Alongside all the new restaurants and new coffee shops that opened in 2024, we welcomed several new establishments that are perfect for kicking back with a cocktail, a beer, or a non-alcoholic libation. Here are highlights of eight new places for drink that opened in Columbus this year!
1. The Lion in Bexley
Behind an unassuming storefront on Bexley’s Main Street, The Lion brought together some of the city’s best mixologists to create a dynamic cocktail bar this year. With brick walls, soft greenery, small mirrors and chandeliers, the space is a cozy enclave perfect for sipping classic cocktails or the staff’s unique creations.
Read more: The Lion Cocktail Bar Roars Into Bexley
2. Sweeney’s Walnut Street Tavern
This year Jim Sweeney, the unofficial mayor of Franklinton, solidified his legacy by converting his house into your new favorite dive bar. Sweeney’s Walnut Street Tavern is the first in a series of transformations along the block, in which old homes are becoming bars, restaurants, and music venues. It’s a laid-back spot to spin records, sip a beer or cocktail, or relax on one of the patios.
Read more: Sweeney’s Walnut Street Tavern Opens in Franklinton
3. Hoster Brewing
Over a year where we’ve lost a couple breweries, it’s nice to have a new one open – especially one with a storied history such as Hoster Brewing! The legacy brewery dates back to the 1830s, and this latest iteration revives centuries-old recipes in a west side taproom near the airport. It’s been renovated to look like an old school bar, offering a vintage backdrop for enjoying Hoster’s Gold Top and other signature lagers and ales.
Read more: After More Than 20 Years, Hoster Brewing Has a Home Again
4. Aardvark Wine & Beer adds the Dive Baar
Donnie Austin opened Aardvark Wine & Beer in late 2022, a wine shop in Linworth with delightfully colorful branding, and this spring he expanded into the rear of the building with the addition of the Dive Baar. The Dive features a small bar, a mix of seating, a handsome collection of beers on tap, local snacks, and of course a nicely curated wine selection. It’s also a great complement to the Ray Ray’s Hog Pit truck parked out front.
Read more: Aardvark Wine & Beer Expands with its New Dive Baar
5. I Like It Like That joins Natalie’s
I Like It Like That set up shop this year inside an unused section of Natalie’s in Grandview. It’s a hip little spot for “hooch concoctions and giggle water,” as their website says, full of quiet little corners and kitschy decor. (And if visit earlier in the day, you’ll find the bar is home to Royal Flamingo’s coffee shop.)
Read more: I Like It Like That
6. Land-Grant adds The Extension
Land-Grant Brewing in Franklinton has been slowly growing its footprint over the years, and this spring they added The Extension, a new experimental bar just steps away from the original taproom and next to the Gravity Experience Park. There they serve up a menu of cocktails, experimental beers, wines, and other libations.
Read more: Land-Grant Brewing Opens The Extension Bar
7. High Bank Distillery adds Westerville speakeasy
High Bank Distillery added their third restaurant in 2024, this one in Uptown Westerville. It’s very fitting, given its location in the former epicenter of the temperance movement. And it’s made even more fitting by the addition of a basement speakeasy! The decor and the name nod to the building’s history as the Westerville post office.
Read more: P.O. Box XXI
8. Hoof Hearted moves to its own bar on Fifth
With the closure of the Hoof Hearted Brewery & Kitchen in Italian Village, the brewery side branched out with their own taproom in the former Brothers Drake Meadery space (Brothers Drake consolidated its bar and production over in Grandview). Hoof Hearted Brewing on Fifth features all their signature cartoonish branding and beers, swag, video games, and now the Ray Ray’s Reload truck.
Read more: Hoof Hearted Opens Short North Bar in Old Brothers Drake Space
Curious about more happenings this year? You can read about 10 Favorite New Restaurants in 2024 or 16 New Coffee Shops That Opened in 2024!
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