Ballin’ on a budget: 5 killer Columbus happy hours

Bars are expensive, but it’s better than drinking alone. Even if you prefer to do your drinking at home, it’s nice to get out once in awhile – and saving a buck or two when you can never hurts.

While happy hours are the obvious choice for thrifty drinkers, they are not all created equal. To help narrow down your choices, here are five elite happy hours from around Columbus to help you get your drink on for cheap.

Shrunken Head | 251 W 5th Ave | https://www.theshrunkenheadcolumbus.com/

Known as the “happiest hour,” a selection of well liquor and certain domestic drafts are available at The Shrunken Head for a cool $1.50, weekdays from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. But please, and I’m speaking from experience here, do not take this deal as a “beat the clock” style race to see how much you can put away before the hour expires. The bar’s regular happy hour kicks in immediately after 6:00, and the prices are still beyond reasonable.

The Library | 2169 N High Street| https://librarybar.com/

This campus dive is a rite of passage for OSU students, and with good cause. The impressive daily specials found at this institution range from dollar beers and shots of house liquor to a five-dolla-holla pitcher of PBR. No library card required!

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Hounddog’s | 2657 N High St | http://www.hounddogspizza.com/

Running from 4:00 to 9:00 PM, there’s no need to rush to this laid-back happy hour, where you’ll find $1.50 domestic drafts, $5.00 domestic pitchers and $2.00 well Shots. Need to get something in your stomach besides booze? $19.99 will net you a 16″ 1-3 topping pizza (the best in town, in my humble opinion) and a pitcher of domestic beer, to boot.

Forno | 721 N High St. | fornoshortnorth.com

Your work day may suck, but for two hours afterward, you can be sure something will go your way. Half-off favorites such as Forno’s signature stone-fired za or a deeply discounted cocktail are sure to cure your workaday blues. Just be sure to get there early – with deals this good, seating fills up quick.

4th Street Bar & Grille | 1810 N. Fourth St | https://www.fourthstreetcolumbus.com/

This classic American joint is a favorite with students and fans of cheap food and drinks alike. Stop by on weekdays from 3:00 to 9:00 PM for half off drinks, including a hearty selection of draught beer, and half off all appetizers until 7:00 PM (half off apps all night each Wednesday!)

What’s your favorite place to grab a drink on the cheap after work? Let us know in the comments.

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