Columbus Favorites
Coffee Shops:
Fox in the Snow (Italian Village/German Village) Hands down my favorite bakery of all time. The Egg Sandwich is a favorite of most but I can’t ever get enough of the sweet treats from cinnamon rolls to the perfect pastries. Fox in the Snow gets a lot of national press and its reputation is well deserved!
Stauf’s (multiple locations) I love this coffee shop! The German Village location is a beautiful place to spend a weekend morning and the North Market is my go-to spot during the week. Recently they announced a Victorian Village location which is within walking distance of our house. I may or may not be stalking their Instagram for an opening date.
Sassafras Bakery (Worthington) Even though this bakery is in Worthington which breaks my “only the city” rule, the cookies here still warrant inclusion. Plus, even this city gal can’t resist the charm of downtown Worthington especially on Saturday mornings during the Farmer’s Market.
Restaurants
Basi Italia (Victorian Village) the first restaurant Adam and I visited together in Columbus. I loved it then and still love it just as much today. Snag a seat on the back patio.
Del Mar (Short North) I loathe chain restaurants. While Cameron Mitchell may own quite a few restaurants in town, nothing about them reminds me of a chain. Del Mar is no exception. This latest addition has a California inspired menu and an overall design I instantly fell in love with.
Chapman’s Eat Market (German Village) Walking in this restaurant is like going to visit an old friend. It is quaint and the food is outstanding. It is currently our favorite restaurant in Columbus. A must visit!
Service Bar (Short North) Another restaurant receiving a lot of national press. Dishes here are often prepared as a fun take on another dish you wouldn’t expect, say Taco Bell’s cheesy gordita crunch for example. This place fills up quick, so grab a reservation.
Watershed (Grandview-ish) Google Maps might be required the first time you try to locate Watershed but you won’t soon forget it. They mix up their menu and cocktail list on a quarterly basis so there is always something fun to try.
Commune (German Village) Ok, I’ll admit when I heard everyone raving about this vegetarian/vegan restaurant, I wasn’t sold. Won’t I just be hungry in an hour? I couldn’t have been more off base. Adam and I both walked away big fans and have been back on serval occasions. If you can snag a reservation, you won’t be disappointed. Save room for the chocolate avocado cake!
Paulie Gee’s (Short North) I feel like we should have an assigned table here. We come here A LOT. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Detroit style crust. (Please make it happen!!) But in the interim the thin crust wood-fire pizzas keep us more than happy. For the wine lovers on the bunch, check this place out on Thursdays!
Condado (multiple locations) Two words Tuscan guacamole. There is a lot of guac out there but this one is something special. I’m also a big fan of the margarita sampler. I love being able to choose my favorite three when I’m feeling indecisive. One word of advice; start off with one less taco then you think you want if you order starters. I always tended to over order as a rookie.
The Keep (Downtown) Tucked away in the Hotel Leveque I love this French inspired spot and its cozy bar. There is a fun dining feature that lets you sit right at the bar overlooking the kitchen. Just don’t expect this to help you decide what to order; you might want more than one option!
Barcelona (German Village) I would come to Barcelona for the food alone but their beautiful patio is always what seals the deal. This is a summer favorite.
The Eagle (Short North) We first tried the Cincinnati location of this fried chicken paradise and needless to say, we were excited when it made its next home in Columbus.
Katalina’s (Victorian Village/Clintonville) Sunshine or snow; it doesn’t stop people from lining up for breakfast and lunch at this neighborhood staple. One of our favorites. Pancake balls are all the rage.
High Bank Distillery Co. (Grandview) This place snuck up on us a little bit and I’m glad it did. With a huge patio and diverse, yummy menu, you’ll likely spot us here quite a bit this summer.
Third and Hollywood (Grandview) Another staple for us. The seared tuna and vegetables is one of my favorite dishes in all of Columbus and they end every meal with salted chocolate chip cookies.
Lindey’s (German Village) A Columbus staple with one of the best patios in town!
Vertias/ Citizen Trust (Downtown) Josh’s Dalton’s incredible tasting menu + cocktails in old bank lead to one of the best date nights around.
The 1126 (Short North) When I am craving sushi this is one of my favorite spots!
South Village Grille (German Village) I love everything about German Village including this local bar and grille that feels like it is always been there. Their food never disappoints and they have a great set up with the restaurant next door, Jonys Sushi that allows you to enjoy their sushi with your South Village Grille cocktails.
Preston’s (North Market) When I’m craving a burger, this is my spot.
Natalie’s (Grandview) Looking for good food and good music, Natalie’s has multiple locations but tend to stick the one closest to home.
Bars
Lincoln Social (Short North) This rooftop newcomer is the place to be seen in Columbus! We were told that Cameron Mitchell agreed to open the downstairs restaurant, which is now Del Mar, just to guarantee he could have access to this rooftop when it was completed. Just walking in the space renewed every dream I’ve ever had of interior design; it is incredible. Also incredible are the views of Columbus. Put on your best accessories and head up!
Law Bird (German Village) A great spot with unique cocktails; perfect for a date night.
Strongwater (Franklinton) Another great bar to grab a bite and cocktails.
Arch City (Short North) A neighborhood staple.
Zenos (Victorian Village) Speaking of neighborhood staples, we love to stop in this local watering hole. They also have my favorite wings in town!
Oddfellows (Short North) Another great bar with a huge dog friend patio. Added bonus; you can always grab a slice of Mickey’s.
Budd Dairy (Italian Village) Budd Dairy is technically a food hall but the main draw for me is the rooftop patio.
Breweries- my husband would never forgive me if I didn’t include this list.
Antiques on High (Brewery District/German Village) While I’m more of a wine gal than I am a beer drinker, I’m all in on AOH. I love a spicy margarita and their spicy SOS is one of the best I’ve ever tried and I’ve tried A LOT. This is the sister brewery (is that a thing?) to Seventh Son with a focus on sour beers.
Seventh Son (Italian Village) Even though I don’t like really hoppy beers, I still love Seventh Son. Their recent rooftop expansion only adds to what was already a favorite spot.
Brewdog (Franklinton) Franklinton is another neighborhood going through a revitalization and Brewdog is right in the mix. As the name implies; this place is extremely dog friendly. A rooftop patio filled with dogs, this is my happy place.
Land Grant (Franklinton) Not to be outdone by its neighbor, BrewDog, Land Grant recently expanded their outdoor seating leaving plenty of place indoor or outdoor to grab a cold brew.
Wolf Ridge (Downtown) In addition to a great tap room, the restaurant features upscale dishes you wouldn’t expect.
Favorite things to do
Art Festival This is my favorite summer festival in Columbus.
NightLight 614 We discovered these movies a few years back for the over 21 crowd. Held on Thursdays in the summer, it is the perfect place to grab a drink and a bite from your favorite food truck before settling in to watch an old school movie.
Gallery Hop Held the first Saturday of the month in the Short North; this is a Columbus tradition.
North Market The best eclectic food market in the city. I often stop here for lunch!
Studio 35 Local Clintonville movie theater with the a built in old school bar.
Grandview Theater another local theater with a great bar and patio; cheap movies and popcorn make for a good night out.
Postcards To Mabel 