Columbus’ rooftop bars, restaurants offer great views, cocktails
Picture yourself gazing out over a scenic skyline while sipping your favorite cocktail, mocktail or beer while enjoying some appetizers or dinner.
If that sounds appealing, no, you needn’t travel to an exotic locale to enjoy such a setting. You can simply visit one of the growing number of rooftop bars and restaurants in the Columbus area.
In the capital city, patrons can find luxury terraces with pools and cabanas, bars atop international hotels and others at the center of high-end residential spaces.
When it comes to food, views and drinks, there’s something for everyone.
And what better way to lead into the weekend than by cooling your heels at one of these locations?
For those in need of some ideas of where to go, here is a sampling of Columbus rooftop bars and restaurants worthy of consideration.
Lumin Sky Bar and Kitchen
517 Park St., Downtown
On the eighth floor of the AC Hotel Columbus Downtown, guests can gaze at a glimmering sunset over the Columbus skyline while enjoying Spanish-inspired dishes and signature cocktails and wines.
The restaurant’s lighter food offerings include the patata bravas, heirloom tomatoes and burrata and grilled prawns. Other offerings include shareable items such as the chef’s board (with a variety of charcuterie) as well as churros and strawberry shortcake for a taste on the sweeter side.
Popular cocktail options include Blinded By The Light, made with Watershed vodka, Stirrings ginger, Aperol, lemon and pineapple; and The ACGT, filled with Bombay Sapphire East Gin, AC small batch tonic syrup, lemon and orange.
For more information and to make a reservation, visit https://www.luminskybar.com/reservations/ or call 614-607-5960.
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VASO
6540 Riverside Drive, Dublin
VASO is home to panoramic views, small Spanish-inspired dishes, cocktails, wines and craft beers. Stationed at the top of the AC Dublin, the space overlooks the Scioto River and Historic Downtown Dublin area.
The restaurant has an indoor and outdoor bar offering signature apertifs such as the Paradiso, made with a house Bacardi rum blend, mango, pineapple gomme, citric acid, orgeat, bitters and tiki finishings.
The food menu consists of small tapas offerings such as duck cannolis and miso deviled eggs, and a list of dinner options that bring a warm welcome to the Bridge Park District.
For more information and to reserve a table, go to https://www.vasodublin.com/ or call 614-698-2525.
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Lincoln Social Rooftop
711 N. High St., Short North
In the heart of the Short North, the Lincoln Social Rooftop is a year-round oasis with a view that’s sure to elevate your night.
Nine stories up, the modern and sleek lounge is home to a menu filled with mouthwatering pizzas, sweets and shareable bites. Lincoln also houses an assortment of libations that range from wine, beer, cocktails and other options.
For more information, visit https://lincolnsocialrooftop.com/ or call 614.300.9494.
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Callahan’s Columbus
520 Park St., near Goodale Park
Unlike other locations on this list, Callahan’s offers a more laid-back outdoor environment. The two-floor space, which operates part time as a sports bar and nightclub, is along Park Street’s line of exciting bars and cantinas.
The first floor offers a traditional Irish Pub setting, while the patio overlooks Park Street and Goodale Park. Although not as deep of a menu as other venues, there are plenty of options for patrons.
For more information, visit https://www.callahanscolumbus.com/ or call 614-223-1200.
RH Rooftop Restaurant Columbus
4120 Worth Ave., Easton
Above the RH Furniture Outlet, an upscale home goods brand, the RH Rooftop Restaurant Columbus overlooks the Easton Town Center area. With locations in Charlotte, Dallas and New York, the business is recognized for its sophisticated menu and glimmering interior.
Guests are welcomed with a menu filled with steak, lobster rolls and a robust selection of artisanal wines and craft beers. And on the restaurant’s interior, trickling fountains and sparkling chandeliers surround patrons as they dine beneath a glass-and-steel atrium.
For more information and to make reservations, visit https://rh.com or call 614-968-8830.
Novak’s Tavern & Patio
475 N. High St., Arena District
A High Street fixture for over 20 years, Novak’s Tavern & Patio is heavy on daily drink specials, live music and crafted cocktails.
Serving “pub grub” items, the brew offerings include Ohio-made beers, IPAs, wheats and stouts and the hostelry’s menu also includes an assortment of wines, champagnes and house cocktails such as the Bottled Watermelon Fizz, Cucumber Mule, Peach Bellini and others.
And although Novak’s doesn’t have a kitchen, the tavern’s partnership with nearby Barley’s Brewing Co. provides guests with a dining experience up to 10 p.m. daily.
For more information and private reservations, https://www.novakstavern.com/contactus or call 614-224-8821.
Goodale Station
77 E. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District
Overlooking Nationwide Boulevard and North High Street, Goodale Station is located on the top floor of the Canopy by Hilton Columbus Downtown Short North.
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating as well as a beautifully lush private dining area with a stellar view of the city’s skyline.
Featured food items include the Ohio wagyu New York strip, grilled Creekstone rib-eye and glazed Asian pork ribs.
The bar features a mix of classic and novelty options. Favorites include the Fancy Nancy, made with Chamomile Tito’s Vodka, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, yuzu and St. Germain.
For more information and reservations, visit https://goodalestation.com/ or call 614-227-9400.
Antiques on High
714 S. High St., Brewery District
Antiques on High may be the sister brewery to Seventh Son Brewing, but the space undoubtedly stands on its own. The rooftop bar, located just inside Columbus’ Brewery District, focuses on the production of sours, wild beers, pale ales and IPAs while also offering several craft cocktails and wines on the drink menu.
Favorites include the Nordic Track, filled with Aquavit, Yellow Chartreuse, grapefruit and citrus; and the Opening Credits, made with Watershed Guild Gin, vermouth, citrus and salted honey syrup.
Although there’s no kitchen at the bar, food trucks such as Tibetan Momo, Aloha Aina and Street Thyme are available most evenings. Guests are also encouraged to bring food in from Kolache Republic, Dough Mama or Emmett’s Cafe on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch.
For more information and reservations, visit https://www.antiquesonhigh.com/.
Terrace Bar
1079 N. High St., Short North area
As part of the Luxe 23 trio, featuring Urban Chophouse and Whiskey Lounge on the first floor, Terrace Bar stands atop the newly established space in the Short North. The Terrace sports its own bar and kitchen, private and rentable cabanas and a large pool at its center.
The food menu features lighter fare such as poke nachos, shrimp skewers, salads, chips and dip, along with a melting pot of other offerings such as beef sliders, poke bowls and sushi.
Guests can soak up the summer sun with a refreshing mix of frozen margaritas, sparkling wines and cocktails, which forge the space’s metropolitan and tropical flair together. The West Coast Paloma is made with Volcan Blanco, lime, mint, cane sugar and grapefruit soda; and the Spa Day is made with Ford’s Gin, lime, cucumber, bitters, mint and sparkling water.
For more information and reservations, visit https://terraceshortnorth.com/ or call 614-929.5430.
BrewDog Franklinton
463 W. Town St., Franklinton
This Franklinton neighborhood gem went from an old car mechanic shop to a two-deck, 48-tap bar and roof terrace. BrewDog Franklinton, like its other Columbus-area locations, has specialty drafts, bottles and canned beverages straight from the brand’s DogTap in Canal Winchester.
Favorites include BrewGog’s Elvis Juice, Hazy Jane, Punk IPA, Lost Lager and Clockwork Tangerine.
The bar’s food menu includes carnitas; brisket, black bean and fried chicken tacos; and the Fast Joe, made with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles, red onion and Elvis Juice bacon jam. Vegetarian options are also available on Mondays.
For more information, visit https://www.brewdog.com/usa/bars/usa/brewdog-franklinton.
ROOFTOP @ BUDD
1086 N. 4th St., Downtown
One of the newer outdoor spaces in the city, ROOFTOP @ BUDD is an ideal spot for guests to soak up the summer sun while sipping on a glass of wine or craft cocktails.
Located inside Downtown’s Budd Dairy Food Hall, the view isn’t as compelling as other bars or restaurants mentioned here, but the bar’s charm comes from its relaxing and laidback milieu.
Guests are welcomed with a slew of food options from the hall’s “Chef Partners” that occupy the main floor. These eateries offer traditional Italian dishes, New York-style pizza, savory fried chicken, firey seafood plates, rich ice-cream flavors and other flavorful selections.
In line with Budd Dairy’s dining options, patrons can try the various wines, sangrias, hard seltzers or finely crafted cocktails available on the culinary hub’s beverage menu. Highlights include the Get Woke, made with Stauf’s Espresso, Wheatley Vodka and Cantera Negra Cafe Vanilla; and the Rumble in the Jungle, consisting of orange vodka, peach, Creme de Violette, fresh blackberry and lemon.
For more information, visit https://budddairyfoodhall.com/bars-at-budd-dairy-food-hall/.
@Earl_Hopkins1
