The Thirsty Scholar

When I was younger, so much younger than today...I went here and it was called the Black Forest Inn.One of the stalwart bar venues near Ohio State University's sprawling campus (and across the street from the Tommy's Pizza campus location), the Thirsty Scholar is everything that you want and/or expect in a campus bar: reasonably priced drinks, great staff, a (Touchtunes) jukebox, a weird downstairs area with separate bar that opens during crowded period like OSU football game days, somewhat gross but functional bathrooms, etc... But the big draw is you can take students of today here and show them how campus bars are supposed to look. Also, food is oftentimes served via the small grill area behind the first floor bar. Great 'burgers, fries, and onion rings. I'm sure they have other delicious bar fare, but these are the only items besides drinks we have ever ordered.I have some great pictures of the inside of this venue, but my wife suggested posting them, as she is in them, would be hazardous to my health. Come here and be part of campus-area lore: Bier Stube, Out-R-Inn, the Library...there are a dwindling number of great old bars. Thirsty Scholar is one of them. Be a part of a timeless classic. Cheers!

Ahhhhhh..... The Scholar. You have my heart.This little dive is conveniently located near Tommy's Pizza on the corner of Lane and Neil. Despite its prime location, The Thirsty Scholar is a low-trafficked campus bar. And that is just how Bubba (the owner) likes it. Bubba is an incredibly laid back dude that runs his bar the same way. This is an awesome spot for a chill evening with your friends. You can get the campus vibe without all the crazy hype.Bubba also whips up some MEAN burgers. They are huge and delicious. He makes the fries fresh in front of you by slicing up an entire potato. Strike up a conversation with him about country music or baseball and he will talk your ear off in the best way. If you grew up outside of the city like me, this bar will take you home.Important: Thursday nights are trivia night and are definitely the busiest of the week. Tons of fun!

The Thirsty Scholar is one of the bars not talked about much when heading out on a crawl. It's easy to forget about since there's so many options. The bar is usually quiet when there's no OSU game so it's not a typical party spot. It has some good drink specials and classic greasy bar food. The inside is kind of small but it's usually not packed. A reason why it's not as popular as other bars is the impression it gives. It's located next to the gas station at the corner of Lane and Neil, and it's hard to see unless you already know where it is. The outside doesn't exactly look inviting if you do see it. Another reason it gets overlooked is there's the more popular Varsity Club just a few blocks away. The inside is kind of small but it's not usually crowded unless there's an OSU game. I like bars like the Thirsty Scholar. It's much better if you're looking for something low key. The drinks are cheap and they have great service.

I came in here after a huge, sold-out concert at the Schottenstein. We wanted to wait out the traffic so my group of three stopped in. We were some of the first ones in and we ended up at a little table in the corner. This place gives off your typical college bar vibe. It's nothing fancy and in fact feels like a dive bar but I am giving it five stars because there was ONE guy working the bar and he owned it. The Thirsty Scholar quickly became very crowded, as in standing room only. People were already intoxicated and shouting orders at this guy and he kept the most positive attitude and was slingin' drinks like a champion. I was so impressed by his skills and the price point was perfect, especially after buying overpriced drinks all night at the arena. I really liked this bar and I think this will be my new post-concert tradition.

Back when I attended Ohio State, we thirsty scholar's were in search of cheap drinks in a non-trendy setting... this was it. Off the beaten path, yet accessible. Busy, but never too rowdy. Even after I graduated, we met here regularly for cheap food and beer --- and here I am, rapidly approaching 40 years old and I still relive my Thirsty Scholar days from time to time. The bar features incredible happy hour specials every day of the week, but the prices are very reasonable even during non-happy hours. I used to come here for my regular order: grilled cheese, french fries and pitcher of beer- with a total tab under $10! Does it get any better?I've read some reviews commenting on how small this bar is, but perhaps they have never seen the lower level where the bathrooms are located. It's easy to walk in to this 'house" bar and think there is only one floor. The first level can become crowded, but the bar area is spacious and we've always had enough elbow room. If you need to spread out a bit, head downstairs where the restrooms and pool tables are located. Be warned... the "eye in the sky" sees your every move! Video cameras are planted around the lower level and shown on small a surveillance-like television upstairs for all the bar to see. So, no monkey business in the basement!

The Thirsty Scholar is a modest bar located next to a gas station just north of the OSU campus. They have a decent draft selection, consisting of a few local favorites and choices like Guinness, Sam Adams seasonal, and Yuengling. It's dingy, but comfortable and they offer daily specials and a happy hour. They also offer a small food menu: burgers, fries and wings, all at fair prices. Yelp said they offer free chips if you check in. The bartender wasn't aware of any such promo, but when I showed him my phone, he obliged with some free chips, which was cool.

Make sure you ASK for the special on special night. You have to have the mug on mug night so don't just ask for a Coors. There could be some more seating and cheaper food, but it's a great joint. Trivia night is pretty fun too. Specials and food prices as seen in the photos. Burgers are $7-13 and apps are $4-8.

If I may write a poem, an ode, to the Thirsty:O, sing sweet muse of the dank interior of the ThirstySticky floors and miraculous staffForever a tale is woven within your wallsStories of drunken debauchery, Thirsty burgersFree popcorn, Thirsty Thursdays and your juke boxNever again shall I find a next door bar as fair as theeYou are and forever shall beMy loveMy Thirs-teeeeee!

I'm convinced this is the best bar in Columbus. Great chill, local, vibe. Amazing staff. The sort of place you feel welcome and want to visit again. Highly recommend.

Absolutely will never recommend one person to this place. Was there after buckeye game. Very crowded lots of people. However I am a little older and very peaceful person and so is my wife. We have never had trouble. My wife was shoved to the ground by someone that we did not see, the bartender came around from the back and violently screamed that if you do not like it then get the fuck out, again we were minding our own business and was shoved from behind from behind the owner escorted me out again we were not even involved in what was going on but got shoved down.