

Along with all the new restaurants and new cafes opening their doors in 2024, we’ve welcomed a few new establishments that are perfect for unwinding with a cocktail, beer or soft drink. Here are the highlights of eight new drink spots that opened in Columbus this year!


Behind an unassuming storefront on Bexley’s high street, The Lion has 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 Roars Into Bexley Cocktail Bar


This year, Jim Sweeney, Franklinton’s unofficial mayor, cemented his legacy by turning his house into your new favorite dive bar. Sweeney’s Walnut Street Tavern is the first in a series of transformations on the block where old homes are being turned into bars, restaurants and music venues. It’s a relaxed place 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


After more than a year of losing several breweries, it’s nice to see a new one open – especially one with a storied history like Hoster Brewing! The legacy brewery dates back to the 1830s, and this latest iteration revives age-old recipes in a west-side pub near the airport. It’s been renovated to look like an old-school bar, offering a retro backdrop to enjoy Hoster’s Gold Top and other signature lagers and ales.
Read more: After more than 20 years, Hoster Brewing has a home again


Donny Austin opened Aardvark Wine & Beer in late 2022, a wine shop in Linworth with a delightfully colorful brand, and this spring he expanded into the back of the building with the addition of Dive Baar. The Dive features a small bar, a mix of seating, a beautiful draft beer collection, local snacks and of course a well-curated wine selection. It’s also a great addition to Ray Ray’s Hog Pit truck parked out front.
Read more: Aardvark Wine & Beer expands with new Dive Bar


I Like It Like That set up shop this year in an unused section of Natalie’s in Grandview. It’s a bit of a trendy place for “concoctions and giggle water”, as their website says, full of quiet little corners and kitschy decor. (And if you visit earlier in the day, you’ll find that the bar houses the Royal Flamingo’s cafe.)
Read more: I like it this way


Land-Grant Brewing in Franklinton has been slowly growing their footprint over the years, and this spring they added The Extension, a new experimental bar just steps from the original pub and next to Gravity Experience Park. There they serve a menu of cocktails, experimental beers, wines and other libations.
Read more: Land-Grant Brewing opens up the expansion bar


High Bank Distillery added its third restaurant in 2024, this one in Uptown Westerville. This is very appropriate given its location in the former epicenter of the temperance movement. And it’s made even more fitting by the addition of a basement nook! The decor and name are reminiscent of the building’s history as the Westerville Post Office.
Read more: Postbox XXI


With the closing of Hoof Hearted Brewery & Kitchen in Italian Village, the brewery side branched out with its own taproom in the former Brothers Drake Meadery space (Brothers Drake consolidated its bar and production in Grandview). Hoof Hearted Brewing on Fifth features all of their signature cartoon brands and beers, Switch, video games, and now the Ray Ray refill truck.
Read more: Hoof Hearted Opens Short North Bar in Old Brothers Drake Space
Curious about more events this year? You can read about 10 favorite new restaurants in 2024. or 16 new coffee shops that opened in 2024!
You can also follow me on Instagram at @breakfastwithnick, check out the news archives, read my guide to Columbus, find travel inspiration or…
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