My neighborhood bar! Patio in the summer is where it's at. I have been coming here for over 20 years and many evaluations. Crowd is friendly, good drinks, and is great for after work stop in and handing out with friends. Evenings in the Barracks and out back are fun too but typically a crowd shit around 7:30 to 8pm. Definitely recommend. read more

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Our favor club in Columbus. The club is great in size and friendliness. Once you go there, it's like you instantly become family.

First time here September 17, 2024. It's in a nice neighborhood and the ambiance was well kept. Great layout and clean. Gary was adorable and welcoming. Great selection of draft beers! Also has a large beautiful patio with ample space to sit, capture photos, soak in nature, and play games. read more

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Oh my goodness... I had an absolute blast at AWOL and I will, without a doubt, be back. I went out for Halloween with friends and the last place we stopped was here. I had heard good things but I really had no idea what to expect until I got there. The space is kinda broken up into three sections. The first is like a dive bar, the second is somewhat of a patio, and the third is what I would call a dance party. And when I say dance party I mean full on lights, a DJ playing electronic music, etc. I tore up the dance floor with my friends and it was so much fun. There's a bar in each section and everyone was really nice, making it fairly easy to grab a drink. The drinks were strong, just how we like it during a night out on the town. I also really liked that they had a coat check even though I didn't need it. There was also a $10 cover that I didn't expect but it was worth it. AWOL is an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment and I loved the gender neutral restrooms and the overall community vibe. Love that Columbus has a spot like this where everyone is invited! read more

Just a good vibe. A few drinks and Karaoke night too. Have not tried their food stuffs but typical bar menu.

Wow! Nick during Happy Hour is the best! He is not one to let go. Very personable, willing to chat & always customer service focused! He is a keeper! Thanks for hiring awesome people! read more

Could you be anymore queer than here? Truly one of the epicenters of queer Columbus today. I always have a fantastic time when I come here.

We just moved in around the corner and so we came here for July 4th. The bartender was nice, our glasses were rarely empty without asking for a refill. We sat at the bar but kept seeing the majority of people going through the back door. I had been here once before years ago but it was just a back patio that all the smokers were back to. So we stayed upfront. It got quite busy and we kept seeing more and more people going back there. I went to go to the bathroom but there was a line. One of the staff said, "Hey guys there are more bathrooms outside in 'the barracks'". I didn't know what that meant but I went. The back has CHANGED dramatically since I saw it last. It was now another bar, tons of uni-sex bathrooms, and even a dance floor with a DJ booth. It looked fun but wasn't the vibe I was in at the time so I went back upfront. We had a good time and the bartender that came in later, a young female with short red hair, was super friendly and we adored her. We will be back. read more

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It's awesome here. The bartenders are so nice and friendly. Try a couple mixed drinks and you have a great time here. read more

Awol - Inside bar. Clean and nice. No smoking thankfully inside. But there is an outside deck you can smoke on. - Gay Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Absolutely love AWOL. The bartenders are attentive, the crowd is friendly, and the experience is great overall. Shout out to Joey the bartender! read more

This place is not very welcoming. They kicked me out without so much as an explanation. Womp. Appalachian gay bars have to control whatever they can. read more

I love Awol, it's a great place to go dancing and having an awesome time with friends. Come alone and meet great people, bar staff are very friendly too! Definitely miss being here on a Saturday night read more

An interesting experience to say the least. This is a neighborhood bar off Parsons Ave. Inside the first bar is pretty chill. We were there on a Saturday night and it was full but not incredibly busy. Bartenders are nice and quick, just an FYI they do not serve anything in glass. Although they have glass beer bottles I couldn't get a glass mug for my canned beer. Depending on how you're feeling, the farther you go into the bar the more funky it gets. It's a friendly atmosphere throughout so explore away. This isn't necessarily somewhere I would go all the time but was a cool and enjoyable experience. read more

Located in Old Towne East, AWOL is another LGBTQ friendly establishment that provides excellent happy hours and a superb karaoke night by Excess Karaoke. While I'm not a member of the community, I've always felt welcome here. Themed and fetish oriented nights (normally pre-advertised) are always fun to attend. Participants can get very creative with their attire. Note: Not for the prudish or closed minded. I mostly come here for Karaoke nights. Fun crowd and staff are very friendly, attentive, and some of them sing too and participate in Karaoke fun. They have several nights where they feature a drink special. 2.50 budlight talls , 3 dollar wells, etc. Off street parking. Normally no problem finding parking during week nights. read more

I enjoy the bar, have been several times. This last time I went some big dude that worked there screamed in my friend and I's face to hand him out ID's immediately.....less than twenty steps away from where we had literally just had our ID's checked and okayed. He looked them over and handed them back to us and just walked away, no thanks or apologies for essentially spitting in my face in anger. It ruined my night. If you're going to be abrasive to your patrons, have a good reason. Don't take your bad night out on my friends and I. Will probably go back, but if I'm confronted in the same manner by the same person, I'm going to speak up the next time and use the same level of attitude, anger and plain rudeness. Thanks for making me reinstall yelp just to call you out, bud. read more

I'm not sure how this happened, but AWOL has become my favorite bar in Columbus. I wouldn't call it a dive, but it's much more of a neighborhood bar. The drinks are strong and cheap, the music is good, and their patio is to. die. for. Seriously, this has to be one of the best patios in the city. I'm not sure what happens in the winter because I've never actually drank inside the bar! The bartenders are hit or miss - sometimes grumpy, sometimes great. But Shawn, the barback, is the best employee at AWOL. He's insanely friendly and adorable! I think my favorite part of AWOL is its decidedly low-keyness. You can go dressed in whatever; it's not pretentious at all. Just grab your best friends and head out to the patio for a great night! read more

What a tragic ,trashy, classless business. So I've been twice. My problem w this place: 1. they really have an open a men's open urinal in the club; like that's so trash. Ummm whoever thought of that idea; it doesn't even matter. 2. I ordered which they advertise on the drink menu "THE MULE ",TANQUERAY LONDON DRY GIN, RASPBERRY, LIME, GINGER. You know the Bartender had the audacity to say " We don't have it" In my MIND i said this is a F'ing bar, how the Fruit can't you make a simple drink that u advertise. 3. So because this VIP bartender could not make "The Mule" we ordered "The Marg" and a Jameson on the rocks. The PRESENTATION of it was sinful. He gave me " The Marg" in a cheap plastic clear up that was size of rinse cup. There was no lime in my Margarita; I love Limes. I was rolling my eyes of the disappointment of not giving me a Lime. The Jameson on the the rocks; made me want to have a full mental breakdown in the cheap clear plastic cup he put it in w/ 3 ice pellets just floating. Oh I'm not even getting started of how much this was. 4. Then This VIP Bartender made someone drink in an AWOL pail/bucket. I just can't. the backwoods mindset of whoever is running this place. I can't. inconclusion. AWOL-absent from one's post but without intent to desert. I figured the meaning proves what this place is about. I really want this place to be awesome because it really is a nice space. They even have a pretty ppl who go there. I really hope they hire some go getter instead of Debbie downers. and stop serving ppl drinks in clear cups at least give me a RED CUP. read more

Layout: Very unassuming storefront with your typical bar and pool, but a really cool patio and dance floor in the back. $$$: The cover is usually pretty affordable ~$3 ($10 at most if there's something different and exciting going on). Shots are $3-4 and a cocktail might run you ~$5. Overall, a good bang for your buck. The Crowd: Usually friendly and not snooty. There's a good mix of regulars and first timers on the weekends. Never been there on a weekday, though. Would definitely recommend! read more

Completely underwhelming. Waited for 7 minutes at a near empty bar. Bartender started serving people who arrived after me so I got up and left. The bathrooms do not even close without a hook latch. Better bars in the area. read more

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My parents used to joke that when I turned 21 they were going to drop me off at one end of Parsons Avenue and pick me up in the morning at the other end. Hopefully, if I had been in Columbus for my 21st, I would have ended up at AWOL. I came here with a friend to Pre-Red, White, and Boom and had a great time! Their happy hour deals are amazing with me getting 2 gin and tonics for $6. And that's with the tip. Cheap booze makes me very happy! And cheap booze that wasn't watered down makes me even happier! The bar staff was friendly and even though I stood out like a sore thumb as the token straight at a gay bar, they didn't give me TOO hard a time about it =) I never would have guessed it, but they have an amazing patio out back! There were about 3 people inside but when we walked out the back, a crowd of about 30 were enjoying the warm weather with their own waterfall and a cabana bar of their own. I can definitely see many more happy hours spent here! read more

Awol - Waterfall hidden on their surprisingly nice patio - Gay Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

They keep the place immaculate. Servers are always friendly. The bartenders remember preferences and faces. Crowd is nice and people actually chat. If you're looking for a nice neighborhood feel, this is the place. read more

We came down from Toledo to experience the gay bars of Columbus. AWOL was just OK. The bartender was efficient, but not friendly. The drinks were decent. The atmosphere was terrible. It looked like they were remodeling, but they weren't. There was a moldy smell, and they didn't have any music. read more

Extensive craft beer selection. Pool table, darts, nice patio (well heated in the winter) and the Barracks. The main bar is like a small neighborhood beer joint. Step out the back door to the patio which gets a nice cross breeze and has a full service bar. Beyond the patio is the Barracks where there is another full service bar and dance floor open in evening hours. A lot of good people here. Friendly read more

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Used to be a great place for regulars to meet up after work for a drink. Now the place is trying to be something it never was and have totally switched up their culture. When you are 10x more strict than Axis and Union, we have a problem. The regulars no longer patronize the place for the most part. The atmosphere when from laid back to stuffy. I recommend the new Daddy's bar/club as a substitute. read more

Columbus staple, it has grown larger over the years. Good to see you still here! The staff is known and drinks are not too bad, area easy to access. read more

Although recently left out of the Outlook 2010 Survey, Awol has the best smoking patio of any gay bar in Columbus. The whole patio area was expanded in 2009 and sports an outdoor bar (seasonal), water feature and comfy furniture. This neighborhood bar has friendly tenders, cheap, stiff drinks and a lively vibe. People tend to laugh a lot here. The crowd comes and goes so if you visit and it's slow, give it another shot and you'll have a good time! And Chris makes a killer $3 bloody mary on Sundays starting at 1! read more

Karaoke Monday's!! Checked this place out last night and had a good time. Not too busy, but a steady rotation of good singers. KJ Mark has a great karaoke system and everyone was super friendly! read more

Had an experience with an extremely over weight bartender in the back bar. I'm pretty sure it was racially motivated. After quietly standing in line for a drink for over ten minutes ,the trudball took the time to tell me I was gonna have to wait my turn there at least twenty people a head of you. Garbage!!! total garbage!!! I did finally get a drink with the other bartender in attendance who was polite and decent. This place has a very bad attitude. I will stay away!!!!!! read more

Very friendly neighborhood gay bar in historic and diverse Old Towne East. This place is always evolving and improving the amenities. A spacious patio with a bar for warmer weather,heated enclosed smokers lounge in the winter. It boosts a recent addition,"The Barracks", soon to be a popular dance bar with a stage for events in a warehouse environment adjacent to the patio. A great spacious men's restroom allowing you to watch and be watched yet private and privacy for the ladies. A roof top patio overlooking downtown Columbus is soon to become a reality adding to the excitement of Awol and The Barracks, making this one of the nicest and friendliest neighborhood gay bars around. read more

The bartenders at this establishment are charging twice the set rate, and probably pocketing the difference. When one complains, they do nothing. If you complain again, they throw you out of the bar. Extremely dishonest business. Stay away from this place, and its sister bar, Cavan's, on the south end. read more

the bartenders decide to take suggestions from customers (that are bartenders) to neglect customers based on their word. not viable and also wrong considering they are charging them for a drink and that drink is just juice read more

They've recently remodeled the patio with a large outdoor bar with frozen drinks. Interior also got an update a few years back. The vibe of this place has changed and it gets two more stars for these improvements! read more

AWOL is a bar with personality. All the bartenders are nice and friendly and if you are a regular you can engage in a conversation with them. Just because this bar is classified as a gay bar does not mean you have to be gay to go and enjoy yourself and the atmosphere would never suggest that either. I have grown fond of these type of bars over places like Union (im sorry the U) places like union are in my opinion antisocial and full of pretentious cliques. I want to walk into a bar and be treated decently as a person and not immediately judged by my looks or other attributes. read more

My partner & I are looking to relocate to Columbus in the next couple of months and stopped by AWOL as we spent the weekend scouting out the area. On a slow Sunday, when we came in the crowd was thin to say the least. We ended up chatting with the bartender, Mark, who was so helpful in helping us get our bearings in a new town and kept the drinks coming, too. Thanks for helping some newcomers feel welcome... We'll be back after we move to town! read more

A two roomed night club with an outdoor patio in between for those seeking fresh air or a quick cigarette, Awol was a refreshing place for me to hang after experiencing more than one dive bar masquerading as a trendy gay spot. In addition to the ambience, I also liked the friendly bartenders, wait staff, fellow patrons, and entertainment. Should I seek a night out again, I will definitely give AWOL considerable thought. read more

Nice little neighborhood gay bar, the people are very nice and I do not feel attacked as much as other gay bars Ive gone too. The patio out back I think is bigger than the entire bar, a great place to just sit and talk to friends and people watch. It was a perfect night to be outside and just enjoy the night with friends. read more

I will preface this with the fact that I have worked here as a DJ for the past 4 years. I love this space! There is a front bar, patio bar and back bar for dancing and the occasional show. They are one of the MOST inclusive and diverse LGBTQA bars in Columbus. Recently, I announced that I was changing my name to a more gender neutral one. Every one of the staff members immediately started using my new chosen name. I was soooo happy and relieved because you never know how ANYONE will react. All I can say is that I could not have asked for anything more. Sometimes things happen or people come in that may look young. Heck, everyone under the age of 30 looks like a teenager to me. The staff is always professional and respectful if they do have to ask for an ID. All I'm saying is, do not let a yelp review form your opinion. Come and find out for yourself. As a side note, the sound system inside the dance part is amazing! One of the best in my opinion. Patio speakers are exactly what they are, patio speakers for ambience, but like I said, come and find out for yourself. ‍‍ read more

I really enjoy going to AWOL. Some might describe AWOL as a dive bar but I would say neighborhood bar. The patio is huge and well lit. On my visit over Pride - it was crowded but on most nights the atmosphere is relaxed and there's always a spot for a small group to get together and chill and have some drinks and conversation. Inside is a bit dreary and the small single person restrooms can soon become not enough to support the people in the bar. But, since the atmosphere is chill and the drink are good and cheap... so whatever - potty at home or something. read more

The dive bars of all dive bars. Great patio out back, cheap drinks, and a wise arsed bartender are sure to make your stay as welcoming as possible. read more

I am upgrading AWOL to five stars for a neighborhood bar. Our service has gotten better and better, especially as we've gotten to know some of the people behind the bar. The drinks are cheap and generous; they make a damn good lemon drop shot; AND the locking mechanism has been fixed on the ladies' loo--the last time I was in there, it was even super clean! Thanks, AWOL! read more