Best Vista Bar: Art Bar

SINCE 1992, Art Bar has been Vista’s most eclectic dive bar. It’s known for its vivid atmosphere and out-of-this-world decor and has been voted Best of Carolina 2025’s Best Vista Bar!

With a full bar, lounge, dance floor and a kitchen open until midnight serving burgers, wings and sandwiches, Art Bar has something for everyone. In addition to its regular offerings, Art Bar hosts a different event every night. A manager and bartender who goes by the name Rosey says the events attract different crowds every night.

“I love that I can see different people every night of the week. Every time I come in, it’s like, it’s not the same, set night,” Rosey said. “It’s always got a little bit of a variable to it. So, you don’t know what you’re going to walk into on any night.”

Monday nights are Movie Mockery, a comedy show where comedians provide live commentary, making fun of a movie “Mystery Science Theater-style.” The shows occasionally feature additional music guests, raffles, and themed prize giveaways! Art Bar hosts improv comedy on Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are karaoke nights. Thursdays feature Useless Trivia with three rounds of trivia and up to $100 in prizes. Can’t make it on a weeknight? Art Bar has you covered with live music and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.

It’s not just the events that attract people from all over the city. Rosey believes Art Bar’s atmosphere and presence in the Columbia community is what makes it special.

“It’s definitely a unique vibe that nowhere else in this town has got. We care more about the space here. You can tell we put an effort into making this something unique for people to experience. I think that definitely sets it apart from anywhere else,” Rosey said.

After almost 20 years of working at Art Bar, Rosey says he can’t wait to continue to build the community Art Bar has created.

“We definitely appreciate the business, and we’re going to keep doing this. I work for some great people here, and I’m very happy that they allowed us to do what we’re able to do here for everybody,” Rosey said. “My main goal here is to make this a safe space for anybody that walks through that door.”