Want to grab drinks later? Here are the Top 5 best-rated places around Columbus

Whether you’re celebrating the end of the week or just need to meet with some friends on a Tuesday for a cold one, there are plenty of options around Columbus for good drinks.

We’ve complied a list of the top-rated places to grab a drink in the area using reviews and ratings across Yelp, TripAdvisor and Google. While we tried to focus on places that primarily focus on drinks, we also included a couple that were rated right up there with the bars.

Did we leave out your favorite spot? Miss a hidden gem that readers should know about? Let us know in the comments below.

Downstairs at The Loft, 1032 Broadway Ave.

Average rating: 4.5

While The Loft is mostly known as a solid spot to grab lunch or dinner, reviewers enjoy the variety of drinks offered and high level of service from staff. Having the upstairs stage area for live music is also a major factor in this downtown restaurant’s success. Many reviewers suggested spending your whole night out here: start downstairs with dinner and a drink, then move upstairs for a performance...and maybe a couple more drinks. The only downside when it comes to drinks? Multiple reviewers noted their beer was warm when it got to the table.

TripAdvisor review from TiniWilson four days ago: “We ate in the restaurant upstairs where they featured a live band and I really love live music but it was really very loud so immediately after dinner we went up on the roof for drinks to a more mellow but lively atmosphere... The food was very good as well as the service and vibe.”

Nonic Bar & Kitchen, 1239 Broadway Ave.

Average rating: 4.2

Craft beer lovers — this is the place for you. With 30 craft selections on tap and many more in bottles and cans, not many other places in the area can compete as far as selection goes. Most of the beers come in multiple sizes too which reviewers say is great for sharing and trying new pours. Since opening last year, Nonic has also grown its food menu to complement its robust beer and cocktail offerings so there’s no need to drink on an empty stomach. But the brick walls and high ceilings can make for a noisy night depending on the size of the crowd, reviewers noted.

Chattahoochee Brewing Company, 505 13th Street, Phenix City

Average rating: 4.2

Just across the 13th Street bridge and tucked in next to the Chattahoochee River rests the Chattahoochee Brewing Company. It’s one of the only breweries in our area and reviewers love the laid-back atmosphere. While the brewery currently doesn’t serve food, local food trucks will make an appearance on some nights and visitors are free to bring their own food with them (plus it’s right near Broadway so you could eat first and then stop here). Reviewers couldn’t say enough about the knowledgeable and friendly staff, but be aware that this place is right next to a cigar store so the smoke smell sometimes wafts over.

Google review from Raynor Scott two months ago: “Great bar and great staff. The atmosphere is amazing. A must go to bar if you are in the area.”

Meritage Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1039 1st Ave.

Average rating: 4.1

Don’t be fooled — this isn’t just a restaurant for a date night out. Meritage has an extensive wine list and also has a collection of about 50 bourbons, according to its website. If your wine knowledge stops at red and white, feel free to ask a staff member for a recommendation, reviewers suggest. They also serve brunch (mimosas and Bloody Marys y’all) on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. They also offer tasting sessions throughout the year, including bourbon, tequila and sake, so keep an eye on their Facebook page to book your spot.

Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub, 1037 Broadway Ave.

Average rating: 3.7

A little piece of Ireland right on Broadway. The only Irish pub in Columbus, Scruffy Murphy’s has classic Irish beers like Guinness and Smithwicks. They also serve European dishes like fish and chips and Scotch eggs, which reviewers raved about. They’re open for lunch every day at 11 a.m. (except for Sunday) and stay open well after dark.

This story was originally published October 10, 2017 at 2:34 PM with the headline "Want to grab drinks later? Here are the Top 5 best-rated places around Columbus."