The best bars & nightlife in Columbia

15 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 15 places · showing the latest additions first

9th

Nightlife

Craving something easygoing yet legit? 9th keeps the vibes friendly and the pours thoughtful, with rotating seasonal cocktails, solid…

36 N 9th St

Craving something easygoing yet legit? 9th keeps the vibes friendly and the pours thoughtful, with rotating seasonal cocktails, solid mocktails for the sober-curious, and craft beers on tap. Slide in this week, let the bartenders work their magic, and catch up like a proper CoMo local.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 22, 2026

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Plug into The Tokyo Club, a cyberpunk arcade packed with 30+ pinball and arcade classics, canned drinks at the bar, and Comedy Nights that…

709 Fay St #105

Plug into The Tokyo Club, a cyberpunk arcade packed with 30+ pinball and arcade classics, canned drinks at the bar, and Comedy Nights that spill into the 21+ Afterlife Lounge where DJs and comics share the stage. Perfect this week when you need laughs, lights, and a new high score.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Vault

Nightlife

Tucked inside The Tiger Hotel, Vault is an inviting speakeasy lounge pouring award-winning cocktails. It’s the kind of spot locals claim as…

23 S 8th St

Tucked inside The Tiger Hotel, Vault is an inviting speakeasy lounge pouring award-winning cocktails. It’s the kind of spot locals claim as a go-to for date nights, post-dinner nightcaps, or showing off Columbia’s cocktail game without the fuss... just skillfully made drinks and relaxed, grown-up energy.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 6, 2026

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FieldHouse

Nightlife

Since 1977, FieldHouse has been the iconic spot on historic Broadway where locals catch up over great food, great drinks, and that lively…

1107 E Broadway

Since 1977, FieldHouse has been the iconic spot on historic Broadway where locals catch up over great food, great drinks, and that lively mix of students, alumni, and townies. Swing by this week for reliably fun nights right by campus, with attentive staff that keeps the good vibes rolling.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Son of a Gun

Nightlife

Slide into Son of a Gun for an easygoing neighborhood hang where classic cocktails meet cold beer, the lighting forgives long days, and the…

16 N 9th St

Slide into Son of a Gun for an easygoing neighborhood hang where classic cocktails meet cold beer, the lighting forgives long days, and the conversation comes easy. It’s the kind of spot that turns a quick catch-up into a proper evening without trying too hard.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 22, 2026

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McGinty's Pub

Nightlife

McGinty's Pub is that laid-back bar where 24 beers on tap and several dozen whiskeys make choosing the hardest part. Grab a stool, trade a…

1312 Old 63 S

McGinty's Pub is that laid-back bar where 24 beers on tap and several dozen whiskeys make choosing the hardest part. Grab a stool, trade a round over pool or darts, and settle in... it’s the kind of low-key local hang that quietly becomes your default meetup.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 11, 2026

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Broadway Brewery keeps things Columbia-casual with house beers that range from crisp German lagers to juicy DDH hazies and fruited sours,…

816 E Broadway

Broadway Brewery keeps things Columbia-casual with house beers that range from crisp German lagers to juicy DDH hazies and fruited sours, plus a legit farm-to-table menu. Watch for rotating taps, monthly Columbia Jazz Orchestra sets, and charity trivia, then call it a night well spent.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Worts and All

Nightlife

Whether you're dialing in a hazy IPA, starting a small-batch mead, or finally giving in to the kombucha urge, Worts and All has the grains,…

8650 N Hwy Vv

Whether you're dialing in a hazy IPA, starting a small-batch mead, or finally giving in to the kombucha urge, Worts and All has the grains, hops, yeast, kits, and gear to make it happen. Locally owned by a longtime brewer, plus classes when you want a confidence boost this week.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Waves Cider Co. is quietly turning Columbia’s heirloom apples into crisp, bottle-conditioned ciders that taste like fall met geology in a…

604 Nebraska Ave

Waves Cider Co. is quietly turning Columbia’s heirloom apples into crisp, bottle-conditioned ciders that taste like fall met geology in a glass. Try the Alspaugh Orchard Blend, a limited-run mix of 30 varieties with a dry, grippy finish, subtle lemon notes and a minerally snap, poured in their laid-back tasting room.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Top Ten Wines

Nightlife

Columbia’s only locally owned wine shop, Top Ten Wines, is where you go when you want a real selection, from everyday sippers to those…

111 S 9th St #160

Columbia’s only locally owned wine shop, Top Ten Wines, is where you go when you want a real selection, from everyday sippers to those hard-to-find bottles. Pull up at the bar for a glass and a few bites, then snag a bottle to bring home.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 7, 2026

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Broadway Brewery Taproom on 9th pours 14 house drafts alongside craft cocktails, with a 16-foot garage door that opens to the sidewalk and…

15 S 9th St

Broadway Brewery Taproom on 9th pours 14 house drafts alongside craft cocktails, with a 16-foot garage door that opens to the sidewalk and TVs ready for game days. It doubles as a laid-back private event spot, perfect when your friend group somehow becomes an actual crowd.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 1, 2026

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When only a classic pub fix will do, Campus Bar & Grill nails it with a flagship Campus burger on a brioche bun, wings in sauces from Mild…

304 S 9th St #100

When only a classic pub fix will do, Campus Bar & Grill nails it with a flagship Campus burger on a brioche bun, wings in sauces from Mild to Unbearable, and plenty of wraps and prime-rib sandwiches... basically your easy, no-fuss hang this week.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 21, 2026

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Logboat Brewing Company nails that after-work reset with house beers poured in an industrial space warmed by reclaimed wood and a long pine…

504 Fay St

Logboat Brewing Company nails that after-work reset with house beers poured in an industrial space warmed by reclaimed wood and a long pine bar. It’s the kind of spot where neighbors mingle, new releases keep things interesting, and the merch table somehow talks you into a hat.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Flat Branch Pub & Brewing has been a Columbia staple since 1994, pouring house beers brewed right here and backing them up with fabulous…

115 S 5th St

Flat Branch Pub & Brewing has been a Columbia staple since 1994, pouring house beers brewed right here and backing them up with fabulous food that actually hits the spot after a long day. It’s the kind of reliably good, no-drama stop that makes Tuesday feel like a treat.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 17, 2026

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