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Brewery District, United States of America - Things to Do in Brewery District

Brewery District

Brewery District, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

The Brewery District in Columbus, Ohio, is a busy historic neighborhood that has transformed from its industrial brewing roots into one of the city's most dynamic entertainment and residential areas. Originally home to several major breweries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this revitalized district now features converted brick warehouses housing trendy restaurants, craft breweries, live music venues, and modern loft apartments while maintaining its authentic industrial character. Today's Brewery District easyly blends Columbus's brewing heritage with contemporary urban living, offering visitors a unique mix of craft beer culture, diverse dining options, and nightlife entertainment. The neighborhood's walkable streets are lined with restored 19th-century architecture, creating an atmospheric setting for exploring local breweries, attending live concerts, and experiencing Columbus's creative food scene.

Top Brewery District

Craft Brewery Hopping

Explore the district's numerous craft breweries and taprooms, sampling locally-made beers while learning about Columbus's rich brewing history. Many breweries offer tours showcasing their brewing process and the building's historical significance. The concentrated layout makes it easy to visit multiple establishments in one evening.

Booking Tip: Most breweries don't require reservations for tastings ($5-15 per flight), but book tours in advance especially on weekends. Visit during weekday happy hours (3-6pm) for discounts and smaller crowds.

Live Music at Historic Venues

Experience Columbus's music scene at iconic venues like Skully's Music-Diner and other intimate clubs housed in converted warehouses. These venues host everything from indie rock and jazz to electronic music and local bands. The district's industrial acoustics and atmospheric settings create memorable concert experiences.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $10-50 depending on the act. Purchase through venue websites or at the door, but popular shows sell out quickly. Arrive early for general admission shows to secure good spots.

Historic Architecture Walking Tour

Stroll through the district's streets to admire the well-preserved 19th-century industrial architecture, including former brewery buildings, warehouses, and worker housing. Many buildings feature beautiful brickwork and have been creatively repurposed while maintaining their historical character. Interpretive signs throughout the area provide historical context.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free year-round. Download the Columbus historical app for detailed building information. Guided tours ($15-25) are available through local historical societies on weekends.

Farmers Market and Local Shopping

Browse the weekly farmers market featuring local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods from central Ohio vendors. The market takes place in scenic outdoor spaces surrounded by historic buildings. Several unique boutiques and vintage shops in converted spaces offer locally-made crafts and antiques.

Booking Tip: The farmers market is typically free to browse, with individual vendor pricing. Visit early morning for the best selection. Boutique shops have varying hours, so check individual store schedules before visiting.

Culinary Scene Exploration

Sample the district's diverse restaurant offerings, from upscale farm-to-table establishments to casual gastropubs and ethnic eateries. Many restaurants are housed in converted brewery buildings, offering unique dining atmospheres with exposed brick and industrial elements. The concentrated area makes restaurant hopping easy and enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Make reservations for upscale restaurants, especially on weekends ($25-45 per person). Casual spots are often walk-in friendly. Happy hour specials (typically 4-7pm) offer significant savings on both food and drinks.

Getting There

The Brewery District is located just south of downtown Columbus and is easily accessible by car via I-70 or I-71, with several parking lots and street parking available throughout the area. From John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), it's about a 15-minute drive or you can take the airport shuttle to downtown and then use rideshare services. The district is also accessible via COTA bus routes, and many visitors staying downtown choose to walk, bike, or use scooter-sharing services for the short journey south.

Getting Around

The Brewery District is highly walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and breweries within a few blocks of each other. Street parking is available but can be limited during peak evening hours and weekends, so arriving early or using the paid parking lots is recommended. The area is bike-friendly with several bike-sharing stations, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. COTA buses connect the district to other Columbus neighborhoods and downtown.

Where to Stay

Downtown Columbus
German Village
Short North Arts District
Victorian Village
Grandview Heights
Upper Arlington

Food & Dining

The Brewery District offers an impressive culinary scene with options ranging from upscale farm-to-table restaurants to casual brewpubs and international cuisine. Many establishments are housed in beautifully converted historic buildings, creating unique dining atmospheres with exposed brick walls and industrial charm. The area is particularly known for its gastropubs that pair craft beers with elevated pub fare, as well as several acclaimed restaurants focusing on locally-sourced ingredients. Food trucks and casual eateries provide budget-friendly options, while upscale establishments offer fine dining experiences perfect for special occasions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Columbus

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Thurman Cafe

4.6 /5
(6666 reviews) 2

Cap City Fine Diner and Bar

4.6 /5
(4112 reviews) 2

Lindey's

4.6 /5
(2737 reviews) 3

Forno Kitchen + Bar

4.5 /5
(2458 reviews) 2

The Old Mohawk

4.5 /5
(2153 reviews) 2

The Guild House

4.5 /5
(1923 reviews) 3

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The Brewery District is enjoyable year-round, but late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best weather for walking between venues and enjoying outdoor patios and beer gardens. Summer evenings are particularly lively with outdoor events and festivals. Winter months can be cold but create a cozy atmosphere in the historic buildings, and many venues have heated patios. Weekends are busiest for nightlife and dining, while weekday evenings offer a more relaxed experience with better availability at restaurants and breweries.

Insider Tips

Many breweries offer loyalty programs or punch cards that provide discounts after multiple visits, making them worthwhile for extended stays
The district hosts several annual events including Oktoberfest and summer concert series - check local calendars for special programming during your visit
Several venues offer combo deals where you can get discounts at multiple establishments with a single purchase, particularly effective for brewery hopping

Activities in Brewery District