Went to an Open Mic Comedy Night yesterday, something I hadn't done in years. The comics were good, the crowd was great and the atmosphere was chill. Loving downtown Columbia and the Art Bar read more

I'm not the kind of person to leave a review on Google (this is my first ever review on here) - but I feel as though I have to write one considering the way Art Bar's staff treated its patrons this weekend. The bar staff was not only rude to us in general, but they were also dismissive of our group's concerns. The main issue revolves around a few people of color not being allowed into the bar because their ID's "seemed fake" despite us encouraging them to scan the ID and/or use other documents to prove their age. We are all 21+ (24/25 mostly) and in graduate school at USC. This was very insulting considering the fact that they were quick to let our Caucasian colleagues in and were also factually incorrect in their subjective assessment of our other friends ID's. I'm writing this review in hopes that they will invest in a proper ID scanner and learn to treat their patrons with respect. Anyways, the bands were great and so was the sound guy! However, I will not be returning here and neither will any of my friends/classmates. read more

Every time I've been here everyone is such an asshole. The bartenders, the bouncers, the audience. I love a good punk band or a loud night with art and fun but holy cow... this place is nothing but hardcore screamo music, rude bartenders mad they have a job serving drinks or something, and just an out of sorts atmosphere. It's better than the little kid bars in Five Points (if you happen to land there an evening they don't decide to do cover charges) but nothing like a real "Art/Alternative" type bar. This place needs a major rework for appropriate audiences. Like, commit to one or the other.. but stop lingering in the wait of finding the next dollar-just kinda makes the place miserably desperate seeming to be honest. If you're thinking of stopping in, I'd say try it.. again as long as there's no cover--but in all honesty, even Wet Willies is better. So take that for what you'd like ‍ read more

Absolutely fabulous except for the bartenders attitude. Loved the decor, the patrons, the karaoke. Bartender thought he was too cool. He was jolly with the regulars but rude to us visiting from out of town. read more

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It's a weird place and I can understand that but the staff will heckle you just for hailing an Uber on the sidewalk. I quit going there a long time ago because of the constant rudeness from the door staff and how filthy the bar is inside. Steer clear of art bar and find a place that wants to take your money. read more

Snappy bar tender with poor skill. Staff was rude with our party. Would recommend avoiding and trying another one of the many bars in the area. read more

LOVE love love Art Bar! I've been a million times and have no plan on stoping anytime soon. The energy of the place can be a little hit and miss. But when it's on, it's really on. Friday nights are the best! It's not a gay bar, but on friday nights you would never know. The place packs out and it's huge dance party. Everyone is having a blast. read more

So, let me preface my review by admitting I only really come here on Friday nights when I'm in town. It seems to be the night that the gay boys come out and we all know I like me some gay bars. To my understanding this place is much more heterosexual every other night of the week. I love this bar. There are a lot of good things about it and only a few negative things. First of all, it's spacious. I could deal with the dance floor being bigger since it is PACKED on Friday nights. But other than that, this bar can be at capacity and still feel like there's plenty of room to move around in. The bartenders are all super sweet and efficient. The crowd is friendly and non-threatening. The drink pricing is normal, with a few good specials littered throughout the week. I love the outside area, and a lot of people seem to gravitate to it. The crowd is pretty artsy, not really a frat style bar. I like that, other people might hate that. People aren't shy about dancing here, which is always great My only negative was the line to get in that happened a little after midnight. Pain because I had to piss and ended up behind the building doing my thing. Not a huge issue because there's a cash only bar outside when this happens. read more

I love this bar I haven't been there in years but I went out for the retro 80s and had the absolute best time ever. It's small but convenient in the heart of the Vista and it's not gonna draw your normal Columbia crowd. It's a little more alternative compared to social and 10 roof the crowd is far more eclectic and I really enjoyed that I would recommend this place any day of the week read more

Chill atmosphere, good drinks, and good music. They have karaoke on Wednesdays and sometimes have bands that play. Highly recommend if you're looking for a bar that stands out. read more

Still love this place, but the high cover charge and overpriced drinks are a real bummer. They used to be awesome, and I'm guessing a lot of this has to do with the cost of rent in the vista. I used to see a lot of friendly familiar faces, but most recently I didn't really recognize anyone. They were charging 6 bucks to get in, and many people just walked away when they heard that. read more

Accidentally rolled up in here on a Friday night with my buddy. Surprise its a gay bar (on Friday) son. We ended up staying because some hot chick's mom was in love with me. I'm 32, she had to be up there in the 40s. We didn't smash, but her daughter was pretty cool to hang out with. Got to know some of the gay folks there and they were good people. A few of the gay black dudes there were fighting over my buddy, but he was just being nice and talking to them, when out of nowhere some Korean dude sits on his lap. At that time I think a hipster Barista I use to like saw me there as she was walking by. I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm gay now. The long island ice teas have a lot of alcohol in them. One of the bartenders in the front with unique facial hair configuration is a douche, but the blonde chick is super cool. Your job is to be glib and nice to people. Be like the blonde chick and I might motion my dollar tip in to the jar in front of you while you are looking. read more

Live music? Check. Dance party some nights? Check. Gay friendly? CHECK. Nice staff? Check. Great bar to go see local/regional acts on Saturday night. They give local bands a chance. Great karaoke on Wednesday nights. Great dancing on Friday nights. Always a diverse group in the bar. They like all kinds! One of the more progressive bars in Columbia! A++ read more

Are you cool? That's not a fake question. If you're lame and square go away. This bar serves straight up drinks and has a great vibe. Great music and cool AF patrons. If you like roller derby, artistic people with an open mind and lots of tats...this is your joint. It's my favorite bar in Columbia and O highly recommend you go...and while you're there have yourself a jamo!! read more

Never a bad experience, super inclusive and friendly and your guaranteed to dance your head off. Friday nights are Awesome! read more

Art Bar - Love for all. - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I started frequenting the Art Bar as a college student. I am a bit quirky, and it's the kind of place with such a diverse group of patrons that everyone feels welcome. As I matured, I found the Art Bar still appealed to me. Whether I am in the mood to stay up late dancing, or just want to chill outside and talk with friends (new and old), it's always a great choice for an evening out. read more

I went here to see Venice is Sinking um... a while back. Try to get a spot under an air vent. I was permitted to both smoke and draw naked ladies on the wall, which is an automatic A+ in my book. And the giant robots = awesome, though it would be better if they would occasionally shoot lasers out of their eyes and/or try to take over the world. Alas, we cannot have everything. read more

Tagged along with some folks to go here - the bartender and bouncer/doorman were very personable . . . really enjoyed hanging out and have a couple of drinks, including probably the best Moscow mule I've ever had. read more

Back in the day, Art Bar was the ONLY bar in Columbia with Hipster Street Cred, yet somehow it managed to be totally unpretentious all the same. It was also the only bar in Columbia with GIANT ROBOTS. I'm pretty sure that this still holds true. read more

I havn't been back to Cola in a couple of years, but this was prob. my favorite bar. Tim the bartender is/was? great, and so were most of the patrons. Except for some. you know who you are Also, the only place where a friend of mine puked into his own lap with a calm, stoic demeanor read more

Art Bar is one of the few cool places to drink in Columbia. A great atmosphere combined with friendly staff and phenomenal tunes.

I love this place! I love going Tuesdays where they have comedians trying out their new material! I love the bartender with the long wizard beard! The people there are really interesting and diverse. read more

They have changed their performance time to 8:30 pm , which fits with the time i go to bed a lot better, this way i can enjoy the show and not wake up to work being very tired. The grilled salmon over salad that they serve here is really amazing and tasty, it is always cooked to perfection. Any other place in town you want good drinks , good atmosphere and tasty food you will pay twice as much. read more

Every time I have gone to Art Bar, I have an unpleasant experience. The vibe there varies significantly from night to night, and I have witnessed some fist-fights. I don't necessarily feel safe at Art Bar. The drinks are a little expensive, and frankly, not very good. Live music is fun on occasion, but the cover charges get me down. I think Art Bar could be a great place, but something about it just makes it kind of depressing and scary. read more

Any bar that will not sell Budweiser, or any of the other best selling brands of beer, has significantly reduced the customer's choice. I won't be returning. read more

I've only been to Columbia a few times. Usually because I get free tickets to watch the Cocks play some football. Never ventured outside of that realm until now. The Art Bar is something Greenville needs. Reminds me of a hole in the wall in ATL or even NYC. Diverse, yes. And glad to see it thrive. I can hang here because no one here gives a damn who you are, what you are and what business you have. The way it should be where being judged isn't anyone's concern. read more

The Art Bar is a good place. Lots of things to stare at and talk about, which is pleasant when you're drinking. The bartenders know how to make drinks, they're almost always friendly. Karoke Wednesdays with Mr. B is always a hit. This place is kept up and a-ok with me. read more

Art Bar is not only my favorite Columbia venue, but one of the best bars I've been in period. It has a very vibrant, welcoming, and creative atmosphere that's cozy with a lot of seating. They have fabulous live music line-ups, fun events like Alterna-cirque, and the best karaoke in town on Wednesdays. It's even been voted as having the best "bathroom wall wisdom" in Columbia. It's refreshing in the South to find a place where alternative lifestyles/appearances are not only accepted, but embraced. read more

Pretty cool scene if you want to go somewhere not "chain" like. Staff could use some personality and life, never saw one of them smile the entire night while serving drinks. They do have three seperate bars which is convenient read more

The staff is weird and maybe a bit out of it. Good beer selection. But odd atmosphere.

Of course I like the art bar! I grew up in this bar. Honestly cannot even count the number of times I have closed it out. I was in there this past weekend while passing through and it was pretty dead- I think just because it was the weekend of the fourth. If someone tells you the art bar is a gay bar- do not believe them. A long time ago it was percieved as one because the artsy crowd would hang out there and, well, there are more gays in the artsy crowd than in the frat boy crowd. Go figure. But trust me- the vast majority of the crowd are single heteros. They have bands and DJs frequently so check the free times to see what is going on when you want to head downtown! Tim is a great guy and if he is your bartender you better tip FAT!! Actually they have all been great in my experience so tip fat regardless of who it is. If you are from out of town I definitely recommend art bar- try it on a Wednesday for "Mr. B's goodtime karaoke explosion"! read more

My favorite bar in Columbia, they always have a great calendar of events going on. Good drink selections, friendly staff, and fun layout and appointments make this bar my go-to destination in the Vista. There always seem to be a wide cast of characters, everyone is welcome. Now and again this city, state or nation of ours puts more limits on businesses, but the Art Bar staff are always working on all the setbacks and restrictions, making good accommodations in a very reasonable time. Excellent place to meet friends, grab a drink & see a different side of Columbia. read more

My husband and I loved the vibe of this bar and all the decor. The only thing was the beer cans were old and moldy. There was mold all around the top of the can and the dates on the bottom of the beers we got was from 2017. We were at the bar like April 2019. read more

I used to enjoy going to this place with my wife and some friends. It was one of my wife's favorite bars in Columbia. However, a few months ago, I was removed from my beer, and thrown out the door. As it turns out, I was thrown out for putting beers on my wife's tab, the one that she opened with our joint checking account. This also happens to be with the card that looks just like mine, that has the same last name as mine. The bartender asked my wife if anyone else was supposed to order drinks on her tab, to which she replied that only her husband should. He asked who I was, and she said he's the guy with the orange shirt (other descriptors here as well). I was the only person there that night with an orange shirt on, or any of the other descriptors she provided. The bartenders came storming through the bar, ripped my beer from my hands, and threw me out. Never did they even consider to ask me a question about the situation. Once outside, I finally was able to inquire about why I'd be thrown to the street, and he told me. So, I immediately pulled out my wallet and showed him a picture of her and a membership card that has both of our names on it. If he had asked me anything prior to violently throwing me out, I would have showed him these things, and this whole misunderstanding would have simply been that. However, that's not at all how they handled it. As if this wasn't enough, he argued more with me. Anyway, I was quite angry and then the bartender proceeded to tell me, "I don't give a **** if you come back". I went back in and questioned the other bartender who instigated this whole mess, and he simply replied, "Don't come back. I don't give a **** about your business." By the way, at that time I had consumed 3 beers over quite a few hours. I was far from inebriated. I can't say the same for the bartenders. Honestly, I think that if the back bartender had not been so drunk and/or paying more attention, this would have never happened. Apparently this is acceptable behavior from their employees. I haven't been back since, and don't plan on it. It's a shame too. On multiple occasions I have steered rather large groups away from this place because of the actions of the employees. I guess in a down economy this bar is doing well enough to disrespect their patrons, and not care if they ever come back. read more

The Art Bar is always mine and my friends go to place in the Vista/downtown area. Always a chill place with a lot of fun to be had. Great bartenders and staff, karaoke night is a must!! 100% recommend. read more

Fun times.....good drinks.......good music....best thing to do here....PEOPLE watch! Oh ya!!!!!

Funfumfun place to be on a Friday evening with or without ur friends the dancing times are heaps fun and a great ppl gazing place... and band nights are good but the sound could improve but again a fun place to be and make/share great memories read more

i love this bar. great place to listen to LIVE ROCK BANDS and its pretty inclusive. a must go if you're alternative or punk or hipster. the drinks are pricier than other places but they're strong. you won't waste your money there. read more

Be on the lookout for receipts. I've never had that happen anywhere else I've been, and that is bad biz!! 2 Grey goose cost $18, i specifically left cash in their Jar/ bottle thing and I signed to authorize $18 on my card. Somehow, it appeared to be $20 on my bank statement from Art Bar. It's not even about the $2 it's just not RIGHT ! And i don't think it's even legal! never come back, ever read more

Super lame. No parking. Dirty. Smells dirty. Feels dirty. Looks dirty. Lame music. Might not be a gay bar, but some nights it would fool you. Giant robots does not a cool bar make. read more