Elevated Experiences: Best Rooftop Bars in Columbus, Ohio

A top-quality rooftop bar is a highly sought-after experience. Who doesn’t love a stunning scenic view while enjoying a well-made drink? And let’s not forget the relaxed atmosphere and upscale feel that can be just what you need to end the week!

This list of the best rooftop bars in Columbus has all the best spots to watch a colorful sunset over the city while enjoying some of the best food and drinks around. A few of them have pools and live music, and many strive to provide lovely ambient lighting and lush greenery.

Antiques on High

With not one but two rooftop patio areas, Antiques on High gives the other spots on this list some serious competition. Lounge by the fireplace, enjoy the fireplace, and relax surrounded by the bistro lighting and greenery, you will no doubt love your evening and come back for more.

And while there, you will want to order the Pina Asada (grilled pineapple-infused tequila, dry curaçao, agave, and pineapple), the Doppelganger (cascade hopped tequila, Aperol, grapefruit, citrus), and the Yimlet house shot with Vim and Petal fin, yuzu, and lime.

They also have a great beer selection, wine, and fantastic non-alcoholic drinks like the Sbagliato, with juniper-infused Seedlip Garden, Giffard aperitif syrup, and non-alcoholic sparkling rose wine. You can even add Erth CBD oil! They also have a charcuterie vending machine and an occasional food truck on occasion if you’re hungry. Without a doubt, one of the best rooftop bars in Columbus.

Service options: Delivery

Address: 714 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206 • (614) 725-2070

Photo Credit: Antiques on High

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Seventh Son Brewing Co. is a beloved Columbus institution that became even better when it opened its patio and event space. Go to the back of the taproom, take the elevator or stairs, and you will find an expansive space with retractable glass sealing for food weather days.

With all the beer selection that Seventh Son is known for plus an additional full bar and plenty of long tables for large groups, it is a great location for a gathering. Try the Undergrounds coffee stout and the Humulus Nimbus pale ale for beers, the Passion Fruit Margarita with blanco tequila, passion fruit liqueur, and lime.

And like any place deserving of a spot in this list of the best rooftop bars in Columbus, they also have delicious non-alcoholic drinks like the Moonbeam with Rambling House ginger beer, hibiscus syrup, lemon, and optional CBD Oil. Seventh Son Brewing Co. is also one of the best microbreweries in the area.

Service options: Takeout · Delivery

Address: 1101 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201 • (614) 421-2337

Photo Credit: Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Lincoln Social Rooftop

Not only does Lincoln Social Rooftop offer a fantastic view of the city, but they also boast gas fire pits and infrared heaters for those wanting to be outside but still feel cozy and warm. While some spots only have drinks, you can enjoy plenty of tasty dishes there like their highly-rated Spinach and Artichoke Dip with tomato spread and toasted baguette, their Spicy Tuna sushi with avocado, roasted scallion, jalapeño, and shiso, and their many pizzas.

As for drinks, you might want to play “bartender roulette” and let them surprise you, or go with favorites like the Shades of Night (Midnight Cask whiskey, Carpano vermouth, pomegranate, and orange bitters), the Plum Highball (High Bank vodka, plum, Chinese five spice, and yuzu), and the Birthday Cake (Tito’s, strawberry, vanilla, and almond orgeat). And because Lincoln Social Rooftop is one of the best rooftop bars in Columbus, it also has many delectable non-alcoholic options.

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No delivery

Address: 711 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 300-9494

Photo Credit: Lincoln Social Rooftop

Little Rock Bar

While many rooftop bars can be on the fancier side, Little Rock Bar has both a nice view of the Italian Village and a laid-back, relaxed feel. Don’t leave without sampling some of their amber beers and ciders, a Frozen Irish Coffee with Jameson, cold brew coffee, vanilla ice cream, Kahlua, and Irish cream, or their Cold Fashion made with Bulleit bourbon, sugar, orange bitters, and amaro.

Little Rock Bar also has trivia on Thursday and an outdoor gas fireplace for chilly evenings. They also have food options a few days out of the week like pizzas, pretzel bites, and subs, but you might also be able to find a few food trucks out front.

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery

Address: 944 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201 • (614) 824-5602

Photo Credit: Little Rock Bar

BrewDog Franklinton

BrewDog Franklinton is one of the best rooftop bars in Columbus and a great place to enjoy expertly made drinks and delicious food with the option of going on the upper deck to watch the sunset.

If you’re hungry, you won’t want to miss out on the Korean Loaded Fries with sliced buttermilk chicken, Korean bbq sauce, red onion kimchi, and sriracha mayo, the Carnitas (pork, avocado-tomatillo salsa, pickled onions, cotija cheese, and cilantro) and Buffalo Cauliflower.

They also have plenty of vegan and vegetarian options like their Clucky This Time burger with crispy plant-based chicken, avocado, red onion, and vegan cajun mayo and their vegan Tacos with chipotle crema, lettuce, pickled onion, and cilantro.

As for drinks, there is plenty to choose from. You will likely enjoy the Jet Black Heart stout, the Casino Rye Ale, the Summer Crumble sour, and even non-alcoholic beers like the Faux Fox Raspberry.

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No-contact delivery

Address: 463 W Town St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 908-3077

Photo Credit: BrewDog Franklinton

Hoof Hearted Brewery and Kitchen

No list of the best rooftop bars in Columbus would be complete without a pool or two! Hoof Hearted Brewery and Kitchen is a fun spot with 80’s and 90’s vibes with decent food options like the Bayou Bites (fried alligator, fennel fern, citrus salad, New Orleans aioli), the Burrata (a warm melted blend of cheeses served with bread), and the Cuatro Tacos (your choice of four tacos). They also have a good kid’s menu and a brunch menu.

But where they shine is with their variety of drinks, like their hazy IPAs, fruity beers, and more. Try their Hoof Hearted Tanning (lager brewed with puffed and toasted rice, dry-hopped with New Zealand Wai-iti and Czech Saaz), their Quit Yer Fussin’ On Me (a quadruple berry-blasted sour with raspberry, blackberry, marionberry, boysenberry, vanilla, and milk sugar, or the Bad as Can (an IPA with Citra and YCH cryo pop hops).

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery

Address: 850 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 522-1655

Photo Credit: Hoof Hearted Brewery and Kitchen

Goodale Station

Goodale Station is a rooftop bar and restaurant with three strong assets, the view, the menu, and the cocktails. It just makes sense that we would add it to the list of the best rooftop bars in Columbus! And with a hotel in the same building, it is one of the best spots to put your bags down if you’re just here for a visit.

Fish lovers will enjoy the Salmon Tartare (sushi grade salmon, pickle, horseradish cream, whole grain mustard dressing, trout roe, and limpa rye crisps) while fans of perfectly cut meat will love the Butcher’s Cut steak of the day served with sides chosen by the chef.

They also have plenty of plant-based options like the Aloo Masala (spiced potato and chickpeas, tamarind date chutney, and fermented serrano naan) and the Mushroom Bolognese (pappardelle, San Marzano tomato sauce, and parmesan reggiano).

If you are going for the view, be sure to ask for a table overlooking the downtown Columbus skyline for gorgeous sunsets.

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No delivery

Address: 77 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 227-9400

Photo Credit: Goodale Station

Terrace Bar

Not every place in Columbus can say they have a rooftop bar, a pool, and cabanas. But Terrace Bar can! If you’re looking for food, you will have more luck trying several of our other recommendations in this list of the best rooftop bars in Columbus, but if you’re after ambiance, a place to soak up the sun, mojitos, and frozen cocktails, this spot is for you.

Try the El Diablo (El Tesoro Reposado, creme de cassis, lime, and ginger beer), a frozen Peach Bellini, a pitcher of Watermelon Mojito, or a beer or wine, alongside some Shrimp Skewers with rosemary garlic marinade, a Poke Bowl, or some Chicken Tenders.

Service options: Dine-in · No delivery

Address: 1079 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201 • (614) 929-5430

Photo Credit: Terrace Bar

Novak’s Tavern & Patio

Hang out in the brick-walled taproom or step out into the rooftop patio, and the friendly staff at Novak’s Tavern & Patio will bring you tasty drinks like the Basil Hayden Rye Manhattan (dark rye, sweet vermouth, black walnut bitters) as well as a large selection of beers and hard seltzers.

They also have daily drinks specials like their $5 drafts on Tuesdays, $4 whiskeys on Wednesdays, $4 vodkas on Sundays, and more.

While they do not have a kitchen, you can order food from Barley’s Brewing Company and they will bring it straight to your table!

Service options: Dine-in · No takeout · No delivery

Address: 475 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 224-8821

Photo Credit: Novak’s Tavern & Patio

RH Rooftop Restaurant Columbus

RH Rooftop Restaurant is one of the more upscale spots in this list of the best rooftop restaurants in Columbus, serving brunch classics and dishes like lobster rolls in a beautiful setting with a beautiful view. Relax with an expertly crafted drink while the light makes rainbows through the chandeliers and the fountains create a soothing ambiance.

You’re safe ordering virtually anything on the menu, but customers often rave about the Broiled Salmon (honey, black pepper, brown butter, lemon), Prosciutto and Délice Board (seasonal fruit, strawberry preserves, and warm baguette), Wild Mushrooms with garlic, thyme, and sherry vinegar, the Shaved Ribeye on Charred Garlic Bread, and the Crispy Artichokes with potatoes and rosemary aioli. But even the Simple Green Salad and French Fries are delicious at RH Rooftop Restaurant!

Service options: Dine-in · No takeout · No delivery

Address: 4120 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219 • (614) 968-8830

Photo Credit: RH Rooftop Restaurant Columbus

Joanna Steven