About Columbus Bar

Affectionately called the "CB" Columbus Bar is a full-service, family restaurant and brewpub, where all ages are welcome. We are 100% smoke free. Columbus Bar is one of Indiana's oldest continually operating bars, and houses Columbus' only brewery since Prohibition, Power House Brewing Co.

We put a modern twist on home cooking; we focus on quality and purchase many items locally, putting our own signature on classic foods. Try our Famous Columbus Tenderloin, Mile High Fish Sandwich, or innovative fare like Ahi Tuna Tacos, Ancho Pork Wrap, Black Bean Burgers or one of our amazing salads!

With 20 beers on draft, we have a huge selection that is always changing. We also have a seasonal wine list and a full bar including some fine bourbons, cocktails and frozen drinks.

Outside dinning is available, weather permitting.

Carry out beer available in 1/2 gallon growlers; you can even take some Power House Brew to go on Sundays.

If you're lucky, you may have an unexpected guest join you for lunch or dinner; The Columbus Bar may be haunted! Many of our staff have felt a presence or heard strange noises.

The CB is The Place to Be!

Columbus Bar History

1890 - Built by Dunlap construction, the building was initially a blacksmith's shop and was registered as "The Custer Building."

1890 - With the advent of two more blacksmith ships on Fourth Street, the street became known as "Smith's Row."

1920 - After 30 years of operation, the blacksmith's shop closed due to pressure of nearby shops and the introduction of the automobile.s

1921 - Albert Bozell opened a soft drink shop in the building. The house specialty was a new drink invented by an Ohio man named Hires: it was called "Rood Beer." The Volstead Act of 1919 (Prohibition was then two years old. The soft drink shop changed ownership three times between 1923 and 1931.

1933 - Prohibition was repealed.

1934 - The building became "Bill's Consolidated," and auto parts outlet. No major modifications had been made to the building since construction.

1936 - Bill's Consolidated closed. C.C. Piercifield opened a new restaurant and called it "Piercifield's Restaurant."

1938 - John B. Green took over the business renaming it "J.B. Green's Place," which was granted the first liquor license for the premises.

1939 - Green sold the establishment to Harry Truit who renamed the restaurant, "The Sanitary Cafe," which operated for less than a year.

1939 - Philip R. (Sap) Essex purchased The Sanitary Cafe, and promptly renamed it "The Columbus Bar."

1940 - The Columbus Bar was one of the first restaurants to have a telephone. The phone number was 1436.

1941 - Sap Essex remodeled the building, putting in the first real floor. The horseshoe bar was built and the business grew. Sap Essex joined the military to serve abroad.

1946 - Essex returned from the service with an idea for a new business, and "Sap's Doughnuts" (now part of Dolly Madison) were born. Because of his involvement with his new venture Essex hired his friend George Nentrup to manage the bar.

1955 - George Nentrup bought Sap Essex's interest in The Columbus Bar.

1967 - Horn's Fish Shop, located one door east of The Columbus Bar closed, with the demise of its proprietor. George Nentup seized this opportunity for extra space by opening a doorway between the two buildings, expanding his operation to include a family dining room.

1981 - George sold the establishment to his son Greg and his son-in-law Al Monica. Greg and Al remodeled the interior, featuring mirrored walls and soft lighting.

1991 - Hutch Schumaker, Buck Ritz and Jane Davee purchased The Columbus Bar and carried on the tradition of this historic downtown landmark. The three felt they had "grown up" with The Columbus Bar.

1998 - Bob and Lisa Neff Purchased the Columbus Bar from Hutch, Buck and Jane. They added the famous Mile High Fish Sandwich to The Columbus Bar menu.

2001 - Lisa and Glen Spinks and Kevin and Pamela Murphy purchased The Columbus Bar. Lisa had been involved with the bar's operations since 1995.

2006 - Doug Memering and Jon Myers formed Power House Brewing Co. in 2005. After discovering The Columbus Bar was available for purchase in 2006 they decided this was the perfect location for the pub side of the Brewpub they had been planning. After purchasing the assets of the business and with the help of the Custer Foundation Power House Brewing Co. restored the old Columbus Bar, updating the kitchen and restrooms and brightening the bar and family dining with lively colors and new lighting. They also added twenty draft lines and updated the equipment. We are proud to carry on this Columbus tradition.

2009 - The Columbus Bar celebrated 70 years of continuous operation.

Beer Is Special

Power House Brewing Co. - Columbus Bar | 322 Fourth Street Columbus, Indiana 47201 - (812) 375-8800

Colmbus Indiana's destination for Fine Beer and Pub Food in the great atmosphere of a classic Restaurant and Bar in downtown Columbus Indiana. Bar service is available. Contact us today or browse our menu.

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