Inside, the layout follows the standard dive bar formula of long, simple bar to one side and distributed seating throughout, in this oriented around the fireplace and a few free-floating booth seats near the rear of the space. Mismatched tables, chairs and stools flow through the space as the night progresses, dodging the Betty’s Bar pool table near the front of the main and only room. String lights and a low drop ceiling complete the dive bar vibe underscored by the carpeting that extends into the bar’s bathrooms.
In addition to creative theme nights, Betty’s Bar serves food centered around a signature hamburger as well as a handful of other favorites that can be seen listed on a chalkboard in the space. These offerings rotate but the bar has been known to offer “Meat Twinkies,” corndogs for the uninitiated. There are no taps here, meaning the beer selection leans heavily on domestic favorites and staple liquor brands. A patio out back extends the space, a number of wooden benches and ledges lining an area that spills out onto a few picnic tables bordering the small parking lot (staff only typically) in back.
Betty’s Bar has, thankfully, resisted a number of no doubt high-dollar offers to share a coveted piece of real estate feet away from some of Columbus’ biggest event venues. Its presence, now made all the more important thanks to the city’s friendly open container laws during major events, serves as the perfect pregame, meetup spot across hockey, baseball, live music and especially soccer events in Columbus. And if one of those events coincidentally, accidentally, serendipitously falls on a Thursday, then the city’s most notorious dive bar theme night comes into play.