Level Up: Everything you need to know about rooftop bars

You may not know it, but we are in the midst of a very exciting week for rooftop patios!

For starters, Dublin’s winter wonderland rooftop at VASO will be changing out it’s Instagram-worthy igloos for patio furniture for the first time this season. On May 1, the tapas restaurant in Bridge Park will invite guests out onto the patio for entertainment by DJ Anthony and spectacular sunset views.

Seats are limited and outside tables are first come, first serve. Visit VASODublin.com to reserve your spot.

Also this week, we have a new rooftop bar player entering the game: Lincoln Social. With a retractable roof and a fire pit, Lincoln Social Rooftop guest can experience a superb bar program, carefully crafted bites, Instagrammable features, and a beautiful view of the Columbus skyline year-round.

With an expectation like Cameron Mitchell’s this grand opening celebration on April 30 is sure to draw a crowd. Visit cameronmitchell.com for more info.

Scroll down for a look at 8 of our favorite rooftop bars in Columbus!

VASO • 6540 Riverside Dr.

Look, we know that it gets cliche to say something, or someplace provides a whole new view of the city, but atop VASO doesn’t feel Dublin, and it certainly doesn’t feel like Columbus. One of the more exciting facets of the suburb’s new Bridge Park development, it’s upscale rooftop space is cozy and contemporary at once, and it’s see-for-miles perspective of the county is as impressive as they come. (Plus, you can see all the Wendy’s from there!) there is this thing

Novak’s Tavern & Patio • 474 N High St.

The OG of the OT (on top) drinking space. Back in the day, there tiny square of fire-escape-adjacent was what sufficed for legal rooftop revelry, and when the new owners took over a few years back they made sure to put dollars and thought into the space. It’s really just a bar—but that’s part of its charm. No dance parties; no Jenga, just a place to belly up the bar—where you can turn your back to the world and get a little sun on your neck.

Callahan’s • 520 Park St.

One of old-school rooftop spaces, Callahan’s is one of the few bars that may be better known for their second floor than their ground floor space. After recently renovating their space, it’s alive again with a good old-fashioned bump-and-grind dance floor, something we could all use a little of every once in awhile.

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Juniper • 580 N Fourth St.

You’re not really doing Columbus right now if you haven’t made at least one visit to Juniper. Doubling as the best wedding view and patio, this venue on the weekends, bar/restaurant during the week has made quite the splash atop the Smith Brothers building since its opening last year. Mind the calendar, though: it’s only open to the public Tuesday-Friday, and could be booked for a private event.

Platform Beer Co. • 408 N Sixth St.

Just like their Cleveland birthplace, Platform is the blue-collar lunch pale patio of the capital city. Come by on Tuesdays to drink for a good, rotating cause and take a pint up-top where you can once say you saw the city before it developed into what it is today (tomorrow).

Little Rock Bar • 944 N Fourth St.

One of the first new bars to kick-start the rooftop rally, Little Rock is on their second summer of secondary space—a small L-shaped outdoor lounger that complements the main floor’s beer-and-shot simplicity. No smoking, no cover, and no worries overlooking Fourth Street’s busy buzz.

BrewDog Franklinton • 463 W Town St.

The rakish lads from Scotland never do anything without fanfare, and the second of their two new brewpubs is no exception. It’s open-air, two-story concept is imposing addition the Town Street block of Franklinton, the literal crowning achievement being the second floor patio. One of the best, and perhaps the only patio view of the city from the westside, you can easily gather the crowd in front of the corrugated steel covered container bar from street level. Extra points for massive bean bag chairs and access from indoors and out, having a Friday night surrounded from a fun standpoint.

Seventh Son • 1101 N Fourth St.

It was a 4/20 miracle when Seventh Son pulled off a last-minute open of their new second floor space just in time for Willie Nelson’s birthday (needs fact-checking). Never afraid to do their own thing, Seventh Son’s next-level expansion isn’t open to all of Columbus—but to all people, of course. Retractable roof tiles give them the advantage year-round use, giving it adaptability for all seasons. It’s not the old Seventh Son, but it’s same vibe—even if it feels transporting taking an astroturfed elevator to get to it.

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