Brewery District - Columbus, OH Area Guide

The Brewery District's history, which spans nearly 200 years, began when Louis Hoster, a German immigrant, opened the first brewery in the area in 1836. At the height of the district's success, it housed five breweries, but Prohibition killed the market, beginning the neighborhood's transition into a primarily industrial district. Nightclubs lined the streets in the 1980s, and the Brewery District was dubbed an entertainment hub. When the Arena District was developed, the dance clubs moved, and the area transitioned into a laid-back neighborhood that today attracts young professionals and families alike.

The neighborhood lacks an arts scene; it doesn't have museums, art galleries or annual events. However, a short drive into the downtown area provides residents with several art galleries, museums, such as the COSI children's museum that features interactive science exhibits, and performing arts theaters. Downtown Columbus also hosts several annual events, including the Columbus Food Truck Fest in August.

The Brewery District is the location of many popular dining options, from Mexican and Greek cuisine to traditional American fare and burgers, but don’t expect to find any fine-dining establishments. Like the neighborhood in general, the restaurants in the Brewery District have a laid-back, small-town vibe, and they serve hearty meals at a decent price.

Gresso’s, a pub favored by the locals, features a dog-friendly patio area with complementary dog treats and ample seating. Columbus Alive deemed Gresso’s the area’s best neighborhood bar, and Food Quest voted the pub's Village Burger the best in the city. However, it’s the relaxed atmosphere and delicious perogies that keep the locals coming back for more.

Located on South Front Street, Claddagh Irish Pub serves up crispy hot wings slathered in their flavorful, but not overpowering, house sauce and their special Claddagh's signature burger with a fried egg, rasher bacon and Irish style cheddar cheese. Devoted patrons know to order Claddagh’s fish and chips, though. Served with a side of seasoned chips, coleslaw and tartar sauce, the Irish ale-battered cod fillets feature a tender, flaky center and a crisp, golden-brown shell that tantalizes the taste buds.

For a low-key, intimate date night visit Brick An American Kitchen on South Front Street. The entire restaurant sits underground, but it still manages to maintain a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant features an extensive menu filled with sandwiches, burgers, pizza and dinner entrées. Crispy fried chicken and tangy maple syrup complement the rich, buttery goodness of the buttermilk Belgium waffles, and the restaurant's pretzel bites are out of this world, according to the locals.

Known as an entertainment area in its heyday, the Brewery District once had an extremely active nightlife. Even though the nightlife in the area has tamed over the years, the neighborhood still manages to maintain a semi-lively atmosphere. There aren’t any dance clubs to be found, but Front Street hosts threes bars/music venues that often feature live bands.

While the Brewery District is walkable and features bike lanes on the main streets for cyclists, most locals prefer to drive. Easy access to I-70 and I-71, and inexpensive parking, makes driving a simple way to navigate the city. Locals who prefer not to drive use public transportation. Several bus routes run throughout the Brewery District. Taxi companies and Uber serve the area, but you have to schedule a ride in advance.

The Brewery District only has one public park. It's free and jam-packed with amenities. Scioto Audubon Metro Park, located on West Whittier Street, spans 120 acres along the banks of the Scioto River. It features plenty of outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, a climbing wall, an obstacle course, picnic shelters and a dog park. It hosts an annual art gallery that features pieces made by local school-age children.

The kids play area has an array of things to entertain children of all ages, including volleyball courts, age-appropriate playground equipment, soccer fields and an electronic gaming system. Parents relax in the adjacent observation area where it's easy to watch their kids play.

The Columbus Rotary Obstacle Course features nine challenging activity stations, such as a tire run, a tunnel crawl, balance beams and a quarter-mile track. If that isn't challenging enough, visit the park's climbing wall. Comprised of three massive towers and an arch, the main climbing area juts 35 feet into the air and span an impressive 6,100 square feet. While the main climbing wall is only open to people who are at least 13 years old, several 10-foot boulders are available for kids to climb.

The cost of living in the Brewery District averages around 23 percent higher than the rest of Columbus, but fortunately, the premium doesn't extend past housing costs. Expect to pay around $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and between $4 and $6 for a beer. Typically, gas prices sit approximately 3 percent lower than the nation's average.

The Brewery District's shopping scene isn't much better than its arts scene. You won't find any high-end stores or specialty boutiques in the area, although there are several options in the downtown area and German Village. Fortunately, South High Street features a variety of chain stores that provide residents with basic household needs, and nestled next to them are two antique stores worth visiting.

An old brick mansion-style building houses the Greater Columbus Antiques Mall. Shoppers wind their way through a maze of rooms filled with hidden treasures. The hodgepodge of amazing finds features every type of antique imaginable, such as toys, jewelry, books and furniture. With multiple vendors inside, the merchandise changes constantly. Don't be surprised if you notice a drastic change if you only visit once per month.

Both Kroger and Dairy Mart serve the Brewery District, making groceries easily accessible. Residents complete large grocery trips at Kroger and visit the Dairy Mart convenience store for random needs. Pearl Market, located downtown on North Pearl Street, is the closest farmers' market, and it operates year round. Farmers set up shop outdoors in the spring and summer but retreat to the adjacent indoor shopping area during the winter months.