As you’re winding down the workday, looking to relax with friends, or you’re visiting Columbus and need a spot to meet up for drinks, consider these terrific happy hours in the Short North Arts District!
Arch City Tavern
Arch City is a neighborhood favorite known for easy-to-love tavern food for lunch, dinner, and brunch.
When: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
The deal: $6-9 plates like meatballs, pizzas, pork sliders; $4 well cocktails; $6 wines by the glass; half off drafts
The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge
The Alibi is a hidden gem in the Short North, serving an interesting cocktail menu, offering huge bourbon and whiskey selection, and hosting special tastings and meet-the-distiller nights.
When: Sunday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
The deal: $7 cocktails
Short North Tavern
The tavern is one of Short North’s favorite watering holes, welcoming to everyone and offering great food (include Pie of the Tiger Detroit-style pizzas!) and great drinks.
When: Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m.
The deal: A variety of drink specials
The Pearl
Cameron Mitchell’s gastropub marries elevated tavern fare with a rich seafood selection.
When: Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
The deal: $3 oysters; half off selected cocktails, beer, wine, spirits; half off snacks, starters, and pub burgers
Barley’s Brewing Company
Barley’s is one of the city’s longest-running breweries. Their house beers pair perfectly with a creative pub menu.
When: Monday-Friday, 4-7 p.m.
The deal: $4 Barley’s pints, discounts on appetizers
Bernards Tavern
Bernards Tavern is a long-time staple of the Short North, offering hearty pub grub, plenty of TVs, and fun events like karaoke and Taco Tuesday.
When: Tuesday-Friday, 4-7 p.m.
The deal: Half off starters, $2 off cocktails, $1 off beer
Lemongrass Fusion Bistro
Lemongrass is a long-time Short North eatery known for its upscale blend of Asian dishes in a comfortable setting.
When: Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m., plus late night specials 9 p.m. to close
The deal: Discounted small plates like spring rolls and wings, sushi and nigiri, cocktails, sake, wine, and beer
Bodega
With its daily specials and huge beer selection, Bodega is a favorite hangout, especially for their weekly specials.
When: Monday-Friday, 4-8 p.m.
The deal: All drafts half off; daily specials like $2 grilled cheese Mondays, $3 taco Tuesdays, half off wings Wednesdays
Rooh
Rooh offers one of the most unique dining experiences in town, with an amazing menu of modern Indian cuisine and dynamic cocktails.
When: Sunday-Friday, 5-6 p.m.
The deal: Select small plates, cocktails, and wine – almost all for $9
Union Café
Union is a Short North institution, an LGBTQIA+-friendly spot that’s been a community hub for years.
When: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
The deal: $1 off beers, $5.50 well cocktails, $6-7 cocktails and shots, $5 glasses or $20 bottles of wine, $6 small plates
Ampersand Asian Supper Club
Ampersand features a fascinating menu of ramen, small plates, and cocktails, with great options for meat- and veggie-eaters.
When: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
The deal: $4 select dishes like steamed buns and nori fries, $3 off signature cocktails and imported sakes
Mouton
Mouton helped jumpstart the modern cocktail scene in Columbus, and continues to be a citywide staple for top-notch libations and small plates.
When: Wednesday-Friday, 5-6 p.m. and all day Sunday
The deal: $2 off all menu cocktails
Soul at The Joseph
The in-house cocktail bar for Le Meridien Hotel, The Joseph features a Golden Hour menu every day from 3-5 p.m.
When: 3-5 p.m. daily
The deal: Discounts on selection spirits and cocktails, from Prosecco to Aperol Spritz
Hubbard Bar & Grille
Just follow the neon sign to the Hubbard Grille, a much-loved corner spot known for great cocktails and food to match.
When: Sunday and Tuesday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
The deal: Hubbard Grille offers a $5 happy hour with select drinks, flatbreads, and appetizers
Mikey’s Late Night Slice
Mikey’s originally started as a shack in the Short North, growing to two locations in the neighborhood (and many more beyond!). Their High and Vine store across from the Convention Centers offers a daily Crazy Hour.
When: 5-6 p.m. everyday
The deal: Half off everything!
Saturns Sports Bar
The new Saturns Sports Bar sits at the north end of the district, offering great food and drink in an historic car dealership.
When: Tuesday-Thursday, 6-8 p.m.
The deal: $5 cocktails, specials on appetizers and flatbreads
The Rossi
With its red neon sign and corner location, The Rossi has been a favorite Short North stop for years.
When: Monday-Friday, 4-6:30 p.m.
The deal: $4 drafts, $5 mini martinis, $6 classic cocktails, $7-8 select wine pours
Galla Park Social
Galla Park Social offers a happy hour Wednesdays-Fridays in its bar and lounge area.
When: Wednesday, 4 p.m. to close, Thursday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
The deal: Select small plates and drinks priced at $5, $7, or $9
SoCal Kitchen + Bar
The newly renamed SoCal Kitchen + Bar delivers Southern California cuisine with fresh ingredients.
When: Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. and Sunday, 3-5 p.m.
The deal: $2.99 oysters, $6 well drinks and drafts, half off specialty cocktails and 6-oz. wines
Lincoln Social Rooftop
Enjoy terrific views of the Short North and Downtown from this ninth-story rooftop bar!
When: Tuesday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
The deal: $3 raw oysters; $4 fried oysters; $10 dips, pizzas, and California rolls; half off well spirits and wine bottles under $100; $5 drafts
Short North Pint House
The bright and open Pint House offers pub fare, plenty of beers on tap, and a variety of specials.
When: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
The deal: Half priced apps and pizzas, $3 domestic drafts, $6 import and craft drafts
Forno
Forno is a bustling spot popular for its weekend brunch and oven-fired pizzas.
When: Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
The deal: Half priced draft beer, wines by the glass, house cocktails, bar snacks, shared items, and pizzas
Wine on High
This retail wine shop offers tastings, flights, wines by the glass, and a wine club. In addition to their weekday happy hour, they offer $6 pours of rosé or mimosas on Sunday until 3 p.m.
When: Tuesday-Friday, open to 6 p.m.
The deal: $6 house wine pours and $7 select cocktails
Good Night John Boy
This two-level, 70s-themed restaurant and bar features a variety of events.
When: Thursday-Saturday, 5-8 p.m.
The deal: Half off cocktails
Paulie Gee’s
Paulie Gee’s is often ranked one of the city’s best pizza shops, known for their creative New York-style pies.
When: Tuesday-Thursday, 5-7 p.m., Friday, 4-6 p.m.
The deal: Half of drafts, $6 wine pours and spritzes, $8 cocktails
Condado
This build-your-own taco joint got its start right here in the Short North!
When: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
The deal: $1 off tacos and draft beer, $6-8 margaritas
BrewDog
This Scotland-based brewery made central Ohio its U.S. headquarters, and they’ve established an outpost in the Short North!
When: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
The deal: Half off draft beers and cocktails
Michael’s Goody Boy
This long-time diner was given new life with a refresh and new ownership this year.
When: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
The deal: Half off cocktails and appetizers
Skully’s Music Diner
Skully’s is a Short North institution, known for a continuous lineup of live music, dance nights, and more.
When: Friday-Saturday, 5-7 p.m.
The deal: Specials on select drinks
Marcella’s
Marcella’s offers a weekday happy hour in their bar and lounge area.
When: Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
The deal: Half off sangria, cocktails, beer, and wine; plus half off antipasti, salads, soups, cured meats, cheese, and pizzas
Local Bar
This neighborhood watering hole is a favorite hangout!
When: All day Sundays
The deal: $3 wells and drafts, $2 cans
The Guild House
The Guild House offers an eclectic breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with creative offerings even at happy hour.
When: Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
The deal: Half off 6-oz. wine pours, house cocktails, drafts, well spirits
Bristol Republic
Bristol Republic is known for their house barbecue, whiskey list, and live music!
When: Thursday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
The deal: Half off all drafts, whiskey, bourbon, and shareables; $8 specialty cocktails; $7 Pick 2 BBQ plates
Agave & Rye
This over-the-top taco joint across from the Convention Center features fun tacos, sides, drinks.
When: Monday, Wednesday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
The deal: $1 off tacos, $4.75 chips and queso, $2.50 domestic cans, $7.75 margaritas and bourbon peach punch
Novak’s Tavern & Patio
Novak’s is a popular spot, especially for its rooftop patios.
When: Tuesday-Friday, 5-8 p.m.
The deal: $4 domestic bottles; $5 Tito’s, Espolon, Jameson, $6 High Noons
Standard Hall
Standard Hall’s expansive space has lent itself to plenty of fun events throughout the year.
When: Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
The deal: Half off pizzas and appetizers; $3 cans, drafts, and wells; $5 boozy bubblers
