As one of the best college towns in Ohio, Columbus is always a good place to have some yummy food and score some great drink deals. For many students at Ohio State University, the city’s downtown restaurants and bars play a significant part in their overall college experience.If you’re looking to explore Columbus on a budget, or just love a great deal, happy hour is your best friend!
Read Next: 5 Best Coffee Shops in Columbus Near The Ohio State University
There are a number of good spots around Columbus with happy hour deals that are great for OSU students who don’t want to spend too much money. Here, we’ve compiled a list of places in and around downtown Columbus with amazing food and drink specials.
The 5 Best Places for Happy Hour near Ohio State University
1. Bodega
Photo courtesy of Bodega
Photo courtesy of BodegaArea: Short North
Distance from Rambler: 9-minute Uber
Address: 1044 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Bodega is located in the Short North Arts District and has amazing food and happy hour deals. It is a popular place for OSU students to go on a night out or before football games. Monday through Friday from 4-8 p.m. Bodega’s happy hour has the following specials:
- Mondays: $2 grilled cheese on Mondays
- Tuesdays: $5 house margaritas and $3 tacos
- Wednesdays: half off wings on Wednesdays
- Friday: $12 Fish and Chips Platter
- Monday – Friday: ½ off all taps, $2 off wine by the glass, $4 well drinks
2. Ethyl & Tank
Area: South Campus
Distance from Rambler: 6-minute Uber
Address: 19 E 13th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Ethyl & Tank is located on South Campus, just steps aways from the Ohio Union. It’s a very fun spot for students to watch the game at and go out during the week and weekends. This multi-level bar and restaurant near campus offers happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers Tuesday through Sunday:
- Tuesday – Sunday: $2 wells, $3 drafts, $6 tanks
- Tuesday: $2 tacos
- Wednesday: $6 apps
- Friday: $5 nachos
3. Forno Kitchen + Bar
- Photo courtesy of Forno Kitchen + Bar
Photo courtesy of Forno Kitchen + BarArea: Short North Arts District
Distance from Rambler: 10-minute Uber
Address: 721 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Forno in Columbus is the ultimate spot for an amazing happy hour experience. Located in the heart of the Short North, this vibrant and trendy restaurant offers a unique combination of Italian cuisine and lively atmosphere. Their happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. and it includes half priced draft beer, bar snacks, pizzas, and wine by the glass.
4. Lemongrass Fusion Bistro
- Photo courtesy of Lemon Grass Fusion Bistro
Photo courtesy of Lemon Grass Fusion BistroArea: Short North Arts District
Distance from Rambler: 9-minute Uber
Address: 641 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Lemongrass Fusion Bistro is a great place to grab food and score some happy hour deals. This trendy spot serves a variety of Asian-fusion meals including sushi. Their happy hour is 3-7 p.m., 9-10 p.m. Monday through Friday. The deals include:
- $5 Salmon Roll, $4 Avocado Roll, $7 California Roll
- $5 Vodka-mixed cocktails
- $6 House wines by the glass
5. Short North Pint House & Beer Garden
- Photo courtesy of Short North Pint House
Photo courtesy of Short North Pint HouseArea: Short North Arts District
Distance from Rambler: 9-minute Uber
Address: 780 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Pint House is a casual restaurant with a great atmosphere. It’s a great spot to go with friends or family for a fun and affordable happy hour before a night out. Their happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and it includes the following deals:
- Half price select draughts and food (changes daily)
- 75 cents wings
- $7 mimosas
We hope that this list of some of our favorite spots to enjoy happy hour helps you continue to explore Columbus! If there is anything else the Columbus Rambler team can help you with, please contact our leasing office. We’re happy to help you in your housing search!
