Columbus is home to a wildly vibrant, creative and diverse LGBTQ+ community, boasting one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country and a plethora of queer-friendly spaces—including the only lesbian bar in the state, and one of only 32 in the United States.
The bar is celebrating its 32nd anniversary this August, honoring over three decades of community engagement and support. Founder and owner Marcia Riley sold the bar to her nephew in 2022, and newlyweds Bobbi and Jaci Kincaid have been running operations as general manager and assistant general manager, respectively.
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The couple, like many frequent patrons, met at Slammers.
Jaci says the importance of having a queer-friendly, lesbian-forward space is “unmatched.” She continues, “To know that everyone we know has a safe space to go on a daily basis, especially in the climate of the world today, we feel really honored and like we’re serving our community.”
What is Slammers?
Slammers is known for its pizza, and sustained itself during COVID shutdowns through takeout services. Patrons also can check with the bar for a wide array of regular events, including bingo (10 percent of all proceeds go to Kaleidoscope Youth Center), trivia nights, a book club, art club, its monthly Lez Dance series and more. Catch a game on the TVs behind the bar or stop by on an airing night of RuPaul’s Drag Race for a lively watch-along.
Soon, Jaci says, the patio will transform into a daytime workspace, complete with a café. “It just creates another safe space and expands our reach in the community and shows them we’re committed to serving them.”
Bobbi cites the Slammers staff as the reason behind its success and community support. “They’re passionate about Slammers, their craft and the community. We wouldn’t be able to do any of it without them.”
Whether you stop by for a pizza and some ice-cold beer, meet up with friends (and make some new ones along the way), or come for a plethora of queer-friendly events, you’re sure to leave feeling the full force of Slammer’s inclusive community embrace.
Here is the full list of Best of Columbus winners for 2025.
This story appears in the July 2025 issue of Columbus Monthly as part of the Best of Columbus package. Subscribe to Columbus Monthly here.
This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: Best of Columbus 2025: Slammers Voted Best LGBTQ+ Bar
Reporting by Lucy Clark, Columbus Monthly / Columbus Monthly
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
