← Last Call · Columbus
🕯️ In memoriam
The Elephant Bar
1980s
“The safari-themed fern bar on 161.”
Dance Clubs · Northeast · Rte 161
The upscale Route 161 "fern bar" northeast Columbus still talks about — an over-the-top safari theme of lush greenery, brass rails and animal decor, with a soundtrack of Motown, funk and smooth R&B. A polished night out in the 1980s, it's been gone for decades.
Did you dance at The Elephant Bar? What do you remember?
The drive, the dance, the heartbreak, the summer. Add a memory of The Elephant Bar.
Community Memories
⚰️ Also gone
Mean Mr. Mustard's
1979–1998
“AC/DC-Cult Sunday nights and the black-clad crowd.”
High St · OSU
Papa Joe's Draft House
1970–1996
“Beer by the bucket and kegs-'n'-eggs on gameday.”
High St · OSU
Larry's Bar
1938–2008
“Poetry readings and the bohemian corner of campus.”
High St · OSU
The Oar House
†2004
“A South Campus rite of passage.”
High St · OSU