Aficionados. It's a little west of the mall. Hours aren't spectacular (at least for my work schedule- they're closed on my day off), but I feel stuff tends to sit there a little longer than a lot of other places. Every now & then they have a random "surprise" on the shelf from what I've seen ('03 harvest ale with no markup when I was in a couple weeks ago)
That area doesn't have a ton of stuff. Aficionados is the best option without having to drive much. There's also Jaque's Market (it's a Shell gas station, that also has some craft beer and a growler station attached to it). It's right on Polaris Parkway near Max and Erma's. Turn/freshness may be an issue there, so caveat there. If you can drive, though, I'd recommend going down to 270 West to Sawmill Road, as there, you have the Andersons, which is one of the best selections in Columbus, arguably the best. There are also beer centric eateries on/near Sawmill, namely 101 Beer Kitchen, The Pint Room, and Mellow Mushroom. You could also drive down Powell Road to Sawmill Parkway to Ale Wine and Spirits.
The Hills Market on Olentangy River Road in Worthington is a great stop that is about 10 minutes away from Polaris. I've picked up ZD, Dreadnaught and some other uncommon beers.
Try Crafted Drafts. they just opened up a week ago and have a nice selection. It is only about 15 mins from Polaris. https://www.facebook.com/CraftedDrafts
There's a Mellow Mushroom on Polaris Pkwy, if what you're looking for is a good place to grab a bite to eat and a beer. I'm not too familiar with that area as far as stores go b/c I always went to Kenny Rd. or Andersons.
It's a nice store, selection is good, singles of practically everything he sells. Prices are hit or miss though on some of the beers, notably White Gold from Ithaca. It's almost 2 bucks more at CD than it is elsewhere. Just keep an eye out for prices there.
When I was there on opening day everything was priced at least $0.40 higher than other shops in Columbus - since it's already a little out of the way for me it's hard to rationalize driving farther so I can spend more money, especially when I work 1/4 mile from Anderson's.
I saw a few things here and there that were at par or cheaper, but not much. However, I live in Zanesville, and when I do make trips to Columbus for beer, it's usually a whole day, check every shop I want to kind of trip.
Honestly try the 4th street bar and grill. It's near crew stadium. I was there and picked up pallet wrecker, enjoy by, and a few others. Worth a shot
