Columbus · Franklin County, OH

Nightlife in Columbus

Scout analyzed 122 Columbus places and surfaced the ones that actually fit nightlife.

Places analyzed

122

Matches

Typical spend

$75

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Complete outings

Escape and Dine in Short North

Kick off your date night with an adventurous challenge at The Escape Room USA, working together to solve puzzles and beat the clock. Afterward, stroll through the vibrant Short North Arts District to The Pearl, where you can enjoy creative American cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails in a sophisticated setting.

Date Night in Short North Arts District

Spice up your date night with a delicious Filipino dinner, followed by a thrilling escape room challenge. Conclude your evening with sophisticated cocktails, making for a memorable night out in the Short North Arts District.

Best neighborhoods for nightlife

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Short North Arts District

5 matching spots

Downtown

2 matching spots

Busch

1 matching spots

Village at Worthington

1 matching spots

SoHud

1 matching spots

Fifth by Northwest

1 matching spots

Scout-verified spots

Busch

The KING of CLUBS

The King of Clubs is a dedicated live music venue, ideal for an evening out to see a band. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $50-150 per person on tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$50–$150 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Short North Arts District

SoCal Kitchen + Bar

SoCal Kitchen + Bar is a good spot for an evening meal with creative cocktails, suitable for a date night or girls' night out. Expect to spend $30-$75 per person for dinner and drinks, with a visit lasting around 90 minutes.

FoodCocktailsSocial

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Short North Arts District

Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge

Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge is an ideal spot for an intimate date night or a sophisticated evening with friends, pairing well with dinner beforehand or as a standalone experience. Expect to spend $35-$75 per person for drinks and light bites over a 1.5-2 hour visit.

CocktailsLive musicFood

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Village at Worthington

Flint Station

Flint Station is a live music venue ideal for an evening out, often paired with dinner nearby or as a standalone destination for drinks and a show. Expect a visit of a few hours with typical spend around $30-$75 per person depending on drinks and cover.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Short North Arts District

Lincoln Social Rooftop

Lincoln Social Rooftop is good for an upscale evening out, offering cocktails, pizza, and views. Expect to spend $50-90 per person for drinks and some food over 1.5 hours.

FoodCocktailsViews

$50–$90 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

SoHud

Rumba Café

Rumba Café is a good spot for an evening out, especially for live music and drinks on the patio. Expect to spend $15-40 per person and stay for a couple of hours.

CocktailsLive musicOutdoors

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

VASO

VASO is a rooftop tapas and cocktail bar, ideal for a refined evening out or a special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $50-100 per person.

FoodCocktailsViews

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Fifth by Northwest

Woodlands Tavern

Woodlands Tavern is a casual spot for live music, pub food, and drinks, often bustling on weekend evenings. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here, costing around $20-50 per person for food and a few drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

The Walrus

The Walrus is suitable for a casual evening out, offering bar bites and craft brews with live music, making it a good destination or a lively stop after dinner. Expect to spend $20-$45 per person for drinks and food.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Easton

Forty Deuce Burlesque & Speakeasy

Forty Deuce is a lively night out with burlesque and live music, suitable for a date or a girls' night. Expect to spend a few hours here, with dinner and drinks costing around $50-$120 per person.

CocktailsFoodLive music

$50–$120 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Brass Eye

Brass Eye is a good spot for a sophisticated evening cocktail, ideal for a relaxed date night or a catch-up with friends. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-75 per person on drinks and light bites.

CocktailsFoodRelaxed

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Short North Arts District

Good Night John Boy

Good Night John Boy is a themed bar best for an evening out with friends or a date, typically involving cocktails and dancing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $30-$75 per person on drinks.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Tuttle Park

Ace of Cups

Ace of Cups is a bar well-suited for an evening out, especially for live music, with craft beers and bar food. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit, costing around $25-60 per person depending on drinks and food.

CocktailsFoodLive music

$25–$60 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Short North Arts District

Novak's Tavern & Patio

Novak's is a solid spot for pub grub and drinks in an easygoing setting, with the added bonus of a rooftop patio. Expect to spend 1.5-3 hours and $15-40 per person, making it good for a casual night out.

FoodCocktailsSports

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Springbourne

Combat Ops Entertainment-Columbus

This entertainment center offers combat-themed activities and an arcade, suitable for a 2-3 hour outing with friends or family. Expect to spend $30-$70 per person on activities and some food/drinks.

CocktailsSportsFood

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking