I guess I would call this place "divey," if I had to pick a label. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) I usually end up here at the end of the night, so I haven't had the chance to see what the happy hour/weekly events are like (I gotta catch those crab races one day!) but when I do come, it's always been fun. Drinks: decent beer selection for a small place, and they have a heavy hand with the mixed drink pours. Definitely a winner Food: there's a free popcorn machine, so eat before or after if you're planning a full meal. Music: jukebox has pretty good choices, and should keep your feet happy all night. (can be too loud to gave quiet conversation - but it's a bar, What'd you expect?) The biggest downside for me is the single person bathrooms, that is just too small for a busy weekend night. 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

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Let's talk about the red headed bartender that refused to serve me a shot and we'll say after "last call" (VERY EARLY mind you) and I didn't have a drink here all night. Then screams at the top of her lungs for people to get out of the bar, but basically directs it in my face. Then continues to serve other people at the bar, whom I can only assume are "regulars" that are significantly more intoxicated than I. Then states "you guys have been here all night." But follows it up with "well I didn't mean you." And you see how confusing that could be. Sure, we've been at this establishment, putting money in your pool table for hours and drinking no alcohol. And that's not even the thick of it. After accepting that she wasn't going to serve me a drink because (and I understand that they were "closing," but not really because she continued to serve people) I stepped outside... then tried to go back inside to meet up with my friends and was refused by a door almost shutting on my hands. I've lived in columbus for a long time and have been to Local Bar hundreds of times and never been treated in that way. It's disappointing and I hope that the bartenders/managers improve. read more

Local Bar! Local Bar! Local Bar! The #1 thing they have going for them is this place is GREAT for groups. This was the second stop on a birthday bar crawl this past weekend but no one wanted to leave once we were there. It's big and roomy, with side rooms for lounging and billiards-ing. There is free popcorn, there were TVs for March Madness viewing, cheap drinks ($1 Genesee bhee-hatches). There is just enough 70s swag to validify their lava lamp logo, but without going overboard. My bartender was the best and to be the best bartender to me, you've just gotta not be a dick and smile and talk to me. Late Night Slice is a 1-2 minute walk away, so really, what else do you need? Claustrophic standing room, hour waits, overwhelming volume level? Skip that and do the right thing. read more

My review is based on the establishment and interactions. I meet several friends here for a happy hour. This bar only serves liquid, and where totally fine with us bringing in zPizza. The decor was 70s and 80s teen bop. The egg chair and couch were good elements, caught my eye. Several tables, three of four patio-style doors were open to the front (gave an inviting feel to the local vibe). I was told that later in the evening, they pump up the music (thus, left to yelling, as opposed to happy hour chit chat). All in all, no bad. Unfortunately, no lasting impression to make me a fan. read more

Local Bar - The bar - Pubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Luke is the paramount of bar tending service expertise in the short north as of this day. read more

Local Bar - Pirates arcade - Pubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

So, I enjoyed this place, but couldn't really tell what it was. There were some rumblings and indications that it's a gay bar. But, it seemed more than welcoming to anyone that wanted to patronize the place. As a straight guy, I didn't feel awkward or out of place as I have in the past in other gay bars. It was a little cramped, but they had a good beer selection and it didn't take as long to get a drink as I'd expected. I was meeting a friend and only stayed for a drink, but it seemed like a pretty decent place to get a beer. It was sort of tucked back in a corner. I didn't even know it existed--despite walking past it probably 50 times in the last year or so. read more

Local bar is a funny little hole in the wall on high street that inlove to go to! Their happy hour deal is the main hit here. Unreal real prices during the week all the way till 9 PM! Cant really beat that. The only reason they didnt get 5 stars is because they no longer have the weekly hermit crab races, which i of course am a defending champ of in my only attempt. Clegg was a champ ;) read more

Loud, obnoxious D-wallets......thank goodness they can atleast mix a decent drink in this place

the local is a bar for everybody.gay, straight, drag... Who cares??? Beer selection terrific. Staff is awesome!

We just stopped in here briefly, but it made me want to go back sometime. Casual little spot with a friendly staff. Seems like there are nice places to sit and hang out, play games, etc. read more

Great beers. Never packed. Lives up to its name as a true local bar. Lacks pretentiousness and is in the right place at the right time. I dig. read more

I like this bar but not tonight! If I wanted to watch the Oscars I would have stayed home. Also, the bartender is rude. Do you want my tip??? read more

First time here. The craft beer selection made me giddy.. they had a few more rare beers you don't find too many other places. The Ms PacMan machine was a guaranteed boner too! Placed some pool and enjoyed the good music selection. I have heard this places varies from day to day but the Saturday I went was a good time for sure. read more

I went to local bar for the first time this Friday and had a great time. The decor was fun. While the place was packed, the bartenders were nice and served us quickly and the drinks were inexpensive. I will definitely be going back. read more

Local Bar is located in the Short North, but a little back from High Street. I've been here a few separate times because my friends love it. They have cheap alcohol prices and free popcorn all night long! I prefer to hang out in the back room with the pool tables and 70's designs. Great place to come drink with friends. read more

We arrived and the bartender (Sam) was super friendly and suggested we try their specials and we did and they were awesome! I paid like 12$ for 4 beers! They also have great music playing and a pool table which we also used. I again have to mention the bartender - she was super friendly and was great with her suggestions! Would definitely return read more

Cheapest drinks in the short north, interesting crowd, tvs to watch the game, overall not a bad place for the price. Decent vibes

Nice spot just back off the sidewalk on the north end of the Short North. Good beer selection and cheap domestics if you must. I agree with the review that said the place has a sense of humor, doesn't take much too seriously, and is all about having a fun casual experience in the SN. You also don't get judged here if you're not on trend..who cares! read more

A nice spot. Great atmosphere filled with relics from the 60s and 70s. Fun, vibrant crowd. Good selection of top beers and liquors.

This is the definition of a local bar with an above average tap list! There happy hour specials are the cherry on top. Most week nights, this place is laid back and you can find a seat at the bar. The have a few video games and a pool table. The bartenders are always friendly and willing to help you make a beer selection. read more

What a cool place. With so many beers on tap how can you go wrong they even had Christmas Ale. I'm hooked!!

Waited for approximately 5 minutes to be served a drink, or even to be acknowledged. There was a guy and girl bartender, they obviously were serving their "regulars" before some chick they've never seen before. Finally ordered my drink from the female, total was $10.50, gave $15.00. Received change in a check presenter. Less than 1 minute later she took the change assuming it was her tip. I immediately asked for my change back, downed my beverage and left. Being a bartender I was very unimpressed by the service, the bartenders, and the lack of customer service. Will NOT be returning. read more

I love this bar. The bartenders are friendly and very knowledgable. The crowd always seems like a good crowd. I have never had an issue. The ever rotating beer selection is excellent. read more

Isaac saw me looking at the beer menu confused and offered some samples. super helpful. this bar rocks. my friend Jamie thinks she should have her birthday party here. read more

One star for the free popcorn with various toppings, and one star for the interesting decor. I guess I could add more stars for the beer selection, which is pretty good...however, I am 99% sure I was roofied here last February... So... for me this place has weird vibes, and I've only been back once since then, I think. read more

Third bar of the night... I'm not too familiar with Columbus but this is the best one thus far. Super cheap drinks during happy hour, interesting people, loud and current music, and cool decorations. I hear its a gay bar but I don't feel uncomfortable here at all... and its not super obvious if it is. Definately would return! read more

Lots of room, good drinks, nice atmosphere. Didn't spend long here, but would like to come back and spend some more time here!

I can't think of any complaints for this place. The bartender was fast, courteous and poured good drinks. I love the pool room! Its a seperated from the main bar. The crowd was laid back, mixed bag of age, color and orientation. No meatheads looking for trouble and no flamers prancing around. Great beer selection. Great place all the way around. You do not have to pay to park in their lot if you are a customer. read more

might be OK during slower hours, but we went there on a Friday night with friends and the music was SO LOUD that we had to leave to go somewhere else so we could talk to each other! Music level would be appropriate for a dance club, but no dance floor...great beer selection, though... read more

Came here for a friends birthday party.. couldnt play the music I wanted because all the douche bartender wanted to play was house music. This used to be a cool bar. Now its just a waste of time...id rather go to any other bar.. id rather go to White Castle..im at White Castle right now..crave case baby! read more

Honestly the best "secret" in the Short North. Funky decor, great wait staff, waterbed couches, an extended happy hour. Crowd is a mix of every age, orientation and race! Always a great place to stop into for a fun evening. read more

Great staff! Better clientele! Definetly a locals spot to go. Never a dual time! Beyond welcoming people. Crab races and karaoke you can't miss! Every time in go I'm welcomed with a smile and a healthy drink! Pacman and pool....could you ask for more?!?!? Amy and Dj are perfect! Stop in and see everyone! Might cya there!!! read more

Local Bar -- You are thieves! Not only did they charge me for 2 drinks that I didn't order, but they charged an additional $25 on my card after the fact. All I can say is this is the first and LAST time I ever go to Local Bar! read more

Atmosphere is nice here but not relaxed at all. Come here if you want to talk to strangers or if you have a group of people. Good place to meet new people. Also, it gets insanely loud inside - especially if some drunk with poor musical taste is hogging the jukebox. read more

shoutout to our bartender Luke for providing fast and friendly service. love coming here for some casual drinks.