Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Columbus

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Columbus? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Rusty Bucket - Clintonville

4.9

4.9 (374)

$30 and under

American

Clintonville

About the restaurant

Rusty Bucket is a casual neighborhood tavern serving the highest quality food and beverage in a “come as you are” setting. Scratch kitchens, fresh cocktails, and the perfect pour are our craft. Our associates are welcoming, and our hospitality naturally makes us the local hub where friends and family frequently gather to share in a good time.

Top review

BillD

Dined on Aug 9, 2024

Always good. Never had a bad experience here. 😊 Will be back soon.

Bakersfield Columbus

4.8

4.8 (318)

$30 and under

Mexican

Short North - Arena District

About the restaurant

Tacos. Tequila. Whiskey.
Serving up authentic, Mexican street fare, and a selection of over 100 tequilas and American whiskeys. Bakersfield is a spot where the food is simple, the service is warm, and the atmosphere is alive.

Top review

richardvip

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

Love this place only problem cannot carry a conversation

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Popular dish

Chicken Taquitos

Arch City Tavern

4.8

4.8 (154)

$30 and under

Grill

Columbus

About the restaurant

Arch City Tavern is a contemporary gastropub located in the heart of the Short North. Guests can stop in for lunch, dinner & late night to enjoy local craft beer, seasonal cocktails and recipes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Make sure to check out the decor and 20-foot pencil drawing of Old Columbus for a taste of the area's history. Come visit us for Happy Hour M-F 3-6:00pm and weekend brunch Sat & Sun 11am-3pm.

Reservations are limited. We save a majority of our tables for walk-in seating. Reservations are available before and after OSU Football games, but not during. For reservations of 12+ people, please email archcitytavern@gmail.com.

Top review

Jeremy

Dined 3 days ago

Scheduled a business meeting to bring out of state clients too. Arch City was a perfection location for a midweek lunch. The large window was open in the front allowing fresh air the flow through the restaurant. Our service was prompt and the food came out perfectly, especially the bison burger.

Rusty Bucket - Easton

4.7

4.7 (271)

$30 and under

American

Easton

About the restaurant

Top review

Ken

Dined on Aug 23, 2024

Got to be seated outside, perfect weather, great selections on the menu, the food and service were outstanding. All and all a great experience for our group.

Rusty Bucket - Hilliard

4.7

4.7 (293)

$30 and under

American

Northwest Columbus

About the restaurant

Top review

Paul

Dined 7 days ago

Excellent server. Checked back several times with us. In and out in an hour

The Pour House at Machinery Hall

4.7

4.7 (264)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Circleville

About the restaurant

The Pour House at Machinery Hall is a full service restaurant that serves Chef-driven cuisine using fresh, high quality ingredients. We feature 30 beers on draft with an emphasis on craft beers from Ohio and beyond. We specialize in craft cocktails and host live music and entertainment. Our passion is to provide our guests with the highest quality service, atmosphere, environment and experience in historic downtown Chillicothe!

Top review

Jeff

Dined 6 days ago

We enjoyed our brunch. Excellent service. We came in for a vacation. Nice spot in downtown area. Looking forward to brunch tomorrow at the same place. Yummy Yummy

Bendi Wok n' Bar

4.7

4.7 (153)

$30 and under

Asian

Columbus

About the restaurant

Asian-Fusion Cuisine located on the cusp of German Village and Old Town East, Columbus and coming soon to New Albany.

Top review

Gerika

Dined 6 days ago

Seriously such good food and amazing service. I was happy the mocktail they offered was so tasty. Will definitely be back!

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4.7

4.7 (50)

$30 and under

American

Columbus

About the restaurant

Voted Columbus' Best LGBT+ Bar, Union Cafe has been a staple in the heart of the Short North since 1996. Union is a safe space known for its generous pours, daily drink specials, and world-class drag entertainment. Our modern American menu is popularly priced and expanding throughout the spring.

Top review

Marcia

Dined 5 days ago

First time ever to drag show and was very entertaining plus food. and drinks were amazing.

Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall

4.7

4.7 (55)

$30 and under

Brewery

Columbus

About the restaurant

The Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall is an expansive beer paradise set in an historic landmark with multiple bars and dining areas, 24 taps and globally inspired food.

Top review

Donvip

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

Excellent experience. Good selection of beers, the burger was excellent and the fries, well they are the best I've had in a while. Wasn't too busy for the Labor Day holiday, but then again, a lot of people may have been out of town. Will be going back.

Parlay Sporting Club + Kitchen

4.5

4.5 (277)

$30 and under

Sports Bar

Columbus

About the restaurant

Parlay Sporting Club + Kitchen is a polished sports bar and restaurant featuring elevated American fare, with an intricately curated specialty drink, spirits, & local craft beer selection. Located on The Cap in the Short North, next to the Greater Columbus Convention Center - Parlay is the Short North's superior host for viewing parties featuring the largest sporting events around the world.

Top review

Pedrovip

Dined 1 day ago

Bryan was an amazing server. He and Carmen made the night for our group of 9. Food was fantastic!

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