The best bars & nightlife in Licking County

Buckeye Lake Brewery is the easy choice when you want fresh, local pours without trekking far, and they make take-home simple with 32 oz crowlers and 64 oz growlers filled from the taps. Stop in, find a fave, then keep the party going back home.

From the Newark newsletter, October 1, 2026

This week, when you want a break from the same-old, Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill & Margarita Bar brings real Tex Mex with fresh ingredients, a mesquite fire, and sometimes tableside flair, plus margaritas that play nice with everything from chile con queso to mesquite-grilled beef.

From the Newark newsletter, October 22, 2026

West Church Social nails Newark’s trifecta... wall-to-wall sports (yes, NFL Sunday Ticket), a family-friendly arcade that keeps kids and grown-ups busy, and live music every weekend. Grab a craft beer, peek into the speakeasy The Everett, then stick around when the games turn into dancing.

From the Newark newsletter, October 9, 2026

Frogwood Boardshop has an indoor skate park, legit skateboarding lessons, and even venue booking if your crew wants the park to yourselves. Between fresh decks, completes, bearings, trucks and new apparel dropping weekly, it’s the spot to tune up your setup and land something new this week.

From the Newark newsletter, October 2, 2026

Hatchet House pairs cathartic axe throwing with a full bar, so you can hurl away weekday stress then toast a bullseye. Book a one or two hour session with your crew for birthdays, team hangs, or just because... Newark weeknights suddenly got a lot more interesting.

From the Newark newsletter, October 11, 2026

Legend Valley is a 230 acre historic concert venue and campground in Central Ohio that’s been throwing festivals and big shows since the 1970s, perfect for a plan this week. Keep an eye on their calendar for lineups like Dark Star Jubilee, Everwild Music Festival, and Lost Lands Festival, then pack your crew and go.

From the Newark newsletter, October 10, 2026

When Newark cabin fever hits, Waterfront on Buckeye Lake delivers burgers, pizza, and other comfort fixes with cold beers and cocktails, plus a regular entertainment schedule. Easy choice for catching up with friends or stretching a sunny afternoon into evening.

From the Newark newsletter, September 28, 2026

Whether you're rolling out early or rolling in late, Mill Dam Corner Grille is that Buckeye Lake staple locals hit for homemade breakfast anytime, famous wings, solid burgers, and pizza, plus weekly specials. Stick around for live music, karaoke, bike night, or an open jam... it’s lively without the fuss.

From the Newark newsletter, October 26, 2026

With 33 beers on tap and a beer wall, Shipp Brothers Brewing Restaurant & Taproom nails the weeknight pint or a lazy brunch. Scratch-made burgers and wings, vegan and gluten-free options, a family-friendly vibe, patio, and occasional live music make it a reliable local hangout.

From the Newark newsletter, October 15, 2026

Whether you’re chasing crispy wings, a proper burger, or a pizza you won’t share, Ziggy's Bar & Grill, Inc. keeps it classic with weekly specials, a neighborhood vibe, and several large screens showing college and NFL games, golf, and NASCAR. Grab a beer on the patio with a fresh-cooked meal.

From the Newark newsletter, September 7, 2026

When you want big-screen viewing, casual sand volleyball bragging rights, and an easy food-and-drink run without leaving town, The Yard has you covered. Newark Station’s seasonal plaza brings a jumbotron, large pavilion, and a cozy fire pit to your post-work wind down or weekend crew.

From the Newark newsletter, October 12, 2026

The Dirty Oar delivers chill Buckeye Lake vibes with live bands, cold beer, and The Galley’s comfort-meets-coastal menu for quick bites or lingering by the water. Expect shareables, burgers and wings, occasional food trucks, plus easy catering or private parties when the group chat finally commits.

From the Newark newsletter, October 5, 2026

DankHouse Brewing Company turns out small-batch IPAs, rich stouts, and fruited kettle sours on their 10bbl system, with a laid-back vibe that’s pure Newark energy. Named one of Hop Culture’s top 12 new breweries in 2018, it’s an easy pick when you want something fun and flavor-packed this week.

From the Newark newsletter, October 19, 2026

Three Tigers Brewing Company, set in a renovated former fire station in Granville’s historic village, pours house-made craft beer across nineteen taps alongside Vietnamese noodle bowls and pillowy steamed buns, plus a legit cocktail list.

From the Newark newsletter, October 8, 2026

Need a no-fuss place to catch the game this week then slide into a lively night? J. O'Malley's Irish Pub loads up the big screens for Buckeyes and more, then flips to DJs, dancing, and that warm regulars-know-your-name energy that makes weeknights feel like an event.

From the Newark newsletter, October 4, 2026

Easygoing chain serving Alabama-style pulled pork & other meats smoked in-house.

Boat Yard at Buckeye Lake keeps things easygoing with burgers, wings, tacos and shareables, plus live music on the water six days a week. Slide in for Taco, Wing or Burger Night, catch the Queen of Hearts drawing, and pretend your backyard has a dock.

From the Newark newsletter, September 24, 2026

Tucked inside Newark Station’s former loading dock, Earthworks Cafe & Lounge roasts its own beans and doubles as a restaurant and entertainment spot, so you can grab a proper espresso, stick around for dinner, then catch whatever’s happening without leaving the neighborhood.

From the Newark newsletter, October 22, 2026

Seek-No-Further Cidery pours crisp New England-style hard ciders made with heirloom apples, plus beer, kombucha, and cider-forward cocktails, with flights if you like to sample. Settle in by the patio fire pit and catch music bingo, run club, or live tunes, then raid the Black Radish Creamery snacks.

From the Newark newsletter, October 29, 2026