Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. The Best Bars on OpenTable
  3. The Best Bars for Foodies in Columbus
Restaurant list

The Best Bars for Foodies in Columbus

A photo of Red logo
by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 26, 2020

From the student population of Ohio State University to thirsty tourists, Columbus has no shortage of people looking for a great place to drink. Thankfully, Columbus also has no shortage of amazing bars, from live music joints to chilled-out lounges. But where are the best bars in Columbus? Welcome to our Tastemaker List bar edition. Our expert team have tried and tested the top drinking spots in the city and whittled them down to a list of “must-try” venues. From High Street Honey to Ernest Hemingway’s favorite, Death in the Afternoon, cocktails are a must in Columbus. It comes as no surprise that in such a foodie city, plenty of these concoctions come alongside small plates worthy of big restaurants. Enjoy olives in Italian Village, sweet stuff in Short North or burgers washed down with craft beer down High Street. Book now and reserve a comfy seat at one of the best bars in Columbus tonight.

Fireproof Restaurant
4.6 (1587)
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
Short North - Arena District
Fireproof’s owners designed it to be a one-stop destination where guests can enjoy a great meal, then finish off their night working through the cocktail menu at the bar. The food focuses on tapas separated out into snacks, soups and salad, meat, seafood and veggies. Customers come back time and again for treats like the octopus in orangecello vinaigrette, and the Hamachi tacos. Enjoy the chic surroundings whilst finishing off with a prickly pear margarita; plenty of new flavors to experience at Fireproof.
Top review
KeithVIP
Dined on Apr 5, 2025
Skirt steak was off, usual favorite but was salty and bitter and inedible, quickly replaced with something else, and everything was otherwise great
Fireproof’s owners designed it to be a one-stop destination where guests can enjoy a great meal, then finish off their night working through the cocktail menu at the bar. The food focuses on tapas separated out into snacks, soups and salad, meat, seafood and veggies. Customers come back time and again for treats like the octopus in orangecello vinaigrette, and the Hamachi tacos. Enjoy the chic surroundings whilst finishing off with a prickly pear margarita; plenty of new flavors to experience at Fireproof.
Top review
KeithVIP
Dined on Apr 5, 2025
Skirt steak was off, usual favorite but was salty and bitter and inedible, quickly replaced with something else, and everything was otherwise great
Bristol Republic
4.8 (596)
$30 and under
Barbecue
Columbus
An after-work favorite, Bristol Republic is a Nashville-inspired bar with an eye-watering range of whiskey and bourbon. Sundays are for BBQ buffet, and with the Nashville theme going strong, expect competition level ribs, wings and pulled pork. Drinks wise, for those not tempted by the hundred or more whiskeys, there are plenty of signature cocktails plus draft beer and cider. Join them at the weekends for Live Music Brunch, an event not found anywhere else.
Top review
Ann
Dined on Mar 29, 2025
We enjoyed a lovely brunch today. I had the chicken and waffles; both were great. My husband had the southwestern scramble with brisket. He loved it. We'll be back.
An after-work favorite, Bristol Republic is a Nashville-inspired bar with an eye-watering range of whiskey and bourbon. Sundays are for BBQ buffet, and with the Nashville theme going strong, expect competition level ribs, wings and pulled pork. Drinks wise, for those not tempted by the hundred or more whiskeys, there are plenty of signature cocktails plus draft beer and cider. Join them at the weekends for Live Music Brunch, an event not found anywhere else.
Top review
Ann
Dined on Mar 29, 2025
We enjoyed a lovely brunch today. I had the chicken and waffles; both were great. My husband had the southwestern scramble with brisket. He loved it. We'll be back.
1808 American Bistro
4.5 (2055)
$30 and under
American
Delaware
Head out to Delaware for the day and book a table at 1808, a bright and warm restaurant redolent in wood and bare brick. There's a huge beer selection, complemented by unusual additions like mead, plus a three-category whiskey menu. Food here is all about combining the classics with local, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy melt-in-the-mouth beef carpaccio followed by wild-caught shrimp and grits, then finish off with a unique Boozy Popsicle. A huge hit in the Delaware dining scene.
Top review
Leilani
Dined 1 day ago
My husband and I normally go here for dinner, which is always amazing. Their filet medallions and mashed potatoes are chefs kiss. Service is always top notch. But today we went and tried their brunch for the first time and WOW. Was not excepting it to be that good. My husband got the is quits and gravy and I got the French toast. The French toast was made from thick brioche bread and it was so soft and had so much flavor. And portions were big! Another great experience at 1808.
Head out to Delaware for the day and book a table at 1808, a bright and warm restaurant redolent in wood and bare brick. There's a huge beer selection, complemented by unusual additions like mead, plus a three-category whiskey menu. Food here is all about combining the classics with local, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy melt-in-the-mouth beef carpaccio followed by wild-caught shrimp and grits, then finish off with a unique Boozy Popsicle. A huge hit in the Delaware dining scene.
Top review
Leilani
Dined 1 day ago
My husband and I normally go here for dinner, which is always amazing. Their filet medallions and mashed potatoes are chefs kiss. Service is always top notch. But today we went and tried their brunch for the first time and WOW. Was not excepting it to be that good. My husband got the is quits and gravy and I got the French toast. The French toast was made from thick brioche bread and it was so soft and had so much flavor. And portions were big! Another great experience at 1808.
Service Bar
4.6 (666)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Short North - Arena District
Middle West Spirits Distillery has its own on-site showcase for its spirits, in the shape of Service Bar. Service Bar is as much as top restaurant as a favorite drinking spot, regularly appearing at the top of “best of” lists. A bustling and vibrant atmosphere is the backdrop for some astonishingly good looking dishes. Cheese & Poof is their take on pork rinds, under a tower of puffed pork skin. "Rachel" is their unique twist on Pastrami on Rye, with a touch of Kimchi. The restaurant's website encourages diners to follow Service Bar on Instagram to discover what the chef’s specials are- thoroughly embracing the digital generation. Booking recommended.
Top review
Karri
Dined on Mar 22, 2025
Another fantastic dinner at Service Bar! The Old Fashioned was delicious and so well balanced. The Caesar salad was unique and so good. The dressing had a nice bite to it and the anchovy crisp on top was so good! The beef neck Ragu was to absolutely die for. Delicious wide pappardelle noodles with just the right amount of beef Ragu, flavor bomb in every bite!
Middle West Spirits Distillery has its own on-site showcase for its spirits, in the shape of Service Bar. Service Bar is as much as top restaurant as a favorite drinking spot, regularly appearing at the top of “best of” lists. A bustling and vibrant atmosphere is the backdrop for some astonishingly good looking dishes. Cheese & Poof is their take on pork rinds, under a tower of puffed pork skin. "Rachel" is their unique twist on Pastrami on Rye, with a touch of Kimchi. The restaurant's website encourages diners to follow Service Bar on Instagram to discover what the chef’s specials are- thoroughly embracing the digital generation. Booking recommended.
Top review
Karri
Dined on Mar 22, 2025
Another fantastic dinner at Service Bar! The Old Fashioned was delicious and so well balanced. The Caesar salad was unique and so good. The dressing had a nice bite to it and the anchovy crisp on top was so good! The beef neck Ragu was to absolutely die for. Delicious wide pappardelle noodles with just the right amount of beef Ragu, flavor bomb in every bite!
SoCal Kitchen + Bar
4.7 (2320)
$31 to $50
Californian
Columbus
California comes to Columbus in the shape of the Del Mar SoCal Kitchen. SoCal stands for Southern California, which is the inspiration for the menu here. Diners can watch as their food comes together in the open kitchen, or sit and enjoy premium cocktails at the bar. Happy hour includes plenty of drinks offers, plus a huge selection of dishes including octopus, shrimp ceviche, and tuna poke. Good vibes, served daily.
Top review
CynthiaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Food was fantastic (fresh, flavorful, unique) and service from Delany was superb (friendly, attentive to individual needs, informed, responsive). Best of all the times we’ve eaten at the restaurant.
California comes to Columbus in the shape of the Del Mar SoCal Kitchen. SoCal stands for Southern California, which is the inspiration for the menu here. Diners can watch as their food comes together in the open kitchen, or sit and enjoy premium cocktails at the bar. Happy hour includes plenty of drinks offers, plus a huge selection of dishes including octopus, shrimp ceviche, and tuna poke. Good vibes, served daily.
Top review
CynthiaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Food was fantastic (fresh, flavorful, unique) and service from Delany was superb (friendly, attentive to individual needs, informed, responsive). Best of all the times we’ve eaten at the restaurant.
Forno Kitchen and Bar
4.8 (2958)
$30 and under
American
Short North - Arena District
Forno is a Short North hot spot for pizza, drinks, and weekend brunch. Sit at the long, marble bar and indulge in local craft beer, a superb wine or one of their handcrafted cocktails. Dinner is all about contemporary cuisine finished to perfection in a stone-fired oven. As well as the signature pizzas, dishes include baked lobster rotini, salmon with red pepper coulis, and eggplant parmesan. Soak up last night’s alcohol with a hearty brunch of biscuits and gravy or the breakfast BLT. Elegant décor with a fun menu makes this one of the best bars in Columbus.
Top review
Monroe
Dined 4 days ago
Everything was incredible, next time I am in town I will definitely return!
Forno is a Short North hot spot for pizza, drinks, and weekend brunch. Sit at the long, marble bar and indulge in local craft beer, a superb wine or one of their handcrafted cocktails. Dinner is all about contemporary cuisine finished to perfection in a stone-fired oven. As well as the signature pizzas, dishes include baked lobster rotini, salmon with red pepper coulis, and eggplant parmesan. Soak up last night’s alcohol with a hearty brunch of biscuits and gravy or the breakfast BLT. Elegant décor with a fun menu makes this one of the best bars in Columbus.
Top review
Monroe
Dined 4 days ago
Everything was incredible, next time I am in town I will definitely return!
The Avenue - Dublin
4.8 (3878)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Dublin
Low lit and intimate, the restaurant has a cool 1920s vibe which is only accentuated by the red leather booths. Right on the fast-developing Grandview Avenue, this Steak Tavern is fast becoming the place to be. Valet parking is available at certain times, and the service is excellent. Enjoy a classic shrimp cocktail, followed by a hot chicken biscuit, or an 8oz top sirloin. Then relax at the bar and discover pre-prohibition cocktail recipes, reconstructed as faithfully as possible. A classy yet relaxed night out.
Top review
BrettVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Matthew took great care of us! He was there for us whenever we needed anything.
Low lit and intimate, the restaurant has a cool 1920s vibe which is only accentuated by the red leather booths. Right on the fast-developing Grandview Avenue, this Steak Tavern is fast becoming the place to be. Valet parking is available at certain times, and the service is excellent. Enjoy a classic shrimp cocktail, followed by a hot chicken biscuit, or an 8oz top sirloin. Then relax at the bar and discover pre-prohibition cocktail recipes, reconstructed as faithfully as possible. A classy yet relaxed night out.
Top review
BrettVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Matthew took great care of us! He was there for us whenever we needed anything.
The Pearl - Short North
4.7 (5951)
$31 to $50
Gastro Pub
Short North - Arena District
Short North is home to many great eating and drinking spots. Not too many of them, however, claim to be a restaurant, tavern and oyster room all at the same time. The Pearl has an extensive drinks list including ales, lagers, stouts, wines, and unique cocktails. They focus on food for people who love to eat, from people who love to cook. Brunch is a laid back yet flavorful affair, with two types of Bloody Mary, rollmops, bacon-wrapped dates, oysters in the shell and, of course, amazing Eggs Benedict.
Top review
kelly
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and service. Extensive gluten free options, even fried pickles and fish fry.
Short North is home to many great eating and drinking spots. Not too many of them, however, claim to be a restaurant, tavern and oyster room all at the same time. The Pearl has an extensive drinks list including ales, lagers, stouts, wines, and unique cocktails. They focus on food for people who love to eat, from people who love to cook. Brunch is a laid back yet flavorful affair, with two types of Bloody Mary, rollmops, bacon-wrapped dates, oysters in the shell and, of course, amazing Eggs Benedict.
Top review
kelly
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and service. Extensive gluten free options, even fried pickles and fish fry.

More lists for you

Explore other cities and regions
A photo of Dubai
Dubai
A photo of UAE
UAE
Other ways to experience the world through dining
Must Try Korean Dishes The GreatsExplore Asian-Owned and -Operated RestaurantsExplore Award-Winning Restaurants on OpenTable The Best Bars on OpenTableTKTKThe Best Restaurants for Breakfast on OpenTableThe Best Brunch RestaurantsThe Best Burgersbest cafe in town
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo