Perfect Pre-Game Stop to Save Your Wallet - Classic Dive Bar Done Right
What a pleasant surprise! If you're tired of paying $13-15 for drinks at Lower.com Field, Betty's Bar is an absolute must-stop on your walk from parking to the stadium.
Why Betty's is Game Day Gold:
Wallet-Friendly Pricing: $5 average for local beers and other cans - nearly 3x cheaper than stadium prices Cash only for outside service (keeps things moving fast) Perfect way to pregame without breaking the bank
Efficient, Friendly Service: Staff moves quickly but stays personable Met a fantastic bartender on Saturday (wish I remembered her name!) who left a great impression Pro tip: Order from the middle of the bar, not the ends - they prefer this for efficiency
Atmosphere & Expectations:
Classic Dive Bar Vibes: Don't expect fancy lighting or upscale ambiance College dive bar feel but with standards and cleanliness Less of the typical dive bar smells you might expect elsewhere
Standard Bar Amenities: Restrooms, darts, high tables All the basics you need for a good time
Game Day Experience:
Special Game Day Setup: Food truck parked outside Promotional tents and vendors Becomes a real pre-game hub for Crew fans
The Quirky Reality:
Hours Are... Flexible: Love their front sign: "Opens when I get here" Multiple attempts to visit on non-game days = closed Hours seem "optional" but makes sense - they know their clientele and peak times Definitely a game day/event-driven establishment
Bottom Line: Betty's Bar perfectly serves its purpose - a no-frills, affordable spot to grab drinks before paying stadium prices. The dive bar aesthetic and flexible hours are part of the charm, not drawbacks.
Perfect for: Pre-game drinks, budget-conscious sports fans, anyone wanting authentic local bar experience Best times: Game days, major events (call ahead for other times) Bring: Cash for fastest service, realistic expectations about ambiance
Would I return? Absolutely! This is exactly what you want in a pre-game spot - cheap drinks, friendly service, and...
Read moreThis place is a dive. That's really the only way to describe it and it's also my favorite bar in Columbus. The drinks are cold and cheap, the bar tenders are nice, the customers are mostly regulars and friendly, Shorty the owner is a funny, no nonsense lady, and the food is deep fried deliciousness.
The hours are wacky. Only time they're guaranteed to be open is on Thong Thursdays and when the Blue Jackets or Clippers are playing. Otherwise you run the risk it's closed and to be fair Shorty's warned you on the side of the building that might be the case.
In the winter they have the fireplace roaring, there's no windows, and it's a dark and seedy ambiance. Everything a neighborhood bar should be. It also only takes going a couple times a month for a game before the bartenders know you. I now get the "having the regular?" question when I come in.
Downtown to catch a game? Definitely consider coming here for a drink before heading over for the $10 cans...
Read moreMy girlfriend and I were looking for a place to eat, we basically fell onto Betty's looking for parking. It turned out wonderfully. We both tried the Betty burger with fries and they were great. Betty's is a sports bar and well loved by those lucky enough to know about it. Tracy and I enjoyed hearing the history of the establishment from the granddaughter of Betty and Betty's daughter cooked up a great meal.. Friendly, homey, and good food. I'm going to take some friends and share the experience with the.. You need to try Betty's. It's...
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