Normally a nice chill dive bar with friendly people. Only exception is when the occasional stupid drunk woman (for lack of a more appropriate word I can't say here) come in and start screaming in your ears for no apparent reason. Other than that it's a nice little bar. read more

It's a dive bar. A lovely dive bar. Cheap beer, everybody's friendly. Cash only. Everyone should try it at least once. Been there are many times read more

I absolutely loved the old school atmosphere here at Mike's Grill! I was in town for a concert and stopped in here for a drink or two or three, maybe even four. I dint know it was an all cash establishment so I was about to leave to withdraw some money and come back but luckily the owner was sitting at the bar and said me and my girl can have one on the house. That was so awesome of him to do and me and my partner was very grateful for that. But there was no way I can have just one beer and go so I ended up running to the ATM and got cash so I can enjoy this little gem a bit longer and try some of Columbus' local beer and other beer from around Ohio. Really cool bartender as well. She was on point with service, and the prices are very affordable. Every time I come back to Columbus, I'm definitely stopping in again. read more

See all

Stumbled upon this while looking for a spot to grab a drink before dinner. They have a nice variety of beers and the prices are so reasonable. As others have mentioned it's cash only. The bartender was fantastic and we all found something we want to enjoy while we were there. read more

Mike's Grill - Dive Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This cash only, open 24-7, 365 days of the year, hole in the wall off High St is a Short North staple. It's a no frills dive, known by locals and visited by all walks of life. Almost every time I've visited I met an entirely different character. It's also really cheap and they have random specials on things like jello shots. I'll add on that the space smells pretty grungy, but the staff has always been friendly. I'm sure I'll visit again and I suggest you do too. Just know what you're getting into first. read more

Mike's Grill - the outside of the restaurant - Dive Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Good Short North dive bar with great prices, especially in happy hour. Just stopped in to burn a few minutes before dinner to grab a cheap beer. Had pleasant service. Check them out if you are looking for a good dive bar. read more

See all

I appreciate Columbus because you can start down around German Village and head north up High Street and see cool stuff all the way up to Clintonville. There are not a whole lot of dive bars along the way so this place was a welcome change up from all the hip new spots. I like old and simple. read more

I would give Mike's -1000 stars if I could. We went on a Wednesday night at 7. There was a man who opened the door for us as we were entering. Being very extra - but no harm! Well this would end up being our bartender. See below picture. My bf went up and ordered two wells. The cost was $10. It's a cash only bar. My bf gave him a $20, and he gave him $10 back. My bf asked if he could get change so he could leave him a tip. The bartender then proceeded to take the $10 back, pocket it, and walking away smiling. Just fully took the $10 as a tip, without asking or checking. Ummm excuse me? We then watched the same thing happen to two dudes at the bar. They had been waiting for their change back (as the bartender took it, thinking everyone thinks that's funny?) as well as waiting for a drink. The man told the bartender sternly "Give me my drink I ordered, AND my change!" The bartender then proceeded to throw a $20 bill at him and flick him off. I truly felt like I was in a movie. There's no way this is happening. The man said he wasn't owed $20, but him and his buddy agreed to take it and walk out due to this crazy and unsettling behavior by the bartender. The bartender is the definition of a creep. I'm not sure if he was on something or drunk, but his behavior is absolutely unacceptable. In a rush to finish our drinks and leave, he came over and told us to stop whispering. We were whispering about how uncomfortable we were... in an attempt to get him away, I mentioned how this was one of my boyfriend and I'd first date stops and we had a jello shot and how we're still together! Signaling a positive convo and one that ends. The bartender then proceeded to spit out sexual remarks and hand gestures towards us. At this point, we were done and left. This is disgraceful behavior. Throwing money, inappropriate jokes, and TAKING money that's not yours. There's no point in arguing with someone who's not there. For everyone's safety. We quickly got out of there. As a woman I felt creeped out and uncomfortable. This bartender was the definition of creepy weirdo and I will NEVER let anyone I know go there again. read more

Mike's Grill - Insanely disrespectful and creepy bartender - Dive Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

One of our favorite bars. We enjoy Zac's service and the place is always warm and welcoming. read more

Mike's Grill - a man sitting at a table with a can of beer - Dive Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

There aren't words in the English dictionary to describe how great of a time you'll have when you go here. That's all that can be said

Had one of the best bar nights in a long time here at Mike's. Cheap beer, great friendly people, an even better bartender, and Twiggy! Just a great fun place where everyone interacts and just enjoys who and where they are in the moment. Look, it's not a trend rooftop bar, doesn't pretend to be either. It is what it is, a classic, friendly, and cleanish little dive bar. Enjoy! read more

Completely casual - but, during the recent heatwave, - deliciously air conditioned. Ladies room has always been clean when I've been there. Cash only, very nice bar tenders, old school beer labels. Mike is a nice guy! We enjoyed a Sunday afternoon watching two episodes of Fast and Loud. This was a no-pressure kind of lazy day and absolutely perfect! ALL walks of life come in and out - a true watering hole. read more

Mike's Grill - a group of people playing music - Dive Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Just your quality Dive bar right here. place is small. Old school. Cheap drinks. Love it. Random stuff all over. Great service. Sign me up. Would be a regular here if I lived Columbus. read more

Yes. Its the perfect last stop on a night out in Short North. Cheap drinks, loud jukebox, and cash only.

Talk about a switch from the surrounding bars and its so refreshing. Walking into this bar made me feel like I was back in my hometown and going into a bar full of the locals. This bar has a small town dive bar feel and its the best! I love a nice clean bar that gets fancy with the drinks but something about a bar that smells like cigarettes, alcohol, and like hadn't been cleaned in years just hits different. Everyone I met inside was super friendly and everything was priced very well! This bar only accepts cash and Venmo when I had went in. I only had beer since we weren't going to be very long. But from the mixed drinks that my friends had ordered they said they were strong. Cant go wrong with a strong drink but its not for everyone. When it comes to seating during these wild times of socially distancing they still had a good amount of seating inside at the bar and tables around the inside as well. Also, if you keep going further back in the bar you will find that they have a huge patio/outside area will tons of extra space and seating as well. Which makes it that much better! For a first time experience its a great place and a fun switch up from all the other bars that reside in the short north area. Just make sure you carry some cash on you or have the venmo app downloaded to use. Other than that I would recommend this place to anyone looking for something different to go to and try. read more

Mike's makes me feel uncomfortable in a way that is hard to find in the Short North these days and I really appreciate it. It smells like hamsters, seems to be open 24/7 and only takes cash. If I had to hide a body, I feel like someone at Mike's could help me do it. I see the name "Grill" in the title here, but I have never seen food at Mikes and can't imagine willingly ingesting any sort of food from this establishment. Their Miller High Life game is ON POINT though. read more

I don't know. It's the divenest bar this side of Short North for sure. So in that context- 5 stars. It's the scuzzy straight brother of Blazer's, the gay bar up on 5th and High. As a dive bar, it makes every other bar on Short North look that much more sophisticated. If I were in the mood to hang out with a drunken pirate, a 70 year old retired factory worker, and some random smiley guy with nothing better to do at 3 pm on a Tuesday, I'd check Mikes' first. Cheapest to-go beer award? Mike's. Most absurdly out of place bar award? Mike's. Best place to get a bottle of Wild Irish Rose with 40 oz King Cobra chaser? Yep. It's a novelty read more

See all

This place is one of the last few places in the Short North that has withstood the "new and flipped" version of closed locations that had a stable and concrete position in this area. While there is a lot of new, flashy, and Curious places opening recently, none have the atmosphere that this will provide. From the fact that it is a cash only place, to the size and first look, it's a place you can still have a nice conversation or knock yourself out at the jukebox. I love that it has the word " grill" on the name, yet there is no food served, I feel that was a way to initiate humor once arrived. I'd come back more, I just ALWAYS forget it's cash only, and I am a modern card-holder-for-the-most-part type of person. read more

At Mike's they don't "do" draft beer, or credit cards either. However, you can pay in dimes for a duffel bag of King Cobra 40s. I have witnessed this transaction. Appetizers? Act II popcorn. Decor? Spuds Mackenzie, meet Nascar. For a square deal on square beer in the Short North, it's Mike's. read more

Mike's "No Name" Bar. Technically, Mike's does have a name now that it says Mike's on the window but for years the only way I could describe this place to anyone not in the know was to call it "that wood - front bar on High St. near Buttles with no name on it where all the day-drinkers hang out." Mike's is as no frills as it gets. Wood paneling everywhere and things like hoods off of NASCAR cars complete the decor and specialties like Black Label beer and Miller High Life are always on sale. There are two things that set Mike's apart from other bars that you probably don't know. 1. World's Cheapest To-Go Beer. And they seem to be willing to sell it LATE. I've left other bars at 2:30 and gone to Mike's when other places try to charge too much for to-go's. 12 pack of HighLife for almost the same price as the corner store, (seriously, I think like $9). 2. They re-open REALLY early. I'm not sure how early but it is ungodly. I think it's like 6am, give or take and hour or two. I'm not sure who exactly goes to the bar at 6am for any reason other than kegs and eggs on before a noon Buckeye game (and even then you are not coming here), but if you are ever wondering where to go for some black label beer before the sun rises... it's Mike's. read more

For all the reasons mentioned by other people, this place is great. However, it is not as great as it used to be. I say this because I often want to go here, drive by slowly, and see that it is packed. What the heck is that about? People aren't supposed to want to come here. I can't tell you some of the things that make Mike's great, because they warrant police attention. Just go there. They have 1 dollar to go beers (or they did a few years ago, might be 1.25 now). read more

Darin was an amazing bartender!my first time to Columbus and Darin made it an amazing and fun experience !

I was with a group of people from out of town and when we couldn't get a seat at a fancier bar across the street, we checked out Mike's. Definitely a dive bar but I loved it (and I'm not a dive bar person). Cash only! Cheap drinks. Loved that right after we got there a group of about 20 people rolled in from a party bus. It really was a good time! read more

Hard to explain this place. Rugged, dirty, fun. Always a great time gettin loose in here.

If you are looking for an authentic dive bar, this is it. Hands down the best place to be during the suburban onslaught known as "gallery hop". This place (and its patrons) have been here long before the Short North became trendy. Suggested drink: "Black-tie Affair" = 1 can of Black Label + 1 shot Jaeger. read more

Damn. What a dive. Wild Irish Rose. Black Label. A run down looking patio. You folks have to check this out for yourself. Despite the area, parking has never been an issue, thankfully. Maybe Im going in at the right times. The penny countertop is great. read more

Stumbled in here when nothing else was open on Thanksgiving! Very friendly. Very divey. Very cheap drinks. Really I could give 5 stars for what it is. But super divey, so... You gets the 4 stars! read more

A hidden gem of the short north for sure! I was here for several hours for a friends birthday and we mostly hung out outside. The outside is adorable and felt like someone's backyard- stringed lights and little picnic tables. The drinks were very reasonably priced and they have a decent selection of canned beer and white claw. read more

Friendly service, great prices (cash only), awesome place to drop by or spend the night out and meet some new friends. Definitely recommend to anybody who needs a change of pace in the short north. read more

I like to visit Mike's No-Name once in a while. Pretty cheap bottled and canned beer and drink prices with a hilarious variety (40s of malt liquor, Wild Irish Rose, Black Label) of options. Service is ok - when it's not crowded. When it's crowded, expect an abnormal wait. Their jukebox has a mix of country, classic rock, and Top 40 hits. Overall, Mike's is good for a nite cap or if you're looking for a cheap beginning to your night. read more

Hole in the wall, but a great spot for jello shots. That is what they are known for. Other than that, not much to look at. Cash only, but they do have a pinball machine for entertainment. read more

My absolute favorite spot in the Short North! One of the only true dive bars left in the area, and it has been there since the beginning. You will run into a lot of interesting characters here, which is part of the fun. The bartenders are all awesome - especially Mike who will forever be my favorite bartender in Columbus. Cheapest beer in town, largest backyard/patio. Great Jukebox. GET YOU SOME. p.s. There is not an actual grill, but the microwave makes great popcorn ;) read more

A small group of friends and I recently stopped by Mike's for the first time over this past weekend. We had no idea what it was, but we gave it a shot! We found out the hard was that it is a cash only bar, but they staff knows where all the bank ATM's are in the area. The drink prices are as fair as you're going to find on High Street. The music selection was diverse and refreshing for all patrons. The age of the customers was very diverse as was their personalities. Not overran with college students or the after work crowd - not an "old person" bar! They are doggo friendly too! A nice German Shepard was checking IDs and accepting head rubs as the cover charge! If you are in the Short North and are in the mood for some change to you normal scene, Mike's is a must! read more

Huh, I swear I had already reviewed Mike's. Well no matter, I'll just add to all the others. Now *this* is a dive bar. Cash only, delicious cheap macrobrews, and, how could my friend and I not partake: a bottle of room temperature Wild Irish Rose. The bartenders are fun and the bar itself is covered in pennies. It's a shame more locals don't appreciate Mike's enough to find it Yelp-worthy. Up here in Mpls this would be huge in Northeast and would compliment the other dives nicely. For Columbusites this is a true dive bar experience that you can have right in the Short North without leaving your comfort zone by having to venture out to a neighborhood that looks more like the run-down neighborhood the Short North used to be. If you've always passed by this place without stopping in you have never experienced the Short North. Period. read more

My favorite dive bar in Columbus! A welcome respite from the pricey drinks and predictable bar experiences of High Street. If you can't handle weird then you might as well stay away. I promise you will always have an interesting conversation with a bartender or fellow patron. read more

An exceptional shithole in the middle of the city. It actually kind of reminds me of a bar in the middle of nowhere- those ones with the brown panel walls and the David Allan Coe on the jukebox, except the parking is terrible. The beer is cheap, the bathroom is surprisingly clean (before 11ish), the clientele is varied and entertaining, the bartender doesn't take any crap, and no one cares who you are, what you do or how much money you make- as long as you bring cash, because this place doesn't take credit cards. read more

I love the Short North, I really do; one fear I have though is that it may become too gentrified. Mike's Grill not only alleviates that fear, but opposites it, as in.."holly crap, I hope the Short North don't become too red neckish". (I am making up new words and using words differently ...sue me ;-)) " It is not that I don't like a good greasy dive, or rednecks, I do, but Mike's seem too go beyond dive to whatever it is called that exists between 'dive bar' and a 'gathering of bums drinking bathtub wine in the alley.' Now the pictures posted here and other reviews paint a bit of a different picture than what I experienced so I may have come at the wrong time, but my low rating is based on: One, they don't take credit cards? Holy 1986 Batman! Two, my experience: I went in to watch the Ohio State game, I was by myself and was thinking I could cheer on the Buckeyes with some old timers and other rowdy bar flowers decided on this place because it looked like it would be a good little joint from outside. I took a seat at the bar. What I found was an old, mean barmaid, who seemed high on meth, arguing with a patron, equally high on something, about a bill, or a drink, or who-knows-what drug out drama ongoing. Several others sitting behind me egged them on. They also tried getting a rise out of me, making comments of the camera I had tagged along. These guys were old, 50-60ish; the strung out types you see at dives on Cleveland Avenue, not usually in the S-North. They gave me a strange feel. Kind of reminded me of a scene from Oliver Stone's Biopic, "The Doors" where Val Kilmer playing Jim Morrison pisses on the floor. The clientele, the bartender, and the smell of urine really made me think of that. It was all a bit much to handle in while watching the game: so I left after one drink. I may revisit this if I venture in again: may had been a bad night. read more

Mike's Grill serves 40s of Milwaukee's Best. The "house wine" is Wild Irish Rose(quotations because it's very debatable whether or not W.I.R. can be considered wine, not because I'm one of those people who goes crazy with quotations) and they only take cash, but have no atm. Prostitutes and bums are welcome, and they know it...meaning they do drink here. It has a surprisingly quaint patio out back, which happens to share a lawn with the backyard of the bartender. I quite like the place for a few drinks late at night, but at 6am after a long shift, it wouldn't be my first choice. read more

I love this place! We happened upon it during a gallery hop a few years ago. No food (though they did have a delicious apple pie drink the last time I was in there). No credit cards. No draft beer. It was perfect for hanging out and people watching. The jukebox, full of 80's country hits, reminds me of the family drives of my youth (but in a good, nostalgic, no carsickness sort of way). If you're looking for unpretentious fun in the Short North, this is your place! read more

A small town feel in the middle of the trendy Short North. Great for a casual hang out.