The best bars & nightlife in Columbus

“Enduring hangout for American fare & a massive beer selection in a space accented with antiques.”

“Chic, artful lounge in The Alexander with artisanal cocktails, small plates & wine.”

“Arty cocktails & small plates served amid pendant bulbs, a copper bar & a speakeasy vibe.”

“Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.”

“Hip drink destination known for specialty coffee during the day and craft cocktails at night.”

“Nightclub offering cocktails, small plates & cigars to a jazzy beat against a vintage backdrop.”

“A range of seasonal brews are poured at this funky craft beer & bookstore venue.”

“Casual, late-night bar with signature cocktails, beer, and wine, plus limited food options.”

“Comfortable eatery and lounge offering coffee, brunch, and shareable plates.”

“Trendy spot for American eats (including vegan fare), coffee, cocktails and live acts.”

“Relaxed restaurant offering Mexican plates such as tacos and burritos, plus margaritas.”

“Set in an 1860s building, this veteran bar offers pub fare such as burgers & pizza, plus craft beer.”

“Whether your fridge wants a trusty year-round staple or you're itching for a short-run experiment, Quaff On! Brewing Company keeps the taps and bottles interesting with seasonal releases, the Woods Abide Series, and small-batch surprises. Peek at their brew calendar, then make this week taste a little better.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Set on a Mellencamp family farm, Lydia Grove Winery - Brewery - Wedding/Event Center is already pouring specialty cocktails, well drinks and domestic beers while the kitchen turns out rotating bites. Swing by this week to unwind, then keep an eye out for estate wines, beers, and Indiana’s largest corn maze coming soon.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Need a quick Brown County reset this week? Moontown Brewing Company Nashville Pub is pouring award-winning Moonlite cream ale, crisp lagers like King of Troy, and juicy IPAs alongside tacos, nachos, and a seriously solid beer-battered fish number. Easy, tasty, very repeatable.”

“Ralston's Drafthouse is winning brunch this week with a scratch-made lineup that swings from Angel Biscuits and Gravy to decadent Elvis French Toast, and if you’re plotting a get-together soon, their room rental setup makes hosting friends or coworkers a whole lot easier.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Gather 22 hits that sweet spot between kid-friendly and treat-yourself, pouring legit espresso in the morning and shaking crafty cocktails at night. Slide in for chef-driven brunch with breakfast pizza, then come back for grilled pizzas at lunch and dinner, because weeknight cravings are real.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Solely Wine champions small producers with a curated lineup of low-intervention bottles and by-the-glass pours that actually taste like where they’re from. Drop in for tastings, casual classes, and weekly happenings, then snag a bottle for the couch later...”

“Mass Ave Wine nails the sweet spot of curated, affordable bottles you can sip by the glass or share by the bottle, alongside charcuterie, artisan pizzas, and small plates. Friendly guidance, local art, and non-alcoholic options make it an easy weeknight hang on Mass Ave.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Circa-1851 complex by Brown County State Park, offering rooms, cottages & a farm-to-table eatery.”

“Casual Golf Retreat option featuring burgers, beer, cocktails and wings, plus a karaoke night.”

“Live country-music venue with a large wood dancefloor & dance lessons, plus pub grub & beverages.”

“Casual eatery offering comfort food, wine, and beer in an old-timey setting with a porch.”

“Comfortable concert hall for pop, rock and blues acts, plus family-oriented shows via shuttle.”

“Casual spot providing a variety of dry, sweet, semi-sweet and dessert wines made from grapes, fruit and berries.”

“Casual, family-friendly Mexican restaurant featuring a full bar and regular daily specials.”

“Sports amenities, a restaurant & a pool at a down-to-earth hotel with simple rooms & studios.”

“Casual hangout featuring a selection of craft beers, pizza, and other eats, plus live music.”

“Famous TV comics draw laughs at this stand-up comedy club with a variety of American eats.”

“House-brewed cider & light eats in a historic building with high ceilings & rustic charm.”

“Teams of improvisers compete during this show for all ages, which also offers classes.”

“Casual bar and restaurant featuring burgers, chicken wings and pizza, plus an outdoor patio.”

“Speakeasy-style bar serving classic cocktails and local fare in a space that's hard to find.”

“Touring bands, comedy acts & an in-house burlesque troupe entertain nightly at this revered venue.”

“Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.”

“New American outpost with a patio serving wines, brews & seasonal fare in a warm, upbeat setting.”

“Pizza and other New York-style eats along with beer and cocktails, served in a comfy, speakeasy-style space.”