Rumba Café

Reading some of the earlier reviews, I questioned if I even wanted to go near this place. Maybe it was because I went on a Tuesday night, or maybe they had new help, but we had a 5 star good time! Sat at the bar and were promptly served drinks. They don't have a kitchen, so eat before you get here. Had no issues with the quality of our drinks or the service. Everyone was very polite.I was in for a Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras show. Saw two bands, the Whirlybirds and Big Mouth Brass Band. Both were excellent. The acoustics in this place are crazy good- not expected based on the diveyness of the joint. Ended up getting street parking right in front of the place. Only disappointment, the show was billed as doors at 6:00, show at 6:30. The band had no intention on starting before 7:00.

Great Sunday night here during Memorial Day Weekend with the HooDoo band--a regular Sunday band at this club. Just $12 per person cover and they rocked in two sets from 9 to midnight.The inside was packed body to body and the outside patio packed with smokers. We went out there during the bands break and got fumigated in a second and had to pop back inside.Age range here 30 to 70.Parking is a little challenge. Do what we did and park across the street 2-3 blocks away and walk it back.By that time you can see if you are sober enough to drive. Perfect place to go after the club closes: White Castle--that's where we went.See you at a future HooDoo night.

I have been going to Rumba Cafe for atleast 12 years, and the inside really never changes much. I was surprised this weekend that it does seem like recently they may have eliminated some backstage area, so the stage seems slightly larger without having expanded into the floor space. Some updates were also made to their patio 8-9 years ago, but it is currently all tarped up for the winter. I am looking forward to checking it out again during a summer show to see how it all looks for this season.Rumba is a staple dive-y bar that usually has surprisingly elevated musicial acts from almost every genre. I see Rumba as more of a music venue than anything-- I don't think I have ever been there outside of a show. Of all of the local music venues I have visited regularly, this may be the smallest other than Bourbon St.Gangstagrass of America's Got Talent Season 16 took to the stage on Friday night for a seriously entertaining show! Bluegrass and Rap together bring the most unlikely melodies to life, and it was all the fun I was never expecting to have. Rumba has a tendency to book artists you wouldn't typically get to see in such an intimate setting, which is both it's greatest allure and greatest downfall in my opinion.Since the bar is tiny and offers very limited seating, expect to be in a pretty packed space if the show features a well-known musician. If you aren't really into the band playing, and you'd really rather sit and chat with friends, don't tag along to Rumba on a concert night... and always wear comfortable shoes, if you do.Considering the size of the space and the amount of attendees, I will say that I was very impressed with the health and safety protocol that was in place there last weekend.Despite the lack of mask mandate in Columbus, staff were all wearing masks, and guests were all asked to provide proof of vaccination or a negative covid test within 72 hours for admittance.Drink options include all of the bar basics, plus some craft beer. Single serving cocktails are served in a super tiny cup, so ask for a tall glass if you prefer to sip slowly. I'll be keeping an eye on their music schedule, and I hope to see you at the next great show!

My wife and I saw The Pinkertones here recently. I had been wanting to see a show here because I'd walked/driven past it a number of times and I've noticed some great shows happening here that I hadn't been able to attend.We ordered our tickets online through eventbrite and showed up in time for the end of the opening act. The parking situation is not great here- that's really my only complaint. There's nothing the venue can do about it, it's the way the neighborhood is set up. We parked a few blocks away in a neighborhood, but I'm always nervous to park in a neighborhood in front of someone's house (I've been ticketed and broken into in nearby Columbus neighborhoods). I made sure I was parked legally and was not encroaching on anyone's space and took the chance. No issues with this neighborhood on this night.The space inside is not too much to speak about it. For the most part, it's one big open room with a bar to the side and the stage in the back corner. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of craft beer options for a small concert venue. The wait staff was attentive and the bar was not that difficult to access, surprisingly- it's so close to the stage!The bathroom was easy to find, right by the back door. The back door seemed to lead out to a patio, which was a nice option if you wanted to take a break from the music. For those that like to enjoy the entire show, it was nice too because people would leave for periods of time, easing the crowded room a bit at times.I did not notice any tables or anyplace indoors to sit at all, but I'm okay with that for a concert venue such as this. I can see how that would be a concern to someone else though.I look forward to returning to this place in the future when The Pinkertones play again or another band that I want to see takes the stage. The sound was great!

Great as always. Good draft beer selection. Not an outrageous amount of beers but a few great local and regional craft beers. Everyone is usually nice and friendly. The staff and the patrons. Sometimes a little less so when packed to the gills. But due to impending snow storm is was a nice and small crowd.Great live music. Don't forget the free water, which is always a plus. A lot of venues charge an crazy amount for water. In order to keep their patrons drinking liquor all establishments should have free water. Plus it keeps you from getting wasted too quick and you can stay for a longer period of time and spend more money.

I purchased a ticket online and never received a confirmation email with ticket information and was therefore unable to attend the concert. I was communicating with Louis from Ticketweb and would not give me a refund and then proceeded to ignore my emails requesting I get my money back. I will not try to purchase or attend a concert at Rumba again.

My daughter's band has played at Rumba several times, and we have also attended other musical events there. The experience has always been a positive one.

Agree with previous two reviews. Always liked this place in the past. Why current bartenders are permitted to confront a customer saying.they will refuse further service because you aren't tipping in the amount and frequency they expect is baffling. Bars like this one depend on generous music fans like us and I'm not sure we'll return because it really taints the experience.

Horrible. They treat bands like crap. Worst venue ever, management and bartenders are super rude and condescending. I will never play/come here again. Sound guy was awesome though.

Extremely poor service. Bartenders were rude and aggressive and literally begged for tips. Would not go again.