Google Review
Great food, happy hour, and daily specials
Great food, happy hour, and daily specials. Staff are attentive and friendly. I used to go primarily for burgers and fries, but I’ve discovered a few other favorites on the menu. Never disappointed visiting this place.
– Jeff B | Google Review
