Because of the Short North’s appeal for those headed out for the night and the growing population in downtown Columbus, evenings can be packed with young drinkers, but happy hour and earlier still caters to locals and regulars long drawn to the space. Elevated platforms in both windows provide seating with a view of the proceedings outside and a pair of dart boards in the rear of space create a bit of gravity toward the back of Short North Tavern.
A long bar runs along the north wall of the building, a classic mirrored structure with a pair of faint lights on either end that glow rather provide any usable illumination. A bit of lighting underneath the bar sets it apart and pairs with the table lamps on each booth, creating a soft atmosphere that again provides an excellent counterpoint to the comparatively ‘loud’ atmospheres found nearby. One of the few renovations over the years focused on a revamped kitchen, daily specials displayed each day in partnership with a handful of bar staples.
On its own merits, Short North Tavern is a comfortable, welcoming, corner neighborhood dive bar that would be a welcome addition to any part of town. In Columbus’ quickly evolving Short North district, Short North Tavern provides an even more crucial service, anchoring a part of Columbus fast adopting a reputation for expensive cocktails and fancy restaurants with the exact opposite experience. On a night when the sidewalks are caked with groups and couples seeking out pricey pasta dishes or $15 cocktails, drinking a draft beer sitting in the window of Short North Tavern is a welcome alternative.