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Come alive at night: Nightlife in Columbus

From jazz to disco to arcade games, here’s how to make the most of the nightlife scene in CBUS.

To-go cans are available after gaming at 16-Bit Bar + Arcade | Photo via @16bitbar

Feel nostalgic with classic games at 16-Bit Bar + Arcade. | Photo via @16bitbar

Table of Contents

Whether you’re looking to bust a move, play games, or drink with downtown views, there’s a spot for everyone to light up the night in CBUS.

Hit the dance floor

Good Night John Boy took over SeeSaw in the Short North and offers disco music and dancing. The 1970s-themed spot is complete with a disco ball, lit-up dance floor, and music from that decade.

Another disco bar is The Go Go in Italian Village. The bar is decked out with neon decor, vibrant art painted on the walls, lava lamps, and disco balls. Expect a full dance floor, flashing lights, and music that rotates from 80s to current hits.

Service industry workers get 20% off every Sunday | Photo via @goingtothegogo

Service industry workers get 20% off every Sunday | Photo via @goingtothegogo

All that jazz

Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge is a popular jazz bar in the city, located in the Short North. The dimly lit, basement-level lounge features live jazz and bluegrass music nightly. Cocktails are the specialty, and upscale seafood bites are available like octopus, branzino, and smoked trout filets.

Fun and games

Channel some friendly competition at 16-Bit Bar + Arcade. You can play 40+ classic arcade games like Pinball and Pac-Man, and as long as you order a drink, the games are free.

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Small bites like shrimp and asparagus are available at Stories on High. | Photo via Hilton Columbus Downtown

Sip with scenic views

Brass Eye, which is above The Junto Hotel in Franklinton, opened last year and offers beautiful views of the city. Bonus: This is City Editor Hanna’s favorite place to take in views of the skyline with both indoor and outdoor seating, including an outdoor fire pit.

Stories on High is the tallest rooftop bar in CBUS, and it offers views of both downtown and the Short North. The upscale restaurant and bar is located in the Hilton Downtown.

Mandrake Rooftop in the Short North also has an amazing city view + features a DJ and dance floor on the weekends. Bottle service is also available.

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