Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Columbus

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

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!

Bakersfield Columbus

4.8

4.8 (330)

$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

Ben

Dined on Dec 23, 2024

Always good no matter the locale. Tacos were delicious. Kids menu satisfied the little ones. Happy hour prices were amazing!

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Popular dish

Chicken Taquitos

Chile Verde

4.8

4.8 (48)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Columbus

About the restaurant

For more than 32 years, our local independent restaurant has been dedicated to bringing the flavor of New Mexico to Central Ohio. This cuisine takes extraordinary people, passion and effort to create. Our homemade, New Mexican family recipes blend the rich history of Native American, Spanish and Anglo traditions. The basis for these recipes is certified green and red chile imported from Albuquerque. From family gatherings to any special occasion, our loyal staff is committed to serving you. From our family in New Mexico and Columbus, to yours, we thank you for dining local.

Top review

BarbVIP

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

Amazing as usual. Best Tex-Mex in Columbus! Yes, it’s where all the locals go if that’s not a tip. Food is ALWAYS consistently superb and service exceeds expectations. Never disappoints as a loyal customer over 30+ years! CV menu selections continually changes bringing exciting dishes to try.

Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall

4.8

4.8 (67)

$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

Jennifer

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

Loved the food, loved the beer, and loved the vibe. Would definitely go back. Everyone was happy with what they ordered. The corn dog appetizer was so yummy. The service was great, especially the hostess who made us feel welcome from the minute we walked in.

Subourbon Southern Kitchen and Spirits

4.8

4.8 (45)

$31 to $50

American

Worthington

About the restaurant

Subourbon means great Southern hospitality, food and whiskey in a relaxed setting. We are excited to bring a taste of the South to the Worthington and Columbus communities. Whether it is locally sourced foods, or fine rare bourbon and spirits you will be sure to love your time with us.

Top review

Jeff

Dined 4 days ago

Cozy. Really good appetizers. Ambiance warm. Service attentive. Extensive whiskey collection.

The Eagle Short North

4.7

4.7 (536)

$30 and under

American

Short North - Arena District

About the restaurant

We start with free range, all-natural Amish chicken. It’s brined, dredged, then dropped into custom-built fryers. It's got a little kick and is served with our house-made hot honey. But we don't stop there - Southern-style sides grace our menu, craft beer flows through our taps, and Blues music pumps through our speakers. At The Eagle, it's all about flying right, eating bird, and curing the Blues.

Top review

albert

Dined 3 days ago

Really good service food was spectacular chicken dip was great overall great value

Service Bar

4.7

4.7 (651)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Short North - Arena District

About the restaurant

Humbly innovative. Fueled by a passion to draw deeper connections between food and spirits, Service Bar delivers an experience that is refreshingly innovative, much of that due to carefully placed hints of nostalgic flavors and techniques. Housed in Middle West Spirits, one of Ohio’s first craft distilleries, the stunning main dining room is both intimate in size and lively in energy.

Full dinner service is available first-come first-serve at the main bar, and by reservation at a variety of smaller individual tables that accommodate 2-6 guests.

Top review

Alexander

Dined 6 days ago

Service was great food delicious will definitely be back

Bendi Wok n' Bar - German Village

4.7

4.7 (167)

$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

Erin

Dined on Dec 16, 2024

We went here on a Monday night for Sake Hour. Great price, amazing food, and fabulous drinks. 10/10 would recommend!

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4.6

4.6 (59)

$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

Justin

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

We came to Union Cafe to watch the Drag Race premier and got sat at the table closest to the stage where the hosting drag queens sat. For food, we ordered the Reuben & Cajun Alfredo, both of which tasted great and had a favorable price. Our servers were sure to keep our water glasses full and ensured we had a great experience. The noise level was pretty loud, which is to be expected on a night where a drag race episode is airing - but the noise level did not take away from the ambiance! The night had a very good energy and is the reason we continue to come back to Union Cafe so often.

Hubbard Grille

4.5

4.5 (1444)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Columbus

About the restaurant

Hubbard Bar & Grille is a new American restaurant and event space in the heart of the Short North since 2010. Featuring fresh, local and organic meals & creative cocktails in a modern, sophisticated atmosphere. We are open for dinner 6 nights a week; closed on Mondays.
Our second floor bar and lounge may be reserved to create a flexible space for groups of 50+. Guest can enjoy the privacy of a sit-down dinner or mingle in cocktail-party fashion. For more information visit www.hubbardgrille.com/private-event
Booking a table online is fast and convenient, but if you are having difficulty finding a certain availability feel free to call us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Top review

JimVIP

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

Slow night due to weather. Arrived at 7 and sat quickly. Brussels sprouts are a favorite for an appetizer! We had the chicken sliders and the salmon, Delicious! Skip desert but Malbec wine was spot on as was the Assistant Manager NA Beer. Thanks to the kitchen and staff for a nice night out.

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Popular dish

Fried Chicken Sliders

Popular dish

All Natural Fried Chicken

Rusty Bucket - Easton

4.5

4.5 (279)

$30 and under

American

Easton

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

TrentVIP

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

First time at this location and seemed to be consistent with other locations we have dined at in the past.

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