Columbus Dive Bars

Scoundrel’s Field Guide: Columbus Dive Bars offers a curated set of dive bar recommendations, covering the best destination dive bars in Columbus from old-school diner-style dives like Lisska Bar & Grill to timeless neighborhood institutions like Johnnie’s Glenn Avenue Grill. Columbus’ patchwork of distinct neighborhoods has proved fertile ground for one-of-a-kind drinking experiences, the finest examples lovingly reviewed and ranked within this travel guide.

Each dive bar is reviewed in detail, tracing the history of these long-time drinking strongholds, documenting their twists and turns throughout the years and pointing out the must-see details hidden inside each one. From the city’s most notorious Thursday-night theme night to rumors of haunted basements & possessed pianos, Scoundrel’s Field Guide: Columbus Dive Bars sheds light on the city’s hidden gems.

Based entirely on personal experience at each location, 30 dive bars, 4 suggested bar crawl itineraries and a selection of breweries & must-visit restaurants are included within this guide. This guide aims to provide a holistic recommendation on how to experience Columbus through the everyday dives and hole-in-the-wall businesses that serve as the lifeblood of the city.