The best bars & nightlife in Chillicothe

Zwicker House is part restaurant, part bar, part event space in the circa-1930s Zwicker Building, which feels tailor-made for low-key nights and big moments alike. Swing by for the new menu, stay for the music, and remember the upstairs bar when you need a spot for receptions or work shindigs.

From the Circleville newsletter, October 16, 2026

Whether you’re planning a wedding or an all-hands celebration, The Postmark brings historic Chillicothe charm with modern ease.

From the Chillicothe newsletter, October 20, 2026

Hard Tail is the kind of no-frills, good-times spot locals hit for cold drinks, loud rock, and easygoing company. Expect friendly faces, pool tables, the occasional live band, and an outdoor area when the weather’s decent, plus that sit down for one, stay for three effect.

From the Chillicothe newsletter, October 17, 2026

The Gutterball Lounge keeps it simple, a full-service bar inside Shawnee Lanes pouring classics alongside rotating seasonal and craft beers in bottle and on draft. It’s a laid-back Chillicothe spot to cheer on the Buckeyes, Reds, Bengals, Browns, or Cavs and decompress with friends after bowling.

From the Chillicothe newsletter, October 13, 2026

Fifty West Brewing Company- Chillicothe brings the modern root beer stand vibe to town, with crisp house beers, burgers, fries, shakes, and a sunny beer garden that’s easy to settle into. Family friendly, good for casual meetups, and the kind of spot where first-timers become regulars.

From the Chillicothe newsletter, October 6, 2026

If your next get-together could use more cheers and fewer awkward silences, Southern Ohio Axe Throwing - Chillicothe will roll up with a mobile axe throwing unit and an Axepert to coach everyone safely into stick-it glory. Great for parties, fundraisers, or that competitive friend group...

From the Chillicothe newsletter, October 3, 2026

Panini & artisanal beers in an old-style bar with trivia games, a jukebox, a patio & sports.

Wolf's Ridge Brewing pours fresh, locally crafted beers in a welcoming taproom and pairs them with a dining room menu, so you can keep it casual or make it a night. Packaged beer to go, easy online food ordering, and public events make it an easy favorite around here.

From the Upper Arlington newsletter, September 8, 2026

Vintage, old-school sports bar providing daily drink specials, plus karaoke & pool.

Hopping joint with a beer-garden patio, serving American pub grub & a large selection of brews.

Brewery specializing in ales & IPAs with a bright, rustic tasting room & visiting food trucks.

Brick walls, 26 rotating beers on tap, and live music five nights a week make Park Street Tavern a reliable Arena District hang. Swing by for a bourbon or craft beer, catch a band or the karaoke night, and remember why going out on a Tuesday still counts as "self care".

From the Columbus newsletter, September 29, 2026

Columbus locals know the best detours are underground, and Sacred Palm is the Short North’s rum-soaked refuge tucked beneath Mikey’s Late Night Slice.

From the Columbus newsletter, September 14, 2026

A Buckeye legend since 1969, Out-R-Inn is the spot where TVs stay locked on Ohio State, the patio fills fast, and drink specials keep the energy up. Roll in early on football Saturdays or settle in for away games, and ride that Inn Crowd buzz all day.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 13, 2026

, DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus delivers a 37-foot media wall, stadium sound and bar food that actually wins... think brined wings, sliders and pepperoni flatbread, plus cocktails from fresh-juice crushes to a cinnamon-smoked old fashioned.

From the Columbus newsletter, October 11, 2026

Bada Bean Bada Booze is that rare Columbus combo where your latte habit and nightcap coexist, with local-roaster espresso by day and a thoughtful craft cocktail program after dark.

From the Columbus newsletter, September 27, 2026

Self-serve bar featuring 50+ beers on tap, plus mead, cider, kombucha, and wine.

Hip twist on a classic supper club offering casual American fare & cocktails in a historic venue.

Comfortable Scottish-themed pub with American burgers & beers, plus Scotch eggs & sauerkraut balls.

Relaxed bar offering beer, cocktails, and bar games such as pool, darts, and touch tunes.

Fourth Street Taproom & Kitchen nails the low-key vibe with 24 taps, weekend brunch, and a patio where cornhole and casual trash talk coexist. No cover, no dress code, a late-running kitchen, and screens tuned for Big Ten and NFL make it easy to roll in with friends and stay longer than planned.

From the Columbus newsletter, October 17, 2026

Land-Grant Brewing Company keeps things fun with a sprawling beer garden, The Extension for their Cultivation Series plus cocktails, ciders, and wines, and Gravity Park for live music, hoops, and pickleball. Awards keep stacking up, but locals come for the easy vibes, weekly happenings, and reliably good beer.

From the Columbus newsletter, October 5, 2026

Vibrant brick-walled taproom with rooftop patio, serving pub grub in an easygoing environment.

Laid-back bar featuring live music, sports on TV, and happy-hour specials.

Welcoming watering hole with lots of art on the walls, offering hot wings, dartboards & drinks.

Bustling hockey-themed sports bar providing typical pub grub, patio seating & plenty of TVs.

Whether you need a quick escape from the usual or a pre-show hang, The Torpedo Room inside Gateway Film Center serves hand-crafted cocktails in a Jules Verne, steampunk vibe, plus shareable desserts. Pair a film with their frozen “rum cake” original, then toast your crew's next adventure.

From the Lancaster newsletter, September 19, 2026

Casual, plant-filled bar featuring a selection of local beers, cocktails and port wine.

Homebrewing and wine gear are sold here, along with the place's own wines.

Seeking a quick Short North sip? Wiseguy Lounge - Short North mixes well-balanced cocktails in a chill, low-light room where the music stays in the background and the bartenders know their craft, ideal for date night or decompressing after a Columbus errand.

From the Newark newsletter, September 20, 2026

Yellow Springs Brewery brings a cozy taproom-and-kitchen vibe to the neighborhood with house beers, proper cocktails, and pub grub that actually includes plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. It’s the kind of laid-back spot where weeknights turn into one-more-round, and friends somehow become regulars.

From the Columbus newsletter, September 20, 2026

Sizable bar with a patio & American grub, plus pool, mini-bowling, arcade games & other activities.

The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge keeps cocktail nerds and casual sippers happy with a thoughtful list and proper pours, and it was named one of Whiskey Advocate’s Top 100 Whiskey Bars in America. Keep an eye on their events, or try the new sibling, Proof by The Alibi.

From the Upper Arlington newsletter, September 4, 2026

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub Grandview nails the classics, from a pub burger crowned with a sunny side up egg to a Mediterranean combo and salmon. Rally friends, book a table, order online, or let them cater the whole shindig.

From the Columbus newsletter, October 3, 2026

Skip the rowdy college bars and slide into D&S Lounge, a mature neighborhood spot for signature cocktails, live music, karaoke, and DJs. It draws a 30+ crowd, serves good food, and keeps the vibe friendly enough for catching the game yet lively enough to turn your weeknight into a story.

From the Franklin County newsletter, October 14, 2026

Since 1948, Johnnie's Tavern has kept things simple and tasty, from its iconic Super Burger, steaks, and legit fried seafood to a laid back bar vibe that feels like your buddy’s basement. Grab a spot on the patio by the fire pits, enjoy the outdoor kitchen, then let the football-season cornhole trash talk commence.

From the Bucyrus newsletter, October 7, 2026

Outlaw Motor Speedway blends pro-grade sim rigs, including four full-motion beasts, with wall-to-wall motorsports and a legit bar next door at Agave & Rye. It’s an official iRacing venue, so the racing feels real enough that your group chat will trash-talk for days.

From the Columbus newsletter, September 22, 2026

Whether you’re tuning up or just chasing some friendly rivalry, Swing Space Golf lines up TrackMan bays, dialed-in coaching, custom fittings, and a proper 19th-hole bar. Walk in, book a bay, play bucket-list courses, then celebrate with a beer and a hot dog like a tour champ.

From the Reynoldsburg newsletter, September 13, 2026

Watershed Distillery turns out Ohio’s #1 selling Ohio-made bourbon and gin, plus an award-winning craft vodka and other specialty spirits. Take a tour to see grain-to-bottle up close, then snag distillery-only releases to level up your Lancaster home bar.

From the Lancaster newsletter, September 24, 2026

14 Twenty Bar & Pizza keeps it simple... cold beer, solid pies, saucy wings, and the kind of neighborhood energy that makes Buckeye and NFL Sundays feel like a reunion. Three TV-packed rooms mean you can follow Ohio State, the Bengals, or the Browns while crushing apps, subs, and crispy tots.

From the Columbus newsletter, October 9, 2026

The Ohio Taproom keeps it hyper-local with Ohio-brewed pints, howlers and growlers, plus a nifty canner that seals your favorite draft to-go, and they round it out with cocktails on draft, wine, ciders, sodas, and Ohio-made snacks like pretzels and barbecue sauce.

From the Columbus newsletter, October 19, 2026

Since 2009, Woodlands Tavern has been a go-to for local, regional, and national acts across two stages, with a strong draft list, proper cocktails, eclectic pub grub, and a pool table waiting between sets.

From the Columbus newsletter, October 13, 2026

Stygies Tavern keeps it easygoing with pool tables, karaoke nights, and drink specials that don’t overthink the fun. If you’d rather sip, they pour craft cocktails and local brews with surprising care, making it a solid move for catching up with friends after work or on a lazy weekend.

From the Gahanna newsletter, September 29, 2026

Since 1964, Red Door Tavern has been the neighborhood go-to for honest pub grub, stacked burgers, and a bar stocked with microbrews, wine, and cocktails. Grab a patio table, or book the private room for OSU watch parties when the crew rolls deep.

From the Columbus newsletter, October 24, 2026

Casual brewpub serving American fare along with house-brewed beers & handcrafted cocktails.

Cozy bar serving crafted cocktails and inspired pizzas in a whimsical setting.

Stand-alone & airport wine bars offering lunch, dinner & small plates with custom-paired wines.

Family-run since 1995, Byrne's Pub keeps things simple in the best way: hearty bar food, a friendly room where the darts leagues actually get competitive, and regular live music that sneaks up on your weeknight. When you want a low-key pint and good company, this is the move.

From the Upper Arlington newsletter, September 1, 2026

Relaxed eatery featuring a menu of comfort eats and beer on tap, plus mini golf, karaoke and golf simulators.

When your week needs a proper sit-down, Nicola Restaurant & Bar leans into authentic Italian cooking, time-honored techniques, and high quality ingredients from a family-owned kitchen that actually feels like family.

From the Mansfield newsletter, August 27, 2026

Craving something a little more polished than your fridge beer? Beeline - Easton Town Center shakes up craft cocktails alongside solid beer and wine, with just the right buzz for meetups, date nights, or a decompression lap after errands. Treat yourself this week, you’ve earned it.

From the Gahanna newsletter, October 10, 2026

Derive Brewing Company is an award-winning taproom and kitchen keeping the taps interesting with a rotating lineup of drafts and a menu of legit comfort food like the Derive Smash Burger and crispy tenders. Grab a friend this week and make it your easy, low-fuss hangout.

From the Mansfield newsletter, August 30, 2026

Spires Social Brewing Co. just added a made-from-scratch kitchen with a menu by chef Jeremy Nelson for snack-to-dinner territory, and they lean into beer nerd fun too. Hang in the taproom, take a class, or even brew your own batch.

From the Westerville newsletter, October 19, 2026

Known for high-gravity, full-bodied ales, Zaftig Brewing Co & Taproom keeps things interesting with a rotating tap list, plus an extensive wine and liquor selection so your one friend who "doesn't do beer" still tags along. Expect food trucks and an easygoing, family friendly vibe.

From the Mansfield newsletter, September 8, 2026

Cozy neighborhood bar serving a wide selection of craft beers on tap and in growlers, plus a large list of wines and whiskeys to go.

Proof By The Alibi is now open, crafting cocktails and creating memories. Drop in this week to explore creative pours, house specials, and easygoing events that turn an average weeknight into a good story... the kind you can share tomorrow without blushing.

From the Mansfield newsletter, August 23, 2026

Renie's Lounge has been the go-to neighborhood pub since 1982, with 10 big screens for every game, live music, karaoke, bingo, and a lineup of craft and local beers plus legit pub eats. For Westerville folks, it's the easy pick when you want loud cheers, low-fuss fun, and zero pretension.

From the Mansfield newsletter, September 12, 2026

Brothers Drake Meadery turns raw Ohio honey into modern mead, from crisp Wild Ohio to decadent Apple Pie, poured at their Grandview Heights bar. Grab a tour, meet the makers, and discover how fruit, spices, and bees make weeknights a lot more interesting.

From the Columbus newsletter, October 4, 2026

Columbus’s hottest all-inclusive LGBTQ+ show bar, District West lines up high-energy shows this week, themed takeovers like Kings Fest, and Hot Topics with a cocktail menu to match. Grab your friends, say yes to sparkle, and make a weeknight feel like a weekend.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 29, 2026

Dance club, event space and live music venue featuring R&B, hip-hop and EDM.

Hellbranch Cider Co. is pouring fruit-forward, small batch ciders that hit crisp over cloying, with easy flights so you can find your favorite; if the pear is on tap, dry fans will be happy. Chill, friendly taproom energy that makes lingering with friends dangerously easy.

From the Coshocton newsletter, October 14, 2026

Spacious, laid-back pub serving craft beer & burgers in a refurbished industrial setting.

Antiques on High focuses on tart and wild beers alongside hazy hop-forward IPAs and pale ales, so grab a sour-curious friend and a hophead this week and call it even. If beer isn't the move tonight, they also pour wines and craft cocktails on draft.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 24, 2026

Retro-themed spot for beer, wine, cocktails, a dance floor and 70s/80s music.

Convivial hangout with lots of exposed brick, local beers & a menu of gastropub favorites.

Casual, modern, hip bar for thoughtfully crafted cocktails, plus wine and beer.

Laid-back neighborhood tavern serving American eats & craft brews in a vintage space with a patio.

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

Established in 1977 and family-owned, Wyandotte Winery pours handcrafted, small-batch wines made on site, with walk-in tastings, tours, wood-fired pizzas, and frequent live local music that turns a casual glass into a proper neighborhood hangout.

From the Gahanna newsletter, September 27, 2026

Sophisticated shop selling wine & craft beer, with a loft bar featuring flights & small plates.

Mad Moon Cider Taproom keeps nine gluten-free, small-batch ciders flowing, all pressed from Ohio apples and often dropping new flavors weekly. Expect playful pours like Hella Good blueberry pomegranate, Hunky Dory Apple Pie, and Pineapple #10, perfect for a low-key hang that still feels like a treat.

From the Delaware newsletter, August 12, 2026

Cordial is the neighborhood wine shop and cocktail bar dialing up responsibly-made bottles and classic-to-clever pours. Swing by this week for a glass, snag a Champagne or Lambrusco from the bottle shop, or join the Wine Club... ideal for weeknights when you want easy vibes without phoning it in.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 15, 2026

Gemüt Biergarten pours German-style beers brewed in Columbus, with crisp lagers, hefeweizen and radlers that basically taste like sunshine. Pair a bratwurst or Jager schnitzel with a jumbo pretzel, settle into the bierhall or garden, and let the gemütlichkeit do its thing.

From the Columbus newsletter, August 17, 2026

Handcrafted cocktails & European-style small plates offered in a chic, convivial atmosphere.

Downtown hangout The Walrus mixes comfort-food burgers and clever bar bites with 30 drafts, a full bar, and a lively stage that actually books solid local acts. It’s where you can catch the game on walls of TVs, then stick around when the guitars kick in.

From the Columbus newsletter, September 19, 2026

Hangout for craft beers, house-infused liquors & live music, serving wings & BBQ on weekends.

Whether you’re chasing blackjack bragging rights, spinning the slots, or catching live music between bites, Hollywood Casino Columbus is a solid go-to when the evening needs some sparkle. Table games, plenty of slots, and on-site dining from steakhouse indulgence to buffet comfort keep everyone happy.

From the Grove City newsletter, October 8, 2026

The Attic Comedy Club keeps Columbus comedy buzzing with weekly stand-up, improv, roasts, drag comedy, trivia and even podcast tapings in an NYC-style underground room in Olde Towne East, where locals rub elbows with rising Columbus talent and national acts for unfiltered, real laughs.

From the Columbus newsletter, October 10, 2026

Need a quick culture fix that isn’t another Netflix scroll? MadLab keeps Columbus weird in the best way, with a resident company making original plays, shorts, and improv, plus classes if you want in on the fun. Worth the drive when Springfield nights feel samey.

From the Springfield newsletter, September 6, 2026

Hip gastropub serving more than 150 beers & an inventive American menu in a lively atmosphere.