Catch Aussie and international gigs right here. Bottled beers and burgers keeps the crowd fuelled up and in good form.
Like your music live and loud? If so, The Columbian is probably already blipping on your hang-out radar.
This gig spot predominantly hosts bands playing funk, rock, indie and reggae sounds. While most are Aussie bands, The Columbian does also attract some international acts as well. Recent overseas guests to hit the stage include !!! (Chk Chk Chk) from the USA, Little Barrie from the UK and Boris from Japan. Cover charges vary from night to night, depending on who's playing. DJs also occasionally feature, but make no mistake, bands still dominate the main monthly agenda.
If you're the kind of barfly who is dedicated to tap beer, be warned: there's only bottled stuff at The Columbian. Compromise a little and order a bottle of Tooheys New or a Corona instead. Food-wise, the bistro serves up options such as burgers and steaks.
Aside from the sounds, the booze and the nosh, The Columbian also has a few added extras. Plan A: you can sidle up to the pool table and thrash someone at a game or two. Plan B: pick up a cute backpacker. This place is attached to a travellers' hostel, so there's nearly always a few people from abroad who are looking for a bit of attention from a local. Hopefully you can hear each other over the music - you may need to raise your voice.
Andrea Tomaz