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Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Columbus

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OpenTable
Updated 05 January 2025

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


A photo of Bakersfield Columbus restaurant
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
Mercedez
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
Great :) I’m a regular. Always good service, food and atmosphere
A photo of Chile Verde restaurant
4.8
4.8 (49)
$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
Julie
Dined 2 days ago
Outstanding as always!!! One of our favorite local restaurants, just wish it was closer. We miss the Dublin location!
A photo of Subourbon Southern Kitchen and Spirits restaurant
4.8
4.8 (46)
$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
lj2020
Dined 2 days ago
Always a terrific experience; good and service is excellent. A pleasant surprise that our 5:30 reservation involved happy hour pricing. Since we eat here a decent amount, we hope to see some changes to menu but everything on it is great!!!
A photo of Service Bar restaurant
4.7
4.7 (652)
$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
ThomasVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The food and service were excellent. It's a small establishment, but it has a very cozy atmosphere.
A photo of Bendi Wok n' Bar - German Village restaurant
4.7
4.7 (169)
$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
SeanVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Sevice was exceptional and the food was excellent and prepared well. The chicken stir fry was very good as were the vegetable egg rolls. Food was delivered hot and with little wait time. Overall I really enjoyed Bendi and would dine again.
A photo of Union Cafe restaurant
4.7
4.7 (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 4 Jan 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.
A photo of Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall restaurant
4.7
4.7 (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 3 Jan 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.
A photo of Hubbard Grille restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1448)
$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
SaraVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Very good experience and tasty food! Would totally come back again
A photo of The Eagle Short North restaurant
4.6
4.6 (537)
$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 on 12 Jan 2025
Really good service food was spectacular chicken dip was great overall great value
A photo of Rusty Bucket - Easton restaurant
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 2 Jan 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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