Ryan S.
Yelp
This is the dank, low ceiling underground of the city's past, disappearing Columbus, #howthingswere, the true cultural hub of dive bars.
Apropos of the dry irony of its motto, is Bob's mascot pictured on the awning, a Dick York looking face toasting his 1950s white male oppression over his all-powerful house wife--apparently. No fear, there is scant chance an ad-exec in pricey suits will be found here, though many born in the 1950s barflies the property, showcasing the diversity of Bob's clientelle.
Walking in from High past the narrow patio of smokers one is delighted by the crusty wear and aged grime reminiscent of High Street of old. The acoustic ceiling squares above seems like waves as they are warped such, and the flooring is nonexistent except for rubber like prefloor. It has the comforting dark den feel anyone with subterranean taste can enjoy.
It is not really a place for one demographic; instead a mix of flashy college club-types, aging hippies, weird hairdos, and bored 20-year-olds buzz its environs. You have the gaggle of bar crawling debutants toasting the summer, the frat boys programing jukeboxes with new hip-hop, 30-year regulars throwing darks in rock tees and white mullets, barkeeps off the clock hanging, hipsters lamenting how Comfest sucks, pool sharks shooting contorting shots and missing badly, Billy Idol dressed punks with alienated affects, and patio hangers chain smoking away the summer with Camel Crushes.
A throw back place yes, they don't serve food, but they are not inflexable to change; today they serve the modern choice of beers, 30-plus taps of local brew are written on a blackboard, too many choices for the staff to remember. The staff by the way is quality and friendly.
I had a Bob's Bar IPA, made by who knows I didn't ask (hey I do this for free after all), that they will have for a couple more weeks before gone forever. It was very heavy with a strong malt. So get that while you can.
They do well with mix drinks, but it is a dive, so don't expect the best of Martini's here. There is some seating for four but it is mainly the bar.
Experince this cultural hub before 'culture' rubs it out.