Old North Columbus Dive Bar Guide

Old North Arcade

The barcade concept is now a staple format across America, but Old North Arcade rises above its competitors in Columbus, an embarrassment of retro arcade riches distributed across three, history-soaked rooms. Up front, video game consoles are hooked up to mounted televisions, allowing for the recreation of the basement Mario Kart arguments of your childhood. Unique drink offerings, an extensive beer list and a half-off (yes, half-off) happy hour push Old North Arcade above the fray as barcades go.

Hounddog's Pizza

An alternative selection to gorging on barbeque at Ray Ray’s, Hounddog’s makes a case for best pizza joint in Columbus, a very college campus-style bar and restaurant. The interior is split into what was once Hounddog’s proper and a neighboring bar, now all one business making for ample space to grab a drink and wait on a pie. The wood paneled interior and built-in booths provide the best experience on the “original” side of Hounddog’s. Be sure to order a Smokin’ Joe’s-style crust no matter the pizza selection, the garlic-soaked crust treatment one of the great food experiences in the city.

Records Per Minute

There are worse ways to start a bar crawl than a record store appetizer, in this case one of Columbus’ leading independent record stores operating out of a building that once served as one of the grocery stores that launched the Kroger’s grocery store empire. The exposed brick and original archway inside make combing through the ample record inventory all the more interesting, owner Jack Stover always happy to throw a request or two on the turntable that powers the ambient music inside. On occasion, the rolling bins of vinyl in the center of the room are pushed to the side in order to make way for live music on the small stage in the rear of the space.