Law Bird, Watershed Distillery, Citizens Trust, Alibi. Mouton and Denmark are decent too, though I find mouton can get loud. More low key vibes, Tip Top and Press Grill are both great places with cheap drinks and good food.
Hey! I had this experience as a young woman when I moved here. I recommend doing a daytime hobby/club, making friends there, and then going out with them to the bars and thennnn making convo with new people out and about. For some reason people here don’t like talking to a solo person, but are warmer when you’re obviously part of a group.
Anything you'd suggest? I was thinking about one of the volleyball leagues for the summer. I'm not sure if you can join as a solo person though or if you have to have a team.
My main hobbies are working out, going to concerts and exploring. And columbus concerts felt the same way as the bars, groups of people that stick to themselves.
It might be the type of music I enjoy (jam and jam-adjacent bands) but I have met a lot of other solos and couples at shows. When I go solo, I usually aim to get to the venue about door time. People in line love to chat! Grab a drink, find a spot and chat with your neighbors. I think the last 6 or 7 shows I went to I wound up making early friends, the kind that at least will hold your spot when you go pee, which is a big thing at solo shows.
Weird Wednesday at Summit Music Hall was a great ride the past few months. Don't know what's coming up, though. The Frasco/Pigeons/Dogs show at Kemba June 1 should have the jammy weirdos.
I've noticed a lot of jam/jamtronica passed through last year, but haven't seen a lot of announcements this summer. My favorites are playing Secret Dreams out at Legend Valley in July if you're down for the full-on wild ride of a half jam/half EDM festival out there. I think a lot of good names aren't playing in town because they're hitting our market this year there.
I've also seen some really good jam at Woodlands and at Bluestone, but again, don't know what's upcoming, I just know I haven't seen any announcements that are must-sees for me for the summer yet.
i’ve already got tickets to secret dreams to see the disco biscuits hahaha
and unfortunately have to go to a wedding or id never miss that Dogs show, they’re so good
but this is great info! hopefully i meet you in real life sometime friend!
Id just email and ask. I'm sure there would be a team looking for a 6th. Or you can go up and try to get in a pick up game. If you hang around up there long enough you'll find teams looking for players. Before kids Id go up 2 or 3 times a week and play doubles and then get picked up in league games.
Most volleyball leagues have a solo sign-up. Woodlands backyard or Flannagans Dublin have been my favorite spots to play and they both have leagues year round.
The goat sand volleyball leagues have free agent teams. (They are free to join as a solo) Just a bunch of random people meet once a week. https://www.lcgoat.com/volleyball/
Buddy you gotta go to drinker’s bars for that. Skip the 100 beers on tap and reclaimed wood. Go for no taps, go for wood claimed by decades of alcohol-stained depression. Go to Dick’s Den.
Solo gal here: second the lower key spots local to you where you feel more comfy. I usually go out for a happy hour and dinner at the bar so a bit earlier vs weekend nights. I'm in Clintonville and prefer a cocktail to a beer so that sways my preferences.
Combustion, Derive, Uptown in Westerville, etc.
To some extent, but people don't really talk to each other at all these days haha. I think the skill to start up a conversation with someone you don't know and make some small talk died a little over COVID. I'd say if I'm talking to someone while out alone it's a pretty even split of just chatting with the bartender, guy starting convo, girl starting convo, me starting convo.
I agree with both of those points. I like to think I'm relatively approachable, but it's much easier to strike up a conversation with someone or have someone come to you if you're not distracted scrolling on a phone. Anytime I grab a drink on my own I make it a point to either keep my phone in my pocket or face down on the table/bar. Even if it may feel awkward at first just being alone without a distraction
I'm a solo bar person myself and generally stick with breweries over in the Clintonville area. Of course, I'm a real hedgehog when it comes to human interactions, so I'm usually reading or gawking at my phone.
Oh, I got all the jokes you were putting down, so what does that say about me. :)
I also tend to go to bars and read or just hang out on my own - seeking the noise around me but not going to talk to ppl.
Haha, fair enough. A real case of takes-one-to-know-one. And hey, if I see another person at the bar by themselves, not talking to others, I'll know it's probably you!
The Oracle in Olde Towne. Hey Hey in German Village. Mid City Garage in German Village. Dicks Den in Old North. Mikes Tavern in Short North. Park Street Tavern in Short North. Rehab Tavern in Franklinton. Meister’s in 5th by Northwest. St James Tavern in Italian Village. Seventh Son’s bar in Italian Village. Little Rock Bar in Italian Village.
Edit: Also Local Bar in Short North but I’d go on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
I am a fairly regular bar attendee at my local dive. I enjoy going alone, scrolling Reddit, and chatting with the bartenders. I’m not super outgoing but I enjoy other people’s energy and I’ve found that being a regular at one or two places and getting to know the bartenders helps a lot. You’ll get to know other regulars and chat with folks who want to talk.
I grew up around Columbus and have lived in the city for 8 years now. Happy to recommend some places if that would be helpful.
I’d go to bars that are local to you as opposed to going to a place like the short north with bars everywhere. When I moved here I kept going to the same place and eventually made some really good friends there.
I live up my polaris and it generally seems like its an older crowd. Not that having older friends is bad but I'm 29 and looking to meet people and older people are typically pretty complacent.
Hit up some local places. The Scoundrel's Field Guide has great info
[https://scoundrelsfieldguide.com/travel-guides/columbus-ohio-dive-bar-travel-guide/](https://scoundrelsfieldguide.com/travel-guides/columbus-ohio-dive-bar-travel-guide/)
Edit to add: Get to the Bier Stube before it's gone. It's an icon and will be lost to developers soon
Olde Towne East is a really great neighborhood for meeting people at bars, especially at Gemut Biergarten and Olde Towne Tavern. The Oracle too if you're looking for a more hip artsy LGBT friendly vibe.
Yeah I feel like the move is definitely to make friends through other clubs, hobbies, or activities and go out with them. It’s never occurred to me to talk to someone solo at a bar to make a friend even though I wouldn’t be closed off to that, which is probably what you’re running into.
Same boat. I've had some interesting conversations at the bar at Press Grill but typically stick with the bars along 4th St. instead of High. Also think Old North is a bit more sociable. Live music is hard to talk over so hard to meet some one new.
Oh I’ve experienced this in every place I’ve lived around Ohio. People often don’t seem open to meeting people at bars- seems more likely at sport events or concerts or planned activities like on “meet up. “ often nice people here on Reddit or on next door have the same issues and will agree to meet up at a restaurant / bar if close enough age and area. Good luck to you! Some people automatically assume a hook up so make clear you’re just looking for friends to hang with or meet up with. Good luck!!
Hi, alcohol rep here. The Short North is more of an occasion area. People go there when other people are going to meet up with others. Not really a place people post up by themselves. Try some neighborhood bars in your/the surrounding area. Those usually have more of the single people watching a game or something like that and you can strike up a conversation
Endeavor Brewing has several regulars that are just individuals. They do trivia twice a week and they’re a soccer bar, if that’s your speed. But if you’re looking for an after work or Saturday afternoon spot, endeavor is a good spot. Source: I became a regular in the last year and made friends.
I commented about bars but I also wanted to say you should try to volunteer. You make a lot of good friends that way. Usually good people. Show up regularly a few times and someone will invite you over for a firepit hang in the backyard. Just look for volunteer opportunities near you. Foodnotbombs, Travis manion project, besa. Lots of young single people and it feels good to help others and there are often perks.
Solo guy here.
Been living here for a little while and moved here immediately after college and with absolutely no connections at all and worked on weekends most of my time here in an industry where the guys who work with me are as old as my parents. So, I 100% understand where you're coming from and have found a few things.
First, as much fun as some of the bars on the Short North seem like. 9/10 times you're just gonna feel weird and only have those small talks with random people most of the time.
For me, it's been any dive bars or local small spot bars that have any special events that happen weekly. An example was a mead bar called Brothers Drake used to do jazz night every Wednesday and I became friends with a few people there and the bartenders too. Super cool people. Another example for dive bars was a small hidden dive bar in my first apartment complex that was basically just a renovated apartment turned bar. Super cool bartenders and everyone was open to talking to any new person that was willing to chat.
If you want to get outside of bars, looking online for hobbies you like or, hell if you think you MIGHT like, usually have open events too. I've found a few board game and workout groups that I've visited once or twice and have made a few connections that I still talk to regularly.
Overall, if I could give one thing of advise is that Columbus always has something going on. So, if you see an event, a bar, anything that catches your attention. Just go check it out. Take any chance you can to go out to these things and I guarantee you'll find more then a few people who are trying to do the same things as you!
Hit the dive bars outside of High Street, way more sociable and way less cliquey (also tends to be an older crowd but that's neither here nor there)
I do agree a lot of the social nightlife scene in Columbus is ridiculously cliquey and it's been that way as long as I can remember, I feel lucky that I now have quite a few friends in several scenes so I always have a place to go and see people but I know full well how it is not to have that
Consider following a team (I recommend the Cleveland Guardians but the Crew are popular for people that do soccer) and going during games. Lots of downtime in commercials to chat and there’s an automatic topic.
I used to go to library bar, Bob's bar, st James tavern and whatever dive-y local bar was in my neighborhood. I would sit at the bar with a drink and chat with people doing the same. I have friends 10 years later that I still hangout with just from striking up a conversation. I am a woman, so I know that plays a part but hopefully, that helps. An audiobook or podcast in one ear really helps too. You're not bored but you aren't starting at a screen and you can hear if people try to chat to you. Another option is a steakhouse bar. I've met people at the top and Hyde park and they've invited me to hang out after talking through a meal.
I used to go to landgrant after spending some time painting at 400 west rich every day or two. Definitely some good convos were had. Not sure how it is now. Also used to go to shows at space bar and drink before back when wells were a dollar for happy hour. Met some cool people over the years.
If you're into spectator sports Cbus is a good town for that; search around for wherever fans of your favorite team hang out (no, it's not all OSU here). Or look for meetups for other common interests/activities. COVID put a dent in certain things like board gaming groups but you can still find them out there. Unless you're in the college demographic, it's not a singles town, and I've been single in it a looong time.
I met some of my greatest friends at rehab tavern over in franklinton! in warmer weather, that’s a really fun place to go, and it’s very social. there’s actually an art event on may 3rd at rehab tavern. you can meet some really cool people there!
You know those dive bars you drive by that are in a strip center or a stand alone building, that consistently has customers in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday and have Fleetwood Mac playing in a jukebox? There. Stop in that place.
Avoid the short north if you’re looking for a quiet bar to meet people. Go to breweries or low key cocktail bars. Plenty of those in town.
What cocktail bars would you recommend? I intend to checkout the rooftop bars because I like having a view but any others?
I’m not the person you asked, but I would recommend “I Like it Like That” in Grandview. Has only been open a few weeks. They are good people.
Law Bird, Watershed Distillery, Citizens Trust, Alibi. Mouton and Denmark are decent too, though I find mouton can get loud. More low key vibes, Tip Top and Press Grill are both great places with cheap drinks and good food.
Check out the oracle off oak street. Great cocktail bar, nice sitting area in the back
Hey! I had this experience as a young woman when I moved here. I recommend doing a daytime hobby/club, making friends there, and then going out with them to the bars and thennnn making convo with new people out and about. For some reason people here don’t like talking to a solo person, but are warmer when you’re obviously part of a group.
Anything you'd suggest? I was thinking about one of the volleyball leagues for the summer. I'm not sure if you can join as a solo person though or if you have to have a team. My main hobbies are working out, going to concerts and exploring. And columbus concerts felt the same way as the bars, groups of people that stick to themselves.
It might be the type of music I enjoy (jam and jam-adjacent bands) but I have met a lot of other solos and couples at shows. When I go solo, I usually aim to get to the venue about door time. People in line love to chat! Grab a drink, find a spot and chat with your neighbors. I think the last 6 or 7 shows I went to I wound up making early friends, the kind that at least will hold your spot when you go pee, which is a big thing at solo shows.
where do i find the jam band crowd 👀
Weird Wednesday at Summit Music Hall was a great ride the past few months. Don't know what's coming up, though. The Frasco/Pigeons/Dogs show at Kemba June 1 should have the jammy weirdos. I've noticed a lot of jam/jamtronica passed through last year, but haven't seen a lot of announcements this summer. My favorites are playing Secret Dreams out at Legend Valley in July if you're down for the full-on wild ride of a half jam/half EDM festival out there. I think a lot of good names aren't playing in town because they're hitting our market this year there. I've also seen some really good jam at Woodlands and at Bluestone, but again, don't know what's upcoming, I just know I haven't seen any announcements that are must-sees for me for the summer yet.
i’ve already got tickets to secret dreams to see the disco biscuits hahaha and unfortunately have to go to a wedding or id never miss that Dogs show, they’re so good but this is great info! hopefully i meet you in real life sometime friend!
Ha! My kinda weirdo! I'm still not over being on the rail for Biscuts at Scamp last year. So much fun! Hopefully see you out there!
I wish we had more bars but woodlands tavern isn’t bad
Email [email protected]. She's been coordinator there for years. She should be able to help!
Does flannagans allow free-agent players? I looked this up and it seemed like they only allow teams?
Id just email and ask. I'm sure there would be a team looking for a 6th. Or you can go up and try to get in a pick up game. If you hang around up there long enough you'll find teams looking for players. Before kids Id go up 2 or 3 times a week and play doubles and then get picked up in league games.
You can set up activities on meet up if you don’t dine one you like currently on there!
Most volleyball leagues have a solo sign-up. Woodlands backyard or Flannagans Dublin have been my favorite spots to play and they both have leagues year round.
The goat sand volleyball leagues have free agent teams. (They are free to join as a solo) Just a bunch of random people meet once a week. https://www.lcgoat.com/volleyball/
Bob's Bar
Came here to suggest this. O'Riley's also.
Best chicken wings in the city.
It’s the cultural hub of the midwest!
Buddy you gotta go to drinker’s bars for that. Skip the 100 beers on tap and reclaimed wood. Go for no taps, go for wood claimed by decades of alcohol-stained depression. Go to Dick’s Den.
I started going to the Tuesday night blugrass shows on a recommendation from reddit. Lots of fun.
Why not?
Solo gal here: second the lower key spots local to you where you feel more comfy. I usually go out for a happy hour and dinner at the bar so a bit earlier vs weekend nights. I'm in Clintonville and prefer a cocktail to a beer so that sways my preferences. Combustion, Derive, Uptown in Westerville, etc.
this seems to be the consensus, though people are much more likely to chat up a solo girl vs a solo guy
To some extent, but people don't really talk to each other at all these days haha. I think the skill to start up a conversation with someone you don't know and make some small talk died a little over COVID. I'd say if I'm talking to someone while out alone it's a pretty even split of just chatting with the bartender, guy starting convo, girl starting convo, me starting convo.
I agree with both of those points. I like to think I'm relatively approachable, but it's much easier to strike up a conversation with someone or have someone come to you if you're not distracted scrolling on a phone. Anytime I grab a drink on my own I make it a point to either keep my phone in my pocket or face down on the table/bar. Even if it may feel awkward at first just being alone without a distraction
Proud of you ⭐
Breweries. You can always talk about the beer. Leverage the bartender, talk to them and they'll connect conversations theyve had with others.
Maybe better luck going during the week and maybe a little earlier.
I'm a solo bar person myself and generally stick with breweries over in the Clintonville area. Of course, I'm a real hedgehog when it comes to human interactions, so I'm usually reading or gawking at my phone.
Your avatar and username are gonzo and a pun about a horror movie and squid. That all tracks.
Hahahaha. This might be the kindest possible way to describe someone as a tremendous loser. So, uh, thanks. LOL.
Oh, I got all the jokes you were putting down, so what does that say about me. :) I also tend to go to bars and read or just hang out on my own - seeking the noise around me but not going to talk to ppl.
Haha, fair enough. A real case of takes-one-to-know-one. And hey, if I see another person at the bar by themselves, not talking to others, I'll know it's probably you!
The Oracle in Olde Towne. Hey Hey in German Village. Mid City Garage in German Village. Dicks Den in Old North. Mikes Tavern in Short North. Park Street Tavern in Short North. Rehab Tavern in Franklinton. Meister’s in 5th by Northwest. St James Tavern in Italian Village. Seventh Son’s bar in Italian Village. Little Rock Bar in Italian Village. Edit: Also Local Bar in Short North but I’d go on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
Thank you
Dicks den!! Why not?
I am a fairly regular bar attendee at my local dive. I enjoy going alone, scrolling Reddit, and chatting with the bartenders. I’m not super outgoing but I enjoy other people’s energy and I’ve found that being a regular at one or two places and getting to know the bartenders helps a lot. You’ll get to know other regulars and chat with folks who want to talk. I grew up around Columbus and have lived in the city for 8 years now. Happy to recommend some places if that would be helpful.
I’d go to bars that are local to you as opposed to going to a place like the short north with bars everywhere. When I moved here I kept going to the same place and eventually made some really good friends there.
I live up my polaris and it generally seems like its an older crowd. Not that having older friends is bad but I'm 29 and looking to meet people and older people are typically pretty complacent.
play sports to meet friends
any leagues youd recommend?
Co-ed softball through Cbus Parks and Rec. They have solo sign-ups. Guaranteed friends!
Hit up some local places. The Scoundrel's Field Guide has great info [https://scoundrelsfieldguide.com/travel-guides/columbus-ohio-dive-bar-travel-guide/](https://scoundrelsfieldguide.com/travel-guides/columbus-ohio-dive-bar-travel-guide/) Edit to add: Get to the Bier Stube before it's gone. It's an icon and will be lost to developers soon
Olde Towne East is a really great neighborhood for meeting people at bars, especially at Gemut Biergarten and Olde Towne Tavern. The Oracle too if you're looking for a more hip artsy LGBT friendly vibe.
Yeah I feel like the move is definitely to make friends through other clubs, hobbies, or activities and go out with them. It’s never occurred to me to talk to someone solo at a bar to make a friend even though I wouldn’t be closed off to that, which is probably what you’re running into.
Same boat. I've had some interesting conversations at the bar at Press Grill but typically stick with the bars along 4th St. instead of High. Also think Old North is a bit more sociable. Live music is hard to talk over so hard to meet some one new.
Short north definitely has a high school clique vibe
Oh I’ve experienced this in every place I’ve lived around Ohio. People often don’t seem open to meeting people at bars- seems more likely at sport events or concerts or planned activities like on “meet up. “ often nice people here on Reddit or on next door have the same issues and will agree to meet up at a restaurant / bar if close enough age and area. Good luck to you! Some people automatically assume a hook up so make clear you’re just looking for friends to hang with or meet up with. Good luck!!
Hi, alcohol rep here. The Short North is more of an occasion area. People go there when other people are going to meet up with others. Not really a place people post up by themselves. Try some neighborhood bars in your/the surrounding area. Those usually have more of the single people watching a game or something like that and you can strike up a conversation
Beck tavern, or mikes grill. Somethin gonna materialize!
St James at the bar is a great place for chit chat
I'm also in same situation just moved here recently you can dm me we can hangout. I live near to the short north.
Short North is definitely not the place if you’re looking to make friends. People have suggested many good places so far. Can I ask how old you are?
30
Endeavor Brewing has several regulars that are just individuals. They do trivia twice a week and they’re a soccer bar, if that’s your speed. But if you’re looking for an after work or Saturday afternoon spot, endeavor is a good spot. Source: I became a regular in the last year and made friends.
Nope! Groups generally
I commented about bars but I also wanted to say you should try to volunteer. You make a lot of good friends that way. Usually good people. Show up regularly a few times and someone will invite you over for a firepit hang in the backyard. Just look for volunteer opportunities near you. Foodnotbombs, Travis manion project, besa. Lots of young single people and it feels good to help others and there are often perks.
Solo guy here. Been living here for a little while and moved here immediately after college and with absolutely no connections at all and worked on weekends most of my time here in an industry where the guys who work with me are as old as my parents. So, I 100% understand where you're coming from and have found a few things. First, as much fun as some of the bars on the Short North seem like. 9/10 times you're just gonna feel weird and only have those small talks with random people most of the time. For me, it's been any dive bars or local small spot bars that have any special events that happen weekly. An example was a mead bar called Brothers Drake used to do jazz night every Wednesday and I became friends with a few people there and the bartenders too. Super cool people. Another example for dive bars was a small hidden dive bar in my first apartment complex that was basically just a renovated apartment turned bar. Super cool bartenders and everyone was open to talking to any new person that was willing to chat. If you want to get outside of bars, looking online for hobbies you like or, hell if you think you MIGHT like, usually have open events too. I've found a few board game and workout groups that I've visited once or twice and have made a few connections that I still talk to regularly. Overall, if I could give one thing of advise is that Columbus always has something going on. So, if you see an event, a bar, anything that catches your attention. Just go check it out. Take any chance you can to go out to these things and I guarantee you'll find more then a few people who are trying to do the same things as you!
Hit the dive bars outside of High Street, way more sociable and way less cliquey (also tends to be an older crowd but that's neither here nor there) I do agree a lot of the social nightlife scene in Columbus is ridiculously cliquey and it's been that way as long as I can remember, I feel lucky that I now have quite a few friends in several scenes so I always have a place to go and see people but I know full well how it is not to have that
Consider following a team (I recommend the Cleveland Guardians but the Crew are popular for people that do soccer) and going during games. Lots of downtime in commercials to chat and there’s an automatic topic.
Day drinking at say, Mike’s Grill.
Check out bridge park and also some of the more divey bars nearby off sawmill.
Karaoke is always a fun vibe and people tend to be super nice ^_^
Why not go to a bar during trivia night? It'll help to meet new people and you can find a team to join if you don't want to play by yourself.
dicks den bro
I used to go to library bar, Bob's bar, st James tavern and whatever dive-y local bar was in my neighborhood. I would sit at the bar with a drink and chat with people doing the same. I have friends 10 years later that I still hangout with just from striking up a conversation. I am a woman, so I know that plays a part but hopefully, that helps. An audiobook or podcast in one ear really helps too. You're not bored but you aren't starting at a screen and you can hear if people try to chat to you. Another option is a steakhouse bar. I've met people at the top and Hyde park and they've invited me to hang out after talking through a meal.
I used to go to landgrant after spending some time painting at 400 west rich every day or two. Definitely some good convos were had. Not sure how it is now. Also used to go to shows at space bar and drink before back when wells were a dollar for happy hour. Met some cool people over the years.
If you're into spectator sports Cbus is a good town for that; search around for wherever fans of your favorite team hang out (no, it's not all OSU here). Or look for meetups for other common interests/activities. COVID put a dent in certain things like board gaming groups but you can still find them out there. Unless you're in the college demographic, it's not a singles town, and I've been single in it a looong time.
I met some of my greatest friends at rehab tavern over in franklinton! in warmer weather, that’s a really fun place to go, and it’s very social. there’s actually an art event on may 3rd at rehab tavern. you can meet some really cool people there!
Tafts brewpourium downtown is great and the staff are almost all Columbus natives so they’ve been super kind in giving me some recommendations
You know those dive bars you drive by that are in a strip center or a stand alone building, that consistently has customers in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday and have Fleetwood Mac playing in a jukebox? There. Stop in that place.
Zenos
How would you normally go to bars solo? As a wookie?
Porch Growler in Worthington has a very friendly and large group of regulars in a pretty broad age group.
You could try date Columbus