The Best Beer, Wine & Spirits in Columbus

Smoked on High BBQ

★★★★★ 4.5 (291) • $$

"What a little gem in the brewery district. The meats are amazing. Ribs fell off the bone and the brisket was divine. I wasn't a fan of the Mac and cheese (pasta too soft). The patio and inside are really nice. Definitely give it a try."

Vick's Gourmet Pizzeria

★★★★☆ 4.1 (165) • $$

"I have never had a calzone with ricotta cheese. And the dangerous part of that is that you cannot just through it together. You have to have the right consistency of mozzarella and very little ricotta cheese. I do not taste nor feel any mozzarella in this calzone. If they did not have mozzarella cheese, or they were short on mozzarella cheese, that should have been stated so I could've made a better choice. I will never purchase another calzone from Vick's pizza. I will stick to their pizza. Their pizzas are remarkable. Just very disappointed, because it's the holidays. Money is tight and I was treating myself. Not a good time to try something new. No part of the cheese was stringy."

Giant Eagle Market District

★★★★☆ 3.6 (167) • $$

"Well dang! I usually go to the Ge on Sawmill or the one in Dublin near Perimeter. Lovely stores on their own, but I was advised to go to this one as it was supposedly the best on in Cbus. They weren't lying!!! I felt my inner bougie rising up while perusing the store. The mushroom station caught my eye immediately as I had not seen that in the other GE's. Clean store and really nice and helpful staff (shout out to Heidi at the door and Bonnie at the register). I think it is worth it yo check out this location for your shopping needs."

The Hills Market Downtown

★★★★☆ 3.6 (100) • $$

"Before I say anything, I must mention that I'm biased to their hot food bar (their chicken and pork is really good!!).This grocery store is the only one in the downtown area, so it's more expensive. It does have most staples at higher prices. It has a nice wine & beer section, some fresh breads, a decent cheese section. There is also a really large prepared foods section. They have a salad bar & prepared salads as well as cooked chicken/beef. They also have Charmy's, the Persian kitchen. Honestly the star of the show, and the reason I'm rating them as a 4 is the hot food bar. Particularly the meats. Sometimes I just grab a pound of meat (10.99 lb) and make my own meals at home with it. The meat is so tender and usually has a really nice sauce or spice, I would say restaurant quality or better! As long as you know what what you're getting into and what the best offerings are, I think this is a reasonable "grocery store". A plus is the friendly employees!"

Perfect Pour Beverage Company

★★★★★ 4.8 (45) • $$

"They have a great selection of CBD seltzers!! My fave is the Cycling Frog in Black Currant"

The Barrel & Bottle

★★★★☆ 4.4 (43) • $$

"Love B & B, to-go Beer, Mimosas and Bloody Mary's...what could be better?!? They have a great selection of wine and beer, plus a bar and high-top tables for you to hang out with you friends. One of my first and favorite stops when I'm at North Market!"

Beer Zone

★★★★☆ 4.3 (43) • $$

"This place doesn't look like much from the outside, but this is in my opinion the best place to buy beer in Columbus. They have an absolutely HUGE selection of beer. If there's a limited release local craft beer, this place is probably your best bet for finding it. Same goes for limited bottling national craft beer. For example, they've been the only place I've been able to find Wolf's Ridge Cinnamon Toast Brunch this summer. They also carry a wide selection of national craft breweries, import beers, and of course your standard domestic beers. They also have an ever-rotating selection of single bottles for sale. I've definitely taken advantage of their single bottles fridge to try out a new but expensive beer that I don't necessarily want to splurge on an entire 4 or 6 pack of yet. (Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA and World Wide Stout comes to mind...)Their price for beer at least is on par with local grocery stores like Kroger and Giant Eagle. Last but not least, their clearance aisle at the back of their store is a true hidden gem. The clearance aisle tends to carry beer that's near their expiration date, but the discount is pretty significant. Definitely worth checking out if you're hosting a house party and need to stock up on beer. Probably my only gripe about this store is that they don't accept Amex. They do accept Visa and Mastercard though!"

The Twisted Vine

★★★★★ 4.5 (39) • $$

"The building that now houses this fine and friendly wine shop/bar is something of note in the annuals of Ohio aqua vitae: a joint that once hollowed this ground was the first to secure a liquor license after the repeal of prohibition. So this IS alcohol numero uno for the Buckeye State--though building goes back longer to the beginnings of the 20th Century long before the street on its left, Wyandotte, existed. Such a historical address deserves a high quality shop of the blessed vine. From my visit last week, my first, The Twisted Vine meets this requirement. It's a wine seller with a bar inside--wall shelves and case stacks over flowing with bottles of bubbles breaking on the brim and cabinets stuffed with fancy cigars. All in a Italian vino dressed room with comfy parlors and seating vignettes layed in the front.Center is the bar which was staff by an uber-knowledgeable sever on my visit, almost as if sent from central casting perfect to play an owner of a rustic Château in Napa Valley she relayed her vast expertise and opinion to my cohort and I with warmness, love of wine, and charm. For starters we ordered a white flight ($9). From sweet to dry served in an order so the flavors won't interfere with each other, the flight featured wines I never had before. Such as the Hungarian Evolucio Furmint, featuring a slightly dry finish with apricot and citrus touches. It was a nice glass. Another was an outside the Rhone Viognier from Chile that was as lush and soft as its Chardonnay cousin. The last was more familiar, an Argentine Sauvignon Blanc--but this one had a nice tropical after-tone that infused its typical dryness with a balanced counter melody of taste. It was a lovely flight. I also finished off a wonderful glass of Sangria which if they still have 'on tap' I highly recommend. Of course, you can have any bottle of wine for a cork fee of $5. We tried an interesting first in Moscato--a bottle that is popped openned via a bottle opener, like a soda bottle. I liked it. Though for someone like me extra particular about the glass drinks are served I do not know if I can accept carbonation in my wine. It was kinda like a really, really, up scale wine cooler that tasted like the actual Moscato.Seems like a fun spot. A good of regs turn up from parts unknown on Thursdays, they day we came, and they were late having our wine server worried. So a tight nit clique hangs here cool. Great place, great wine, good for a drink or to grab a bottle. Five stars."

Wine Merchant

★★★★☆ 4.4 (25) • $$

"This place is probably best for lunch . That means I'm totally encouraging you to day drink. I mean, why not, considering I visit Findlay for vacation time and I don't have any serious obligations !I love the sandwiches and soups, and of course the wine! I used to live in Findlay so I love reuniting with friends and family at this spot. I've been here in the evenings before but it can be quite crowded. A good problem to have...not really complaint-worthy as the servers and bartenders are busting their butts!The actual wine store is great to pass through on your way in or out. It has some great varieties of beer and wine, many of which types are new to me. I truly have no complaints- one of the best spots in Findlay !"

The Old Bag Of Nails Pub

★★★★☆ 3.5 (39) • $$

"I've been to this location (as opposed the one closer to my home, which I've already reviewed) four times. And although each of my orders were called in for carryout, I've been nothing but pleased with my food. Keep in mind, I am a creature of habit, so if I have something I really like, it becomes my go-to meal. Case in point, their fish. I'm used to purchasing their "Famous Fish & Chips" (Traditional British-style, hand-battered & fried Atlantic Cod. Served with steak fries, a side garnish of coleslaw & tartar sauce.). I'm not a Kid's Meal person because I love my portion sizes.Well, guess what? Someone suggested I try their Kid's Meal fish. At first I scoffed at the notion, but I eventually decided to try it to appease them. Man, was I surprised. Not only was it a healthy amount of catfish strips and fries, but I was completely satisfied (not full, but I need to stop eating until I burst ANYway.).I'm attaching a photo of my meal so you can see what you get and, considering I'm usually on the run, this was easier to handle and digest while on the road. And no, I don't make a habit out of driving and eating. It, well, it wasn't going to make the drive home. Sorry.Couple that with the great attitude of the servers and I sum it up to a very pleasant experience. Which is why I've been there so often and will again."

Victorian Village Market

★★★★☆ 4.2 (23) • $

"This little carryout on 5th Avenue is controlled chaos. There's so many different random items in here that it's hard for me to begin to tell you. If you're looking for drinks and snacks, odds are they'll have it, especially some of the weirder ones.The main draw to this place for me is the beer selection. If you're looking for some good craft beers to go, then this place has them scattered all over the place. Don't be alarmed by the front exterior of the building, the guy working the place is very nice and helpful if you're looking for anything in particular. I believe they'd even order some beer in for you if they didn't have it there. The place has beer, wine, and all other types of sub 40 proof alcohol lining the aisles or resting on the floor. Honestly, the store is way too small for the amount of inventory they have, and I'm not even totally sure how the beer is ordered in the layout. It makes it a bit of a guessing game/treasure hunt of finding beers.For those that are unfamiliar with the Dairy Family store, you might recognize it as hosting Junior's Tacos in its parking lot. While I'm not a fan of the taco truck, it seems to be a crowd favorite of Columbus, so even if you can't find what you're looking for at the store, you can at least grab some tacos to go. On the outside this may look like your ordinary convenient store, but its contents may surprise you."

Pace High Carryout

★★★★☆ 3.8 (23) • $$

"This is probably the largest, cleanest carry-out that I've been to. They've got tons of beer and wine and snacks. And the owner is a very nice guy!"

Alexander Drive Thru

★★★★☆ 4.2 (12) • $$

"This is a great place to zoom through if you're in a hurry (or just lazy). The prices here are just a bit higher so if I'm not in a hurry (or feeling lazy) I usually stay away. The clerks (owners?) are pretty friendly and have only gotten snarky with me once when I've asked what the cheapest cigs are. (I don't smoke often, but when I do, I get the cheapest possible so I don't like them enough to want to get another pack. Then another. And so on... And this my friend, is how you do not become a chain smoker.).They do have cider, my drink of choice, which is nice and the drive thru line is generally pretty short. It also helps that they have 2 windows to choose from. My only complaint is that they aren't open too late. There have been times when I was in a time bind and have driven there only to find it closed. So be aware of that when/ if you're in a hurry or - you guessed it- just feeling lazy."

Viaduct Bar and Grille

★★★★☆ 3.6 (9) • $

"Amazing "hole in the wall". Good prices. Literally the most Fantastic wings you will ever experience in your life. The burgers are something to experience as well.And the best bartenders/wait staff in town. They actually care about you and your service. They're some of the best people I met in my years in Ohio.Laid back atmosphere with random events so there always a balance between it all.Outdoor seating in back if that's you're thing when it's warm enough.If you want low key but still get a solid experience; This is your place."

M and S Drive Thru

★★★★☆ 4 (6)

"Where else can you take a shot for a shot while you wait for Ohio's best cheesesteak. We all got cheesesteaks and fries. We were all very happy with the cheesesteak and fries, not sure if it is Ohio's best, I'll have to have more cheesesteaks to make that decision. Fries are fresh cut with the skins one, with some seasoning salt mix, very good, and they will double dip them for those who love crispy, crispy.When we were there, their was entertainment from one of the neighborhood drama queens. If your not prepared to interact with people with real life problems, you might want to call ahead with your order for pick up only.The staff was friendly, and was handling the drama the best they could. Our orders was made quickly.Next time I'm going to try the wings, or a cheesesteak salad."

Yellow Brick Pizza

★★★★☆ 4.2 (5)

"This location of Yellow Brick Pizza is inside of the East Market. They've done a great job with their space, and it has a cute little seating area, plus a row of seating along the front. You can also take your food upstairs to the general seating area, as well. They offer a nice variety of pizza options, which you can get as a pie or some by the slice (cheese, pepperoni, Green Goddess, and a few others), as well as garlic knots and salads. We snagged a slice of cheese pizza, and it was huge! It came out nice and hot after just a quick two minute wait and was much enjoyed. The staff person was extremely friendly and kind, and noticing it was for a kiddo, double plated it and put napkins on the bottom so it wouldn't be too hot for him to hold. I really appreciated that attention to detail. The pizza was much enjoyed, and the more creative flavors also sound really great. We would love to stop by again and try some more options."

M & R Wine Shop

★☆☆☆☆ 1 (1)

"This is absolutely the worst excuse for a convenience store in the entire east side of Columbus. Bums and drug dealers everywhere, hustlers and con artists (and that's just the staff that works there) nasty unfriendly workers and prices so high you won't mind walking a couple blocks to the Kroger to buy your beer or wine (also if you don't mind going into a little drive thru, there's a little one catty corners from this dump where the prices are more fair and the cashier is a whole lot friendlier and with a much better selection) and just a word of warning, that big thick glass that separates the customer from the cashier, that's not there to protect them from us...... Just saying.. peace out brothers and sisters!!"