Meet Me in Columbus: 10 Great Places to Hang Out

Great for: Coffee, casual bites, self-pour beer, outdoor hangouts and catching up with friends

Tucked behind The Church at The Property, The Annex Café & Market is made for lingering. Grab coffee and a pastry, stop in for a casual meal or pour your own drink from the rotating self-serve tap wall before heading outside to the backyard. With shaded seating, fire pits and plenty of room to gather, it’s an easygoing spot for everything from morning coffee to an evening with friends.

The Annex

Great for: Morning coffee, fresh-baked treats and slowing down for a cozy catch-up with friends

Gramz Bakery & Cafe is an easy place to meet up and stay awhile. Grab a coffee and something fresh from the bakery case, then settle in for a morning catch-up, a casual breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Its cozy, hometown feel makes it especially good for those get-togethers where the conversation is really the main event.

Gramz Bakery & Cafe

Great for: Coffee dates, casual meetups and enjoying one of Columbus’ architectural settings by Harry Weese

At Lucabe Coffee Co. at the Bank, the setting is just as much a reason to visit as the coffee. The coffee shop occupies a former Irwin Union Bank branch designed by architect Harry Weese, with plenty of comfortable space to meet, work or linger over breakfast and coffee. Look around while you’re there, even the former bank vault has found new life as a kids’ play area.

Great for: Playdates, parent meetups and giving little ones room to explore while grown-ups relax and connect

Dorothy’s Playhouse gets it: sometimes the best hangout is one where everyone has something to do. Kids can explore, imagine and play while grown-ups catch up with a latte, lemonade or another café favorite in hand. It’s a relaxed spot for playdates, meeting up with other parents or simply getting out of the house for a change of scenery.

Great for: group dinner or night-out energy, shareables, and occasional creative takeovers and DJ brunches.

If you like your cocktails with a side of woodfired pizza, Blacksheep is your place. It’s casual but still feels special, think upscale without being stuffy. The drinks are top-notch, and the pizzas come straight from a woodfired oven that fills the place with the best aroma. When the weather cooperates, the outdoor seating is perfect for catching up over a seasonal cocktail.

Blacksheep Craft Pizza & Cocktails

Great for: Casual get-togethers, live music, trivia nights, bringing the pup along, indoor/outdoor seating, family-friendly until 8 p.m.

Hog Molly Brewing is made for easygoing hangs with friends and family. The taproom is family-friendly until 8 p.m., and the enclosed, dog-friendly patio, with heaters and cozy blankets, makes it a comfortable gathering spot even when the weather turns chilly. Add live music, trivia and a rotating lineup of house-made brews, cider, wine and non-alcoholic options, and there’s plenty of reason to settle in and stay awhile.

Hog Molly Brewing

Great for: Virtual golf, friendly competition, casual food and hanging out with friends

Turn your next get-together into a little friendly competition at ChampionZone USA & Patriot Cafe. Located just north of Columbus in Edinburgh, ChampionZone pairs high-tech virtual golf with a relaxed sports café atmosphere, making it easy to play a round, grab a bite and hang out around the fire pit, all in one place. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just there for the fun, it’s an easy pick for groups looking to do a little more than sit around and catch up.

ChampionZone USA & Patriot Cafe

Great for: Trivia nights, karaoke, live music/ patio/indoor seating and soaking up the energy of a lively local favorite

A downtown staple since 1981, 4th Street Bar & Grill has the kind of welcoming, “Cheers-style” atmosphere that makes it easy to feel like a regular. Weekly entertainment gives you plenty of reasons to meet up, with trivia nights, Friday live music and Saturday karaoke adding to the fun. Pair that with a casual menu and plenty of friendly faces, and it’s an easy choice when you’re looking for a lively night out downtown.

4th Street Bar & Grill

Great for: An active hangout, trying something new and a little friendly competition

Looking for a hangout that’s a little more adventurous? Head to Columbus Rocks Climbing and Fitness, where friends can challenge themselves on climbing walls designed for a variety of skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced climber or trying it for the first time, it’s a fun way to get moving, encourage each other and turn a casual meetup into something a little more memorable.

Great for: Live music, casual food, indoor/outdoor seating and an easygoing night out with friends

For a casual night out with a little more energy, head to The Garage Pub & Grill. Live music and weekly entertainment keep things lively, while burgers, wings, sandwiches and plenty of outdoor seating make it easy to grab a bite and hang out with friends. It’s an easygoing downtown spot where you can settle in for dinner and stick around for the entertainment.

Garage Pub & Grill