If you’ve ever uttered the phrase “meet me at The Dube,” then you already know: this one’s personal.
The Blue Danube — affectionately known as The Dube — was a fixture of the Old North neighborhood just north of Ohio State’s campus for nearly eight decades. A beloved dive bar with charm, character, and just the right amount of grime, it was one of those places where the drinks were cheap, the vibe was unbeatable, and the memories were… well, a little fuzzy depending on what night you went.
But after it closed in 2018, many of us assumed it was gone for good. Another Columbus institution lost to time along with Mama’s Pasta and Brew, Bier Stube, and Lucky’s.
Turns out, The Dube wasn’t dead. It was just in hibernation…
A Full-Circle Comeback for the Ages
I’ll never forget the first (and until now, only) time I walked into The Dube. I was a freshman at Ohio State, still figuring out the lay of the land, when I stumbled upon this dimly lit bar that smelled like decades of beer-soaked stories. It was love at first dive. And then, a few weeks later… it closed.
Brutal. I felt like Steve Urkel, a la “did I do that?”
But in a plot twist worthy of a rom-com, The Dube made its triumphant return just in time for this year’s Ohio State Senior Crawl. Yep — the iconic corner of N. High and W. Blake is officially back in business as of April 29, 2025, and if that’s not fate, we don’t know what is.
So, What’s Different?
Don’t worry — it’s still got that unmistakable Dube energy. But longtime fans might notice a few changes.
The new owners (under the name Old Dube LLC) have cleaned the place up a bit. It’s less dingy-dive and more nostalgic neighborhood bar. Some of the OG menu items have returned, and while there’s a whole new kitchen staff, the vibe is still intact — just with better lighting and cleaner bathrooms.
You’ll find crowd-pleasers like burgers, pizza, onion rings, and fried zucchini and mushrooms on the menu. It’s nothing fancy, but it never needed to be.
Why It Matters
The Dube’s return feels bigger than just another bar reopening. It’s a symbol of Columbus’ resilience — especially in the Old North, where so many iconic spots have come and gone. Places like this don’t just serve food and drinks. They serve community, memory, and identity.
And while it may not be exactly the same, The Blue Danube rising from the ashes (or as they worded it, the phoenix rising from the ashes) gives us something we don’t get often: a second chance to drink cheap beer in a place that feels like home.
The Blue Danube |📍 2439 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43202
⏰ Open daily at 3 PM