When the Blue Danube reopened its doors in April after a seven-year hiatus, patrons welcomed the iconic University District restaurant back like an old friend — one who’s been around for 78 years.
The outpouring of enthusiasm for the establishment’s return makes it abundantly clear that campus bars are beloved institutions in Columbus.
We already know a few of the ones you love. There’s the Bier Stube, which owner Craig Kempton plans to reopen — hopefully, by late December — at 234 King Ave., less than a half mile from its former site.
Another return that’ll make bar crawlers happy is a legendary dive that was razed in 2017. Too’s Spirits Under High will be renamed Twos Under High when it opens at 2036 N. High St. Owner Scott Ellsworth is shooting for an August 2026 opening to coincide with the return of OSU students.
Unfortunately for fans of The Little Bar at 2195 N. High St., the business is destined for the wrecking ball to make way for a nine-story student housing tower.
We brainstormed as a staff to come up with a list of the most beloved campus bar, although there may be some generational gaps among the Buckeyes we employ at the Dispatch.
What’s your favorite? Vote in our poll or tell us which bar you can’t believe we forgot.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: As beloved Ohio State bars find new homes, which one holds your heart?
Reporting by Belinda M. Paschal, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
