Let’s get one thing straight — Columbus Ohio at night isn’t just rows of sleepy buildings and empty streets. If you know where to look, it’s a buzzing, boozy, weirdly wonderful mix of cozy dives, disco dance floors, gourmet food halls, and patios that are basically neighborhood block parties.
But is it safe?
I’ve been going out in Columbus since I was 18, and I’ve never had a scary experience. That said, use common sense. Walking alone late at night in low-foot-traffic areas (especially after midnight) isn’t exactly what I’d call a five-star idea. But if you’re sticking to popular areas — Short North, Italian Village, Downtown, German Village, or even Victorian Village — you’re in good shape, especially if you’re with friends and are aware of your surroundings.
A good time and some top-notch people-watching await.
Ready to explore? Here’s where to spend your night in Columbus.
Short North: Where the Night Starts (and Maybe Ends)
If you’re wondering what to do at night in Columbus Ohio, the Short North is your no-brainer starting point. It’s walkable, packed with energy, and full of bars with very different vibes depending on your mood (or your drink of choice).
- Short North Tavern (674 N High St): Divey in all the right ways. Grab a booth, sip something cold, and enjoy the people-watching.
- The Alibi (843 N High St): A cozy cocktail lounge with some of the best drinks in the city. Trust me on this one.
- Pint House (780 N High St): Loud, clubby, and usually packed. Think younger crowd, music thumping, and beers and ciders flowing, plus a unique front patio with an open-air ceiling during warm, dry weather.
- Oddfellows (1038 N High St): A laid-back bar with a big patio, and a Mikey’s Late Night Slice truck posted up for when the munchies strike.
- Union Café (782 N High St): Gay bar with serious nightlife energy, strong drinks, and great vibes. If you order a Long Island, prepare for liftoff.
- Lincoln Social (711 N High St 9th Floor): Rooftop bar with great cocktails and an excellent view of the Short North’s nightlife scene and Columbus’ skyline
- Mikey’s Late Night Slice (457 N High St): Legendary pizza-by-the-slice joint open til 3 AM with booths, a bar, and a hidden speakeasy 👀
Downtown: Breweries, Dives, and Duckpin Bowling
Columbus’ skyline at night is best paired with a cold local beer and a round of pinball. This area has been seriously upping its game lately.
- Jackie O’s on Fourth (171 N Fourth St): One of the city’s best new hangouts. Incredible patio, wide beer selection, and an all-around fantastic vibe.
- Pins Mechanical Co. (141 N Fourth St): Next door to Jackie O’s, this arcade-bar-duckpin-bowling hybrid is basically an adult playground with booze.
- Char Bar (439 N High St): Divey, lovable, and allegedly haunted. Cheap drinks, pool tables, and dartboards. The kind of place that never tries too hard and nails it.
Italian Village: The Best Vibes in the City
This neighborhood is becoming one of the brightest beacons of nightlife in Columbus. Every bar brings something totally different to the table.
- DUECENTO (200 E 4th Ave): Like a dive bar met a Parliament-Funkadelic show and decided to open a nightclub. Expect EDM, pool tables, and neon. It’s a trip.
- Budd Dairy Food Hall (1086 N Fourth St): Food from local chefs, multiple bars, rooftop views, skeeball, and board games. Pick your vibe and go with it.
- Seventh Son Brewing Co. (1101 N Fourth St): Legendary brewery with fantastic beer, rotating food trucks, and one of the most beloved patios in town.
- The Go Go (987 N Fourth St): A 70s disco bar complete with fresh popcorn, DJs, and an actual dance floor. If you like to move, this is your place.
- Thirsty’s Pub (944 N Fourth St): Sports bar with a rooftop, darts, and good food. Chill but never boring. Super underrated.
- St. James Tavern (1057 N Fourth St): Cheap drinks, a dedicated pool room, and a vibe that says “we don’t care what day it is, let’s just shoot some pool.”
Victorian Village: Lowkey and Lovable
If Columbus at night sounds too chaotic, Victorian Village is your haven. Quieter, more residential, but still full of character (and characterS).
- Zeno’s (384 W 3rd Ave): A true Midwestern tavern with wraparound patio, TVs, games, pull tabs, and hearty bar food from the kitchen.
- Dick’s Dive (Downstairs at Zeno’s): A no-frills basement bar with cold beer, good tunes, and the ability to order food from upstairs.
- The Bottle Shop (237 King Ave): A cozy cocktail and wine bar with chandeliers, string lights, and a patio perfect for late-night conversation.
- The Vic Village Tavern (251 W 5th Ave): A karaoke-and-cold-beer kind of place that’s surprisingly spacious. Popular with OSU grad students.
German Village & Brewery District: Where History Meets Happy Hour
Yes, German Village is beautiful during the day, but it’s downright magical at night. Brick-lined streets, twinkly lights, and a mix of upscale and casual spots.
- Gresso’s (961 S High St): Historic tavern with excellent food (get the mozzarella sticks), a huge patio, and multiple rooms for catching the game or just catching up with friends and strangers alike.
- Cobra (684 S High St): Asian-inspired cocktail bar with a cool crowd and even cooler drinks. It’s stylish but not pretentious, just a very good time.
- Law Bird (740 S High St): A small modern cocktail bar with funky vibes and creative concoctions.
- Club 185 (185 E Livingston Ave): Laid-back and lovable, this brick-walled hangout is perfect for chatting with locals and scarfing down greasy bar food.
- Hey Hey Bar & Grill (361 E Whittier St): Cozy booths, communal tables, a chill back patio, and lots of strangers-turned-friends.
So… Is It Safe to Walk Around Columbus Ohio at Night?
Look, no city is perfect. But Columbus Ohio at night is generally very safe, especially in popular, well-lit areas like the Short North, Italian Village, Victorian Village, and German Village. As the old saying goes, “nothing good happens after midnight.” But in Columbus, that’s only half true. You can absolutely have a great night out if you use common sense, stick with your friends, and keep your head on straight.
Final Thoughts: Why Columbus Shines After Dark
So is there anything worth seeing in Columbus, Ohio after the sun goes down? Absolutely. Whether you want cheap drinks in a basement, world-class cocktails in a speakeasy, or a dance floor lit up by disco balls, this city’s got it. The best part? Most of the best spots are within walking distance of each other. You could hit three neighborhoods in one night if you’re feeling ambitious (or indecisive).
Because while Ohio at night might not sound like a party… Columbus sure is.
Find more fun places to eat and drink in Columbus here.