Char Bar

Walking around the convention center area on a Wednesday 9:30pm (no NHL game night) and, while a couple of places already had chairs piled up on tables, the Char Bar bar area was packed and high energy. I had in mind the place caught up on fire, thus the name, but it actually had a drunk driver just crashing into the bar and damaging everything. Now became a story to tell (nobody hurt) and a picturesque place in town.

Before the incident, this was my favorite and constant must go-to of Columbus. Since the repairs and renovation, it's gone from the warm, dive-y atmosphere to a well-lit mainstream common-collage bar. Every time we came to town, for years, Char was my go-to, must stop and highest recommended for a charming dive-bar feel with a classic warm environment. This recent visit in 2026, since the renovation, felt like some of the warm energy had been lost. I was excited to see the beautiful historic entry on top of the welcoming community environment we/I felt before but it felt very lost on the most recent visit. We were so excited to show our friends this place on our recent visit upon re-opening, but it didn't have the same historic energy. Hoping it's a transition into settling into renovations, but I missed the grime-dive-charm it had prior to the accident. Maybe it was an off day, we'll try again.

Great little dive bar close to our hotels. The staff was attentive and friendly. Drinks were generous and really reasonable prices. We’ll be back. Okay … went back every night. Best value around. Bartenders were the nicest. You can get 3 beers here for what it cost for one drink at close by places. Every time I was here everyone was friendly - met people from all over. Go check out this "dive bar." Yes, their bathroom smells like my grandma’s basement.

Great dive, and a great vibe. Crazy that it is right in the heart of the convention center area, and still thriving, and not bought out by some corporation.

Had a great time. Different people from Different places everyone there for fun. Outside may look a little run down, however fun times on the inside.

This place is so damn cool, I can’t believe it. It’s chill, the music is chill, the vibe of the locals that come is rad too. Cheap drinks, and good service. 5 stars all around

Great, semi historical dive bar, one of my top ten bars still around in cbus