Part of the Gay Columbus Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Columbus, Ohio
Merion Village neighborhood gay bar with karaoke, drag, and a patio.
Southbend Tavern is a gay neighborhood bar in Merion Village on Columbus's south side, the kind of unpretentious local where the bartenders know the regulars and the drinks pour strong and cheap. There's a pool table, outdoor seating, and no cover at the door. What sets Southbend apart is its role on the local pageant circuit — it hosts a full slate of annual titles, from Ms. and Mr. Southbend to the Newcomer and Classic crowns, making it a proving ground for Columbus drag and pageant talent. The rest of the week fills in with karaoke, drag shows, bingo, euchre, and open-mic nights, all aimed squarely at the neighborhood rather than a night-out crowd from elsewhere.
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