Out-R-Inn

This is probably my favorite bar on campus.  However, I would never go there on a Sunday or Monday (dollar mug night) because it's incredibly packed. The rest of the nights it is a nice divey bar to play some pool and throw back a pitcher. Also, the patio area is pretty awesome. The biggest downside is the bathrooms are a little cramped, and on weekdays they frequently close the upstairs area. Drinks are decently priced. The bouncers can be a bit grumpy in my experience.

Yes, this place is dingy. Yes, the women's bathroom is sometimes gross. But overall, it's a decent place close to campus to enjoy cheap drinks with good company. It's got two floors and plenty of space. On Friday nights during happy hour, it's usually empty, which is great if you're the type to avoid crowds. During warmer days, it's nice to sit on one of the tables outside and play a few rounds of cornhole (you have to ask the bartender for the bean bags, and he might ask for your ID or something else to hold on to as collateral until you're finished).

One of OSU's greatest and most unique bars.  Mug nights are legendary.  Being about 5 years removed from graduating, I'm way too old to frequent this place, but make it in before or after a few football games a year.  

It's big enough and has enough flow to handle the large crowds.  Pretty good music is played or at least not your typical top 40 stuff found at most college bars.  Pizza place next store smells incredible and is greasy enough to soak up some of the cheap beer you are sure to have consumed.  

The oddest thing about this place I notice now that I'm a little bit older is that everyone in it tends to be really drunk.  Like fall down, spilling stuff all over drunk.  Have never really seen it create any huge problems, but just something to be aware of.  Especially if you are a dude trying to navigate the stairs to the bathroom.