The Library Bar image

The Library Bar

Bar

Vintage, old-school sports bar providing daily drink specials, plus karaoke & pool. People often mention good, staff, drinks, favorite, Great,


Address

2169 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, United States

Website

www.librarybar.com

Contact

+1 614-745-1639

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (299 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 3 pm to 2:30 am
  • Tuesday: 3 pm to 2:30 am
  • Wednesday: 3 pm to 2:30 am
  • Thursday: 3 pm to 2:30 am
  • Friday: 1 pm to 2 am
  • Saturday: 1 pm to 2 am
  • Sunday: 3 pm to 2:30 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (10) staff (9) drinks (8) favorite (6) Great (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Chase O. 2 years ago on Google
    I had to update this because I was pretty heated at the time of the original post. 3-Stars is only fair for all the good times spent at this place in the past. I've been a valued customer of this bar for several years. We "Librarians" congregate to drink, shoot pool, and banter on the back patio. This placed changed hands in ownership last year, and many changes have been made (some good, some bad). But everyone has their own opinion on these things, and I understand that change can be difficult. Sometimes we avoid it at all costs. Sometimes we pay no mind to it until everything around us has changed. As High St. continues to change, I hope this bar will stand as long as it can. This place has been open for many years, and it was my home-away-from-home for my time living on OSU campus. I've since moved to a different part of Columbus, and only come to this bar on occasion these days. The other night I felt rather mistreated by one of the newer bartenders here. I've worked in the service industry for a number of years and my time in it taught me to always tip, no matter how slow/haphazard the service. This particular night I only felt it fair to break my streak. The bartender was cold, stone-faced, and unwelcoming. I wish her the best, but she certainly needs some work in the hospitality department. She approached me to ask why I hadn't tipped as I was about to leave; this caused quite the scene, and she could've very easily let me walk out the door and collect plenty of tips from the other patrons of the rather-busy bar. Some choice words were said, but when I was grabbed by the arm and my pool cue grabbed by the other bar-back, I stood my ground and defended my space attempted to defend my space. They could've simply asked me to leave, as I was already on my way out, but to be grabbed and forcibly removed from my favorite bar and told to never come back... It felt like the end of an era. One of the owners reached out and was willing to talk about the situation, and for that I respect him. I simply hope that I am welcome back to my favorite spot, but will regrettably be avoiding karaoke night (my favorite) unless this bartender wishes to make amends.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle K. 5 years ago on Google • 114 reviews
    This place is legit cute on the inside! Based off the vibes of the area I thought it would be kinda gross in there but it's super clean, and the bartender girl is really nice and helpful. There's a dartboard and a pool table for entertainment, and their selection of drinks is good, they have multiple types of Bacardi 👌
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel H. 5 years ago on Google • 56 reviews
    Probably the best dive bar in all of Columbus! The drinks are as cheap as the law allows, the atmosphere is always friendly, and the service is one of a kind. Never mind the smell when you walk in, that's just the alcohol gods letting you know you're in for a treat!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Joshua Stanfield (. 7 months ago on Google • 44 reviews
    This place is a mess. One minute they’ll let a 16 year old in, the next minute they’ll deny a 30 year old. There’s no rhythm. Oh and by the way, if you go during any OSU game rest assured you’ll be overcharged for drinks. I charged that back. This close to filing a lawsuit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donna C. 1 year ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Great place to go before an Ohio State game! The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. The owners- Larry, Quinn, and Matt were extremely welcoming and made us feel like we were really special! We especially loved our bartender Megan. Fantastic atmosphere, with a band playing in the front and a DJ on the back patio!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melika S. 3 years ago on Google
    This is by far the best bar in town! We love it and have many great memories. It's so alive, joyful and cozy with a full bar option. They had free popcorn before covid and we hope it comes back! Definitely try it if you are around and you will live it for sure!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Sean S. 1 year ago on Google
    Used to be a cool place. Now it crowded with 18 year old kids with fake ID'S. We used to have a pool tournament on Tuesdays. Used to be a good spot with frequent regulars and good conversation. The new owners did increase the patio size and made lots of upgrades but it feels like a new bar now that caters to college kids.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen J. 7 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    I used to go there in the 70s, probably lost half my brain there. Does Cricket still own the joint?

  • 1/5 Justin J. 11 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    I was overcharged last night by Anna H. She was very rude when trying to close my tab and couldn’t seem to remember taking my card and keeping it at the drawer. She left the bar for an extended amount of time, so the bar back had to start giving drinks out. When he was asked where the bartender was he said “he didn’t know, she was doing something”. He was even able to find my tab. Due to this, no tip was left, but she felt the need to add one herself. I’ve been a server and I never leave less the $5 dollars unless it’s warranted and this was one of those times. This is theft and fraud. Not really sure how my 2 dollars really benefited her profit, but how many people has she done that to? Check your statements!!! I want this fixed as well!

  • 1/5 nicole s. 7 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    the girl working in the basement bar on saturday night changes your tip amount. only use cash at this bar. hire more trust worthy people

  • 1/5 Shannon S. 1 year ago on Google
    Omg! Just stay as you are and never worry about who is attending your bar, what alcohol you carry and just keep racking in your $$. I asked for a cup of ice cubes. Response was, us college kids don't use that lingo? What? A cup of ice is a lingo! Oy!

  • 5/5 Aaron F. 2 years ago on Google
    You know it's a good cheap college bar when there is a slight scent of urine. Great staff, fun drinks, and didn't break the bank. I am not sure I could ask for more.

  • 5/5 Magic G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great chill bar. Gets too packed sometimes though but the drinks are good.

  • 2/5 Moon L. 1 year ago on Google
    The one drink I did have, a whiskey sours, was INCREDIBLY watered down. The venue was also an absolute mess with empty glasses and cups and trash everywhere. It also felt fairly dirty in general. Honestly cannot recommend going here.

  • 1/5 Mark 1 year ago on Google
    Terrible staff. I was recently there just sitting and having a drink and two employees, came up and told me to leave, grabbed my drink and crushed it and pushed me toward the door. I asked the reason, they gave me no answer, there was no valid reason.

  • 3/5 Bill w. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place. My favorite bar to hangout at before Ohio St home games Edit: No longer my favorite bar to hangout at before Ohio St home games. This place has new ownership and has lost some of the appeal that made it a destination before every home game. While I'm certainly not faulting anyone for making money - the place was packed so it's not hurting business - the once reasonable game day prices are no longer a thing. When BW3 has cheaper beer prices that is all you need to know I'm not discouraging anyone to stop by. You may enjoy everything about your visit - so give it a shot and decide for yourselves

  • 5/5 Mark W. 2 years ago on Google
    Bob's is always a great place to have a beer or 3. Knowledgeable staff and fresh taps. If you like beer, Bob's is must go.

  • 5/5 Kyle C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to stop in have a few beverages. Prices are just right and the staff are super chill!

  • 5/5 James D. 2 years ago on Google
    Great drinks and super friendly staff, probably my favorite bar on campus

  • 5/5 Emily T. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a good time on the outdoor patio on the 4th of July. Lots of space

  • 1/5 Alex E. 2 years ago on Google
    How does this place get to live on but Too's get torn down? All the TVs changed to the same football game, that's amateur stuff. No antlers. Be better.

  • 1/5 LeeAnn S. 1 year ago on Google
    we had an instance with an inappropriate guy at the bar. the guy touched my female friend and the staff did nothing. the staff did nothing when he touched my friend. while the guy wanted to fight my friend too. don’t recommend

  • 5/5 Zheniirah C. 2 years ago on Google
    I always feel comfortable when I go there. The staff is always friendly. Clean establishment indoors and outdoors. I love chilling woth my friends in their patio. I wish their car park was bigger however but there are plenty of spot. The prices are good. Not anything where it feels like Im hurting my bank account but im there more for the relaxed atmosphere. I love to write so when I go I know for a fact I'll be able to get my thoughts out without worry. They have really good music playing of all kinds. And they have a pool table of which I never see empty. Good place to start your turn up.

  • 5/5 Sandra P. 1 year ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Wow! What an awesome bar to visit on Game Day! Great atmosphere, drinks and top rated service. So much fun….
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jaime M. 6 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    This bar is by far best on campus. While EVERY bouncer here has helped girls out, I specifically want to mention the bartenders Spencer and Devon. As soon as an issue occurred and it was mentioned to them, they handled it ON THE SPOT! If you are looking for a great environment with great workers, come here!

  • 5/5 Tyrone S. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Awesome place to go to and the people are absolutely amazing I recommend it for anyone who is looking for a place to go and relax with friends and family


Call +1 614-745-1639 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Outside food allowed
  • Service options
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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