Could be the most interesting Irish bar that I've ever been to. For instance, this Saturday at nine p.m. it's a few lads calling themselves "Spankbank". Not sure, but it may be some kind of modern Riverdance? They'll also be watching RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars before karaoke on Friday. It's been years since I've seen drag racing. Big Daddy Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Don "The snake" Prudhomme! John Force! Hope I can make it back for that one! Everyone is so nice here. The bartender was very friendly and mixes a mean concoction. They have about a dozen beers on tap, a whole lotta hard liquor, tv's and darts! I don't believe they serve food, but did see some outside food coming in. BTW, on Thursday nights, the Thirst Trap Revue Show with Sexy GoGo Dancers. It may just be my old, failing eyes, but they just aren't that sexy. 08/24 read more

Cavan Irish Pub - Front entrance - Gay Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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his Irish pub is definitely one of a kind... specifically because it's the only gay Irish pub I've ever been to or even heard of. From the outside looking in it looks like your typical dive bar, but once inside all that changes. I visited on a Saturday evening and was surprised to find that we got there just in time for their weekly Spankbank. In a nutshell it's a strip show with a DJ. It was quite entertaining and my friends and I had a blast. The drinks were strong and cheap and the bartenders were friendly and quick to serve me. I really liked that it was within walking distance of a few other bars, making it a fun stop as we bounced around. read more

Update review: Heath the manager gave me a call regarding the way my mother and I were treated by Tyler. He sincerely seemed to want to address the concern and stated he plans to have some trainings with his staff for how to address these types of situations in the future. He didn't make excuses, he agreed how the situation was handled was inappropriate, and sincerely seemed to want to help. read more

I can't believe I haven't discovered Cavan earlier than about 2 months ago. The happy hour and daily drinks special is great here. They do make strong drinks here for the price so keep that in mind... They offer an excellent karaoke night with amazing KJ's from Excess Karaoke. KJ Mercedes is a lot of fun to see work and sing with. She does a great job! I find the place very fun to hang out with a large group of friends. It is not that terribly big but it does have an upscale cozy feel to it. Being right in Merion Village, west of German Village, South of Brewery District and downtown, you get a diversified crowd here, from LGBTQ community, to out of town visitors, to business travelers, to local friends just looking for a fun night out. Some nights, they offer fetish themed parties of some sort so make sure the people you hang out with are not of the "prudish" or sensitive to visuals type if you know what I mean. read more

Great neighborhood bar with lots to offer. From strippers to drag bingo, or a nice patio to have a drink (or 3) with some friends. The staff is always very attentive and the entertainment is always great. I love seeing how this bar has evolved over the years since it's days as Remo's... it's come a long way! read more

My first time here and I've been in Columbus for quite some time. Let me first start off by saying, nice little hidden gem to duck off to whenever you really want to get away from mainstream Columbus nightlife. The bartenders know how to make a decent drink but is unknowledgeable about what vodka comes in the Jell-O shots. One thing people have to keep in mind is that this is not your typical bar. By that I mean there are semi-nude dancers at times. I would definitely visit again due to good drinks and nice vibe. read more

Love Friday karaoke nights at this bar!! The bartenders are the best and the crowd is great! My partner and I always feel so welcomed when we drop in. KJ Mark is awesome and the sound system is really good. Check it out for yourself! read more

Cavan is, I'm pretty darn well sure, Columbus' only gay irish pub. Haha. What a combo, right? I went here with some friends for Drag Queen Bingo on Sunday night, and lemme tell you, what a hoot that was! 4 out of the 5 people in our group were straight, and I'm pretty certain we were the only straight people there. This wasn't a very lively gay bar, which I think is an adjective the bars frequented by larger quantities of straights would tend to have used to describe them. The bartender called me sweetie when I pulled up a seat, which is always a treat (hear that, lady bartenders?!?! Jeez). I asked about drafts, and while the selection wasn't huge, they did have some decent options. I went for Lagunitas IPA, one of my absolute favorites. They have glasses specific to each draft beer, which is an interesting touch. The IPA was served in mason jars featuring the brewery's logo. I had seen these one other time, but I can't recall where. Now, the reason we came down here, again, was for the bingo. We had heard the hostess was hilarious and used lots of witty banter when calling out the numbers. Of course, the prizes were silly too. Some normal stuff like t-shirts and things, but I'm pretty sure there was a dildo in there, and the grand prize was a blow-up doll. My only complaint about the bingo was how freakin' fast she calls out the numbers. He doesn't leave a lot of time for talk that she doesn't initiate. So it's not super conducive to conversation/hanging out. Funniest moment of the night was her calling my friend "the Lesbian with the rattail." My friend retorted "I am not a lesbian!" I chimed in "she only plays one on TV", which got some laughs. That exchange had us rolling. It was a reasonable suspicion on her part, honestly. Haha. The bartender made us some shots that tasted like peanut butter cookies or something. I don't remember what all it had in it, but it included licking some salt. I think it might have been tequila and butter schnapps. It sounded gross, but was quite a trip going down. The bill was pretty cheap, especially considering I had bought a round of shots. The IPAs were I think $4. Again, this is another one of those bars that is off the beaten path if you don't live in the area. It's in Merion Village, so if that's not your hood, be prepared with some sort of DD arrangement. read more

Looking for a place for (good) Karaoke? This is your spot. Everyone was so nice in this place -- you could tell that 80% of the crowd were regulars, but that didn't keep them from chatting up other guests. The mood was definitely heavy with camaraderie. Then the karaoke started. Oh my. I was blown away by the talent. I'd talked myself into going up there with a group of my friends, but after hearing the outpouring of talent, I didn't dare. I don't think people would have been mean about it if I had or anything, it's just that everyone was so freaking good that I didn't want to ruin the amazing-ness. I was thoroughly entertained and impressed, and more than happy to watch. You sign up for karaoke via a computer kiosk, which is kind of nice. I'm not really a frequenter of karaoke (even though I love it), so this may be common place now, I'm not sure. We went in July, but this would be a perfect winter den. Parking was easy and I love having tried-and-true options on the South Side. read more

When I walked into the bar The door was malfunctioning The bartender was the most unfriendly one I ever met When I asked him about the local beer selection since I was visiting from out of town and wanted to know more about the local beer He become frustrated his face said 1000 words He told to look up at the wall and make a selection He had no time to be hospitable The bar was not busy at all I decided to stay because I believe in second chances I asked for blue moon beer He served it I guess because he had no choice but to do his job When I asked him for a piece of orange he rudely said " we do not have any" I enjoyed trying new bars when I go out of town I like to think that gay bars are friendly This one was everything but Maybe the bartender was just having a bad day Too bad I had to pay for it Perhaps the next visitor will have a better luck Lots of room for improvement that's all I can say to the manager and or owner of this bar Thank You! read more

I guess three years later its time for me to update my review on Cavans. Drinks and prices still have not changed...I still feel they are a great deal for someone who wants to go have a couple drinks and loosen up before heading down to the SN or exploring the rest of the gems of the South Side. Some things have changed though with this place. The cleanliness of the joint has defiantly taken a nose dive, don't get me wrong its not filthy but it wouldn't hurt to clean the bathrooms a little more and maybe vacuum a little more often. Also..lets maybe think about repainting the darn place....i'm getting tired of poo brown walls. The beer taps really dont change as much as they used to, and the liquor selection seems to have stayed about the same. They offer Karaoke on Tuesday and Friday, Saturdays are always a good time with a good mix of people. Sunday funday with Kurt are always a good way to day drink before drag queen bingo. oh and also....dont let the name throw you....there is nothing Irish about the place :) read more

If Ralph Lauren was going to decorate a gay bar on a budget, yet tasteful, Cavans Irish Pub is what he would have come up with. This Irish Pub (apparently the only Gay, Irish Pub in Columbus, is a great neighborhood bar - even if you don't even live in the neighborhood. Friends and I have popped in here on several ocassions and each time was very enjoyable. They have an excellent selection of draft and bottle beers, and Todd and Tim know how to make a stiff drink too! The place also has little appetizer type food such as Nachos, Hummus and Pita, and Chip, and seem to go all out for special sporting events and a Sunday potluck. Heated smoking section is great for those smokers and plenty of parking in the private lot with security cameras (Suzette and I learned people could view us on the big screen), and on street parking. All in all, well worth a visit. read more

if i die and there's no heaven i want to be an orb at cavan irish pub. So much fun and good times Sometimes I don't want to leave

Don't spend money here. Rude to their patrons and bartenders who can't make simple well known drinks. Typical queenie attitudes. Spend your money elsewhere read more

This is on my short list of favorite conversation bars. When I'm out exploring a new city, some conversation with the locals over a beer or two is the perfect way to end the day, and the Cavan never disappoints. The locals here are extremely friendly and receptive to out of towners. On Tuesday nights, make sure to bring along a T-bone or Chicken breast and have the nice ladies out back grill it up for you! The bartenders are super friendly and attentive to the state of emptiness of your glass. Karaoke night is fun, some of the locals are very talented. In short, this a great alternative to the pretension that seems to thrive in the Short North. Cavan is about 180 degrees from that. read more

I consider Cavan's a neighborhood gathering place. Bartenders know you. Supportive and welcoming of the neighborhood. Bathrooms always clean. Entertainment and activities diverse, upscale, engaging. NEGATIVE....THEY DO NOT SERVE PABST BLUE RIBBON.......that's my beer of choice Tall Boys of course. read more

Great decor and a gentlemen's club feel. (You know, in the dimly lit, cognac by the fireplace way. NOT the stuffing $1 bills in a g-string way.) Fantastic beer selection and well-priced cocktails in classy glassware. Mikey, Chelsea and Paul always take good care of people and they recently enclosed their patio for winter. They have plans to expand the outdoor seating are in Spring. Not open on Sunday yet, which will require the owners to jump through some hoops with the neighbors. Parking close can get competitive but there are plenty of spots nearby. read more

Love this bar. Every time we go it's a blast. Drag shows on Saturday and karaoke on Friday (and people that can actually sing) This place is definitely worth a stop in if you've never been. Very friendly and inviting. read more

Super festive bar with a great choice of beers and friendly bartenders! Bring your touchtunes app and you get to design your own evening. Will come back again soon! Make sure to ask what they have and explore your to your beers' content!!! read more

So after we got there it wasn't exactly what I expected. We met some friends there that are going to be moving away and they wanted to spend one last evening here. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT WE HAD AN ABSOLUTE BLAST. The place was nice, they had great beers on tap, the staff was really nice. the people singing karaoke were kinda rough around the edges but it seemed like they were also having a great time so more power to them. If this is the type of atmosphere you are looking for, don't miss out on this one. Drag bingo on a sunday night? WHAT! read more

The happy hour drink specials are great and very affordable. The bartenders are FANTASTIC! Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. It's one of those places that "everyone knows your name". The atmosphere makes you want to come back again and again. read more

Small, quaint friendly gay bar in Merion Village. Has a covered patio as well. Definitely a neighborhood bar feel, many of the patrons know one another. Select nights have strip shows and drag shows. read more

Drinks are cheap but bartender spent all night talking to his friends even though bar was dead. Even went outside with them and left bar. Not at all like reviews. Don't forget your new guests turn into locals. read more

I heart this bar. It is nice to go and grab a drink and get away or to have a fun time. I am not into the gay scene because I am with the man I love for 7 years, so this is a nice place where we can go and not try to get picked up by perverts. LOL so in short if your looking for the bar on cheers, go here. read more

It''s OK except when the female bartender staples the receipt to your credit card right thru the magnetic strip rendering the card useless. I think she hates men in general. read more

Favorite bar in Columbus! Friendly bartenders, well designed bar seating, great decor, and a decent amount of beer on tap. (Try a flight!) It's more of a neighborhood joint, but well-appointed as if it were in the main strip of Short North (or almost Manhattan even) Decent patio area if you don't mind the smoke. Cameras on the parking areas in the back, but I still prefer to park on high street if I can find a space. Busy nights can create unfortunate waits for drinks, but that is a small price to pay for a fun place to relax with friends. (and make new ones) read more

This is our usual Sunday bar. We come here for the drag queen bingo. Friendly bartender, clean place, very welcoming. We always have fun when we come here. read more

We love coming here!!! Awesome bartenders (Paul!!), great music and a super friendly crowd! Well done Cavan's

Went thinking it would be a dive. Couldn't have been more wrong. Bigger than it looks outside, very clean and stylish. Great patio and great bartenders. read more

Fun, laid back atmosphere. Definitely a nice get away from the standard Short North bars.

I love the bartenders here. It's a fun friendly environment and the drinks are great and cheap.

The bartenders are really friendly, they remember what you are drinking after your first round and never let you sit empty. The patio is a nice size, but could use a facelift. The decor inside could also use some updating, new carpet, fresh coat of paint, better sound system, but overall, a really comfortable place where apparently everybody knows everybody else but are also really accommodating to new folks. We've gone there a few times on different nights, but particularly enjoy the Saturday night drag shows. Hellin Bedd runs the show on the mic and never seems to have met a stranger, her witty banter and delivery is what keeps the regulars coming back week after week. She has groupies called the Hellions and groupies called the Bedd Buggs, both are alot of fun. Her cast includes some of the best performers I have seen anywhere, some of our favorites are Samantha Rollins, Vivi Velure, Mary Nolan, Alli Katt, Diamond Hunter, Deva Station, Vivian von Brokenhymen, Blahze Brown, Reianna Ali and Jayla Cruz. The cast rotates from week to week, these are just some of the performers I've seen since we've been going. Sundays are also alot of fun with Drag Bingo, Mary Nolan and Hellin Bedd take turns hosting and they are both a real hoot on the mic. They have karaoke a couple of nights a week, I'm not a big fan, but it is always crowded and people seem to enjoy it. Wednesday nights are Trivia night hosted by someone named Darrell. Only went once, but it was surprisingly fun. Overall, excellent bar with a great staff and great entertainment that isn't going to break the bank. My favorite times are Happy Hours and Saturday nights. If you're looking for a cool gay Irish Pub, you should definitely check this place out. read more

The first time I stepped into Cavan Irish Pub I failed to notice the rainbow neon in the window. I went in seeking directions and not even 5 steps around the bar I was being hit on. I was taken off guard but once my eyes adjusted to the light I realized where I had stumbled. I left with my tail between my legs quickly. Honestly, I had never been into a gay bar. I was new to the neighborhood and noticed while I was in there that the place was very stylish. It has a dimly lit atmosphere, very well decorated, so a few days later I decided to go have a drink. The bartender, Keith, was very polite and generous. I don't remember the guy who hit on me but I doubt if I have seen him since because everyone else I met in there was very cool. Drag bingo is a hoot. I have yet to partake in karaoke yet but I plan to. The selection of beer on tap is very nice. I always drink the Raging Bitch IPA but Keith said no one else drinks it so it will be replaced soon. The patio is spacious enough to play cornhole and there is plenty of seating and tables. There are a few televisions on both sides of the bar and considering the view of the parking lot displayed on one of the TVs, parking back there is safe. That is, as long as you don't leave any valuables visible in your car. (So I hear) Anyway, being a straight guy and not having visited any gay bars I can unbiasedly say that this place is an awesome spot to hang out. read more

So I was at Cavan's this past Wednesday and opened a tab for the evening and the bartender took my card and kept it behind the bar till I closed out and left. The following morning there were three charges for play station games purchased on my debit card. The card had not been out of my site for days other than that time period while I was at Cavan's and my card was behind the bar. I do NOT own a playstation. read more

Great place to gather with friends. Bartender on Sunday evening is the best (Kurt). Love the relaxed atmosphere!