Ohio State’s nightlife scene is the best in the country. Full stop.
Sure, this is the part of the article where graduates of places like Ohio University and Miami University say “Ohio State is not a party school,” to which we will rebut: You are partially correct. We are not just a party school. We are a party school, a leading research institution, top nightlife school, and have the best college football program in the world.
When other schools have just a few bars to choose from, Ohio State has the benefit of a thriving University District PLUS easy access to the city’s nightlife hub in the Short North.
At Step Out Columbus, we’re the leading destination for the best food, drinks, and things to do in Columbus and Central Ohio, and nobody knows the campus bar scene better (aside from the 60,000 students at Ohio State, of course). Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more Columbus bar guides and event roundups all year long.
If we had to pick our favorite bars on Ohio State’s campus (and what each one is best for), these are the undisputed champs.
Note: most of these bars will be busy during Ohio State games (yes, even the chill ones), so arrive early if you want to find a seat or a good view of the TVs!
Chill, Sit-Down Vibes
Oldfield’s North Fourth Tavern
1571 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
This is like a beer lover’s paradise with TONS of local beers to choose from, plus ample seating at the bar, as well as booths that can hold your entire friend group, high tops, and more. Perfect if you’re not into the clubbing scene but still love going out. The pizza is an added bonus to help soak up all the booze in your stomach. Their patio is also an underrated gem away from the noise of the High Street strip.
Village Idiot
1439 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
This dive bar combines a laid-back atmosphere with classic beer and cocktails as well as darts, a pool table, and tons of TVs for watching sports. I regret not having visited this spot until my Senior Year Bar Crawl because it’s such a great hidden gem just south of campus.
Out-R-Inn
20 Frambes Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
THE premier Upperclassmen Bar. If you have a Fake ID, it’s best to not even TRY to use it here. Out-R-Inn has several unique and distinct areas. The bar area and the front are usually more chill; the pool room can get more crowded, but the patio is where it’s at whenever the weather cooperates. Plus, there’s an upstairs area with darts if you like an activity to go with your drinking. Mug nights are a staple, and grabbing a few slices of Sicilia’s Pizza next door at the end of your night is mandatory.
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The Library
2169 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
The library is North Campus’ dive bar of choice, featuring an old-school interior with wooden booths that make you feel like royalty if your friend group is able to cop one. Their Beat The Clock is the only one left on campus after The O Patio was destroyed to make room for apartments, and it’s an event you have to experience at least once in your college career. Plus, if your mom calls, just tell her you’re at the Library!
Busier Bars with Standing Room But Still Space to Sit
Three’s Above High
2203 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
The immediate successor to the original Too’s Under High, Three’s features live music from Jon White on most popular nights. You can find seats around the bar and over by the pool table, but this spot gets POPPIN’ on weekends with mostly standing room only. Grab a 40 and a Tidal Wave, get wet, and have a great time.
Ethyl & Tank
19 E 13th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Similar to Three’s Above High, you can find seating around the bar and at the high tops on the first floor. But on weekends, Ethyl gets very busy, where you’ll likely only find standing room on the first floor. The second floor, if not closed for a private event, is a better place to find seating and smaller crowds. Plus, it has a great patio out front when the weather is nice! If you enjoy live music, Ethyl often hosts live DJ sets.
Fourth Street Taproom & Kitchen
1810 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Like Oldfields, Fourth Street is off the High Street strip and offers a more dedicated fanbase of students who swear by Fourth Street’s vibe. You’ll find a large patio, good pub fare, and lots of seating options. They also have a fun karaoke night that gets rowdy, with a dance floor for those who like to show off their dance moves.
Leo’s on the Alley
25 Chittenden Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Another dive bar, yet Leo’s finds itself in a more atypical dive bar setting… a room with high ceilings in a more modern building, yet you step inside and the walls covered in Ohio State memorabilia, string lights, and more make you feel right at home. Great bartenders, classic drinks, and even the old Too’s Under High booths (not to be confused with Two’s Under High, the rebooted version coming soon).
Nightclub / Dancing Vibes
Midway
1728 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
This is a classic Ohio State bar and perhaps the most recognizable when you’re driving down High Street. With a two-story patio and large outdoor area, this spot will be packed no matter the weather. The floors get slippery and the drinks are strong… it’s perhaps the most classic “college bar” experience you’ll find. Get ready to dance and rave. Just have a Liquid I.V. at home when you’re done.
Honorable Mentions
We’d like to take this time to honor the bars that have not been able to survive the “Short North-ification” of the University District… the bars that hundreds of thousands of students could turn to after a bad exam or to celebrate a victory over Michigan. Though you may not physically be with us any longer, we will never forget you and the (often blurry) memories we made during the best 4 years of our lives. Special shoutout to:
- The Little Bar
- Bier Stube
- Lucky’s
- Mama’s Pasta and Brew
- Too’s Under High
- The O Patio
Did we miss one? Send us a note!
Build Your Rotation
Save this list before welcome week gets away from you, because you’ll want it need it every weekend this semester.
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