If you’re new to Columbus and looking for a fantastic place to unwind after a long day at work, then the Short North is the perfect spot to check out. With tons of restaurants and bars packed into this vibrant district, you are guaranteed to find an amazing meal and have a fantastic time while you’re there.

And the fun doesn’t end there: the Short North also is the premier place to forget about work, enjoy the company of friends, and take advantage of an unbelievable happy hour deal. Whether you’re looking for some discounted drinks or a cheap (but still delicious) bite to eat, the Short North has you covered. We’ve curated a list of the eight best happy hour deals in the Short North for the next time you’re looking to relax after a grueling workday.

Here are the best happy hours in the Short North Arts District:

• Condado Tacos
• Arch City Tavern
• Black Point
• Fireproof
• Hubbard Grille
• Lemongrass Fusion Bistro
• Forno Kitchen + Bar
• Bristol Republic

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Condado Tacos

Tacos, tequila, and margaritas are Condado’s idea of a truly happy hour

Address: 1227 N. High St

Happy Hours: M-F, 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Renowned for having the best tacos in Ohio, Condado has become somewhat of a local institution for many Ohioans. Founded in Columbus in 2014, this taco joint has expanded across the Midwest in order to provide their fantastic tacos to lucky patrons all over. With a highly customizable menu and an expansive drink menu (tequila and mezcal lovers rejoice!), Condado will satisfy anyone looking for some fun and comfort after a long day of work.

If you haven’t yet visited Condado, then their happy hour—offered every Monday through Friday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm—is a great time to try! Order one of their signature margs for half off, or, if you’re looking for a quick bite, get a dollar off any taco. You won’t be disappointed!

“This Taco spot is one of the best in the country! I cannot believe the amount of combinations that you are allowed to make at this place.” -Yelp review

Arch City Tavern

Distinct American cuisine with a great drink menu

Address: 862 N. High St

Happy Hours: M-F, 3:00pm – 6:00pm

If your version of a happy hour consists of the classic combination of a beer and burger, then Arch City Tavern is the spot for you! Burgers and beer aside, Arch City Tavern’s menu also features mouth-watering stone baked pizzas, hearty sandwiches, and classic cocktails. Priding themselves on their connection to the history of Columbus, newcomers and regulars alike will appreciate the bar’s historic decor and homage alongside some fantastic local cuisine.

With deals like half-priced draught beer and bottled wine, $3.00 well drinks, and a selection of discounted shareables, you have to make sure you check out Arch City Tavern during their happy hour—anytime between 3:00pm and 6:00pm on weekdays.

“Overall the food was above and beyond the normal items you find at similar places, and for a menu with lots of staple dishes, it really delivered.” -Yelp review

Black Point

This upscale seafood and steakhouse delivers on fantastic food

Address: 570 N. High St

Happy Hours: M-F, 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Black Point is one of the ultimate spots to recognize an occasion in the Short North, whether that be a special birthday or even just a celebration of making it through an especially long week. Although the menu is on the pricier side, this upscale restaurant will surely satisfy with their fantastic selection of dishes ranging from extravagant sushi rolls to remarkable surf and turf offerings.

While Black Point may be known for providing Columbus locales with a premier, upscale dining experience, this surf and turf spot’s happy hour menu has some of the best culinary deals in the entire Short North. If $6.00 cocktails and martinis aren’t enough to convince you to check this place out, then their bar plates and sushi rolls, both starting at $4.00, definitely will. Visit between 4:30pm and 6:30pm on weekdays to take advantage of these awesome deals!

“I love this place. It is my stress relief after a long day at work” -Yelp review

Fireproof

Experience-focused fine dining with a modern vibe

Address: 1026 N. High St

Happy Hours: T-F, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Contemporary aesthetics, chic cocktails, and fine dining all meet at Fireproof, a global and unique Tapas spot located right in the heart of the Short North. At Fireproof, the vibrancy and liveliness of the Columbus’ art district is matched by this exciting restaurant’s food, drinks, and next-level ambience. Try adventurous dishes, like their Chorizo Mussels, Wagyu Skirt Steak, or Vegan Roasted Cauliflower, and pair them with one of their signature wines or classic cocktails, such as their Hibiscus Red Sangria!

Visit this uniquely experiential restaurant Tuesdays through Fridays from 4:00pm to 6:00pm to check out their fantastic happy hour deals. With select plates going for just $5.00 as well as some amazing drink specials (hello, half-priced sangria!), save money on a truly indulgent experience by taking yourself and a loved one to Fireproof in the Short North!

“I don't have the words to exclaim how delicious, incredible, and absolutely fantastic this place is!” -Yelp review

Hubbard Grille

A contemporary American menu with fresh and local ingredients

Address: 793 N. High St

Happy Hours: M-F, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Established in 2011, this locally owned, modern American spot is housed in a former automotive showroom, creating a unique and vibrant setting for your next dining experience. While the interior may draw you in, their innovative takes on classic dishes—we’re talking falafel burgers, bacon and brie chicken sandwiches, and mussels embedded in a coconut curry cream—will definitely keep you coming back.

Nothing screams happy like a $5.00 special, something well-noted at Hubbard Grille, with a happy hour menu featuring a selection of drinks and appetizers all for $5.00 or less. If you’re free on a weekday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, check out Hubbard Grille and order an Apple Cider Mule with a side of Lemon Artichoke Dip, all for ten bucks.

“Happy hour is truly the best part of any day. And Hubbard Grille serves it up in style.” -Yelp review

Lemongrass Fusion Bistro

Asian, American, and Mediterranean cuisine combine for one unforgettable dining experience

Address: 641 N. High St

Hours: M-F, 3:00pm – 7:00pm and 9:00pm – Close

In 1998, Fusion became one of the first restaurants in the Columbus area to offer dishes combining Asian and American cuisines. This stylish, family-owned Asian fusion restaurant features a diverse entree menu alongside a more standard sushi menu. Want pasta? Try their Zucchini Tofu angel hair pasta. Craving classic Japanese cuisine? Go for some tuna nigiri! The options are practically endless at Lemongrass Fusion!

For happy hour, customers can enjoy $6.00 glasses of wine accompanied by a variety of specially priced appetizers and sushi rolls. Lemongrass’ deals also include dollar-off beers and specially priced cocktails! Check it out on weekdays between 3:00pm and 7:00pm or 9:00pm to close.

“When they say fusion, they live up to it. While the menu is simple, it's variety.” -Yelp review

Forno Kitchen + Bar

Classic staples all served in a casual and cool setting

Address: 721 N. High St

Hours: M-F, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Pizza and cocktails. Can you name a more perfectly simple combination? At Forno— Italian for “oven”—all of the pizzas start with a freshly made dough and are finished in a custom stone-fired oven. For those with dietary restrictions, don’t worry! Forno’s pizzas can be made with gluten free dough, and their menu features a great deal of vegetarian and vegan options. The joint also has a great selection of entrees and appetizers to try out if you’re not in the mood for a freshly baked pie.

For an awesome deal, make sure to hit up Forno between 4:00pm and 6:00pm on weekdays for their happy hour menu, which features half-off pricing for draft beers, house cocktails, wine by the glasses, bar snacks, shared items, and—of course—pizzas! Whoever said happy hour had to be limited to just drinks has never tried Forno Kitchen + Bar, located centrally in the Short North.

“Forno may be my new favorite place! I mean I went there two days in a row.” -Yelp review

Bristol Republic

Barbecue and bourbon all housed in this Nashville-style bar

Address: 1124 N. High St

Hours: M-F, 4:00pm – 7:00pm

There’s nothing quite like southern-style barbecue, with its smoky selection of meats and incredible platter of sides incomparable to any other cuisine. For some of the best barbecue in Columbus, head over to Bristol Republic, conveniently located right in the Short North. At this CBUS culinary institution, all of the barbecue is smoked in-house daily, so you know you are getting an authentic, high-quality dining experience. Featuring five choices of both sauces and meats, options are not limited at Bristol Republic!

During their happy hour, enjoy half-off on all specialty cocktails and drafts as well as select whiskey and bourbon single pours. Offered every weekday between 4:00pm and 7:00 pm, this is one happy hour you will not want to miss. Also, if you check out Bristol’s happy hour on Tuesdays, you can enjoy a walking taco for just $3.00!

“Went here for dinner with a friend and by gosh the food and drinks were so delicious!” -Yelp review

A happy hour is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a time to loosen your tie, kick off those heels, and just relax, enjoying time spent well with friends or family. So, the next time you are looking for a nice way to unwind after a particularly tiring day at work, make yourself “happy” by checking out an awesome happy hour deal from one of these Short North restaurants and bars! You will not be disappointed by any of these deals, nor will you be disappointed by any of these great restaurants, all of which are serving some of the best dining available in the up-and-coming Columbus.

Whether you are a young, old, new, or born-and-bred Columbusite (or are looking to become one), these happy hours will definitely make you a happy one!

Have you tried any of the happy hour deals we featured in this article? Did we leave out your favorite happy hour special in the Short North Arts District? If so, let us know in the comments below!