Nestled between North Campus houses, at 1978 Summit St., is the little-known but well-loved bar, Ruby Tuesday. Named after the song by the Rolling Stones, Ruby Tuesday has been rocking Columbus since 1973. The live music, cheap beer and relaxed atmosphere makes this bar a good place for anyone interested in a night of inexpensive entertainment with friends.

A long-time haven for new and original music and comedy, Ruby Tuesday hosts live performances almost every night. Weekly acts, such as the Andy Shaw Band and the Floorwalkers, attract both new patrons and loyal fans to the bar. For many students living on North Campus, the convenient location and hole-in-the-wall atmosphere has made Ruby Tuesday their neighborhood bar.

“I’ve been coming here for about a year now,” said Leah Kavalec, a third-year religion major at Ohio State. “Not many people know about this bar, but it’s cheap and really chill.”

The wide and reasonably priced beer selection seems to be another draw. Domestic and imported drafts can be bought for around $2-3 and pitchers for around $6-7. The daily Happy Hour from 5 to 9 p.m. offers deals such as $2 imported drafts and $3.50 pitchers of domestics.

Ruby Tuesday is open seven days a week until 2:30 a.m. The Andy Shaw Band plays on Mondays, and every Tuesday the bar hosts an acoustic open mic night. There is no cover charge Tuesdays, but on other nights there is a small charge at the door.

Wednesday, perhaps the bar’s most popular night, the patio entrance is welcoming and well-lit. People mill around, talking to both friends and strangers alike. A man asks for IDs at the front and a modest $5 cover for the live music. Like every Wednesday, the Floorwalkers take the stage around 11 p.m.

Walking in, the bar is crowded but comfortable. In the room to the right, groups gather around tables to watch the band play. Many end up standing because of the lack of seats or just to get a better view. To the left is a pool table and a mirrored wall lined with bar stools. Various antiques and posters line the walls and a stained glass sign reading “Ruby Tuesday” hangs behind the bar. The ambiance and the overall attitude of the bar’s patrons is pleasant, which is why it seems to draw such a regular crowd.

In the basement there are more pool tables, an additional bar and more seating, but is only opened on Crew game days to accommodate the crowd. Any other night, the basement is used for nothing more than its two shoddy bathrooms, which always seem to have a line. On the basement wall is a sign bearing the name “Hudson Street Hooligans.” The Hudson Street Hooligans is group of diehard Columbus Crew fans. The sometimes rowdy crowd gathers at Ruby Tuesday before every Crew game to enjoy drink specials and socialize with fellow fans.

The charm of Ruby Tuesday is undeniable. The bar has personality and the kind of positive, welcoming feel that makes you want to come back. It is a simple bar where you can hang out with friends, shoot some pool and enjoy good music. The people are friendly, the service is good, the beer is cold and the music is loud. And really, what more can we ask for?

April Bohnert can be reached at [email protected].