The Best Breweries in Columbus, Ohio Worth Actually Visiting
This guide covers eight Columbus breweries worth making a trip for, organized by what makes each one distinct. By the end, you'll know which spots suit your taste preferences, which neighborhoods they're in, and roughly what you'll spend on a pint.
Actual Brewing Company (Far East Side / Brice Road)
Actual earns its reputation as one of Columbus's most production-focused craft operations. Pints in the taproom typically run $6–$8, and the space leans utilitarian rather than Instagram-ready. The draw is consistency and range: their rotating IPAs and lagers are brewed with a precision that rewards repeat visits. Suits drinkers who want to focus on the beer without a lot of surrounding noise.
Seventh Son Brewing (Short North)
One of the original anchors of the Short North craft beer scene, Seventh Son has been operating on North Fourth Street since 2013. Pints average around $7, and the taproom draws a steady after-work crowd on weekdays. Their barrel-aged and sour programs are more developed than most Columbus taprooms of comparable size, so if you're specifically hunting wild ales or mixed-fermentation styles, this is one of the better stops. No cover. Neighborhood parking is tight; street parking on Hubbard is your best bet.
Land-Grant Brewing Company (Franklinton)
Land-Grant is located in Franklinton, the neighborhood directly west of downtown that has absorbed much of Columbus's arts and creative scene over the past decade. The brewery occupies a large converted warehouse, and the taproom has substantial indoor and outdoor space. Pints run $6–$7. Their Beard of Zeus IPA is one of the more recognized Columbus-brewed beers. The size of the space means it handles large groups better than most taprooms on this list, which makes it a practical choice for parties of six or more without a reservation.
Endeavor Brewing (Worthington)
Endeavor operates in Worthington, Columbus's northern suburb, and functions more as a neighborhood taproom than a destination brewery. Pints are $6–$7. The beer skews toward approachable styles: cream ales, session IPAs, wheat beers. If you're in the northern suburbs and want something local rather than driving downtown, Endeavor fills that gap competently. Suits residents of Worthington, Powell, or Dublin who want a low-key weeknight option.
Zauber Brewing Company (Near East Side)
Zauber sits on the Near East Side near the Trolley District and focuses specifically on German-style lagers and ales. Pints start around $6. If your preference is traditional styles executed cleanly rather than experimental adjunct beers, Zauber is the most direct option in Columbus. They do not attempt to cover every style category, which is worth knowing before you go expecting hazy IPAs.
Loose Rail Brewing (Grandview Heights)
Located in Grandview Heights, just west of the OSU campus area, Loose Rail keeps a tight rotating tap list and a small, comfortable taproom. Pints are $6–$7. The neighborhood is walkable and has enough surrounding bars and restaurants to make it a multi-stop evening. Suits people who want to explore Grandview on foot and prefer a quieter setting than Short North taprooms.
Zaftig Brewing Company (Worthington)
Zaftig is one of the better-known production breweries on the north side, and its Worthington taproom is larger than its reputation as a suburban spot might suggest. Their canned beers show up in Columbus-area grocery stores and bottle shops fairly widely. Pints run $6–$8. The Shorthanded Session IPA is a solid low-ABV option if you're doing a multi-brewery afternoon. It suits a range of drinkers specifically because the tap list is deliberately broad.
Commonhouse Aleworks (Gahanna)
Commonhouse is located in Gahanna, east of Columbus proper, which makes it genuinely off the typical Columbus brewery circuit. It's one of the few taprooms in the area worth an intentional drive rather than a casual stop. Pints average $6–$7, and the food program is more substantive than most Columbus taprooms. Suits east-side Columbus residents or anyone willing to make the trip for a full sit-down experience with solid beer.
Practical Notes
Most Columbus taprooms are open Thursday through Sunday without a cover charge; calling ahead or checking hours online before a weekday visit is worth the thirty seconds it takes, as hours vary seasonally. If you're planning a multi-brewery afternoon, the Short North and Franklinton neighborhoods let you combine Seventh Son and Land-Grant in a single outing without driving. Pint prices across Columbus taprooms have been relatively stable in the $6–$8 range, though specialty and barrel-aged pours typically run $1–$3 higher.
