Novaks was decorating last night for Halloween. The place is going to look spooky! Feels like this place has a good crew of fun locals! The bartender was extremely knowledgeable about all the drinks and told us first about Happy Hour specials. We are not locals but this was a great place to meet before our concert at Kimba Live. There is food next store at Barley's Brewing Company that will bring your food next door. Hubby had wings and raved about the size, meat on the bone and the delicious sweet chili sauce. I had the Cheese Pierogi platter. Huge size and authentic to me! Loved the sautéed onions. read more

Stopped in here to take in the Columbus Crew match. Enjoyed the rooftop patio! No food here, but you can order in. Service was friendly and pretty prompt. Only gripe is that they tend to play music WAY too loud. Rooftop patios are for relaxing, not replicating a club atmosphere. Clientele looked college aged, which explains the music volume and selection. read more

Novak's Tavern & Patio - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Even though I never have and never will drink, I'm always the guy who will be the driver for everyone who wants to hang out. I still had a blast being there. Not sure if it's every night, but the DJ was playing great music, and the people there were friendly. I can see my crew coming back many times to this place. They had a pineapple upside down cake drink, and they said it was very good. read more

Novak's Tavern & Patio - outside - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Came here for a drink after a long day of work while traveling. I was pleased that I stopped here. The music was nice and at a level that I didn't have to yell at people. What makes me recommend this place are the very large TVs for sports, and the service. The bartender was so nice and answered all my touristy questions and was super chill. Note that it's upstairs so if you need ADA accessibility that will be limited. read more

Novak's Tavern & Patio - I wish I watched my Gamecocks win here! - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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This place rocks!! We went to another place nearby. It was packed. We started walking trying to find another bar open late. We heard music and saw a door with signage. Hell yeah! It's freakin' cold out! We go up the steps and there is this amazing bar with DJ and music jam!! Music is jammin. Drinks are poured well. Bartenders are on it!! Cool! Hearin' my jam. Drinking! Glad we found this place! Made our night!!!!! read more

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Coworkers and I came to Novak's for a couple of after dinner drinks one night. The bar is located on second floor FYI for everyone who has not been here before. We came to the bar early that night as we were the second group of people at the bar not working there...but more people came as the night came on. Great atmosphere... bar tenders definitely knew their jobs well as the drinks were well poured. Coworkers and I spent a few hours in here just talking, drinking and having a good time. Not sure what else to say about this place but its a good choice if your near the convention center. read more

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Nice and clean establishment. Perfect for watching the game and grabbing a drink, but I really wished they had there own food. Barleys next door has partnered with them, but they were a bit rude on the phone. read more

Novak's Tavern & Patio - Interior view - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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This place is cool. I went for the roof deck on a warm, clear night in Columbus. It's a great spot to watch the sunset. The deck itself is quite small. They had CBC IPA, which is pretty good. Prices were reasonable. Staff is excellent. Both female bartenders I talked to were polite and friendly. read more

I like Novak's if it's not too crowded. It's a fairly affordable bar at happy hour and they have some competent bartenders. The bar is in a nice area with many choices but this is more affordable than many of these. It's not that big in there so you may get pissed off trying to move. The patio is the best thing. I came for the happy hour. It has $3 vodka specials. This is one of the few bars where it lasts the weekend. It's 7 days a week every day until 8. There's also many local beers It's worth checking out even if crowded. The bar is located up a flight of stairs. The bar is long and narrow. It has some seats over by the window overlooking High Street. The other end of the bar is where most people go. It has a patio that looks out toward North Market. This is usually super crowded in the evening. I recommend the patio at Novak's. It has one of the most interesting views in the area. The beer and cocktail prices are much better than many other bars there. read more

Novak's Tavern & Patio - Vodka - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Novak's isn't my favorite place to go for a drink but I will say that it's starting to grow on me. I tend to swing through here on the weekends, rather late night. Once you make your way up the stairs and show your ID to the fella at the door, you'll immediately notice the super long bar and small dance floor towards the front of the room. There isn't anything special about it, but it certainly does the trick. The bartenders here are so, so. It can take a while to get a drink sometimes and they aren't super friendly, but I suppose that is typical for a bar. The drinks here are average, nothing special. They are priced comparable to other spots in the neighborhood, so I can't complain. I usually get a gin and tonic and it's about six bucks. The reason why I keep coming back here is because of the dance floor I mentioned. They do a really good job of hiring an awesome DJ. Every time I'm there I end up dancing the night away and that's why my friends and I keep coming back. The music is always on point and they welcome song recommendations. Other things to know... I don't believe this place is wheelchair accessible and they do have a patio outback that looks over the North Market. The view isn't very exciting but on a nice night, it makes for an enjoyable time. read more

Well, the view is nice at their outside top patio. BUT the smell of the trash was awful. I dont know if this is common but it ruined the night, having a drink on roof top on a cool summer night, ruined by the smell. Wasn't impressed with the sangria drink either, small for a $10 drink! read more

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Novak's is in a great location across from the convention center and the prices aren't insane (though a little expensive on a Friday or Saturday night - par for the Short North course). The bartenders are good people - fun to talk to and they have fun at their job. If you want food you have to call and place an order to Barley's. The people I've spoken to on the phone at Barley's have been rude and short. Not cool. We tried ordering a side and after 45 minutes of waiting we had to call to cancel - kind of annoying. Overall give Novak's a try if you're in the area or looking for happy hour. Be weary of Barley's service. read more

Visited for the first time during a pub crawl and holy crap was it crazy crowded in here. However I'll give credit to the bartenders who were quick, alert and pounding out orders with minimal wait. Ordered an Irish aspirin and I'm still not positive what it actually was. We didn't have food and didn't stay long because it was insanely crowded but it was nice to visit. I recommend not getting too drunk or you'll fall down a nice flight of stairs leaving the bar. read more

Novak's Tavern & Patio - Irish Aspirin - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Amanda is the best bartender at novaks!!! Hands down! Customer service is through the roof!!!

Easily the worst bar/dining experience I've ever had. I chose this place as I had just arrived from Denver on business and was staying across the street. It was a slow Sunday afternoon with half-dozen people seated at the bar. I had a seat and was quickly greeted and asked what I wanted to drink. Having never visited Ohio and not sure about the local beers I asked what she recommended and explained I was just visiting. This is when things went down hill. "I don't make recommendations; just order what you like" was her response. I must've looked taken aback because her follow-up was "you're not giving me much to work with here, bud." That was surprising since only a second earlier she just told me to order what I like. Needless to say I left without saying a word and she didn't seem to mind a bit. I've never taken the time to bother with a review before for any establishment because I've never experienced anything approaching the rudeness I experienced at Novak's. Obviously I don't blame anyone but the person who I interacted with. Sadly, she was all I have to base this review off of and I hope this was an anomaly. To her I say come to Denver if you want to experience kindness and a much cooler vibe than you put out. Took my business next door to bare burgers and they were amazing. read more

We were visiting a friend in Columbus and he recommended Novak's patio as a medium between low key and a serious party spot. And I think he hit the nail on the head as far as description. When we walked in I will admit it smelled like a few people had gotten a lil too turnt, but on the second floor it wasn't super crowded, the bartenders were nice and helpful and they had a small group out on the dance floor meaning plenty of dancing space. We got our drinks and went up the the patio. The space up there isn't huge and there weren't any tables available but we did find a wall to lean against near the bar. Not enough space to dance upstairs but I did enjoy the music. It seems like a place that probably gets pretty crowded. We had good views of the other bars nearby so were able to enjoy the great weather and plot our route for the evening. read more

Nice bar with friendly bartenders. Limited beer on draught but they had summer shandy which was delicious. It's right next to north market which is convenient for those who want to do some shopping and get some food then head over to the bar. They have a pretty small rooftop area that's nice to hang out and get a view of the hood. read more

Novak's has one of the best patios in Columbus and the bartender that works on it frequently, Amanda is always so sweet and takes great care of her customers. She's the sole reason I go there during COVID. She's also sexy af which doesn't hurt. read more

Novak's Tavern & Patio - Patio - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Watched an away Buckeye game with friends.Had a great time very cool place. Our bartender Mel was outstanding.She was very attentive friendly and made us some very interesting shots.They have a cool out door patio on 3rd floor but we watched game at main bar.I would recommend Novacks for watching football or just for drinking with friends Ask for Mel she is the best. read more

Been here many times best bar downtown. Sarah, lanny Charlotte, nick make it feel like home

The best part of Novak's is the DJ and affordable beers. I paid for two beers for roughly the price I would have paid for one beer at a bar in short north. The downside was the bartender. She wasn't very welcoming or friendly. Strictly business! It's also kind of a smaller space so things might get crowded here. read more

Novaks Tavern was recommended to my co-worker and I by our fine waitress downstairs in the Barleys Brewing Company. She was right on when she said that the place was loud, fun, and had good drinks with exceptional service. We went upstairs and really wanted to sit outside on the patio, however it was pretty much packed to the brim (we arrived late, so no surprise). I have read reviews where people have complained about outside areas not being big enough or they need to add more room...disagree. I feel that if you are one of the people that A) go early enough to get an outside seat or B) get lucky and fall into one...then you have earned that. I think that outside areas need to stay small and exceptional. If they continued to grow it would be like Indiana Jones retrieving the golden idol and instead of being chased out of the cave by a boulder and nearly being crushed, it would be like him being chased by a basketball. Earn that outside spot, kid! However, we were able to find a small booth inside and I had the Peach Manhattan. It was extremely flavorful and very well made. However, I had to switch to beer after because the sugar (which is to be expected with that drink). I have to say that what stood out to me were bartenders. All of the bar backs, bartenders, managers, etc. were all smiling and having a good time! Normally, in a loud, busy college bar you are lucky if you get a second glance, let alone a smile or a conversation. So, hands off to the EVERYONE working at Novaks last night. We also never had an empty drink or had to wait on our check. read more

Novak's Tavern & Patio - Peach manhattan. Delicious! - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This is by far my favorite bar in the whole city of Columbus,Oh...I visit about 10 times a year for Blue Jacketsgames, Buckeye games and concerts. Always a great crowd..The service is great and the bartenders and nice..Stephanie is my favorite bartender in the city.. A must place to visit with a great location in the arena district read more

The upstairs patio is amazing! It's not too big but also not too small. Definitely doesn't feel like you're in Columbus. the staff were all very friendly the day we came and everyone was super cheerful. We decided to grab drinks at the indoor bar and our waitress was new at the time so it took awhile for our drinks but we didn't mind. She did a great job on the drinks btw. If I go back I would go for the patio alone! Especially during the evening! Granted the view isn't the best but it beats most patio views around town. read more

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Okay - time to update because their drink prices are INSANE. $7 for two beers (one a craft draft and the other an import) on a Saturday? $10 for a craft draft and a double vodka soda? Smack dab in the middle of north high? You da real MVP, Novak. MVP! MVP! MVP! read more

If this place didn't have the upstairs patio, it would be 1 star. The patio is nice on a warm day... if you can even get up there and if there is room for you when you get up there! This place is really small and obnoxiously narrow. As someone who has a fear of being in people's way, this is my hell. It always seems really crowded, but I think that is just because everyone has to share 30 square feet of hallway space. Usually a little too loud for my taste, too! read more

I frequent this bar Wednesdays to see Brooke and Amanda. I love how friendly they are each week and always remember my drink! The food from barleys is always a hit too! Highly recommend! Ask for the Paloma on the menu, it's a must! read more

I had a great time at Novak's this past weekend for a birthday celebration and to watch the Buckeye game. This place has pretty mixed reviews, and have mixed reviews on it as well depending on when I've come here. The earlier you get there to claim a spot, the better, because it's not a big bar at all. Getting between the front and the back of the place becomes a real pain, since it's so narrow, and I wonder why they even have the two tops there, since they don't serve food. They have a good $15 bucket of beer for OSU games special, and this past Saturday they have out boxes of Donatos to everyone there. I really do like the patio they put in after the remodel, and the place has plenty of TVs to watch any game you'd like. Overall, it's usually a fun time there. read more

Absolutely avoid this place at all cost if you're REMOTELY foreign. They will immediately check every single piece of ID you have &, despite having 4 pieces of concurring pieces ID that say you're 27 years old, they will not allow you to come. Discrimination among anyone outside of Ohio. AVOID. read more

Love Novak's! Such a good vibe and great staff. Amanda is the best bartender in the city, definitely check it out and ask for Amanda!

I went here and quickly realized I'm not 22 anymore. With some good luck, snagged a table on the rooftop-ish patio. We were in the corner and out of the crowd. I found myself saying we need to where 30-something ppl go. I've graduated. But the views were fun and we had a great time! read more

It's Novak's, what can I say? One of the best locations for a rooftop patio in town. I loved the old dive feeling of the previous Novak's on High, but the renovations are growing on me. The good: The whole inside has been gutted and redone - no more wobbly stairs, smelly bathrooms or the dreaded small walkway by the main bar! The rooftop bar (yes, a separate bar upstairs now!) is amazing and beautifully adorned with wood and quality pieces of furniture. The bad: Somehow a little piece of the charm of this place was lost with everything looking so BRAND NEW now. The whole time I was there, rap music was playing which led to a more "clubbier" clientele. Loved the old Novak's and very much like the new Novak's...just waiting for it to grow on me a bit more. read more

Seems limited selections on rooftop, missing revenue opportunities. Afternoon and evening sun hit this one, if a hot day would suggest moving to the inside. read more

I love Novak's and their updates haven't changed that fact. It has been busier than it used to be, but that is good for them. And it still isn't so busy that I've had to wait a long time for a drink. The upstairs patio is one of the best parts. They also have friendly door guys and their music doesn't suck. Tons of TVs and drinks are good. I will keep going back here whenever I am in town. read more

Stopped for a beer during comfest .. love the rooftop bar .. bartenders are friendly ... parking in the lot across the street was the cheapest for comfest at 10.00. You can order food from the bar next door but it really isn't that great ... eat before you arrive is my suggestion. Highly recommend. read more

I went last weekend while we were just hanging out around the Short North. I had never tried this place before but had always heard great things. We did not wait long for drinks and the prices were reasonable. After getting our drinks from the main bar, we went up to the patio. It looks like it would be a great place to hang out on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with a drink and some people watching. The night we were there, it was really really crowded, not to mention the crowd was very young (21-25). I would go back again for maybe that Saturday or Sunday afternoon drink but not a place I would go to on a regular basis. read more

No kitchen, no problem they have a food ordering system. Bottleneck bar type so when it gets crowded it may become a little tight. They have a small rooftop which is nice during spring and fall. I think its too hot during the summer time because the sun beats down on you and there is also the dumpster that is below you that you can get smelly from time to time. I really like this bar when the time is right. read more

I'm not sure if visiting for the first time the evening on Park Street Festival was the smartest idea, but we had a good time! And the reason I say this is because, it was obviously beautiful out and we went straight to the upstairs and I think I was the middle row in the sardine can, haha! It was so packed that you could only side step. But, the environment is the same as the other bars in that area (Loud, Busy, Young Professionals Looking to get a serious Buzz). I didn't encounter a lot of employees that were working throughout the experience, but everyone seemed pleasant. I will definitely return, but maybe on an evening when it's a bit slower, because the patio would be great to relax and have a drink! read more

They make a fairly decent Manhattan here, and the service is generally courteous and swift. It seems like a pretty cool place and has a nice atmosphere and an acceptable selection of beer and spirits. I also noticed they have specials each day, so perhaps I'll have to come back and see if those are worth while. I was here on a Monday night so it wasn't too crowded, and I took a taxi down which meant I didn't have to fight for parking, so I imagine that those particulars could have biased me negatively were the circumstances different. I'll have to return in order to see because you know... science. read more

Went here with a friend and decided to head upstairs for a mixed drink and a view on the patio. As soon as we arrived at 11:30 p.m. we noticed the place was fairly empty inside and had no issues getting served right away. Since the bar staff made no mention of specials, I ordered two Manhattans with Bulleit Rye; the bartender never asked if I wanted it up or on the rocks. The pour, mixing, and overall presentation was pretty standard with sweet vermouth and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. The drink wasn't stirred too well, but I didn't want to be too picky and decided to venture upstairs to the patio for some fresh air. It's a bit of a small patio outside with a nicely lit bar, but it gets super cramped and smoky very quickly. After finishing a good part of my drink, ten minutes passed by and I couldn't take the smell of Newport cigarettes. Chain smokers couldn't care less which direction they blew towards. It may be a nice summer night, but I would like to enjoy the fresh air as a patron, too (and an asthmatic). Here's the ultimate kicker as to why I won't be returning to Novak's; the crazy drink prices. For two Manhattans on a Thursday night (not a weekend), the price was 17.50. But that wasn't it. Add 5.00 upcharge for Bulleit Rye whiskey and the price totaled 22.50. For that same price, I could get a well-mixed drink in the Big Apple or head to Curio in German Village where they make thei ownr bitters in-house. The rooftop patio and friendly staff are a plus, but there are less-pricey alternatives with more open-air spots in town that won't leave your clothes smelling like nasty smoke. Cheers! read more