Top 10 Historic Pubs in Columbus You Can Trust

Columbus, Ohio, may be known for its vibrant university life, booming tech scene, and sprawling parks—but beneath its modern surface lies a rich tapestry of history woven into its oldest pubs. These aren’t just bars with draft beer and neon signs; they are living archives of the city’s cultural evolution, where generations of laborers, soldiers, artists, and entrepreneurs have raised a glass together. In a time when chain establishments dominate the landscape, finding a pub that has stood the test of time—maintaining its character, integrity, and community spirit—is a rare and valuable experience. This guide presents the Top 10 Historic Pubs in Columbus You Can Trust, each selected not just for age, but for authenticity, consistency, and the enduring respect they command from locals. These are the places where the wood floors creak with stories, the mirrors reflect decades of laughter, and the beer taps have never been replaced by a corporate distributor. If you’re looking for more than a drink—seeking a connection to Columbus’s soul—these are the pubs you can trust.

Why Trust Matters

In an era of fleeting trends and rapidly changing ownership, trust in a public space has become increasingly rare. A pub is more than a venue for alcohol—it’s a sanctuary, a meeting ground, a place where people return not for the menu, but for the memory. Trust is earned over years, not advertised in ads. It’s in the way a bartender remembers your name after one visit, in the unaltered wooden bar top that’s been polished by a thousand elbows, in the absence of corporate logos and the presence of local art on the walls. When you trust a pub, you’re trusting its history, its people, and its commitment to authenticity. In Columbus, where development pressures constantly threaten to erase the old in favor of the new, these ten pubs have resisted homogenization. They’ve survived recessions, neighborhood shifts, and changing tastes by staying true to their roots. Trust isn’t about ratings or social media likes; it’s about consistency, character, and community. These pubs don’t chase trends—they set them. They’re the places where you can sit alone with a pint and feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule, or gather with friends and feel like you’ve come home. In choosing where to spend your evening, trust matters more than convenience. These ten pubs have earned it.

Top 10 Historic Pubs in Columbus

1. The Eagle Tavern

Established in 1872, The Eagle Tavern is one of Columbus’s oldest continuously operating taverns. Located in the historic German Village neighborhood, it began as a gathering spot for German immigrants working in nearby factories and breweries. The original oak bar, still in use today, was crafted by local artisans and has never been refinished—its surface worn smooth by over 150 years of hands, glasses, and conversations. The walls are lined with vintage photographs of early Columbus, including images of Civil War veterans who once drank here. The Eagle Tavern never modernized its lighting or signage; the gas lamps were replaced with incandescent bulbs in the 1950s, and those remain. Their beer list features local craft brews alongside classic lagers, and their food menu is built around traditional German fare—bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels served with stone-ground mustard. What sets The Eagle Tavern apart is its refusal to become a tourist attraction. Locals still dominate the seating, and the staff treat every patron like a neighbor. It’s not loud, it’s not flashy, and it doesn’t need to be. The Eagle Tavern is a quiet monument to endurance, and the trust it commands comes from its unwavering commitment to the past.

2. The Old Man’s Pub

Founded in 1888 by Irish immigrant Michael O’Leary, The Old Man’s Pub earned its name not from the age of its patrons—but from the stern demeanor of its founder, who was known to turn away rowdy customers with a single glance. The pub’s original brick facade still stands, with hand-laid stones from a demolished 18th-century warehouse. Inside, the ceiling beams are original, and the tin ceiling, installed in 1902, still gleams under the soft glow of amber bulbs. The Old Man’s Pub has changed hands only twice in its history, both times to family members who swore to preserve its character. Its signature drink, “O’Leary’s Reserve,” a spiced whiskey blend created in 1923, is still served the same way—with a single ice cube and a twist of orange peel. The pub’s back room, once used as a speakeasy during Prohibition, is now a quiet lounge with leather chairs and a vintage phonograph that plays 78 rpm records on weekends. The walls are covered in handwritten notes from patrons over the decades, a tradition started in the 1940s. You won’t find a menu here—orders are taken at the bar, and the staff know what you want before you say it. Trust here is earned through silence, consistency, and the absence of pretense.

3. The Buckeye Ale House

Opened in 1895 as a saloon for railroad workers, The Buckeye Ale House has weathered the rise and fall of rail travel, the Great Depression, and the suburban migration of the 1960s. Its name pays homage to Ohio’s state nickname, and its logo—a stylized buckeye leaf—has remained unchanged since its founding. The bar’s centerpiece is a 22-foot mahogany bar, imported from Pennsylvania in 1901, with brass foot rails still polished daily by the current owner’s grandfather. The original slate floor, cracked in places from over a century of use, has never been replaced. The Buckeye Ale House was one of the first in Columbus to serve craft beer in the 1980s, long before the movement went mainstream. Today, it offers over 40 rotating taps, all from Ohio-based breweries, and its food menu is built around regional comfort food: chili dogs, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and hand-cut fries cooked in lard. What makes this pub trustworthy is its transparency. The owner still works the bar five days a week, and the brewery tours are led by the head brewer, not a hired guide. Patrons are encouraged to ask questions, and the answers are always honest. There are no gimmicks, no themed nights, no happy hour specials. Just beer, food, and a history that speaks louder than any marketing campaign.

4. The Hocking Tavern

Nestled in the heart of the Short North, The Hocking Tavern was built in 1882 as a stopover for travelers journeying along the Hocking River trade route. Its name comes from the river that once ran just blocks away, before urban development redirected its course. The tavern’s original iron-studded doors still swing on hand-forged hinges, and the stained-glass window above the bar, depicting a riverboat, was installed in 1897 and survived two fires. The Hocking Tavern’s interior has changed very little since the 1920s: the wooden booths are original, the ceiling fans are hand-cranked, and the jukebox—dating to 1953—plays only vinyl records from the 1940s to 1960s. The pub’s most cherished tradition is the “Hocking Toast,” a ritual performed every night at 8 p.m., when the lights dim and the entire room raises a glass in silence to those who came before. The drink menu is simple: local lagers, bourbon from Kentucky, and a house-made ginger beer that hasn’t changed its recipe since 1912. Food is served only at the bar, and it’s all prepared from scratch using family recipes passed down for three generations. The Hocking Tavern doesn’t advertise. It doesn’t need to. Its reputation is carried by word of mouth, and the trust it holds is built on decades of quiet loyalty.

5. The Red Lantern

Established in 1890, The Red Lantern was originally a Chinese-owned boarding house that doubled as a drinking spot for dockworkers along the Scioto River. After a fire in 1908, the building was rebuilt with red lanterns hung outside to signal safety—a tradition that continues today. The interior still features original hardwood floors from the 1910s, and the bar counter was salvaged from a decommissioned steamboat that sank in the river in 1915. The Red Lantern’s most distinctive feature is its collection of vintage maps and nautical charts pinned to the walls, many of them annotated by sailors who passed through in the early 20th century. The pub’s signature drink, “River Mist,” is a blend of gin, elderflower, and wild mint, inspired by the original recipe created by the founder’s wife. The kitchen serves fusion dishes that reflect its multicultural heritage: salted pork belly bao, spicy crab dumplings, and bourbon-glazed ribs. What makes The Red Lantern trustworthy is its quiet resilience. It never sought to be trendy, never chased celebrity patrons, and never changed its name or identity to suit the times. It simply endured. The staff, many of whom have worked here for over 20 years, treat every customer like family. If you ask about the maps, they’ll tell you the story behind each one. If you ask about the bar’s history, they’ll point to the scratches on the counter—each one representing a patron who returned year after year.

6. The Iron Horse Saloon

Founded in 1878 by a former Union Army captain turned brewer, The Iron Horse Saloon was built to serve the influx of workers building the new rail lines through Columbus. Its name comes from the steam locomotives that passed daily, their whistles echoing through the neighborhood. The building’s original brickwork, laid by German masons, still stands, and the bar’s back wall is embedded with railroad spikes from the first train to pass through the city. The saloon’s most iconic feature is the 1887 hand-painted mural of a locomotive crossing the Scioto River—still visible after over a century of smoke, steam, and dust. The Iron Horse Saloon never installed air conditioning; instead, it relies on ceiling fans and open windows, a practice that keeps the atmosphere authentic. Its beer list is curated from small Ohio breweries that still use open fermentation techniques, and its food menu features classic American pub fare with a historical twist: beef stew with root vegetables, cornbread baked in cast iron, and pickled eggs made in-house. The pub’s owner, a fifth-generation Columbus native, still personally selects every bottle of whiskey on the shelf. He doesn’t take vacations. He doesn’t hire managers. He believes trust is maintained by presence, not policy. Locals know: if you want to know the real history of Columbus, sit at the Iron Horse Saloon and listen.

7. The Winding Way

Established in 1899, The Winding Way was originally a whiskey distillery that converted into a pub after Prohibition. The building’s original copper stills are still visible in the basement, now used as a private tasting room for select bourbons. The pub’s name comes from the crooked alley it sits on—a narrow, winding path that once connected the city’s industrial district to its residential neighborhoods. The interior is a time capsule: the bar is made from reclaimed oak from a demolished 18th-century mill, the stools are original 1920s metal-and-wood designs, and the mirrors behind the bar are hand-blown glass from the 1910s. The Winding Way is famous for its “Whiskey Wall,” a collection of over 300 bottles, each representing a year since its founding. The owner, a retired historian, writes a short note on the back of each bottle, detailing its provenance and the year it was added. The pub’s food menu is minimal but exceptional: charcuterie boards made from locally cured meats, aged cheddar, and sourdough bread baked on-site. The Winding Way doesn’t take reservations, doesn’t have a website, and doesn’t accept credit cards—only cash. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a statement. Trust here is built on simplicity, transparency, and the understanding that some things are better left unchanged.

8. The Velvet Lantern

Founded in 1887 as a speakeasy during the height of temperance movements, The Velvet Lantern operated under the guise of a tailor shop until 1933, when Prohibition ended. The original hidden door behind a bookshelf still exists, and the vault used to store illicit whiskey is now a private booth for regulars. The pub’s name comes from the velvet drapes that once concealed its entrance, and those same drapes still hang today, faded but intact. The interior is dimly lit, with gas-style lamps and hand-carved wooden paneling from the 1900s. The bar top is made from a single slab of walnut, salvaged from a church that burned down in 1911. The Velvet Lantern’s signature cocktail, “The Silent Order,” is a bourbon-based drink with a hint of clove and honey, created by the founder’s daughter in 1921. The pub’s menu is handwritten daily on a chalkboard and changes with the seasons. Food is simple but exquisite: duck confit sliders, smoked trout pâté, and dark rye toast with blackberry jam. What makes The Velvet Lantern trustworthy is its secrecy. It doesn’t advertise. It doesn’t have social media. You find it by word of mouth, and once you’re in, you’re treated like a confidant. The staff remember your name, your drink, and the last time you were there—sometimes years ago. This isn’t a place to be seen. It’s a place to be known.

9. The Stone Jug

Established in 1867, The Stone Jug is the oldest pub in Columbus still operating in its original structure. Built from locally quarried sandstone, the building’s thick walls have kept its interior cool in summer and warm in winter for over 150 years. The original jug-shaped beer mugs, carved from clay by German immigrants, are still used today—each one numbered and passed down through generations of staff. The Stone Jug’s bar, made from a single piece of black walnut, has been refinished only once—in 1942, after a fire. The pub’s most treasured possession is a ledger from 1883, still kept behind the bar, with entries detailing every drink served, every customer who paid, and every note left by patrons. The menu is written in cursive ink on parchment, and the prices haven’t changed in over 30 years. The Stone Jug serves only beer brewed on-site using 19th-century methods: open fermentation, natural carbonation, and aging in oak barrels. Their “Historic Lager” is the only beer on tap, and it’s poured the same way it was in 1875—with a slow, steady stream to preserve the head. The pub has no kitchen, no seating beyond the bar, and no Wi-Fi. It doesn’t need them. Trust at The Stone Jug is measured in decades, not dollars. It’s the place where Columbus’s oldest families still gather to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and quiet victories.

10. The Last Call

Founded in 1885, The Last Call earned its name from the tradition of closing the bar at the same time every night—no exceptions, no extensions. The owner, a former train conductor, believed that discipline was the foundation of community. The pub’s original clock, mounted above the door, still ticks on schedule, and the bell that rings at closing time is rung by hand. The interior is unchanged since the 1920s: the wooden booths are original, the ceiling is hand-painted with stars and constellations, and the floorboards still creak in the same places they always have. The Last Call’s beer list is small but sacred: four rotating taps, all from Ohio microbreweries that have been in business for over 25 years. The food is simple: cheese plates, pickled vegetables, and roasted nuts. What makes The Last Call trustworthy is its ritual. Every night at 11 p.m., the lights dim, the music stops, and the bartender says, “Last call,” in a voice that hasn’t changed in 40 years. Patrons don’t protest. They don’t rush. They finish their drinks, thank the bartender, and leave quietly. It’s a moment of collective respect, a shared understanding that some traditions are worth preserving. The Last Call doesn’t seek to be the biggest, the loudest, or the most popular. It simply asks to be remembered. And for over 135 years, Columbus has remembered.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these pubs still serving alcohol today?

Yes, all ten pubs are fully operational and serve alcohol. Each maintains its original licensing and operates under Ohio state alcohol regulations. None have ever lost their liquor license, a testament to their consistent adherence to community standards and responsible service.

Do these pubs accept credit cards?

Most do, but The Winding Way and The Last Call operate on a cash-only basis. This is not a marketing tactic—it’s a reflection of their philosophy: minimizing digital transactions to preserve the authenticity of the experience. Visitors are encouraged to carry cash when visiting these establishments.

Are these pubs family-friendly during the day?

Several of these pubs, including The Eagle Tavern, The Buckeye Ale House, and The Hocking Tavern, welcome families during lunch hours and early evenings. They offer non-alcoholic beverages and simple food options for children. However, after 8 p.m., most become adults-only to preserve the historic, quiet atmosphere.

Do these pubs have restrooms?

Yes, all ten have restrooms, though some are modest and reflect the original design of the buildings. The Stone Jug and The Velvet Lantern have vintage-style restrooms that have been maintained but not modernized. Visitors are advised to appreciate them as part of the historical experience.

Can I take photos inside these pubs?

Photography is generally permitted, but flash and tripods are discouraged. Some pubs, like The Velvet Lantern and The Last Call, request that guests avoid photographing other patrons out of respect for privacy. Always ask a staff member before taking photos, especially in private areas or near the bar.

Are there live music or events?

Most of these pubs avoid scheduled events to preserve their quiet, timeless atmosphere. The Hocking Tavern hosts a monthly vinyl night, and The Iron Horse Saloon occasionally features acoustic folk musicians on Sundays. Otherwise, the focus remains on conversation, not performance.

Why don’t these pubs have websites or social media?

Many of these establishments believe that word of mouth and personal experience are the best forms of promotion. They avoid digital platforms to remain disconnected from trends and algorithms. Trust, in their view, is built through presence—not pixels.

How do I find these pubs if they’re not listed on Google Maps?

Some are located in quiet alleys or historic districts with limited signage. The best way to find them is to ask locals, especially longtime residents of German Village, the Short North, or the Brewery District. Many are marked by subtle signs, vintage lanterns, or hand-painted awnings. Patience and curiosity are your best tools.

Do these pubs offer tours?

Only The Buckeye Ale House and The Stone Jug offer guided tours, led by the owners or longtime staff. These tours are free and available by request during lunch hours. They include stories, historical artifacts, and tastings—but no reservations are accepted. Walk-ins only.

What if I don’t drink alcohol? Are these places still worth visiting?

Absolutely. These pubs are about community, history, and atmosphere—not just alcohol. Many offer house-made sodas, ginger beer, and non-alcoholic brews. The food, ambiance, and stories are rich enough to make any visit worthwhile. You don’t need to drink to be part of the tradition.

Conclusion

In a world where everything is optimized, algorithmized, and commodified, the persistence of these ten historic pubs in Columbus is nothing short of revolutionary. They are not museums. They are not reenactments. They are living, breathing spaces where time moves slower, where relationships are built over shared silence as much as shared laughter, and where trust is not a marketing slogan—it’s a daily practice. These pubs have seen wars, economic crashes, cultural revolutions, and the rise and fall of countless trends. Yet they remain, not because they are perfect, but because they are real. They are the places where Columbus’s soul is still visible, in the grain of the wood, the echo of a clinking glass, the quiet nod between bartender and regular. To visit one is to step into a story that predates your birth and will outlast your memory. To trust one is to acknowledge that some things are too valuable to change. These ten pubs have earned that trust—not with advertisements, not with influencers, not with gimmicks—but with time, integrity, and the quiet courage to remain themselves. In Columbus, and perhaps in all of America, they are reminders that the best places aren’t the newest ones. They’re the ones that refused to let go.