It's a vibe had so many crazy fun nights here, great atmosphere, fun crowds. 10/10 collage bar vibes. (Also there is free popcorn)

We had originally stopped in to Goodnight John Boy across the street and didn't have a good time, so we walked over here. It was a much quieter atmosphere with reasonably priced drinks. The parking lot is a little strange- quite a bit of broken glass scattered around and a full sized dumpster right in front of the entrance. But I suppose this adds to the dive bar vibe. The bar staff were attentive and helpful and we each had one drink before continuing on to the next spot. I think that this is a nice, almost hidden, spot off the main street to stop in for a drink and recharge from the craziness of some of the other bars. The ceiling is also really fun and has a lot of beer taps mounted on it. read more

Local Bar - Pubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Im so sad about this place. I loved Local Bar because it was the nice local bar to go to either down the street or on the way home from the bar. It is so nasty anymore. It smells so bad. I hate writing this, but I think this place is just trying to suck every dime out of us to cash out the property value. Sad. read more

Local Bar - Pubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Visited local bar late night while visiting Columbus for a conference. My friend and I wanted somewhere off the beaten path that was more divey than cute cocktail hour. This place fits the bill PERFECTLY. Firstly, they are extremely pride-forward which was really refreshing. I felt comfortable and happy with the experience. Secondly, they make great drinks. The bartender was nice and easygoing, nothing crazy but still well-mannered. They have pool tables, darts and great mood lighting. If I'm ever back in Columbus, I'm for sure coming back here read more

A hidden gem of course!! We have come here as a friend group multiple times. Always an amazing vibe. Hole in the wall vibes, especially for high street short north. Very chill. Nothin' but an awesome time. No food. Service is great. I will always be back here. Small bar though. Kinda hard to come with a big group. You know your girl got a Sunny D strawberry seltzer. Stay classy yo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

This bar does not care about it's patrons safety at all. Went this past St Patrick's day with my girlfriend and ended up meeting a really drunk girl. She was clearly blacked out and could barely function. All her friends had left her and she couldn't remember her address or phone password. We told a bar tender what was going on and he said "I don't drink so it's not my problem". If you want to be safe, I highly recommend going somewhere else. read more

Great little border line dive bar with a great happy hour. Great service and a super fun environment with music, dart boards and a pool table. read more

Local Bar - Play room - Pubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

My bartender Logan tonight was phenomenal! My bev was made quick and delightful. The overall atmosphere was totally my vibe. The drinks made were delicious but i will be returning for the service alone. Highly recommend ! read more

Was so glad to find this "local" spot. Great 70s retro vibe. The dude with the mustache seemed pleasant enough. Ordered drinks in a half dead bar. Was it my bad to expect decent service? I played several songs on my jukebox app. Each one was skipped. I asked the bartender he said " yea dude your songs were too slow". He did offer to pay me for my songs but I knew TouchTunes would refund me and I wanted to be sure they knew my situation. I won't recomendable. Although I may give them another try if he isn't working. read more

been going for about a year and the new bartender Logan really stepped up to the plate and didn't let me and my friends down. took amazing care of us and very attentive when our friend was having an issue with a guy outside. Will be coming back to see him more read more

Love this bar! Easily one of my favorite bars in Columbus. The vibe is always so good and I love that they have separate areas in the bar with plenty to do. They have TouchTunes, which is always a plus, darts, pool, and plenty of seating. Definitely check them out if you haven't already read more

This place is like the purest definition of a great, local dive bar. For starters, everyone is welcome. This place has a diverse crowd and that makes it even more fun. I've seen all walks of life while enjoying my time at Local Bar and I'm here for it. Next, the place has cheap drinks and free popcorn. I mean, what's not to love? There's something about free popcorn that makes a dive bar super memorable. Moving on... The decor is divey but eclectic and fun. The music is always on point, and they even have a couple games to play if you need to pass the time or you're feeling competitive. The only downfall is the bathrooms on a busy night. There's often long lines for both men and women. Not much you can do about that but it's worth mentioning. I've been hearing talks about this place closing up shop and I sure hope that's just a rumor. I'll continue coming here as long as I live in the SN! read more

Went here on a Monday night. Unusual, basement themed bar. I was intrigued by the anti discrimination picture posted on yelp and thought I would give it a try while visiting from out of town. Unfortunately, we played some songs on the jukebox when there wasn't a single person playing. The bartender didn't like our choices so he just skipped through each one of them after only playing for a few seconds. When questioned about it, he said the songs were too slow. I guess he's not a Bonnie raitt fan and the Halloween sound track is not up tempo enough. After a few songs, it was back to no one playing. I didn't see any food, but we wouldn't have stuck around anyways. read more

I loved coming here until we had an unfortunate interaction with "an employee" who was sat at the bar when we arrived and left after the interaction. A little suspicious but whatever. There were 4 of us and this person comes to the pool area, where we paid to play pool and began harassing my friend, getting too close to her, trying to play OUR GAME and when we said "no thank you" he then started becoming aggressive and grabbing her glass, just THEN decides to tell us he works there. Even though, as I stated, he was sat at the bar not serving people. We asked him to put her glass down multiple times. He started saying things like "I hate people like you, and why did you play the censored version of this song etc". We had kindly asked him several times to put her glass down and he refused. After that, while paying our tabs, he was calling us HOMOPHOBIC SLURS, D*kes being the one that he throwing around a lot . So if you're wanting a safe calm space, this probably isn't the place for you. (Despite their creed on the wall.) We had also only started the evening, so one drink for 3 out of the 4 of us. I still tipped my bartender and left. But if this is really an employee, you should be concerned because that really isn't how people should act and if there are cameras, definitely watch it. It's fucking ridiculous. read more

Popped in here after a few other Short North stops. We had never been and our out of town friends said that their Uber driver told them to go there. They wanted to see the karaoke so we we game. Had no idea it was tucked back there in the strip. The place is all kinds of eclectic. The decor is crazy. The old phone booth turned into a phone charging station, the old salon dryer chairs, the murals, the carpeted wall and the crazy amounts of beer tap handles around the ceiling. The restrooms are wallpapered with cool old magazines. The men's restroom with old Playboy covers. Very cool. The karaoke was on point. Both terrible and entertaining. The people watching was great. The drinks are strong. And super cheap!!! We got 4 beers and 4 mixed drinks for $20.00 man!! We had a great time there. We would definitely go back again. Has its own parking lot so that's awesome. That's hard to find in Short North. read more

See all

I've been to this bar many times over the last 5 years. It is a very welcoming dive bar. The space and bathrooms are usually clean which is a huge bonus. There's also free popcorn and the staff do a great job of keeping the machine full on busy nights. Drinks vary in price but you can get a good draft for $3 on happy hour and $5-6 normally. You can also get a can of Genese for $1. I recommend doing this as a bit of an initiation. The beer is awful. Shoving a lime in the can helps a bit. 10/10 would recommend coming here for a couple casual drinks. read more

Worst service in Columbus Ohio. Denies people who are over 21 years old and acts like he's a big shot. The bartender literally sucks and needs a wake up call. read more

Local Bar is The Short North's "everyman's bar"... and by everyman, I really mean it. It felt like a dive bar where you would find all walks of life. The drinks were cheap and strong, and the clientele friendly. There's not much more to say about the atmosphere other than the welcoming dive-bar attitude its a great way to start or finish a night. My favorite part about Local Bar is that it's in the Short North without being a "Short North Bar." You could come to Local Bar with the goal of having an all-out rager or just a chill night with some beers and have a great time.. The people-watching is fantastic an the beer choices are great. On the dive bar spectrum, this place ranks high. read more

On a cold November Gallery Hop, we decided to give Local Bar a try. While we didn't hate it, we didn't quite love it either. It was just plain odd. Lady Gaga and other gayness blaring from the speakers...YEAHHHHH. Crowded crowd of sports-paraphernalia-wearers and super douches...NOOOOO. Cider on tap...YEAHHHHH. Awkward seating...NOOOOO. read more

This place is so strange in so many different ways and for so many different reasons... but I'm okay with it. Imma break it down. 1) The clientele I've been here a couple of times and each time it's always a little different. I'm really never able to guess what kind of clientele will be there on a nightly basis. The first time I went here, for instance, the bar was mostly full with business people around 35 years old with a smattering of people in their 20s. The second time it was full of hipsters with some 30-year-olds and even some that could have been in their 40s. In some ways this diversity is neat, but in other ways it's off putting since you're never really sure what to expect when you get there. 2) The atmosphere Holy 1970s. Mostly. This place is your favorite hair salon from the 70s (take note of the hair dryers) combined with your favorite arcade and then mixed with a nice dose of industrial metal/barrenness to round things out. I like the 1970s aspects of the bar - there are some fun props for pics and to just hang out with - but it's the layout that really throws me off... 3) The layout To me, the layout of LB is its biggest weakness. If it were at capacity, which I haven't seen it be yet, there would be an impassable bottle neck from the main door to the bar. When there are fewer people, the main seating area is nearly empty and everyone congregates in front of the bar. Right where you want to order your drink. Add this to there being only two single-person bathrooms, one for men and one for women, right off the side of the bar (where long lines inevitably feed into that bar area I was just mentioning) and things are too congested in some areas and nearly empty in others. The good: Since much of my review is slightly toward the negative side, I want to make sure I point out LB's good aspects. They have a neat set of props - from the 70s egg chair to the arcade games to the hair salon dryers. They have a GREAT beer selection. I had a couple of beers here that I haven't seen in other places and they were all excellent. The clientele is diverse, interesting, and seems to change on a nightly basis. Like I mentioned above, this can be a double-edged sword depending on what you're looking for. To summarize this already too long review: Local Bar isn't a place I'd spend all night at, but it seems like a good place to check out at least once to see if its many facets fits your personality. read more

See all

First time here last night! We only stopped in for one drink around 8, since my co-worker was here with her friend. Her friend's dog is welcome (very cool) so she (dog) was on her leash but getting lots of attention from other patrons. It wasn't busy last night but there were a few people around the bar. It's kind of cozy, with a seating area in one corner, and seating in the pool room. My husband was happy with the beer choices, and my jack and ginger was in a tall glass. I will definitely come back. read more

Sammy gave the best recommendations for sour beers and shots for our gluten intolerant group!

I don't quite know how to adequately explain this bar. Every time I've been here, it's been a different experience. The beer selection is good - the bar tenders can mix a solid Old Fashioned, they have pool, Ms. Pac Man, but it can get a bit crowded. It's a mixed bag. It's not a place I seek out, nor one I tell people they have to go to, but if someone says they are headed here, it's worth popping in for. read more

Great place with a great vibe. Their karaoke nights are the best there. The people are always really friendly and the staff are great. I will say that make sure you pay for your parking in the parking lot attached because they do ticket. read more

Very nice service. Good place to play dots, pool and enjoy music . Must visit if ur in Columbus.

Love this local spot whenever I'm in town on business. Good, cheap beer. Friendly bartenders. Pool table in the back. Popcorn. What more does a girl need?? The bathroom on the right is better because the walls are plastered with vintage Playboy ads. No High Life :( read more

The last outcropping of student bars in the Short North, Local Bar is awash in 1960s adornments. Mid-century flare included a display shelf with curvy retro TV, an angular model of classic car, and a day-glow styling head--a styrofoam display made to show wigs. The latter is part of a strange salon theme reinforced by vintage hair drying chairs that languor in the place. Other retro stylings include love beads hanging in the entrance to the back room, some arcade units, and a gutted pay phone refurbished to cell phone charges; connectors to every type hang there. The men's room have 1990s Playboy covers as wall paper-- bringing a fun edge to the joint. Although it does have the potential to make using the restroom difficult for a spectrum hetro--so take heed. They have a menu of crafts on tap and the whole range of bar drinks and cans. Bar staff, usually a single tender, are generally helpful. Expect the usual dive bar arrangement. Although I love the seating at the bar, a curve at the front running straight in ample seating, the place does not make great use of space. The tables to the left of the entrance seem crowded together while whole swaths of space go unused. I find sitting there to be trey awkward and weird. They have a couple of TVs but I would not recommend this place to catch a game. It is a college bar really. Good for upperclassmen to call home and drink away the stress of the week with their peers; it is a nice stop though for others needing a drink during hop or other events. read more

There's a sign in local that says "a place where friends are made." Come to local enough, and that's going to happen. Great beer selection? Check. Superb, friendly service? Got that, too. If there's a word to best describe this place it might be "comfortable." Local bar has way of making you feel welcome and, well, like a "local." The decor was geared for that, ranging from your standard stools at the bar, to a plush couch in the corner. There is nothing pretentious about this place, which is a throwback to the way bars *used* to be (and the way most should be). Here you will find hipsters rubbing shoulders with young professionals, loners alongside groups of friends: It's an amalgam of what you might see people watching for an hour in the Short North. This place is a keeper. read more

I have been coming to local bar for over two years now. The staff is amazing, friendly and professional. The drinks are always great and the atmosphere is wonderful. One of my favorite bars in Columbus. read more

Great drink! This is the only dive bar that I fully recommend ordering a Manhattan (when they aren't slammed, be nice). The drinks are great, the people and staff are even better. They aren't trying to be anything other than themselves, and they own it. read more

I like this place because it has a GREAT Ms Pacman game. It is hard to find a Ms. Pacman arcade that is still fully functional and still has the pace that I fell in love with, but this place has it, which keeps me coming back. The selection of drinks and the decor is fun as well. Only 4 stars because it is extremely loud, to a point that yelling cannot even be heard. read more

My friend and I have been trying to get in contact with someone for WEEKS after we were BOTH double charged for our tabs. After multiple attempts with no response, we are done trying. (and I know they saw the Facebook messages!) I am all about supporting small businesses, but I would not recommend this bar to anybody!! read more

This bar is definitely a place to visit Before, during, or after any night out. They give you free popcorn freshly popped! How can you not love that? Only problem with this place is the bathroom. One stall for each sex. Makes a long line and is not in a convenient spot to get to being all the way in the back. You have to work your way to get there bumping and grinding. The staff is friendly and quick compared to other venues. Always a fun place! Even plays sports games when on. read more

SOOOO LOUD!!!!! Update: IMPROVING BEER SELECTION! It took 6 months, but Local Bar is starting to turn a corner. My first observation, was that the music was finally at an appropriate level and second was the much improved beer selection. I was even given a sample of a delicious tap, which they are the first in Ohio to score (well done). My first rating was one star (after 3 visits), but it now appears that this place might keep the ever changing changing quality beers and increasingly welcoming environment that will allow them to last long-term in the short north (Hopefully gone are the days of concert level blaring music!!) *************************** Local Bar, keep scoring great taps and keep the atmosphere like a Cheers and you will become a staple of the short north. *************************** (I'll check you again in a week for your spring taps and update you to a 5 with continued improved. Again, well done!) --Original Review-- (1 Star) (10/21/2011) "Local Bar COULD be Great, but as is, it is certainly not. Let me start with the concept, which I and any other frequenter of places like Bodega or St. James Tavern can not help but love. Local Bar seeks to have upwards of 75 taps and focus most of them on local beers. Yes you'll be able to get your normal fav's, but when you want local and lots of it and demand quality, this should be your place. Kudos Local Bar--Great Concept!! Now for the bad: my friend first gave me the "Meh" response when asked if he found his newest bar, and I had to find out for myself. My wife and I walked down the street as it is less than a block from our house, and let me tell you, Local Bar is so loud that it can be heard from the street! Anyone who loves the Park Street area and frequents the clubs downtown will feel right at home, but those of us who just want a good pint will probably leave with a headache. It all starts with the music, which seems to be kept at 11, forcing the patrons to scream over it, and also drawing in those who simply want to get tanked. If Local Bar wants to draw the crowd that loves local and is passionate about good beer over those seeking a drunken night at any cost and will forget them in less than 6 months, then they will need to make some serious changes. (Local Bar, I will check you out again in a week or two and update this review)" read more

Oh my God this was the cutest bar I've ever seen on High Street. I stumbled across this jem because my friends are karaoke Fanatics and when I tell you everybody in this bar can sing I definitely be back next Wednesday read more

This bar has great potential, but right now it's only okay. From talking to the bartender/manager, it sounds like their ultimate goal is to get 75 drafts, which would out-draft every other bar. Awesome! Unfortunately, right now they only have 25, and most of the taps are occupied by the same local drafts that pretty much can be gotten anywhere... two drafts for CBC, two for Elevator, two for Great Lakes, two for Bell's (IIRC, not sure about that one), two for Yuengling. Plus a bunch of other kind of boring standard beers.. Stella, Magic Hat #9, Strongbow, Guinness. There were only two "interesting" beers on tap: Gonzo from Flying Dog Brewery and some other darker beer from New Holland or some similar sized brewery. Now, there wasn't any crap beer (PBR, Miller Light, Bud, etc), so that was good. Overall, it just didn't seem very interesting for a bar that's trying to establish itself as the beer mecca of Columbus. The interior is really well decorated, with a lot of funky retro items. There are couches, furry walls, and a fake fireplace/stove. There's also free popcorn. Mmm. Overall, I'm looking forward to when they get their next 50 taps, but for now I'll probably stick with Bodega. read more

The atmosphere here is nice. I'm not the dancing type, but there is a good amount of space to do do. Good variety of the local distilleries, and I got to try OYO's Michelone Reserve for the first time here. The selection of craft brews was very exciting, pricing was reasonable and the service was excellent. read more

I had one of the worst experiences of my life at local bar. There was a crappy man trying to buy me drinks and flirt with me so I was obviously weirded out. I told the authorities at local bar and they did nothing. So I had my boyfriend confront the managers at local bar. They did not do anything and defended the creepo because he was a well paying customer. This is sad to me bc I am a fond customer of local, my friends were witnesses of this experience as well. read more

I really enjoyed this place. It was a stop on our pedal wagon tour. It sets back from High St in a little plaza. It was much bigger inside then I had expected. The bartenders we friendly, and the beer prices are great. I love the decor and the rooms that set off the main area. read more

See all

This is my go-to place! It's the perfect hybrid of a gay and straight bar. Sometimes straight bars just aren't as fun as the gay bars. And sometimes, I do need to fulfill my need for male attention as a straight young woman. This is the perfect mix! WEDNESDAY KAREOKE IS THE BEST IN C-BUS!!! The system sounds great, the karaoke-dj is awesome and entertaining and there is always a ton of damn good singers or at least entertaining singers. They also serve the stiffest drinks on High Street (with the exception of Union). One of Local's drinks =2 drinks elsewhere. So, be careful!.....or DON"T Furthermore, if you forget anything there, like a cardigan or umbrella or wallet, etc. (I do this a lot since I'm like "Along Came Polly")- they will save it for you! How nice! THe little couch area is nice, too! read more