Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

Gordon Biersch Brewery RestaurantGordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Gordon Biersch Brewery RestaurantGordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Brewery, Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

401 N. Front Street
Columbus, Ohio, 43215
United States

// CLOSED //
BEER STATS
Average:
3.58
Beers:
115
Ratings:
3,691
Linked Beer Listing
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.57
Reviews:
22
Ratings:
41
pDev:
14.01%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Suds:
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Reviewed by Suds from Missouri

3.54/5  rDev -0.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3 | selection: 3.25 | food: 4.25
We visited this GB location when traveling through the area. We visited the Blue Jacket's arena because we are hockey fans, and needed to get a bit of lunch. The beer is the same as other locations of this franchise. I like the maibock, but much of the selection is forgettable. The food, though, seemed quite good. I had a wonderful steak salad. Service was okay, and the ambiance was wonderful. I bet the place is rocking on hockey nights.
Jul 03, 2019
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.33 by West_Chester_Ale_Tester from Ohio

Sep 15, 2019
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Reviewed by RutgersBeerGuy from New Jersey

3.99/5  rDev +11.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 3.75
If anyone is predisposed to enjoy a Gordon Biersch, it’s probably me, as easy drinking lagers are pretty much my jam. In that regard, GB absolutely delivers.

I was in Columbus for a conference and GB is a short walk from the convention center.

The interior is pretty much de rigueur chain brewpub. Nothing wrong with that.

Ahh...the lagers. I had a bunch. Their Märzen, a Pilsner, an IPL, and the star of the group, a lovely 4.2% Schwarzbier.

Food is brewpub standard, with a German bent. I had bratwurst with red cabbage and it was pretty tasty.

There’s something comforting about Gordon Biersch. Better than the sum of the parts.
Feb 03, 2018
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Reviewed by Babalu614 from Ohio

4.1/5  rDev +14.8%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 3.75
The atmosphere is nothing special here. Their food is excellent, big menu to choose from. I have never been disapointed with my food there. Their beers are decent as well, i think 5 or 6 on draft and more in bottles. Service is OK, nothing special. Overall a decent place to grab some good food and drinks after a blue jackets game!
Mar 17, 2017
 
Rated: 4.09 by Bill235 from Ohio

Jul 20, 2016
 
Rated: 3.74 by capt93 from Ohio

Jan 03, 2016
 
Rated: 3.15 by kkdowning from Pennsylvania

Jul 17, 2015
 
Rated: 3.78 by hockeypuck from Maine

Jun 27, 2015
 
Rated: 3.41 by Danielr26 from Michigan

May 05, 2015
 
Rated: 3.8 by Eziel from Ohio

Apr 21, 2015
 
Rated: 4.15 by j3pilot from Ohio

Apr 06, 2015
 
Rated: 3.86 by Cynic-ale from Texas

Feb 09, 2015
 
Rated: 3.95 by shadwow13 from Ohio

Jan 26, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by NorthCoastPranqster from Georgia

Dec 05, 2014
 
Rated: 3.88 by Osulou92 from Ohio

Nov 15, 2014
 
Rated: 3.9 by BigRizz62 from Maryland

Aug 19, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by Lightman from Ohio

Aug 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by Mikus from Pennsylvania

Jul 22, 2014
 
Rated: 2.75 by crewfan1952 from Ohio

Jul 19, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by wildcatboy from Ohio

May 19, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by Farky87 from Ohio

Apr 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Lynn from Ohio

Apr 13, 2014
Photo of Adkins1203
Reviewed by Adkins1203 from Ohio

4.18/5  rDev +17.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75 | food: 4.75
The food here is great and you get a lot of decent atmosphere from Nationwide arena crowd. I frequent whenever I take in a Blue Jackets game myself. The only con is that they only serve their six house brews, but all of them were decent to impressive. I thought the Czech Pils was the best of their 6. Definitely recommend.
Sep 18, 2013
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Reviewed by buschbeer from Ohio

3.75/5  rDev +5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 4
I have been here several times before and after Blue Jackets games. As I walk in there is a rectangular bar to the right with high top tables and booths around it. Straight ahead is the dining room and kitchen, which is open to view the cooking process. I have always sat at or around the bar.

It is very clean and modern looking. They had the six regulars on tap with the seasonal tap being a tripel. The regular beers are German styles, mostly lagers. The menu has a nice variety, pasta, pizza, seafood, steaks, sandwiches. My date and I both struggled to narrow our selection of food down to one dish each.

I settled and a pasta dish which wasn't the best meal that I have had there. My date seemed to enjoy her dish. The wait staff was very attentive. We had three people stop by during our visit to make sure we were getting what we needed.

This is a nice place to dine. The food is better than the beer selection. The beers are good but not enough variety for me. The location contributes to the frequency of my visits more than anything.
Feb 15, 2012
Photo of nrbw23
Reviewed by nrbw23 from Ohio

3.25/5  rDev -9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3.5
Atmsphere is nothing really special. Its your typical modern looking restaurant with a large bar and plenty of seating.

Service is also just like any other restaurant. It also appeared that the staff wasn't the most knowledgeable about their beer.

They focuse on lagers here and have 6 on tap. Apparently five of their beers are in their regular lineup and a seasonal handle. Apparently they have other beers too but they come in a bottle.

Food is pretty solid. A pretty large menu with quite a few options.

Overall, not a bad place, but I wouldn't call this the beer destination of the city.
Dec 06, 2011
Photo of jrstacy98
Reviewed by jrstacy98 from Ohio

4.24/5  rDev +18.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
I prefer Ales over Lagers, so GB locations are always the first place I want to visit in a town. My son had a root beer - good but bit sweet, my son didn't drink the whole glass.

I had the Maibock which was good, but seemed to have tastes that were inconsistent with they style.

However, I've never had better all around service, friendliness, attention to detail, I was only there for one beer but wish I could've stayed!

My son and I sat the bar and the wait staff took exceptionally god care of us - that alone will make us consider coming back!@
May 16, 2011
Photo of zimm421
Reviewed by zimm421 from Ohio

3.13/5  rDev -12.3%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3.5
Been in here a few times for lunch as well as dinner. Normally only stop in if I have some kind of coupon or there's a good deal going on. Other than that, not really worth it.

The restaurant is very clean, and has a nice feel to it, but there's nothing out of the ordinary and nothing impressive, just pretty average. The service has always been fairly good when it comes to the food. The beer on the other hand is a little different story. The servers I've had experience with all rattle off the standard lines they're given about the beers, and I get the feeling they don't really know much beyond that.

The selection is very plain and 'safe.' There's nothing that really makes you want to order a specific beer. In other words, nothing jumps out at you. The food is of higher quality, and everything I've ever had has been good, but never overly impressive. The price is a little higher than I would like, hence my only stopping there when I have a good deal.

Overall, a good place to take someone if they're not into the craft beer scene. This can be good for business or any other type of meetings. Since there are no "out-there" offerings, pretty much anyone can handle their offerings without much trouble at all.
May 11, 2011
Photo of IronCitySteve
Reviewed by IronCitySteve from Pennsylvania

3.38/5  rDev -5.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3 | food: 3
Located right across from the Nationwide Arena
V: Upon entering, you get that 'chain restaurant' feeling, although it seems a tad bit classier then your typical chain. The place is big and clean with lots of beer paraphernalia all around the place.

Ser: The bartenders were quite knowledgeable about the beers they had on tap and were quick to make some solid food recommendations based on the beers selected.

Sel: They had 6 beers on tap. They had a Hefe, Czech Pilsner, Marzen, Schwarzbier and a seasonal which was a Weizenbock. They do have some Macros, not sure the extent, but I did see some Bud Light and Miller lights.

F: Your typical chain bar food. Soups, salads, appetizers, sandwiches...etc. The food is what you would expect. It is decent...nothing stands out but nothing is terrible.

They also offer some better wine (not just yellow tail) for those not interested in beer and they have a lot of different specialty drinks, martini's and margaritas.

Overall, not a place a would certainly go out of my way for, but also not a bad place when at the arena or ballpark.
Feb 24, 2011
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Reviewed by frazbri from Ohio

3.66/5  rDev +2.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
Gordon Biersch is a convenient stop for a beer when your visiting Nationwide Arena. It sets to the north east of the arena among the bars and restaurants of the arena district.

The atmosphere is clean and a little sterile. It's nice, but it's a corporate kind of nice. There is a nice patio area, if the weather's warm.

Gordon Biersch specializes in lagers. Most of them are clean and refreshing. Don't expect hop bombs, and you should find something to enjoy. I like their Schwartzbier.

Not a place that I'd make as a destination on it's own, but it is a good spot for a pre or post game beer.
Jan 04, 2010
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Reviewed by BeerBelcher from Ohio

3.35/5  rDev -6.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
Until this visit, I hadn't been to a Gordon Biersch since 2002, and back then I thought it was high-class beer. How things change...

This one has a nice facility in a great location near the arena and ball-park. Somehow seemed way less unique and innovative than it did in 2002. The menu didn't look like it had changed a bit (BBQ Chx Pizza, garlic fries, etc) nor did the beers. The beer selection is pretty short, and boring. The beer descriptions seemed geared toward making them seem more exciting than they actually were - schwarzbier is dark - true, but tastes boring. Czech pilsner was probably the most exciting beer on the menu, and far from thrilling.

Service was just average, and the food was pretty good. I think time has passed this place by - seemed to me like an Applebee's with slightly better beer. I will likely be back, but due to great location and lack of nearby competition rather than for a love of the place.
Jul 13, 2009
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Reviewed by amietaj1 from Ohio

2.83/5  rDev -20.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 2.5 | food: 2.5
This place is located in the alleyway about a block South of Neil Avenue and just North of Front St. in the Arena District of downtown Columbus. This has been one of the go-to locations when attending a Blue Jackets game, as it is almost touching the Nationwide Arena, but doesn't stand out enough to make it a destination for any other occasion.

First, Gordon Biersch is a chain brew-pub, or at least has that feel to it. The atmosphere is better than most restaurants and includes a lot of breweriana, but doesn't conjur up the intimate feeling a great beer location should. The food menu is pretty large, but only marginally better than your standard pub food, and just good enough to be acceptable.

As far as beer goes, they offer almost exclusively lagers (and I'm almost exclusively an ale drinker, so my review is notedly biased), though they do hit many of the main styles. I've never been impressed with any of their offerings, due to the fact that, as previously noted in other reviews, they tend toward the watery-thin taste that you sometimes find at brewpubs. They have never really distinguished their beers from the rest of the market -- they are all pretty standard, pretty average offerings that are hard to get too excited about.

If you coming to Columbus, or live here, and are looking for a great beer drinking experience, this isn't the place to go. However, if you are just looking to stop in for a drink before watching the Jackets or a concert in the Arena district, this will certainly fit the bill.
Mar 13, 2009
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Reviewed by BEERchitect from Kentucky

3.9/5  rDev +9.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
I spent a lot of time here for the '08 NHC First Round Homebrew Judging. Neslted into the retired warehouse district / turn up-and-comming entertainment district, the procession into the venue is artistic, historic, and energetic. After I get inside, it very closely resembles another Gordon Biersch that I visited last summer in Atlanta. Cozy and open. Dressed up a little prettier than your average Ruby Tuesday's. And with a staff that seems to know their beers well-- they could be a bit friendlier (almost up-idy). The food assortment was very good and hosts a vast array of items on the menu. Beers, of course, are of strict German recipes, but are as clean and to-style as German beers get. 5 beers were on tap at this particular time. It's nice to visit establishments that accept the AHA discount.
Apr 22, 2008
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Reviewed by BigBry from Canada (AB)

3.8/5  rDev +6.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
I had a spare hour or two while in Columbus, so dropped by GB to see what was on tap and have a pint. Large open place, with a large bar area, separate restaurant, and outdoor patio. I sat at the bar, and was greeted by a friendly waitress/bartender.
Midafternoon, so not alot of other customers and service was good. Five regular beers on tap plus a seasonal - Winterbock, which was pretty good. Nice description of their beers and styles in the menu.
Although this is the first Gordon Biersch I have visited, it feels like they will all be about the same. (Not that there's anything wrong with that).
Large menu that seems to have a large emphasis on the food (fancy/eclectic?) Also large wine list, martinis, etc. I would like to see the beer be the focus, not food and drinks, but that's just me.
I may stop here for a bite on my next trip if I am pressed for time.
Jan 20, 2008
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Reviewed by Redrover from Wisconsin

3.64/5  rDev +2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
This is a large place. Nice raised patio at the entrance. Note that the entrance is in-back and not on Front Street.

As you walk in you'll spot the octagon marble topped bar and several tables. They have some nice larger tables to share.

There is a large dining room to your left.

The place was about 10% full on the Tuesday I was there, but it was the day after the OSU - FL Basketball Championship. I'm sure lots of the locals shot their party bolt the night before.

5 regulars on tap plus a seasonal which was a tasty alt. Note that they do have a pretty extensive wine list and lots specialty martinis, drinks, etc. I would like to see a bit more emphasis on beer!

I did not eat, but the food smelled good.

They play classic 70s and 80s rock for background music. It works for me.

The service was prompt and friendly.

I would like to revisit to try the food and more beer. As with most GBs, the place is good but not overly memorable.
Apr 05, 2007
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Reviewed by Osiris9588 from Ohio

2.25/5  rDev -37%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2 | service: 2.5 | selection: 2.5 | food: 2
Their house beers are adequate, but not strong enough to draw me into this Arena District spot. The atmosphere is coldy corporate--I assume losing whaterver charm the original microwbrewery possessed. The food is mediocre and overpriced.

I can't muster a reason to ever go here. Even after a hockey game, one would be far better off going to Barley's, or even drinking Import drafts at Red Star Tavern or Anchor Steam on-tap at Ted's Montana Grill.

Though Columbus is not that populated by brewpubs, this is the last on the list.
Sep 13, 2006
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Reviewed by Deconstructionis from West Virginia

2.63/5  rDev -26.3%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2.5 | service: 3 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3
I'm not a fan of this place. It's a sterile, uninviting place no doubt the product of many design team meetings and review committee alterations. This is the corporate chain version of a microbrewery.

The beers are mundane both in terms of quality and "safe" choices of styles. If I had to recommend one it would be the Dunkel but it's nothing special by any means. The food is average and overpriced. The service was slow when I was there but in their defense it was a Stones concert so the place was hopping. I much prefer Barley's just a short way down High Street as a pre-concert stop. the best thing this place has going for it is location. location, location. It's virtually across the walkway from the entrance to the arena so it's very convenient.
Aug 30, 2006
Photo of mattcrill
Reviewed by mattcrill from Ohio

4.38/5  rDev +22.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Located in the arena district. Plenty of places to park but you have to pay and I'm sure it would get ugly if the Blue Jackets are in town. But other than that, it should be smooth sailing.

The interior is spacious with high ceilings and very contemporary looking. We were seated immediately and they even put us back by the 6 1600 gallon conical fermenters (needless to say, I was amused).

Beer selection was pretty good. All their beers on tap weren't too exciting but very solid. Their seasonal beer was the hefeweizen (seriously? In November? Even their brochure said that the hefe was the summer seasonal. Who knows). Their Dunkel was very solid. Food was very good. The Dunkel paired nicely with chicken and rice pilaf.

Service was pretty decent. Our waitress was prompt and attentive. I didn't quiz her too hard on the beers but she seemed to care about our experience.

The food was a bit pricey but keep your eyes open in the mail. We had a $10.00 off coupon for the entrees. That made it much more reasonable.

I plan on visiting again. The head brewer came to one of our homebrew club meetings and he really seemed to care about the beers. Even though it's a chain, it's a nicely done chain and the quality in the beers and the food deserves some attention.
Nov 18, 2005
Photo of Ahhdball
Reviewed by Ahhdball from Ohio

3.8/5  rDev +6.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Located among the brick lined streets downtown in Columbus' Arena District Gordon Biersch appears to be a very "hot" establishment for the 'Downtown Working Professional' crowd. Once entered it is exactly what it appears to be. The quality of the beer is a percentage above normal but not enough to make me make the special trips i take to Barley's. Our waitress was polite and knew her beer fairly well. The selection is fair but constant, no seasonals that I know of so it reminds me of a large chain. In fact I don't think they locally bottle what they brew. The fish was great, and the desert was fantastic.

edit 20Feb07: The beer is better. Good solid german lagers. I think my favorite is the Czech (wish I had the recipe). They have some great seasonal selections that do very well too. The wait staff is very friendly have grown marginally better since the last time I was in. I can't understand the lack of German Eats though. If they had some authentic german cuisine available this place would surely rock but instead I see mostly asian.(?) But anyway skip what the naysyers might tell you and see for yourself. Columbus has a decent amount of "BOP"'s and each one has their own quirks which should be taken advantage of at every opportunity.
Jul 31, 2004
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Reviewed by AtLagerHeads from Ohio

3.56/5  rDev -0.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
This is a huge place in near northwest Columbus (Arena.) The layout and furnishings are very nice. The entry is strangely placed so that walkers from Front Street, its address street, have to walk all the way around the building and to the opposite end to enter. Odd. Seems to be positioned for some yet-to-be completed construction to the north across a foot bridge.

The house brews are limited to a short handful of light beers and those are pricey due to the location. Service seemed somewhat slow given the light clientele when I was there. Beer quality was very good. Hard to find any parking in the area, except for the adjacent pay garage.
Apr 26, 2003
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Reviewed by Dogbrick from Ohio

3.93/5  rDev +10.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
Located in the Arena District (just a stone's throw from Nationwide Arena), Gordon Biersch is located in a pedestrian area with several other restaurants and bars/clubs. There are parking garages nearby, and some metered parking.

The inside is very open and big, with a contemporary theme. The bar area is on the right, with the bar surrounded by high tables and with TVs. The left side is the restaurant area.

While this establishment may not have the best microbrew beers in Columbus, they at least have the highest murder rate (1). That unfortunate incident aside, this chain still manages to keep some of it's micro sensibilities. The brewmaster even shows up at various events around town.

They have a relatively small lot of year round beers and they keep one or two seasonals in rotation. They serve draughts at the restaurant but you can find their bottled beers in the surrounding area, which is a plus. The beers are slightly above average for the most part, but their seasonals like Winterbock are pretty good.

The service here can be iffy depending on how busy it is. Don't expect much knowledge by the wait staff about the beers, but the bartenders know what they are talking about.

The food has a definite German theme and the portions are huge. The menu is on the pricey side, but you are pretty much guaranteed to box something up for the next day. Their pasta dishes are excellent.

Overall this GB is worth visiting due to the location, there are lots of places nearby to check out like Barley's and Grapes of Mirth.
Jun 27, 2002
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Columbus, OH
Brewery rating: 3.58 out of 5 with 3691 ratings