Love to see bands, local artists and comedy here. The staff is often times too cool to be cool and kind. You can still get a drink and enjoy your friends. Some people think being cool means being aloof. Meh It's Been there along time since a guy named Art booked bands and everybody thought he owned it and I will probably make my way back there. Glad it is still open and supporting local artists. read more

There is a bartender that sniffs your hair in front of the other bartenders when your facing away towards the stage like it's a joke, but you can clearly see it happening in the corner of your eye, he moves around the bar like a garden snail talking to himself. Other than him the place has good music rotations and cheap drinks. I've been coming intermittently since 2017. read more

This is a Super funky, alternative loving and wildly embracing of all bar that has great craft beers, cool cocktails, awesome food and great staff. I love the veggie burger with a side of gochujang (sp) sauce which is my go to. My friends rave about the chicken Parmesan sando.... It's fantastic. read more

Art Bar - A cold IPA and veggie burger on the way - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia's Art Bar is very eccentric, a wonderful place where everyone can enjoy themselves in the evening time. You have to visit here and see all cool decor like the robots throughout the bar. Sadly I've only been able to visit once. Places like this are one in a million a rare establishment I will visit again sooner than later my friends. read more

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Came for the ambiance, stayed for the trivia. Enjoyed red stripe, other beers and got a anime doll from Rose the moody but loving bartender at the end of the night. Met lotsa interesting characters who joined our trivia team and helped lead us to victory! We won a few Art Bar Bucks that were quickly converted to shots. Love the retro robot decor, good times in South Cackalakee. read more

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Finding excellent dive bars is a passion of mine. After dinner we were looking for drinks with a side of live music and Art Bar was the perfect fix. The place was packed but the bar still moved quickly for drinks, I loved the robot theme, and the band was great. I also loved the side room with tables so you don't have to just stand in an open room like most music bars. I liked it so much I came back later that evening for a night cap before closing time. read more

Art Bar - Charging stations at the tables - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Art Bar's a really fun bar, even if it's a little bit outside of my comfort zone! I loved going on karaoke night, it was so much fun watching everybody go all-out and having the crowd sing along. The ambiance was really unique as well, for the first time in Columba I felt like I was getting the real Discoteque experience. I loved how neon the lighting was, it really accentuated the aforementioned disco vibe. The one negative thing I have to say about it was that most (but not all) of the bartenders were very arrogant, and made it seem like an inconvenience to be asked to make a drink. Two of the bartenders didn't even speak when I asked for my drinks, and just made them in awkward silence, and still didn't say anything when I thanked them for it. Another one made a cocktail, and didn't even bother to mix it, which was kind of weird. I debated between giving Art Bar three (3) or four (4) stars based on the service, but I ultimately went with four (4). However, had the service been better, Art Bar would've definitely been a 5-star experience! read more

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Not safe for trans people I've been coming here for many years, often attending the Monday night motorcycle meet. Lately, I've been bullied by two other regulars, Lewis & Pete, one harassing me specifically for being transgender & doubling down when i asked him to knock it off. I bring all of this to the attention of the bar owner & head of the motorcycle group, Clark. This is someone who claims to be my friend, and yet he laughs at me when I asked for help! He did not offer to speak with them, nor did he condemn their behaviour...in his bar & in his group. I can't allow myself to come here anymore. I deserve to be happy and I won't endure another wonderful night being ruined by a hateful worm. Ultimately I know this is a "them" problem, but it hurts just the same. It's a special kind of bewildering when you're under attack from people you thought were your friends, while your other "friend" refuses to have your back. read more

What a treat!! Randomly stumbled upon this place walking in the Vista. The guy at the door was saying come in we have a free comedy show. The comedy improv show was great. Then tried the food. Was in the mood for wings. Tried the Korean flavored wings with pasta salad. Some of the best wings and pasta salad in Columbia! Wings were juicy and flavorful! Pasta salad was fresh and so flavorful! Would recommend this unique place to anyone looking for a unique atmosphere, amazing service, and great food! read more

Art Bar - Free comedy improv - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Great place to hang out and get some cheap bar food and drinks. Can get loud sometimes when they're playing heavy metal lol read more

Art Bar - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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After walking in the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride parade, a group of friends (8-10 of us) wanted to eat, drink, and be merry. We needed something inexpensive, quick, dog-friendly, and (obviously) LGBTQ+ friendly. In addition, two of our parade walkers are under 21. A local friend recommended Art Bar, and their outdoor area fit the bill. We did have to walk inside to order individually, and one of us watched our friend's dog while he went in to order. When you order at the counter, you are served your drink immediately and if you order food, the bartender gives you a number and your food is brought out to you. The food and drink menus are extensive- with everything from craft beer to cocktails. The beer list is several pages long and broken down by style. I also appreciated the cocktail menu and suggestions. I had a blueberry vodka mule, which I never would've thought of on my own. For food, I was surprised at the large number of vegetarian options- all of the burgers can be made with a veggie burger OR a "chick'n patty". The bar munchies are perfect for sharing, too. I sampled my friend's fried mac-and-cheese bites, and they were great for soaking up the booze. This is bar food and it isn't fancy, but it is cheap, with sandwiches/burgers running about $9 and only $2 to add on fries. Art Bar is an eclectic place for a drink, bite to eat, or show. The bar has parking next door, and street parking isn't hard to find. I can see why my Columbia friends like it. read more

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The lemon pepper wings were outstanding along with the bacon and cheese covered fries. Bartender was great with good music playing in background. read more

Okay, so I wish this was one of the first places I went to because holy shit is it amazing!!!!! This was my favorite place of all the places I went to! The vibe is so chill and colorful and fun! Arcade games, amazing, friendly staff plus strong drinks for a great price! 10/10 would recommend! I was pretty bummed I didn't try the food though due to us randomly finding this place but if I ever go back, for sure hitting this spot first and getting food! read more

Art Bar - Mixed drinks - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This place is a cool place to go for friends, karaoke, a quick drink & some beer! I love the diversity, gay, straight, bi, black, white, Asian, Indian, just everyone!! Great place to hang with friends! Outside seating to fraternize with the locals and non-locals! Bring your ID, because there checking at the door! Parking was easy, right on the street at a meter The IPA beer is amazing!!!! Love love love!!! read more

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Interesting bar. Good theme. One of the better ones in downtown Columbia. Nice vibe, fun.

Definitely the coolest place we visited in Columbia. Loved the vibe and open late. Lots of seating, indoor and outdoor, bartender was cool. Only had some basic beers but went on a night when they had a mystery science theater-esque showing with 3 people commenting on some J-Lo movie in the adjacent room and I rather enjoyed it. Excellent. Would definitely return. read more

Art Bar - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Both times I've been here the bartender has not been kind to any of my friends and I. When I asked what sours they had, he slammed the menu down in front of me and walked away. Yeah I get that it may be obvious to some but as someone who has never been, it was very forward and rude. I decided to give it another shot and can't say I was surprised when I was met with the same experience as last time. The place itself is very well designed and a vibe but the bar staff severely takes away from the experience. Plenty of other nice bars in the area, so I'd avoid this one! read more

Have been coming here for 3 years. However there is a certain bartender who makes you feel unwelcomed when ordering a drink or even asking a question. So there's that... read more

We came in with a group, ready to have a great time and the male bartender was so incredibly rude the entire night. He ignored me in the middle of ordering my drink and walked away and then aggressively asked my friend, "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" He snapped at me about getting my credit card to start a tab. His co-workers should stop defending him and call him out on how rude he is instead if defending his behavior, especially since they split tips with him. If you work in the service industry, a little kindness goes a long way. If you're not interested in being decent to your patrons, find a new job. Good thing we didn't let you kill our vibe tonight. If you're looking for good service, try Savage Brewery instead. Super classy and fun and GREAT wait staff! read more

When it comes to dive bars you usually get some good and some bad but in the case of Art Bar it's all good. For starters, Art Bar has an amazing beer selection. Obscure milkshake IPAs, locals, and some great brews from all over. If you're into beer you won't be disappointed when your drug out of the house to see your friends band play. This is usually not common for dive bars so this was a huge plus. They also have super friendly staff. All in all, I really enjoy Art Bar, and consider it to be a staple of my nightlife here in the 803. read more

A really beautiful dive that welcomes everyone, but doesn't suffer fools or trouble makers lightly. A Columbia institution of weird and eclectic vibes with a full schedule of events and fun people. The wings are killer and the Patty melt will change your life read more

I always come to art bar, and I've always LOVED it. However, tonight I experienced the bar tender throw away a drink of a man who was not drunk claiming he was too drunk because he was mad at the customer. It left me speechless. He was SO rude. He was the bald male and cussed out customers. Unacceptable. Questioning if I will come back. Only reason I'm giving them 2 stars is for other coworkers backing his unacceptable actions saying he was just in a "mood." For other workers out there , keep doing you... as for that man ... please correct your actions. read more

Love this location!! We went on a Monday night and sat at the bar - it had a very intimate feel and was so cute. Shawn was bartending and very nice, making sure we were okay and engaging in conversation. We ordered fries and they came out piping hot and DELICIOUS. The drinks are good, the food is good, the aesthetic is on point - bring some company and enjoy a great night out! read more

Its a dive karaoke bar but it has a few regulars that are oh so entertaining to watch as they sing their hearts out and put their own spins on your favorite tunes. It's cleverly decorated with eclectic art and those working there were lighthearted and engaging. Videos play in the background while waiting on the next person to take the stage to perform their song. The bar is located on one side and karaoke takes place on the opposite side where you can stand and watch or grab a seat and people watch. The bathroom wall is riddled w/random shout outs and interesting "pictures" patrons have drawn over the years to memorialize their visit. The line and wait to perform a song so I never got to sing for the masses. A mixture of age groups visit this spot but everyone meshed just fine and seemed to be enjoying themselves. read more

Art Bar - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Incredible find! Probably the coolest interior design and setup that I've ever seen in a bar. The combination of the eclectic, "divey" feel was so unique. They also had the best selection of craft beers that I found during my short time in Columbia. The place was empty on a Friday evening but I hardly noticed because I was so eager to check out the beer list and decor! read more

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I would give this less than one star, but it's not possible. I would not suggest waiting a single moment to get into this half of chromosome establishment. The staff are incompetent. In a way of dealing with what it is that you need. They waist precious moments of your existence. They may refuse service because you're a person of cork or. Taking from the very core that is you. Miserable. Do. Not. Go. read more

I would give zero stars if I could. My friend & I are new in town & decided to check this bar out. Upon arrival the doorman told us we were not allowed in, when I asked why he said we were "too intoxicated" keep in mind we had just walked up & hadn't had anything to drink at this point. So I asked several times if he was joking thinking he was just messing with us but he was persistent & rude & would not even take our ID's. Save yourself the hassle & spend your money at the country bar next door at least they know how to treat paying customers read more

What an awesome, eclectic little bar. I came here for a poetry reading, but I got to enjoy the art everywhere in the building. The bartender was kind, but by herself for a few hours so we had to wait for drinks longer and she was super busy. I will definitely come back. There's a really good atmosphere and vibe and you could tell most people were regulars. My only complain is please get your bartenders some help and the air conditioning couldn't keep up. I mean it was HOT. read more

Came here the other night. Very cool ambiance, love a bar with Christmas lights! The decor is eclectic and really fun to look at. They have a few different rooms. Seemed like. Quiet room out back (guessing this is for their poetry reading; read a out that in other reviews). They also have a separate room where the band plays.. so if you're not into being in the same room as the band you can still enjoy live music and have space to talk to whoever you came with. Only thing giving this place a 4 is that they had a cover of $6? I am guessing this is for the band but I still thought $6 was a little steep. Otherwise it was a great place to hangout. read more

Art Bar - Bar! Nice vibe, good music, eclectic decor! - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I'm kinda ashamed that I was drunk when I got to this bar & drunk when I left. I had been on a teensy binge for a few days with a new friend & the words Art & Bar just grabbed us. We were well looked after & sleep in the truck after closing. And in the morning we went right back in. Food was good, service was good & that one bartender (a woman) was so so nice. We left a coupla days later. Three or four days in the place. We binged out & loved it. read more

I have been to this bar a few times on separate occasions, but recently on a Friday night I stopped by with a few friends and was completely disappointed by the service. I walked up to the bar to open a tab and waited for nearly 10 minutes, so I walked around to the other side hoping that the bar tender would notice but only proceeded to talk to a group of women for another 6 minutes. After placing my order the bar tender basically slammed my drink on the counter and walked away. I never leave a bad review and did nothing to provoke or set the bar tender off, i do not know if he was just having a bad day. But he sure had his priorities set on the group of women. read more

Me and my friends absolutely love art bar. Atmosphere is always great, food is great, and the drinks are always spot on and fair. Will is a great bartender and no matter how busy the place is he takes good care of us everytime. read more

"Run Jesus Run!" If this offends you, this is not the place for you. These are the words inked on the stage located in the back room. And I suppose that these words are the mantra for the crowd and vibe at this place. There is nothing holy about this place. While the Art Bar is known as a Techno Indie Kid spot, the crowd tends to be somewhat diverse. I went recently and experienced a wildly funny and entertaining improv group. This place has been around for years and will probably be around for many years to come. read more

Art Bar - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Really unique and fun space. Loved the different rooms and overall vibe. It was quite busy, at times it felt like it was pretty crowded but we always found somewhere to sit comfortably. The atmosphere was great and enjoyed the atmosphere of the outdoor seating. read more

I love art bar but i have always had a bad experience with the bartender with the black beard. He should not work in the service industry because he glares at you like you are an inconvenience when you are waiting to order a drink, and working in the service industry myself, you really want to see someone who is welcoming and acts like they like their job. I have had him get an attitude multiple times to where I have just wanted to leave. I love art bar's atmosphere and their chicken parm sandwiches but his attitude really ruins it for me and for other people that i have brought this up to in the past. read more

I thought the bar was cool and the food was okay, with a fine beer selection, but I was massively disappointed by the Open Mic. Not by the comedians, who I enjoyed seeing working on their new material. And I was pleased by a supportive audience, but appalled by the incredibly overmiked sound system. Why? it served none of the comedians well, many of whom had a decent few jokes under their belt, and showed potential. I wanted to support local comedy , but I had to leave because the sound was so painful. On a Tuesday night! Why? The place could be so cool! Also-note to comedians-if you're promoting a show (particularly the next night, but really, anytime), maybe be clear about name/time/place, and/or have flyers.. Several mentioned a show I couldn't catch any details about, and it flew right by me. Maybe they only want 'the cool kids' to know, but that seems self defeating. I thought the comics I managed to see were very talented and had so much potential, but I won't be going back to have my ears bleed. Consider the sound! Sound is important! read more

The vibe and bartenders and vibe he selection are incredible, the bar-backs and complete trash and tossed my WALLET and cigs into the trash TWICE, after knowing they did it once. Wish fine places didn't hire dolts to do menial task that they can't. 3/5 but woukd be a 5/5 with less bored bar backs. read more

I'm not the kind of person to leave a review on Google (this is my first ever review on here) - but I feel as though I have to write one considering the way Art Bar's staff treated its patrons this weekend. The bar staff was not only rude to us in general, but they were also dismissive of our group's concerns. The main issue revolves around a few people of color not being allowed into the bar because their ID's "seemed fake" despite us encouraging them to scan the ID and/or use other documents to prove their age. We are all 21+ (24/25 mostly) and in graduate school at USC. This was very insulting considering the fact that they were quick to let our Caucasian colleagues in and were also factually incorrect in their subjective assessment of our other friends ID's. I'm writing this review in hopes that they will invest in a proper ID scanner and learn to treat their patrons with respect. Anyways, the bands were great and so was the sound guy! However, I will not be returning here and neither will any of my friends/classmates. read more

Went to an Open Mic Comedy Night yesterday, something I hadn't done in years. The comics were good, the crowd was great and the atmosphere was chill. Loving downtown Columbia and the Art Bar read more

Every time I've been here everyone is such an asshole. The bartenders, the bouncers, the audience. I love a good punk band or a loud night with art and fun but holy cow... this place is nothing but hardcore screamo music, rude bartenders mad they have a job serving drinks or something, and just an out of sorts atmosphere. It's better than the little kid bars in Five Points (if you happen to land there an evening they don't decide to do cover charges) but nothing like a real "Art/Alternative" type bar. This place needs a major rework for appropriate audiences. Like, commit to one or the other.. but stop lingering in the wait of finding the next dollar-just kinda makes the place miserably desperate seeming to be honest. If you're thinking of stopping in, I'd say try it.. again as long as there's no cover--but in all honesty, even Wet Willies is better. So take that for what you'd like ‍ read more