Mac Rating: 5.00 | Votes: 1 | Date: 19/06/2026 22:34:00

Formerly the Thirsty Ear, Woodlands Tavern is a bar and live-music venue in the Grandview Heights area of Columbus, Ohio, that has operated under its current name since 2009. The room's predecessor was a beloved local spot known for its blues jams and homegrown music, and after Jim Woodland and his family took over the property, they rechristened it Woodlands Tavern while keeping its grassroots, neighbourhood character. The venue centres on an intimate indoor music room that holds around 300 to 350 people, paired with an additional outdoor space known as Woodland's Backyard that accommodates roughly 400 more. That combination of a snug, table-seated concert room and a sizeable patio lets it run shows in a range of settings, from close-up acoustic sets indoors to larger gatherings outside in warmer months. Since reopening it has hosted local, regional and national acts, building a reputation as one of the city's favourite spots for live music in a relaxed, rustic atmosphere. Its bills lean toward Americana, roots, bluegrass, blues and indie, with touring artists such as Sierra Ferrell, Town Mountain and others appearing alongside a steady rotation of regional and local talent. The tavern pairs its music with a full menu of food and drink, reinforcing its role as a hangout as much as a concert room, open from the afternoon into the early hours through the week and from midday on weekends. Reviewers describe it as comfortable and unpretentious, the kind of place where regulars settle in for a show and a meal. Located at 1200 West Third Avenue, just west of downtown, Woodlands Tavern has become a fixture of the Grandview music scene. By preserving the welcoming spirit of the Thirsty Ear while expanding its capacity and programming, it has carved out a lasting niche among Columbus's independent live-music venues.