Beloved OSU dive bar recognized as one of the top in the nation. Are you brave enough to try its signature cocktail?
Threes Above High: A Dive Bar with a Legacy in the Heart of Columbus
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood surrounding Ohio State University, Threes Above High stands as a beacon of nostalgia amidst the sea of change. This iconic dive bar, one of three establishments owned by Scott Ellsworth, has been a staple in the area for many years.
The bar's unique charm and affordable prices have made it a favourite among the college crowd, a factor that Ellsworth attributes to the bar's success. Jaegerbombs can be enjoyed for as low as $2, while well drinks are a steal at just $1 every Tuesday.
Threes Above High's signature drink, the Tidal Wave Shot, has earned the bar local fame. Now made with blue raspberry vodka, this potent beverage continues to draw patrons in. It was the Tidal Wave Shot that first put Threes Above High on the map, and it remains a favourite among regulars.
The bar's offerings extend beyond its drinks. Threes Above High provides a lively atmosphere, live music, and drink specials that keep the crowd entertained. The bar's Instagram handle, @threesabovehigh, offers a peek into its vibrant world.
In a time when the area around Ohio State University has undergone significant transformation, with high-rise apartments, food-in-a-bowl restaurant chains, and other establishments replacing dive bars, Threes Above High remains a testament to a bygone era. The bar would not have stood out in the Columbus of the 1970s and 1980s, when the area had a different character and "drunk ropes" were common.
In 2025, Threes Above High was named one of the 29 bars included on the USA TODAY Bars of the Year list. While the full list of all 29 bars is not publicly available, Little Jumbo is known to be another bar on the list.
Threes Above High's history is intertwined with that of the area. The closing of Too's Spirits Under High, another bar owned by Ellsworth, led to the opening of three more dive bars in the area, including Threes Above High.
To find out more about Threes Above High, visit their website at threesabovehigh.com. The bar opens at 9 a.m. on Ohio State game days, making it the perfect spot to start your game day celebrations. Threes Above High is located at 2203 N. High St., Columbus.
[1] Source: USA TODAY's 2025 Bars of the Year list. Accessed on [date].
- Threes Above High's social media platform, @threesabovehigh, showcases the bar's lively atmosphere, reflecting a unique blend of media and lifestyle.
- In the realm of food-and-drink establishments in Columbus, Threes Above High stands out with its signature drink, the Tidal Wave Shot, and its home-and-garden rarity, as one of the few remaining dive bars from the 70s and 80s.
