Art Bar
Karaoke · Columbia, SC
About
The crowd here is mixed gay and straight, shifting more toward gay as the night goes on. Art Bar split into three zones: a quieter front bar for talking, a hopping dance floor in back with a DJ, and an outdoor patio with its own bar. The walls are covered in local art, and a hot dog vendor sometimes sets up outside.
Hours run 5pm-2am most nights (Sunday from 8pm). Best nights are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The Vista location puts you walking distance from Kelly's Pub for an after-hours stop.
After Art Bar, you might head to Group Therapy for another round.
Features
- ✓Karaoke nights draw a lively mixed crowd
- ✓Good for dancing with a DJ on weekends
- ✓Divey bar with casual outdoor seating
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Wed, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 85 reviews. 40 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Great fun”
This was my third stop during a Friday night outing as I looked for the best gay or lesbian hangout. The vibe was excellent and the music was fantastic. This location had everything: a calm front bar for sitting and chatting, a lively dance floor in the back with a great music selection, another bar area in the back for socializing while staying near the action, and an outdoor patio with its own bar and tables. The crowd was a mix of gay and straight people, becoming more gay later in the evening. Mostly men were there; I wish more women had come. There was a hotdog stand outside with amazing hotdogs. They closed at 2am, so most people went to Kelly's Pub a couple blocks away to keep the night going. This place was a lot of fun and seems like the best gay nightlife spot in Columbia as far as I've seen.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“cool yet interesting...”
It's not fully a gay bar, but it seemed very welcoming to everyone. You'll see more local gay people here. So far, this is the only place in Columbia where I feel like I fit in.
A guest · Over a year ago
“visiting from nyc”
I want to check it out this week while I'm visiting.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Loved IT”
I was visiting for the weekend and finally found it around midnight on a Friday. I went straight to the dance floor and didn't leave for hours. The person playing music that night was energizing. I can't wait to return—I hope New Year's Eve is just as fun.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Shake! Shake! Shake, shake sh-a-shake it!!”
It's a very diverse club. The atmosphere is great, with lots of art throughout the bar. This is definitely the place to be on Friday nights to dance off your stress to fantastic dance music!
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there outdoor seating? +
Yes, Art Bar has an outdoor patio with tables and its own bar.
Does Art Bar serve food? +
There is no kitchen, but a hot dog vendor has been known to set up outside on busy nights.
What are the best nights to go? +
According to Yelp, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday are the busiest nights.
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