The rest of the space is straightforward, a handful of short tables sitting opposite the bar that runs nearly the full length of the building. Decorations here are minimalist by dive bar standards, a row of football helmets lining the ledge above the liquor bottles and a NASCAR-sized car hood hanging from the ceiling. Screens located throughout Brew-Stirs Clintonville Tavern make for a good sports bar atmosphere, Ohio State photos and posters mixing with other Ohio sports teams.
Not to be overlooked is the sheer affordability of a visit to Brew-Stirs, daily specials posted on a backlit black whiteboard. This reviewer’s recent visit produced a bar tab that included multiple beers all hovering around $2 or $3, low prices even by Midwestern standards. Credit cards are accepted at Brew-Stirs Clintonville Tavern, though a $5 minimum does apply. On days when coney sauce hasn’t been brought in by the bar manager, typical salty snacks can be seen posted up behind the bar.
The Columbus dive bar’s focus on its community shines through not only in the simple presentation of the space but in the benefits, the chili cook offs, the affordable prices. Brew-Stirs Clintonville Tavern is a classic, a prototypical hole-in-the-wall that might have a high traffic location but feels more like a corner walk-up spot for locals.