Dick's Den

Great high st dive bar. Good shows, generous portions. No beer on tap 😔 but I still come back year after year

Had an awesome time listening to smooth jazz music sucking down Red Stripes and Long Island Iced Teas and vaping the night away.

Highly recommend bluegrass night on Tuesdays. No cover, decently priced drinks, and super fun music. Sometimes there's up to 10 guys on the stage all collaborating on a song. It's awesome! Decent crowd of all ages as well.

I had a great time. Met new friends, it's definitely a vibe!

There is a reason this place always pops up on “10 top best dive bars in Columbus” list. Great cheap drinks, amazing live music and of course the 50 cent pool is the cherry on top.

Great place! It was my birthday and we stopped by only to get great service from Aaron as well as live musicians! A whole vibe!!

Dicks Den is sacred in Columbus. It's a word class Jazz club with a CBGB's vibe, and smell. This is hands down the best bar in Columbus, Ohio and possibly the world.

True dive bar, never wavering! Great spot to hang out and enjoy local live music.

While I personally have not had a horrible experience personally, I am a cis white woman. My friend has been a regular at this establishment, and one of the older bartenders has relentlessly been rude to them. Tonight (Thanksgiving) they walked over only to have their ID examined and kept from them at the door by this bartender for quite a while, then asked them their name, which is not their chosen name but then was asked to repeat it louder after being told they don't go by that name anymore. Yelled at my friend saying "You have to have a government name to drink here!". My friend left. Keep in mind, my friend is a regular, has never had an issue with any of the other staff, and is 29. The prior negative experience they had is as soon as they walked in was screamed at by this woman that they couldn't be in there, and then excused herself by laughing and saying something along the lines of profiling them. Edit: Her name is Barb. Outside of this racist transphobic bartender, the bar is hard to move around when there's over 20 people in it. I've been in at capacity and I would say if there was a fire or emergency it would not be easy to get to safety.

For what this place is, you can't beat it! For starters, they have live music - GOOD live music - almost every night of the week. The bands vary from jazz to experimental all the way to bluegrass. The cover charge to get in is always very cheap or sometimes non-existent. People from all walks of life come here and the atmosphere is always super chill. They don't serve food, but Dick's does have a decent canned/bottled beer selection. If you don't mind dive bars, Dick's is one of the best Columbus has to offer!

This a great dive bar to grab a few beers and chill. The bartenders are all very nice and the music they play is great!!

I am a loyal fan of Dick's. I've been coming to this bar for ~20 years. The owners are some of the best in Columbus, or anywhere for that fact. The staff is always wonderful, but don't be fooled, they don't put up with BS. This point leading to my next, Which is that this kind of staff and ownership makes it feel like a safe place. I always feel like if someone is being inappropriate or sketchy, the bartenders take the time to handle it. Otherwise, there is a large number of friendly regulars, and plenty of new folks too, young & old which makes for a diverse and interesting crowd. The music is always on point, and you can see some of the best musicians around on any given night for about $5! Plus the bar actually pays the artists, not just a cut (thank you!) Drinks are reasonable and I love this old school dive bar . The owners have purposely kept the original ambiance, (with some necessary updates of course), and the history of the place just shines on.

Great live music but that's about the only good thing about this place. The door guy was super rude and disrespectful, and they hold your card at the bar the whole time you're at the bar, I don't like that at all. Probably won't go there again.

Over the past 10 years that I've been going to Dick's Den, it's always been a good time. My friends and I mainly have gone for their Tuesday bluegrass nights. They always bring out a fun mixed crowd of young and old free-loving hippie types. They have a nice selection of brews and the mixed drinks are pretty strong. Now that I'm getting older, I realize that it gets a little too loud and crowded in there on Bluegrass nights, but still lots of fun.

Dick's Den is an old classic in the heart of the area south of Hudson Street that's now affectionately known as SoHud. Actually, Dick's was there long before anyone called it SoHud. It's super small and divey-- the perfect place for a random night listening to a small band on a tiny stage, or just a get away from the usual Short North or campus crowd. Just don't bring a big group. The patio on the outside is super small, more like a smoking area, but not nearly big enough for all of the whiskey-drinkin' hooligans that sometimes like to hang there. The vibes at Dick's Den are tried and true. It's a relic and an odd little gem in that part of town. Head on over for a Jack n Coke and dance a jig or two on Bluegrass night if you feel like doing something new, but old school.

Awesomesauce to the MAX. If you're looking for that bar that hasn't changed.. cheap drinks, strong drinks, killer music, good vibes, friendly staff. This bar may be small but it is one of the best columbus has to offer. If you don't know about it you are messing up. Go check it out on Tuesday nights for AMAZING bluegrass jams! Why Not?

You can't beat Dick's Den. It's one of the best places in Ohio to listen to live jazz. The owners take very good care of the musicians. The owners also take very good care of the clientele. Drinks are reasonable. Everybody is respected. Always a great time!

Dick's Den is the best place to hear jazz in Columbus. It's also one of the best bars. The bluegrass on Tuesday nights also is another highlight show. It's not really a dive bar though it's kind of musty and has all that worn out wood. This place welcomes all types from college know it alls to townies and winos. I first was attracted by the "why not?" neon sign in the window. Yeah so why the fuck not I thought. It may not look that great but it's one of the finest places to catch a show. It's most popular events are bluegrass nights on Tuesdays, jazz on weekends, and the poetry readings. The bar gets pretty packed for these. At about 10 the live music starts. There's usually a cover of about $5. As for the drinks they're not pretty but they get the job done. It only serves beer in bottles and cans, nothing on tap. Happy hour is from 5 until 9. Most domestics are $2 and cocktails are half. At close they line up 12 packs of Black Label. These are a steal at $3, so pick up a few on your way out. I recommend Dick's Den to anyone looking for a hipster bar. If you like jazz you should come here. You can also pick up beer to carry out if you aren't already smashed.

Dick's, has staying power; it's been around since the 1960's. Part bar and small nightclub, it's described as a "dive" probably because there is nothing bright, shiny & new here. Well, maybe the "new" customer who wanders in for the first time. For the uninitiated, it may seem a little daunting. Oftentimes, you will find an odd mix of individuals hanging outside the front door, where the big ? Hangs, getting their nicotine fix on. It's dark inside. There is a collective of intellects, drunks, neighbors, government workers, students, retirees, musicians, losers, winners, shot callers and wannabe ballers, the shady and the enlighted, etc. Etc. Etc. All kinds hanging out for the purpose of having a good time and hearing great music in this unpretentious place. For the most part, the "regulars" hang out earlier in the day, interested more in drinking & socializing then the entertainment. The entertainment attracts more of a transient crowd. There are many reasons the initiated repeatedly come back. But the main reason is the jazz music. Fantastic jazz. National jazz acts. Local jazz. Dick's promoted "Local" long before it became a movement. Local music. Local musicians. Local stage. The night bartenders probably have over 30 years between them working at Dicks. They know how to work the bar. The drinks are cheap. Please don't embarrass yourself and ask for a "cocktail", or even an orange slice. That's not happening. They serve straight forward drinks, beer and wine. No fancy tapas or appetizers either. Pretzels, peanuts or Chips. You'll have to go somewhere else, or bring your own, if you're wanting food. They do have pool tables in the back and one of the best jukebox selections in town. Check out "post to page" on Dick's Den FB page, or Jazzcolumbus.com to find events and schedule. Open 7 days a week. Sometimes cover charge of $5 at the door for the band. Must be 21(will check ID)

The drink prices were good but the whole bar felt musty and the music was mediocre at best. If you're looking for a good time I recommend going elsewhere.

There is nothing contrived about Dick's Den. Not the music. Not the hippies. Not the politics. Not the grungy graffitied restrooms. Not the well-worn bar stools. And I like it that way. Dick's is your quintessential dive bar that draws a mix of students, hippies and neighborhood locals. While not everyone shows up in tie-dye and Birkenstocks, let's just say it's very easy to look over-dressed here. The one thing everyone has in common is an appreciation for talented local musicians. Dick's Den has been around for almost fifty years and it certainly looks (and occasionally) smells that way, which is easy to overlook if you are all about enjoying live music in a bar that truly appreciates musicians. It is best known for being a jazz bar, but hosts the whole gamut of blues, folk, rock and oldies. And the beatnik style poetry readings live on at Dicks' Den. Drink prices probably haven't increased that much. Domestic bottles are under $2 and mixed drinks aren't much more. Happy hour is another thing- it's dirt cheap and runs until 9 PM, but you'll have to settle for recorded music or television during this time as the bands usually don't start till around 10 PM. Dick's charges a nominal cover charge, which has been under $5 for as long as I can remember. I'd probably pay more, but thankfully they haven't asked us to! Dick's Den is an anomaly in Columbus as far as music culture goes. It remains a very popular place, but is still the antithesis of trendy. Dick's is unique enough to warrant five stars for it's persistence, longevity and sincerity in providing Columbus with fab local music.

I came here with four of my coworkers since it had been a few weeks since we went out. One of my friends really wanted to go since they had live bands, and the band of the night was apparently Dirty Billy. After a couple jokes about their name and a few beers later, we grabbed a seat near the back. 1. Dirty Billy Surprisingly good. They played a lot of good rock music, and I was pleasantly surprised. They played a couple covers, including Purple Rain, at which point my friend went crazy. 2. Beer I got a Blue Moon and their Oberon ale. The Oberon ale wasn't as good, and my friend said it tasted like orange peels. Cover was $4, but it was definitely worth it. They also had the Fusion Cafe truck outside, which had okay food.

I have been coming to Dick's Den since the nineties and they haven't chased me out yet. This is a bar that is accepting of anyone, from anywhere, at any time. Great music, great people, and great times. Very little has changed inside since the first time I was there except some new photos on the wall, the felt has been replaced on the pool table, and smoking was moved to an outdoor patio. Their bartenders know how to make just about anything well. . They have top shelf liquor and the bottom of the barrel. Wide selection of beers are always cold and well stocked. Prices are great and beat most anything on campus as well as the university district, Old North Columbus, and/or Clintonville. My only complaint is that it can be a pain to park from time to time. Everyone must go to dicks at least once in their lifetime and if it is for you I'll bet you go back and back and back again. Wanted to add I love coming here for Bluegrass night on Tuesdays. You never know who is going to show up or what they will play, but they always put on a good show. There are definitely some organic jams. If you like bluegrass music and you haven't came here you have to make the time.

We got there after the pool tournament had taken place so the place was quite. Dark lighting with an outdoor patio. One pool table in the back and some very nice folks. Played pool with some locals had a nice evening. If you looking for a place to just relax, this is the place.

Dick's Den is always that dive bar that I end up in when I'm not planning on it. Pints with Trevor from Ireland? Dick's Den. Skipping out on a party with a buddy? Dick's Den. Drunken stumble back to a friend's apartment, and we say "one more beer"? Dick's Den. My friend is making her drunken way around the area for her birthday? Dick's Den. I always pop in, it's always late, and the service is always good and there is always some band playing, and no matter who I am with, always says "damn, these guys are pretty good." It reminds me what Thirsty Ear used to be before it grew and got insanely popular-it still has its low-key vibe, not too crowded (or pretentious) atmosphere, and lots of good live music.

Why not? Dicks is my go to place on the weekends. I even met my boyfriend here! They have live music almost every single night. I love how the vibe is relaxed and comfortable. The bartenders have been there for years, and are all amazing humans. You won't find an advertisement or much information about them online- and that's how they like it. Great craft beer selection, heavy pours, low prices!

10/10 the best bar in Old North. Such a welcoming vibe, and very nice owners! The bartenders are also phenomenal! They typically remember your drink if you come in often. They have great drink prices, exceptional live music and even a pool table that only cost 50 cents. The patio is a great hangout for smokers, they even have covers and heaters for the winter. They have some chips and the B E S T bar nuts in town. Good for when you need a lil snack when drinking. I highly recommend stopping by, there is a cover some nights but totally worth it! It's The One and Only!

One word: Bluegrass!! Every Tuesday, starting around 9:30-10 pm, this joint comes alive with an awesome 8-10 piece blue grass band ensemble. Harmonic? A favorite instrument of mine! Sax? Colon is outstanding -- not to mention a great guy to chat with. The place isn't too small, but always has a small, hometown feel. It's always a pleasure to shimmy and sway on the dance floor. I think its great that people of all ages come here -- college students, young professionals, moms and dads, and grandpas and grandmas!! There always seems to be a food cart out front around 11 pm, should you get the late night munches.

I've had a handful of good times at Dick's over the years. I used to shoot pool here with an ex and/or my friend, Bubbles. The bartenders aren't the most friendly, and they card like no one's business, but that's no big deal. Just doing their job. The beer selection is okay. Enough microbrews to keep me happy (Great Lakes, I think Columbus Brewing, Sierra Nevada, and some of the more popular ones like Sam Adams, etc.) and for reasonable prices. There is an okay, smaller, outdoor patio type area. The bands here can be really, really great. They have bluegrass, jazz, blues, and I guess sometimes more traditional rock, which they should stop offering. I used to see Lee Brown, Columbus' foremost Jazz expert, aesthetician, and Professor Emeritus at OSU here. And for an old guy, he's cool. One of the most important tidbits I could give that I didn't see skimming other reviews is that Dick's is a GREAT place to get carryout beer. The prices are cheap and if you miss the 1am cutoff at the convenience store across the street, Dick's is a great alternative.

I have only been to Dick's Den on the well-renowned Bluegrass Tuesday nights, but I have no doubt that every other night of the week promises as good of a time. Dick's Den is a reliable townie bar, and one of the few that is appreciated by people from all walks of life and all ages. On Bluegrass Tuesdays, I socialize with OSU students, local musicians, trucker hat afficionados, and explorers from outside of the 270 loop. The conversation is fresh and interesting, despite the intermittent "what? WHAT?" to overcome the volume of the kickass bluegrass jam band. Come in your overalls, come in your tshirt, come in your pajamas. The more casual, the better. No judgement allowed here! In fact, do-si-doing and kneeslapping is encouraged at this joint. Let loose. The drinks are cheap, cheap, cheap. A PBR and well gin and tonic for me was $2. Although I give the bottled beer selection two thumbs up, I typically opt for my trusty PBR. There seems to be consensus about this. Order a cosmopolitan and you might just get Ocean SPray cranberry juice instead. Don't be fancy. Leave your fancypants at home. And although Dick's Den doesn't have food, Tatoheads food truck makes regular appearances outside. No food inside though, which sucks in the winter. I have no doubt that when I return to Columbus, decades down the road, that Dick's Den will be the same ol' bar, with the same vibe to it. I hope it never changes. I anticipate the same photographs from the '70s will hand on the wall, and the same uncomfortable, yet trusty wooden benches will adorn the perimeter of the dancefloor. Nothing would bring me more joy than returning twenty years from now on a Tuesday, reminiscing about my times at Ohio State, reering in delight at the sound of the upbeat, twangy bluegrass band, with a PBR in my hand.

Where do all the hippies go when they're not marinating gluten or partaking in a drum circle? If they're in the mood to throw on their best tie-dye and let a night of supporting corporate beer company-endorsed fascism slide, they go to Dick's Den, of course! Hey, like it says on the sign in the window, "Why Not?" When you're in the mood for a reasonably-priced microbrew and a jolly rock show put on by aging NPR listeners, this north campus dive should be at the top of your list every time. The inside is handsomely paneled in dilapidated wood from the floors to the ceiling, and the series of smaller attached rooms that it's comprised of gives it a cozy feel no matter where you end up. I rarely leave the front bar area that you're led to when you walk in, but the tables in front of the 2 foot stage off to the right are good if you're with a crowd of more than two. Make sure that crowd looks as un-college as possible, as the locals don't seem to take kindly to us rough and tumble undergrad folk. The best time to go to Dick's Den is about 10 minutes before last call, although they'll murder me if you told them I said that. A nightcap of whiskey is always cheap here, and what's more is that they have a wide variety of beer available for carryout if you decide at the last minute that you want to wake up in your front yard after drinking until 5 in the morning. Dick's Den is truly a classic and is not to be overlooked on a northbound trek up High Street.

Oh, Columbus. Please continue to make me happy so that when I finally graduate with my Ph.D., I am left sobbing on your doorstep... My friend brought me to Dick's Den tonight, and it was kinda amazing. Her friend's band was playing, and they were fan-effing-tastic - Calypso jazz style music, I wish I remembered their name so I could plug them... but this is really a review of Dick's... I have been afraid to go in here for the longest time, mainly because of the "WHY NOT?" sign on the outside of Dick's. This is simply ridiculous, I discovered as I experienced the Den tonight, because everything here was phenomenal. The drinks were cheap (we were drinking Bushmill's), the band was great, the crowd was amazing (super authentic, dancing Ohioans - love them), there was free food and Mardi Gras masks, and it wasn't too too crowded. I'd definitely come back here - in fact, I believe I have a date to do so next week. Dick's. Den. This is where it's at, people.

Yes I had a great day yesterday. 3 Five Star reviews. That makes me smile. Dicks Den is a delight. Originally when I first drove by a few years ago I thought it was a gay bar. I mean perfect name right? Then I thought it was probably a dive bar. What I didn't know is it's a wonderful venue for live music. Mostly Jazz and Blues. The drinks are cheap and strong and the bartenders awesome and friendly. It wasn't very crowded and I enjoyed the ambiance and that it wasn't too loud. The patrons were all friendly...the crowd skewed a little older. I'm glad I finally discovered this gem.

A smelly old near campus bar. As unpretentious as it gets. Barb is a gem. Good blues and jazz bands.

Great place to hear good music and inexpensive drinks. There's a cover sometimes. No more than $5

My first bar review. I will never forget Dicks Den Tuesday night Bluegrass Jams. wholesome music with talented musicians in a classic atomsphere. its like being in a log cabin.

Hell yes. Go for the black label, stay for the bluegrass. Walk around. Take it all in. You'll leave chin high and chest puffed out.

This is a pretty good place to get your drink on if you're near the university area but don't dig the university crowd. On a Friday night, they were fairly steady but not overly crowded. It's a pretty small, low-key place and the vibe is pretty laid back. There's a small stage that always seems to have some sort of cool blues/jazz/rock performance going on, and a pool table in the back. Not a ton of seating but, unlike some places, it wasn't ear-splitting loud and you could actually see and hear the stage from most of the bar. The drink selection was good- decent variety of beer, good prices. The bartenders weren't overly friendly but they were efficient. The cover wasn't crazy like some places- I think when I went it was $4. Overall this was a really nice, chill bar and I wouldn't mind going back.

Eclectic dive bar for sure. Lot's of history adorn the walls. Drinks are inexpensive. You will find yourself mingling with some students, some alumni and of course the occasional High Street sot. I wouldn't call it a destination, but it is a must stop on a pub crawl.

It's Tuesday night and you are strolling along the rain soaked sidewalks of Clintonville. Traversing the misty air you happen to notice the sound of music in your vicinity. As you get closer you notice a bar and upon approach it's clear that it has the dive charm you normally venture after. This bar is Dick's Den. The place is lively and fills with the sounds of Bluegrass music played by local musicians of many styles and flavors. The bar specials are generally to one's liking and the service generally gracious and swift. It's quite easy to get one's fill of libation for around 12-15 dollars. But the real reason you go here is the music, the genre's are diverse and the artists talented. The only downside to this wonderful establishment is the space itself. One can find themselves in quite the struggle as an attempt is made to navigate the entrance and attain a spot at the bar. Once that goal is achieved though a drink will quickly be yours. I rather enjoy Dick's Den and certainly keep it on my list of regular bars. If you are reading through the various reviews here, I most assuredly advise giving it a chance.

Cheap, strong drinks and great bartenders. Need I say more? Yes. The music is always en pointe. Gotta love having a crazy good Bluegrass night here in Columbus.

If I could give this place negative five stars I would. The two female bartenders are the worst. So rude. They shouldn't be working in the night life if they're going to be rude and then harass you about not tipping and then kick you out. I am literally speechless about their behavior and I have no idea why they are employed here. They need proper training. So sad.

Sunday evening around close to 11pm..my friend and I walked in to get a few drinks as soon as we walked in the door the bartender judged us. He didn't even greet us and just asked for our ID's I reached into my wallet to get my temporary id which is on a paper and he automatically said we don't accept paper I said it's from the BMV he proceeds to tell me I could've forged it myself when it had an official seal on it..why would the BMV give us a temp ID if we weren't allowed to use it? I've seen several people use theirs at bars and other establishments that require ID. I called the BMV myself and asked them if we could use them and they told me I could that's the purpose for the temp ID until I receive my new one in the mail including in bars..the bartender was racist and I will contact the Better Business Bureau.

This dive bar is great! Not too douchey. Beer and liquor is cheap and good. The people who hang out here are cool. You can find some legal places to park around here. Convenient if you are taking the bus, or uber. Bathrooms aren't too bad.

Great bar, great music. Everyone fits in, I was told by the locals, Dick's is "embarrass proof", anything goes.

Dicks is a music hot spot for Columbus. There are a ton of great local musicians that preform here. I really like the bluegrass. Never had a problem with the drinks or the service, bartenders here are professional. Wish there were more places like dicks den.

This place is an institution, and I am so grateful for it. I have been here many times. Obviously, I love jazz and they get all the big local names visiting. Drinks are dirt cheap, as is the cover. Service is extremely friendly. And the decor is from way back in the day and very unpretentious.

An old hangout. This dive bar has definitely stood the test of time and has a lot of history.

Always great music on any given night of the week, very diverse too they don't just stick to one thing! The staff is always extremely friendly and seem like they're happy to be there. Good location and cool set up.

There are a Few reasons to love this place.. ,real music,real musician,older crowd, great prices,ect. Even if you know nothing about the band,chance are there going to be worth the $4 cover and most likely be the best artists on high st any given night..PS never get to close to folks @ a dive . There's nothing worse then a drunken click of alcoholics !

Bluegrass night on Tuesdays is great! Fun, relaxing atmosphere. It's a dive bar, but in a positive way! The patio is small, but they added more counter space. Great location! Near a lot of restaurants and other bars. My only complaint is that the drinks are relatively weak. But I see myself coming to Dick's many times in the future.

Awesome bluegrass, no cover! Decent beer selection, good service, but packed. You really have to push your way through even on a Tuesday night.

Dirty, old, best true jazz haven in Columbus, nothing but love for good beer, and the best jazz in town.

The atmosphere is made up of college professors, students, mainly from Ohio State and other local colleges. Business professionals, music lovers and hippies from all over the city. The drinks are ridiculously CHEAP!!! Tables and chairs are very close to each other so you really get to know folks and have a great time. All the signatures of past performers and visitors etched on tables and walls. I NEVER had a bad experience there. EVER!! I simply love Dick's Den.

If you are hankering for hangouts where substance trumps style, Dick's Den will be near the top of your short list of Columbus nighttime destinations. The drinks are fairly priced, the bartenders have been courteous on every occasion I've been there, and--to me, most importantly--Dick's features a consistent roster of very talented jazz, folk, blues, and rock musicians. For example, I made my way to Dick's recently to take in a concert by revered local band The Spikedrivers. The place was as packed as I've ever seen it and the cumulative vibe of the evening was overwhelmingly positive. People were dancing and there were a great many smiles flashing around the room. I met several friendly people that night and, thinking back, this sort of uplifting experience has often been available during my perhaps three dozen visits to Dick's Den over the years. Dick's is divided by partitions or walls into several areas: The bar, the stage and dancing/standing/sitting area, the pool table room, and a narrow enclosed patio on the north side of the building. Not every night is so busy at this bar, and it can be a relaxing place to go for a night cap or as a way of getting out into an undemanding public situation after being cooped up at home or work for too long. Finally, when you go to Dick's, take a look at the pictures and newspaper articles on the wall near the stairs that detail a comical and debauched "marathon" which for years began and ended at Dick's Den.

Dick's Den's rock-bottom happy hour pricing (which goes until 9) makes it a great place to enjoy your Johnny Oak's po boy. (Johnny Oak's itself: not a great place to enjoy your Johnny Oak's po boy.) Dick's has awesome music, live and recorded. Definitely a classic, and none the worse for generations of use.

The quintessential dive bar. A little grimy without being gross, cheap beer in bottles and cans, and a constant stream of live music nearly every night. There's better bluegrass elsewhere in town, but the jazz and blues are unrivaled. There's no beer on tap, and mixed drinks aren't the best, but if you order a mixed drink here you're missing the point anyway. Don't park in the shopping plaza across the street or you'll get towed. "Why not?" sums it up best.