Dick's Den is a bar appreciated by patrons for its affordable drinks, no-nonsense atmosphere and consistent entertainment offerings. DJs and live acts play everything from jazz and bluegrass, keeping the vibe upbeat almost every night of the week. Come on the weekend to listen to live music.
St. James Tavern is a dive bar in the Italian Village that caters to a slightly older crowd, as opposed to trendier bars that draw crowds of hipsters. St. James is definitely something of a neighborhood bar, located away from the center of town, but the drinks are strong and delicious and regulars keep coming back for more.
Village Idiot is a sports bar in Columbus's university district. This bar offers a welcoming and casual atmosphere and a back patio for when you need a little fresh air. The Village Idiot isn't pretentious or trendy, it simply is what it is, and that's what so many people love about it. Head to the Commonwealth Sandwich Shop next door when you start to get a little hungry.
Just a few blocks from the Ohio State University campus, there's Rumba Café, a vivacious live-music venue if there ever was one. Some nights, rock bands take the stage, others it's a jazz combo or a Latin ensemble; often there's soul to be heard here, and some funk if you're lucky. Drinks are made stiff, and to eat there's a selection of bocas, a South American variation on the Spanish tapas. The space itself is cozy and lived-in, and that helps make every performance all the more intimate.
Since opening its doors in 2009, Dirty Franks has become a haven for hot dog aficionados. As the name suggests, Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace has only one dish on the menu, hot dog; but it is offered in various forms to please the varied palate. The meat-lover's favorite is sure to be the Vienna Dog, while the Tofurkey Dog is ideal for the vegan and vegetarian. Their international flavors are equally delicious; try the Hot Bollywood for an Indian twist, or the Seoul Dog to savor Korean flavors.
Not far from the glossy sports bars and student hangouts of the university area, Cafe Bourbon Street sits as a dirty little beacon of all that is divey. The walls are covered with grubby old junk. The bathrooms are dirty. Punk bands come from near and far to play before the sauced and grungy crowds here. Long-time local favorites The Feelers even chose Bourbon Street as the site of their swansong performance in August 2008. Drinks-wise, you can't go wrong. Where else can you order a 40-ounce bottle of cheap malt liquor and drink it right there at the bar? See website for schedule of events.
Originally opened in 1938, the Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse is Columbus's original independent theater. The art deco cinema screens a number of new movies, old favorites and art house films. A number of special events are held here too like their monthly Bad Movie Nite. The bar serves a delightful array of over 40 rotating brews, both on-tap and bottled varieties. Come here for the relaxed ambiance, great selection of beers and nostalgic setting.
Dick's Den is a bar appreciated by patrons for its affordable drinks, no-nonsense atmosphere and consistent entertainment offerings. DJs and live acts play everything from jazz and bluegrass, keeping the vibe upbeat almost every night of the week. Come on the weekend to listen to live music.
St. James Tavern is a dive bar in the Italian Village that caters to a slightly older crowd, as opposed to trendier bars that draw crowds of hipsters. St. James is definitely something of a neighborhood bar, located away from the center of town, but the drinks are strong and delicious and regulars keep coming back for more.
Little Rock Bar is a casual local bar and restaurant that features a variety of entertainment through the week from karaoke nights to open mic and DJ evenings. The bar has an impressive list of beers on tap, as well as bottled craft brews. The adjacent Jail House Kitchen serves up some delicious pub food that's a notch above the usual fare. Pair eats like the bourbon-glazed brisket tacos with an artisan beer like the Wolf's Ridge Smoked Lager. This is a great place to listen to some live music, have a couple of beers and relax with friends after a busy day.
The Big Room Bar is the place to be for a rollicking good time. With live music four nights a week, karaoke nights and fabulous happy hour specials, the bar has a little something to suit every taste. Housed within the radio station CD102.5’s performance space, the bar is an apt home for the city's music lovers, with a delicious food and drink thrown in to the complete the offer. The line-up features a mix of local and touring bands, as well as a few stand-up comedians. Choose from a menu of contemporary bar food, local brews and craft cocktails to get yourself in the mood for a fun a night out, or stop by for a quick lunch and a taste of the bar's electric vibe. The hot dogs, fries and burgers come with a whole host of toppings to choose from so put on your thinking hats, get creative and try something that's a little off center. Lively and eclectic, the bar has all the makings for a laid-back, fun night out with friends. Keep in mind that the bar remains closed during CD102.5’s live Big Room events. You'll need an entry pass to gain access to these special events.