The heat is finally expected to subside this weekend, but the weather is supposed to be pleasant.
That makes it a perfect time to sit atop one of Columbus’ rooftop bars and enjoy a drink with friends or family and a good view. These 12 places offer both.
Whether you want to try one of the new places such as Mandrake Rooftop, a scenic view of the Scioto River or any others, there are plenty to entice you outdoors this weekend and beyond.
Midwest heat wave: Where to go in Columbus to beat the hot Ohio weather and cool off
Not sure where to go? We have you covered with a sampling of Columbus rooftop bars and restaurants worthy of consideration.
Mandrake Rooftop
808 N. High St., Short North
The newest of the rooftop bars on this list, Mandrake offers a view of Downtown, stylish cocktails and a tapas-style menu.
Sitting at the Moxy Columbus Short North hotel, Mandrake is part of Bobby George’s Ethos Hospitality Group of Cleveland.
A closer look: Mandrake Rooftop brings Downtown views, tapas, cocktails to Short North
The bar has dinner hours from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, but is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. After 10 p.m., Mandrake turns into a lounge with bottle service and private-lounge seating with a DJ playing music.
For more information about the menu, which is features a host of shared items and sushi, can be found at www.mandrakerooftop.com.
Lumin Sky Bar and Kitchen
517 Park St., Downtown
On the eighth floor of the AC Hotel Columbus Downtown, guests of Lumin Sky Bar and Kitchen can gaze at a glimmering sunset over the Columbus skyline while enjoying Spanish-inspired dishes and signature cocktails and wines.
Dining: Lumin SkyBar looks to brighten Downtown guests’ experience with contemporary cuisine
For more information and to make a reservation, visit www.luminskybar. com/reservations/ or call 614-607-5960.
Vaso
6540 Riverside Drive, Dublin
Another place with Spanish-inspired dishes, VASO is a
lso home to panoramic views, cocktails, wines and craft beers. Stationed at the top of the AC Dublin, the space overlooks the Scioto River and Historic Downtown Dublin area for a great weekend atmosphere.
The restaurant has an indoor and outdoor bar offering signature drinks such as the Laid Back, made with Bombay East Gin, watermelon, mint, cucumber and lime.
Dining: VASO in Dublin named a top rooftop restaurant in America by Tasting Table
The food menu consists of small tapas offerings such as duck cannolis and miso deviled eggs, and a list of dinner options that bring a warm welcome to the Bridge Park District.
For more information and to reserve a table, go to www.vasodublin.com/ or call 614-698-2525.
Lincoln Social Rooftop
711 N. High St., Short North
In the heart of the Short North, the Lincoln Social Rooftop is a year-round oasis with a view that’s sure to elevate your night.
Nine stories up, the modern-and-sleek lounge offers a menu filled with pizzas, sweets, tacos and other shareable items. Lincoln also features a variety of drinks from wine, beer and cocktails.
For more information, visit https://lincolnsocialrooftop.com/ or call 614-300-9494.
Callahan’s Columbus
520 Park St., near Goodale Park
Sitting along Park Street’s line of bars and cantinas is Callahan’s, which can change from a part-time sports bar to a nightclub. It’s a more laid-back outdoor environment than the others on this list.
The first floor offers a traditional Irish Pub setting, while the patio overlooks Park Street and Goodale Park. Although not as deep of a menu as other venues, there are plenty of options for visitors.
Summer events: Our events guide to concerts, festivals, theater, arts and more
For more information, visit www.callahanscolumbus.com/ or call 614-223-1200.
RH Rooftop Restaurant Columbus
4120 Worth Ave., Easton
Above the RH Furniture Outlet, an upscale home goods brand, the RH Rooftop Restaurant Columbus overlooks the Easton Town Center area. With locations in Charlotte, Dallas and New York, the business is recognized for its sophisticated menu and glimmering interior.
Guests are welcomed with a menu filled with steak, lobster rolls and a robust selection of artisanal wines and craft beers. On the restaurant’s interior, trickling fountains and sparkling chandeliers surround patrons as they dine beneath a glass-and-steel atrium.
Things to do: Your guide to 11 of the Columbus area’s most popular rooftop bars, restaurants
For more information and to make reservations, visit https://rh.com/columbus/restaurant or call 614-968-8830.
p; Patio has a laid-back vibe.
Novak’s Tavern & Patio
475 N. High St., Arena District
A High Street fixture for over 20 years, Novak’s Tavern & Patio is heavy on daily drink specials, live music and crafted cocktails.
Serving “pub grub” items, the brew offerings include Ohio-made beers, IPAs, wheats and stouts. The menu also includes an assortment of wines, Champagnes and house cocktails such as the Lemon Shake Up, Casamigas Mint Lemonade, Makers 46 Old Fashioned and others.
Columbus Crew: A guide to the bars and restaurants near the new Crew stadium
For more information and private reservations, www.novakstavern.com/ contact or call 614-224-8821.
Goodale Station
77 E. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District
Goodale Station is located on the top floor of the Canopy by Hilton Columbus Downtown Short North. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating as well as a private dining area with a stellar view of the city’s skyline.
Notable food items include lamb risotto and trout.
Columbus rooftop bars: Goodale Station takes advantage of Downtown skyline
The bar features a mix of classic and novelty options. Favorites include the Fancy Nancy, made with Chamomile Tito’s Vodka, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, yuzu and St. Germain.
For more information and reservations, visit https://goodalestation.com/ or call 614-227-9400.
Antiques on High
714 S. High St., Brewery District
Antiques on High may be the sister brewery to Seventh Son Brewing, but the space undoubtedly stands on its own. The rooftop bar, located just inside Columbus’ Brewery District, focuses on the production of sours, wild beers, pale ales and IPAs while also offering several craft cocktails and wines on the drink menu.
Although there’s no kitchen at the bar, food trucks act as the food options. Foxfire Tacos is there on Tuesdays, Street Thyme on Wednesday, Aloha Ahina on Thursday, Two Fat Indians on Friday and California Burrito on Saturdays.
Local meat, cheese and beer: Local brewpubs debut charcuterie vending machines
For more information and reservations, visit www.antiquesonhigh.com.
Terrace Bar
1079 N. High St., Short North area
As part of the Luxe 23 trio, featuring Urban Chophouse and Whiskey Lounge on the first floor, Terrace Bar stands atop the space in the Short North. The Terrace sports its own bar and kitchen, private and rentable cabanas and a large pool at its center.
The food menu features lighter fare such as shrimp skewers, chips and dip, along with a melting pot of other offerings such as beef sliders, poke bowls and Caesar salad.
Patio bars: 10 patio bars around Greater Columbus where you can enjoy the outdoors this summer
Guests can soak up the summer sun with a refreshing mix of frozen margaritas, sparkling wines and cocktails, which forge the space’s metropolitan and tropical flair together. The West Coast Paloma is made with Volcan Blanco tequila, lime, mint, cane sugar and grapefruit soda; and the Spa Day is made with Ford’s Gin, lime, cucumber, bitters, mint and sparkling water.
For more information and reservations, visit https://terraceshortnorth.com/ or call 614-929.5430.
BrewDog Franklinton
463 W. Town St., Franklinton
This Franklinton neighborhood gem went from an old car mechanic shop to a two-deck, 48-tap bar and roof terrace. BrewDog Franklinton, like its other Columbus-area locations, has specialty drafts, bottles and canned beverages straight from the brand’s DogTap in Canal Winchester.
The bar’s food menu includes carnitas; brisket, black bean and fried chicken tacos; and the Fast Joe, made with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles, red onion and Elvis Juice bacon jam. Vegetarian options are also available on Mondays.
Jazz concerts: Columbus Summer Fun 2022: Jazz concerts offer wide range of options, including for kids
For more information, visit www.brewdog.com/usa/bars/usa/brewdog-franklinton.
ROOFTOP @ BUDD
1086 N. 4th St., Downtown
ROOFTOP @ BUDD is an ideal spot for guests to soak up the summer sun while sipping on a glass of wine or craft cocktails.
Located inside Downtown’s Budd Dairy Food Hall, the view isn’t as compelling as other bars or restaurants mentioned here, but the bar’s charm comes from its relaxing and laidback milieu.
Hey Budd, let’s party!: Food hall stresses dine-in diversity, drinks
Guests are welcomed with a slew of food options from the hall’s “Chef Partners” that occupy the main floor. These eateries offer traditional Italian dishes, New York-style pizza, savory fried chicken, firey seafood plates, rich ice-cream flavors and other flavorful selections.
Patrons can try the various wines, sangrias, hard seltzers or finely crafted cocktails available on the culinary hub’s beverage menu.
For more information, visit https://budddairyfoodhall.com/bars-at-budd- dairy-food-hall/.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Greater Columbus rooftop bars, restaurants to visit in Ohio