A Guide to Breweries Around Ohio State’s Campus

Breweries around Ohio State

Written by Sue Maxwell

Surprisingly (or maybe not, surprisingly) there are eleven, ELEVEN!, breweries within a two mile radius of Ohio State. And we aren’t even including the breweries we mentioned in the article A Guide to 9 Downtown Columbus Breweries. Combine those two together and you have 20 (plus, Antiques on High that opened shortly after the first article), so 21 breweries within a short walk, drive, bus ride, or Uber from campus. You are lucky because breweries make a perfect date for your average college couple, as most offer an all-in-one experience of alcohol, food, and atmosphere. While it’s not cheap beer, it’s sure to impress! And with a little careful planning this could lead to a brewery hop, crossing several off your Columbus Ale Trail list.

Please remember to drink responsibly and always use a designated driver, the CBUS, or a rideshare service.

Clintonville

Lineage Brewing
2971 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
614-461-3622
Food: Yes
Patio: Yes

It goes without saying that this is one popular brewery. Since its inception, the food and beer have created quite a following and it is usually packed! You can’t go wrong with any of their handcrafted beers and they offer delicious cocktails for the non-beer drinkers. Don’t make the mistake of not trying the food (try the braised pork nachos or any of the hand pies. We love the Chicken Pot Pie). An added bonus-this is a converted car wash, so when it’s warm they open the garage door, bringing the outside in! You can even see the brewhouse located next door.

Date Night Best Bet: Try the Sunday Brunch from 11am-2pm every Sunday!

Ohio State breweries
Image credit: Hannah Green

East Columbus

Pretentious Barrel House
745 Taylor Ave., Columbus, OH 43219
614-887-7887
Food: rotating food Trucks, check their online calendar
Patio: Yes

Pretentious Barrel House has made a name for itself for its sour beers. With no IPAs in sight, you have to want to drink a sour beer and this is the place to do it! They’ll ease you into sours if you’ve never tried them. Bonus-if you love skee-ball, they have a league you can join.

Date Night Best Bet: Check out their Facebook page for weekly events! Or go and play darts or skee-ball!

Ohio State breweries
Image credit: Hannah Green

Grandview

Endeavor Brewing Company
909 West 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
614-246-2900
Food: Rotating Food Trucks
Patio: Yes

This very popular brewery is a great spot to hang out and feel like you’re somewhere else due to their beer, even though you’re here. The goal of Endeavor is to transport you somewhere new as you drink their global-inspired brews. With many TVs and a strong soccer community, this is THE place in town watch a match. In fact, it was the place where supporters announced that they #savedthecrew.

Date Night Best Bet: Come have a beer and watch the Crew! Or come to one of their weekly events like, Drink for a Cause on Wednesday’s!

Ohio State breweries
Image credit: @endeavorbrewing

Hofbrauhaus Columbus
800 Goodale Blvd.,Columbus, OH 43212
614-294-2437
Food: Yes
Patio: Yes

If you haven’t heard of Hofbrauhaus you’re missing out. Reminiscent of the 400+ year old Hofbrauhaus in Germany, this is more than your average brewhouse. You can even be part of the Stein Master Club, with your own bier steins kept under lock and key, to be used when you visit. Discounts and perks are included with your membership. You’ll be treated to authentic german music, food, and bier in this large and busy brewery and restaurant. It’s wunderbar!

Date Night Best Bet: Any night here is a fun date! Check the calendar online for music and special events. It’s Oktoberfest every day here!

Knotty Pine Brewing
1765 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
614-817-1515
Food: Yes
Patio: Yes

This neighborhood bar has a casual, relaxed feel, perfect for a date night! Their beers are brewed right in Grandview, with a beer for everyone’s tastes. Their food is varied and delicious. This is a special brewery with just the right atmosphere and ambiance. Enjoy Excesss Trivia on Wednesday nights.

Date Night Best Bet: Head over for a delicious pizza and spend some quality time hanging out together! (And don’t forget to order the S’Mores!)

Ohio State breweries
Cuban and BBQ Pork Pineapple pizza | Image credit: Sue Maxwell

Smokehouse Brewing Company
1130 Dublin Rd., Columbus, OH 43215
614-485-0227
Food: Yes
Patio: Yes

Open since 1998, Smokehouse Brewing Company strives to be a place you want to come back to again and again, both for the unique ales and the delicious food. Not only are they serving their own brews, but they now serve as the taproom and R&D facility for Commonhouse Ales. Their large food menu makes this a great place to come for more than just a couple of beers.

Date Night Best Bet: Dinner and beer on the patio!

Italian Village

Hoof Hearted Brewery and Kitchen
850 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215
614-401-4033
Food: Yes
Patio: Yes
You can reserve tables!

Are you on the hunt for great beer and food in a place that’s full of color and vibrancy? Then Hoof Hearted is for you! Hoof Hearted is known for its eclectic beer names that challenge your taste buds, in a good way. Your taste buds will be salivating over their interesting food menu, keeping you coming back to try more!

Date Night best Bet: During the warmer months, they have access to a swimming pool in conjunction with GoFitness ($5.00 to get in). Everything is available to you poolside.

Ohio State breweries
Image credit: @hoofheartedbreweryandkitchen

Seventh Son Brewing Co.
1101 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
614-421-BEER
Food: Food trucks
Patio: Yes

Known throughout Columbus for innovative and delicious beer, Seventh Son has something for anyone, including a cool taproom. This is a popular spot and is always busy. Sit inside or outside at picnic tables and make new friends. Or head upstairs to the beautiful, new rooftop bar. Parking can be an issue so download the ParkMobile app in advance in order to park on the street.

Date Night Best Bet: Follow them on Facebook for a fun event. Maybe yoga? Or the Seventh Son flea?

Ohio State breweries
Seventh Son rooftop | Image credit: Hannah Green

Short North

BrewDog Short North
1175 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
614-908-30353
Food: Yes
Patio: Yes

BrewDog blew into the beer scene in a big way and they quickly built not one but three of them. This one, located in the Short North, has become the ultimate hang-out spot. The bar is open and light, serving BrewDog’s Usa and Scottish beers, as well as guest brews. Cocktails and wine are available for non-beer drinkers. Hungry-try one of their pizzas!

Date Night Best Bet: Come for the Gallery Hop and stay for beer and pizza.

Ohio State breweries
BrewDog Short North patio | Image credit: @brewdogshortnorth

North High Brewing
1288 North High St., Columbus, 43201
614-407-5278
Food: Yes – HOP Pockets and soft pretzels
Patio: No

This is a well-known beer in Columbus, for good reason! Found in stores and on tap in restaurants, you can drink this beer anywhere. But the brewery is a must visit-not only to drink here, but you can even brew your own batch. You do have to schedule ahead for this. They have 30 taps, appealing to all tastes.

Date Night Best Bet: Bring a group and brew your own beer! See their website for all of the details.

West Columbus

Sideswipe Brewing
2415 Scioto Harper Dr., Columbus, OH, 43204
614-719-9654
Food: No, but you can bring in food or oder in. They do have food trucks at times (Check their Facebook page)
Patio: Yes

This small brewery is nestled in a small industrial space that seems like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but is actually only minutes from downtown! Drink delicious beers, meet new friends, hang out with your pals, throw darts, pinball, foosball, board games, or just sit and relax. Their taproom has year round offerings that you will know and love, plus seasonal drafts so you’ll always have something new to try.

Date Night Best Bet: Sideswipe is located near the bike path, so why not enjoy a bike ride and stop in for a beer?

Feature image credit: Hannah Green


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