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

Things to Do in Brewery District

Brewery District, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

The Brewery District in Columbus, Ohio, is a vibrant 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 district has been beautifully revitalized while preserving its rich architectural heritage and beer-making legacy. Today, the Brewery District offers visitors a perfect blend of history, nightlife, dining, and cultural attractions. The area features converted warehouse spaces, trendy restaurants, craft breweries, live music venues, and unique shopping opportunities, all within walking distance of downtown Columbus. The district's brick-lined streets and restored industrial buildings create an authentic atmosphere that celebrates both its past and its modern renaissance as a premier destination for locals and tourists alike.

Top Things to Do in Brewery District

Explore Historic Brewery Architecture

Walk through the district's beautifully preserved and converted brewery buildings that showcase late 19th-century industrial architecture. Many of these structures have been transformed into lofts, restaurants, and entertainment venues while maintaining their original character. The area offers excellent photo opportunities and insights into Columbus's brewing heritage.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours are free and can be done anytime. Look for historical markers and plaques throughout the district. Best visited during daylight hours for architecture appreciation, typically 10am-4pm.

Craft Beer Tasting Experience

Sample locally crafted beers at various breweries and taprooms throughout the district, many of which pay homage to the area's brewing heritage. The neighborhood features both established craft breweries and newer artisanal operations offering unique seasonal and signature brews. Many venues also offer brewery tours and behind-the-scenes looks at the brewing process.

Booking Tip: Most breweries offer free tastings, with full pints ranging $5-8. Many offer flight tastings for $12-18. Check individual brewery websites for tour schedules and special events. Peak times are Friday-Saturday evenings.

Live Music and Entertainment Venues

Experience Columbus's vibrant music scene at various venues throughout the Brewery District, from intimate acoustic settings to larger concert halls. The area hosts everything from local indie bands to touring acts, with many venues featuring multiple performance spaces. Several locations also offer comedy shows, trivia nights, and other live entertainment.

Booking Tip: Ticket prices vary widely from $10-50 depending on the venue and act. Check venue websites and social media for schedules. Arrive early for popular shows as many venues have limited seating. Some venues offer dinner packages.

Boutique Shopping and Local Markets

Browse unique shops, vintage stores, and local artisan boutiques housed in converted warehouse spaces throughout the district. The area features everything from vintage clothing and antiques to handmade crafts and local art. Weekend markets and pop-up shops often feature additional local vendors and seasonal items.

Booking Tip: Most shops are open Tuesday-Sunday with extended weekend hours. Prices vary widely from budget-friendly vintage finds to high-end artisan pieces. Check social media for special sales and market events, typically held on weekends.

Culinary Adventures and Food Scene

Discover the district's diverse dining scene, featuring everything from upscale restaurants in converted brewery spaces to casual eateries and food trucks. The area is known for farm-to-table establishments, international cuisine, and innovative takes on classic American dishes. Many restaurants incorporate local ingredients and pair well with the district's craft beer offerings.

Booking Tip: Dinner reservations recommended for upscale restaurants, especially weekends. Entrees typically range $15-35. Happy hour specials usually 3-6pm weekdays. Food truck locations and schedules vary, check social media for updates.

Getting There

The Brewery District is easily accessible from downtown Columbus, located just south of the city center. If flying in, John Glenn Columbus International Airport is about 15 minutes away by car or rideshare. The district is well-connected by major highways including I-70 and I-71. For those driving from other cities, there's ample street parking and several parking lots throughout the area. Public transportation via COTA bus routes also serves the district, with several stops along the main corridors.

Getting Around

The Brewery District is highly walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues within a few blocks of each other. The compact neighborhood layout makes it easy to explore on foot, and the flat terrain is suitable for all fitness levels. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and affordable for short trips. The COTA bus system connects the district to other Columbus neighborhoods and downtown. Bike rentals and scooter shares are also popular options, with dedicated bike lanes on several streets.

Where to Stay

Downtown Columbus
German Village
Short North Arts District
Victorian Village
Italian Village
Arena District

Food & Dining

The Brewery District's culinary scene reflects its creative, artisanal character with a mix of upscale dining and casual eateries. Converted warehouse spaces house farm-to-table restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients, while cozy gastropubs offer elevated comfort food paired with craft beers. The area is particularly known for its innovative American cuisine, artisanal pizza, and international fusion restaurants. Food trucks and pop-up vendors add variety, especially during weekends and special events. Many establishments feature outdoor patios and rooftop dining, perfect for enjoying the district's historic ambiance.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Columbus

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

The Thurman Cafe

4.6 /5
(6666 reviews) 2
bar

Cap City Fine Diner and Bar

4.6 /5
(4112 reviews) 2
bar

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
bar

The Guild House

4.5 /5
(1923 reviews) 3

When to Visit

The Brewery District is enjoyable year-round, but the best time to visit is late spring through early fall (May-October) when the weather is ideal for walking around and enjoying outdoor patios and events. Summer months feature the most festivals, outdoor concerts, and extended hours for many venues. Fall offers beautiful weather and seasonal beer releases at local breweries. Winter can be cold but creates a cozy atmosphere in the indoor venues, and many establishments offer seasonal menus and holiday events. Weekends are busiest but offer the most entertainment options and extended hours.

Insider Tips

Visit during First Friday events when many venues offer special deals and extended hours with live music and art displays
Park on residential side streets just outside the main district for free parking and a short walk to avoid paid lots
Many breweries offer loyalty programs and punch cards for regular visitors, and several venues have reciprocal deals with neighboring establishments

Explore Activities in Brewery District