Columbus Bar / Powerhouse Brewing Co

You may think that the only way to see the history of Columbus is to tour the churches, houses, and other buildings that have made the city architecturally famous.  While I am not telling you not to do these things, I want to give you another, perhaps more relaxing, way to truly experience some of Columbus' best history.  The Columbus Bar was originally opened in the 1930's (and the building itself has a great story dating back to 1890), which has made it one of the oldest continually operating bars in the state. 

Throughout the years, CB has seen many different owners, a few changes of the interior, and a variety of menu options.  There were times when CB served good food and good brew in a lively bar setting, and times when, well, it didn't have it all together.  Today, thanks to owners Jon Myers and Doug Memering, you will find a tasty selection of food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the home of the Powerhouse Brewing Co.

While attending college at Ball State University, Jon worked at a restaurant and bar for someone that had a passion for beer.  It is then that he, too, became intrigued by the varieties and differences to each brew.  After moving back home to Columbus, he worked for another local bar, where he met Doug, a regular customer.  They discussed many times the lack of microbreweries in the Columbus area, and soon decided to start their own.  Shortly after, Powerhouse Brewing Co was developed.  Because they started at a home location, Jon and Doug looked for a location to better serve the public and become an official brewery.  When CB came up for sale in 2006, they knew it would be the perfect location and combination.  After all, it was the first bar that Jon visited after turning 21.  They took on the challenge and brought the slightly run down bar back to life, restoring it to it's glory days.

As the new owners, their goal was to make CB the "corner bar", or what Jon likes to call a "community for the community"; a place where you go hang out, see people you know, and just enjoy everything they have to offer.  What's great is that CB is (as of right now) the only casual family restaurant downtown.  Yes, you can bring your entire family, and even better, it's 100% smoke free.  I was able to sit and chat with customer Walter Palmer III and when I asked what he liked about CB, he responded by telling me how it is a great neighborhood spot with a nice atmosphere.  He likes that the people that work there are just good people and welcome everyone.

Walter Parmer III enjoys a White River Brown Ale
while visiting the Columbus Bar

Don't think that CB only provides a nice place to hang out.  It also has a great selection of menu items, and don't forget the beer.  Jon and Doug chose to use their own selection of recipes when taking over the business, and try to buy local ingredients as much as possible.  The best selling food item is the tenderloin sandwich, and the most popular beer is their own brew, Diesel Oil Stout.  If you ask my husband, the two items together is the ultimate meal selection.

Powerhouse brews are available to take
home in 1/2 gallon growlers

For those that aren't so adventurous when it comes to trying new beers, you can, of course, find a wide choice of beers from around the globe when visiting CB.  However, you are definitely missing out if you don't try one of the Powerhouse brews.  They try to keep six brews on tap; four that remain the same (Diesel Oil Stout, White River Brown Ale, Jack the Bum Pale Ale, and Two Dave's I.P.A), one seasonal, and one that pays homage to the traditional British beers.  (Jon tried to explain the process of making the British beer to me, and while I was paying attention, I think it would be best if you ask him yourself exactly how they do it.  In fact, if you have any interest in knowing about beer, Jon is the guy to talk to.  He loves educating people on beer and helping you determine exactly which beer you might enjoy the most.)

Currently, you will find the Powerhouse Brewing Co. inside the CB, and if you are like me, you will wonder how they do it all in such a little area.  This is what Jon wants his next project to be; moving the microbrewery off site to a larger location where they can have larger equipment.  But don't worry, you will still be able to get the same great selection at CB.  Actually, it is Jon's hope that they will be able to provide you with even more selections once the new location is up and running.

Jon and Doug could have opened their brewery anywhere, so why Columbus?  Besides being "home", Jon said it is because it is a small town with a lot of small business, yet it is still a progressive city.  He also likes the diversity here, which makes it feel less "backward" than some other small towns.

Jon had some failures with some of the beers they tried, but he didn't give up.  Beer is his passion, and he was going to keep trying until he found the right combination of ingredients to make the best brew he could for you.  Jon, Doug, and all of the Columbus Bar and the Powerhouse Brewing Co. employees are waiting for you to come experience the rich history and join the community you will find there.

For more information, including menu items and full history, visit the website http://www.powerhousebrewingco.com/

You can also find them on Facebook under Powerhouse Brewing Co

Location:  322 Fourth Street, Columbus, IN 47201

Phone: 812-375-8800

Hours:   Mon-Thur 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 4pm-11pm