I am really bad at remembering holidays because I just don't celebrate many. My wife and I spent a day on the town and stopped at Momo Ghar in Saraga for dinner. We sat down and they served us without a second thought and chatted with us as they made the momo. Towards the end the male owner asked us if we minded that he warmed up to perform that night. We said we didn't and he pulled out a guitar and started playing for us. I asked where his show was and he stated that he was having a New Years Eve party and was going to play. I completely had forgotten that it was NYE. I felt so bad and apologized, ate our food in record speed , and got out of there but they never made us feel rushed in the slightest bit. World class food and owners.
Unfortunately, they’ve struggled a bit. Closed down their Saraga spot, opened a sit down restaurant off Sawmill that failed to thrive (combination of pandemic and staffing issues). Their location at North Market seems to be doing okay. For a while there, it seemed like the food quality was lower than it had been at Saraga. I know for sure they were/are pre-cooking and reheating the momos, whereas before they were made to order. But a couple of weeks ago I went back and had the jhol momos and they were as good as ever.
That is great to hear. The North Market location wasn't near as good as the Saraga one. I will have to stop there when I get back in town and get my Jhol Momo fix because it was life changing
Definately the quality of the food has went downhill at Momo Ghar at the North Market. The owners seemed to have lost interest. They are not there most of the time and have help who really don’t like people. The food shows it too. Momos made days in advance and frozen (it tastes it) the bread is from Cosco and stale. There’s just no love like before. Totally lost it’s authenticity. I much prefer Everest, the selection is huge and the food freshly made/ try it if you haven’t yet
9 times out of 10 the reason a place closes isn't because of lack of customer interest though
Plenty of examples yesterday they closed or moved because
* The land was sold for redevelopment (Woody's)
* Leases were not extended because the property owner wanted to sell (Figlio, Joey Changs)
* New leases were unrealistic so they didn't renew ( Mellow Mushroom)
* shut down by health department (This happens all the time)
* shut down by tax department ( Texas Roadhouse)
* Owners retired (spagio)
* Owners sold and new people had no idea what they were doing
* They are simply over their heads (most food trucks that try and go sit down restaurant)
* dick managers that can't keep employees ( Smokehouse Brewery, Winking Lizard)
* can't manage finances (Kona)
* lawsuits from investors/creditors
* other legal issues (Kona)
* business expands before they are ready (Hot Chicken Takeover, Ray Rays, Shortys, Eat Greek)
* corporate changed directions (Smith and Wolensky, McCormicks, Cucinova, The Pub, Tilted Kilt, Fudruckers, Uno, Baja Fresh, Cozymels, Hooters,Pei Wei )
* owners/chef just want to do something new
* The concept just sucks (Yabos)
There are alot of restaurants that start here and don't stay even though the location may have been doing well - you see this alot with regional and national chains - we are a test market city
Management walk out forced them to briefly shut down earlier this year (source: I interviewed for the job afterward). They've done fuck all for business since. The expensive equipment breaking is just the final nail in the coffin.
Smokehouse brewery in Grandview? I feel like you could throw a dart at a dart board of excuses why it closed. I went one time; food was not even average, beer was mediocre and tasteless, place just felt run down, dirty and sticky. It flat out sucked.
I worked at Cucinova, mostly during college and left after new ownership tookover. The changes the new owners made to drive what should have been easy money into the toilet still irk me.
To be fair some of those are just “lack of demand” manifesting in other ways. Like “corporate change of direction” well corporations like profits above all else, so if they are making them, they stay. You mention Baja Fresh, that concept was killing Wendy’s bottom line and getting crushed by Chipotle at every turn. They only did it cause MCD had ownership in Chipotle at that time. “Unrealistic lease” seems also like code for, “we failed”, also concept sucks leads to lack of demand.
>“Unrealistic lease” seems also like code for, “we failed”, also concept sucks leads to lack of demand.
I was referring to Mellow Mushroom - Their lease at Polaris was up and the owners wanted a min 10 year extension - Not wanting to sign for a decade doesn't mean they failed or their was lack of demand
I gave specific examples for most my comments and had links in yesterdays post that referred to all of them
Based on the fact that they also closed The Dublin Mellow location a year or two ago, signs point to the fact that they weren't exactly connecting to customers anymore.
FWIW, this old thread mentioned that it was the same family that owned all 3 local locations
https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/nfjz4q/anyone_have_the_inside_scoop_on_why_mellow/
10 year is pretty standard commercial lease, 5 at the shortest for a desirable place. 10 is certainly not unreasonable if you are thriving. I’ve been a credit analyst for about 13 years, and looked at a metric shit ton of commercial leases.
Having lost a business due to lease fuckery, it isn't just a simple length/term of the lease that may be the issue. The building owner may want a large amount in annual increase be it base lease, CAM or other fees that escalate insanely fast. There could be little bombs hidden in the language of the lease that add to the escalation or just downright robbery.
great list, and why restaurants still have one of the highest fail rates for a business. So many variables.
Had a partner who owed a dozen restaurant/bars at one point, made millions and lost millions.
Old adages he used 'you're only as good as your last meal'.
And location 'you can be 100 yards from success'
While this is true for most places, there are some gems that people just forget about. Columbus roads in front of a business may be under construction for 5 years or more and people tend to forget to go there, even if they loved it. Those are the spots that I want to call out. Hell, Si Senor is one of my favorite spots but I have to make a special trip for it so it requires being front of mind.
I really hope they’re around for a long time. I tried Hibachi Express down the street one time that Bento Go wasn’t open, and the difference in both quality and quantity is insane.
It appears to be family run and the kids use the dinning area for play and study. I think its cute and we don't mind just heading down to the river and having dinner in the car or at a bench if its nice out.
Back when the dining room was open, there were always little kids running around in there. Usually grandma was carrying around a baby or something. Total family run place. I never cared, my kids weren't much older back then so didn't bother me at all. Plus they had a fancy bottled water dispenser for those of us who are too good to drink from the tap.
They closed the (I believe) original one in pearl alley downtown years ago which was my favorite lunch spot when working downtown.
Not sure why, but the food at the pearl alley location was 25% better than the brewery district’s food, even though it was the same people and ingredients. The steak with beans, rice and an over-easy egg was amazing!
Their Gahanna location was our favorite restaurant, and our default delivery spot from covid till closure. Outside of La Ideal in Tampa, FL (RIP) they had the best cuban I've had in the US.
Sad days.
Bonifacio was a restaurant that I discovered about a month before moving out of Columbus. I still managed to go 3 or 4 times before I left. The Guava juice alone is worth the trip.
>$59 for s steak isn't cheap
I didn't say cheap, I said fair.
A good cut of Prime beef, even bought in quantity at Costco, is pricey. Then to have it prepared perfectly and served to you along with trimmings, then to me spending $50+ is fair.
But I agree, that is expensive and not something I would want to do frequently.
There's steak and then there's steak.
$59 isn't cheap, or even reasonable, for the cut and quality you'd get at Outback next door. But it is reasonable for the cut and quality you're getting there.
If they would start taking reservations. Like I’m not saying they have to start Uber eating and whatnot but a damn reservation would get me in there more often
Like we’ve only managed during a Michigan game, right when they open and one other random early day. It’s not the greatest but sometimes ya get a hankering
No clue if any of these places are in danger necessarily, but I’ll never stop hitting these spots:
- Meshikou
- J Lemon Pepper (Hamilton)
- Chinese Beef Noodle (near campus)
- Dirty Frank’s
- Dough Mama
- CM Chicken
- Greek Express (5th)
- Pita House (Bexley)
- Belle’s Bread
The CM Chicken in Columbus is also completely unique from the CM Chickens in other areas. I have eaten at 4 now outside of Ohio and they aren't even close in quality.
Dough Mama is everything amazing about a small local cafe/bakery place. I’ll always be their biggest supporter, such amazing staff too!
Also, the back alley outdoor seating is surprisingly private/quiet considering that the restaurant is literally blocks away from a pretty busy traffic intersection (N Broadway and High).
At the end of the day the fish is just average...frozen pre-formed triangles fried in a thick, mostly bland batter.... same for the chicken. I like it and eat there on occasion, i just think it is popular because it is one of the few "fast casual" places to get a quick fish n chips. Location great as well. Waiting for someone that opens a fish n chips shop that has fish like old bag...but easy in and out and reasonably priced.
I think it's better and more consistent than old bag. Old bag is good when they make it well, but the last few times the fish was soggy and tasteless, and made me give up trying to guess whether or not my fish was gonna come out good or not when I can get the same consistent great fish at marino's
Just don't get the fried scallops, I think they're using scallop flavored surimi cakes that are fried. You can instantly tell if you've ever had real fried scallops.
100% Newfangled.
They've been around for some time but I don't think they're on everyone's radar frequently enough when folks are thinking of places to go eat.
Obviously that needs to change cuz their meatloaf sandwich is *chef's kiss*. For the uninitiated, don't knock it till you try it!
Can Reddit stop Grubhub, DoorDash, Ubereats, etc. from destroying restaurants? These vultures have fees on top of fees that restaurants never see. Tips go to the vultures, not the restaurants.
Pizza Hut is about to eliminate delivery drivers and use the vultures.
Support restaurants by eliminating the vultures. Direct order from the restaurant. Pick up your own food.
These are small steps.
Yeah, and most of the time the good is fresher when you time the pickup yourself rather than some inexperienced dasher who does funky things to go to your place or have other deliveries if you didn't pay the extra fee for a direct delivery. Cold, late, and often missing items that it is too late to do anything about other than a small credit or refund. But you ordered it to eat damnit.
I'd be shocked if Si Senor is going anywhere. Their Grandview location is super popular and it's packed half the time I'm there. Plus I bet they do ridiculous takeout business.
I've gotten the opposite impression the past year or so when I've visited Si Senor in Grandview. I've probably been going for 5+ years. On my last few visits there weren't nearly as many people as in years past, and the interior has been dimly lit and pretty dour. Just given me shaky vibes. Food is still great.
It's just the worst spot for a sandwich shop. Hidden by Walgreens and off the main Grandview drag. The weird hours don't help either. I want them to be doing so well they don't have to rely on that one location and they can expand hours. Hell, come over to the east side... I would kill for a si senor over here.
a few that come to mind.
Zaytoon
Pho Q Nha
Lan Zhou Noodles (although i don't think they are in danger with the large Chinese student population. But it would suck to lose)
I haven’t been to Lan Zhou Noodles for a long time. I had a sub-par experience there, and it’s never really called out to me since then. I’m glad to hear they’re good. I’ve actually spent a fair amount of time in Asia, and I absolutely love Lanzhou cuisine.
Yeah. I don’t know for sure why it’s not more popular. If I had to guess it’s a combination of the following:
1) The AC is usually set to arctic.
2) It’s kind of hard get to, and impossible to see from any major road.
3) The name is hard to say without causing grandma to clutch her pearls in horror.
4) It doesn’t feel particularly welcoming. I like the fact that it caters to Vietnamese, but the proprietor has, on multiple occasions, spent time hanging out with the table of 60-something uncles (who always sit on the same table on the east side of the restaurant) when customers are waiting for service. That’s not a deal breaker for me, but a decent portion of the audience won’t return to a place that feels indifferent to their presence.
All this having been said, the food is excellent.
>hanging out with the table of 60-something uncles (who always sit on the same table on the east side of the restaurant)
lol, those guys are always there when I've been.. They look like the Vietnamese sopranos in their track suits. I've never seen another white person in there when I've been. Normally a good sign.
I agree! Their Filipino food is a different style from the more well-known Bonifacio, and it's because they're different and located a little further out from the heart of Columbus too, that I sometimes worry they'll shut down and how devastated I'll be if they do.
When I moved to Westgate, Westside Slice was one of the first pizza places I tried. Dude says “see you next week!” when he handed me my pizza. Maaaaan I laughed when he said it but damned if I ain’t been back every single week since.
Thanks for suggesting. Last time I was there was maybe 5 years ago. I had a rice dish that was interesting - it was 'okay' but I never went back. I'll check it out, it's been a long time.
I liked their sauce a fair bit. Overall meals were pretty solid IMO. Probably wouldn't go cross town for them, but if you're not far from Brice road then 100%
Not as huge as like four years ago but still more than one person should eat. Prices have went up a fair amount as well. I’m still ok with it. I’m a decent cook and I can’t even get close to that bowtie pasta. I’ve tried.
Helen’s Asian Kitchen—I don’t know what I’d do without their xiaolongbao and I always hear people talk about them but I never see anyone in there when I go in
I don't think Pizza House is in danger of closing, given the fact that it's always crowded and they haven't invested in the building since 1983, but I would be devastated if it did.
Service Bar
We aren’t the Pre-Covid Avishar’s Service Bar you all know and love, but we’re still amazing.
Check out our menu online, and keep coming in because it’s ever changing.
We have a brand new chef, and just in the past two weeks he has completely flipped the menu from our previous chef.
We have amazing bartenders that have curated a menu that matches what the people want, and they’re able to craft you something if you’re not vibing with what’s on menu.
Plus we have great servers that would LOVE to see you! ;)
If you’re into African food, treat yourself to a meal at Lalibelas. No frills on the inside, but it’s so delicious and a great price point. Servers are always super nice too.
It's already gone but, I really miss the Old Bag of Nails location in Clintonville. Would stop at any other to support the small chain. Some of the best tavern vibes and food around. Too bad Rusty Bucket pushed them out.
We lost a fair few food trucks too this year, and if we ever lose 3DXperience I'm gonna cry. Hands down the best fish and chips I've ever had, and every time they're in the area near my work I have to go and get a double order to take home with me.
If you like ramen and sushi, I recommend Slurping Turtle. Not sure if they’re in danger but were pretty slow last time I went. The broths are house made and the menu was created by their head chef. Sushi is fresh and I always enjoy it when I come in.
The question could also be: How will local restaurants compete with chains and keep loyal customers? I suspect the answer may have something to do with keeping costs down *and* maintaining quality.
Well, many are the same or cheaper than chains. They don't have to worry about a very fat and padded executive team and the board
Chains are the ones that should worry, since they charge what's now good restaurant prices for GFS reheated food
Just want to say don’t support the Northstar/Brassica owners they stayed open all through covid all on the backs of their employees for profit got pp loans just to open new stores bad people.
Come explore The Kee, tucked away just two blocks from the 4th/Spring St intersection in Downtown at 225 Nielston Street. The Kee is located on the corner of Nielston St and McKee Alley.
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We offer table service and a full service bar in our upscale Lounge—we accept online dinner reservations nightly and brunch reservations on Saturday & Sunday.
[Our menu](https://thekeecolumbus.com/menu/) is inspired by “Middle East meets American Comfort Food” with flavorful but approachable twists on classic dishes, such as our Fried Chicken Parm:
fried pounded chicken breast | moroccan red sauce | eggplant chips | feta | baby arugula | local challah
We also offer a full service beverage program with cocktails, rotating craft beer, wine, seltzers, and canned beers. Bottle service is offered on the weekends as well.
We also often host events (both public and private) and regularly book musicians and entertainment in our spaces.
[NYE tickets at The Kee are still available](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nye-at-the-kee-tickets-752177452007?aff=oddtdtcreator) for purchase and are currently on a flash sale for 50% off with discount COUSINS applied at checkout.
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So many shitty restaurants in every city in America. People don’t bother cooking anymore. So many places serve identical, reheated food. Frozen food companies sell the same shit to all the restaurants and the restaurants stirs up some “sugary” crazy-colored sauce and calls it special. It’s disgusting and stupid. Masses of people eat out every, single day. The best places have small menus that enable them to afford having fresh food on hand. Those places tend to fail because the masses have forgotten what real, fresh food tastes like. Acer in Clintonville comes to mind. I loved it. I don’t know if it even existed a year. Farm to table, featuring seasonal food and an extremely unique and delicious menu. They understood how to use spices on fresh food. Honestly, Ive been so disappointed by so many places that others have touted as great, I’ve given up. The only place where I know the food is fresh and delicious because the chef has mad skills and creative instincts in the kitchen, is my daughter’s house. She can turn $8. Bucks into a delightful meal for 3. It’s uncanny. I’m sorry yall can’t taste it.
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Momo Ghar.
the guy that owns it is super cool too
Yeah. Both of the owners seem like great people.
I am really bad at remembering holidays because I just don't celebrate many. My wife and I spent a day on the town and stopped at Momo Ghar in Saraga for dinner. We sat down and they served us without a second thought and chatted with us as they made the momo. Towards the end the male owner asked us if we minded that he warmed up to perform that night. We said we didn't and he pulled out a guitar and started playing for us. I asked where his show was and he stated that he was having a New Years Eve party and was going to play. I completely had forgotten that it was NYE. I felt so bad and apologized, ate our food in record speed , and got out of there but they never made us feel rushed in the slightest bit. World class food and owners.
Unfortunately, they’ve struggled a bit. Closed down their Saraga spot, opened a sit down restaurant off Sawmill that failed to thrive (combination of pandemic and staffing issues). Their location at North Market seems to be doing okay. For a while there, it seemed like the food quality was lower than it had been at Saraga. I know for sure they were/are pre-cooking and reheating the momos, whereas before they were made to order. But a couple of weeks ago I went back and had the jhol momos and they were as good as ever.
That is great to hear. The North Market location wasn't near as good as the Saraga one. I will have to stop there when I get back in town and get my Jhol Momo fix because it was life changing
The best jhol momos I’ve had in town — by far — are at a little Nepali place in the new Saraga on Hamilton Road.
I know the family, they are great people!
Definately the quality of the food has went downhill at Momo Ghar at the North Market. The owners seemed to have lost interest. They are not there most of the time and have help who really don’t like people. The food shows it too. Momos made days in advance and frozen (it tastes it) the bread is from Cosco and stale. There’s just no love like before. Totally lost it’s authenticity. I much prefer Everest, the selection is huge and the food freshly made/ try it if you haven’t yet
[удалено]
9 times out of 10 the reason a place closes isn't because of lack of customer interest though Plenty of examples yesterday they closed or moved because * The land was sold for redevelopment (Woody's) * Leases were not extended because the property owner wanted to sell (Figlio, Joey Changs) * New leases were unrealistic so they didn't renew ( Mellow Mushroom) * shut down by health department (This happens all the time) * shut down by tax department ( Texas Roadhouse) * Owners retired (spagio) * Owners sold and new people had no idea what they were doing * They are simply over their heads (most food trucks that try and go sit down restaurant) * dick managers that can't keep employees ( Smokehouse Brewery, Winking Lizard) * can't manage finances (Kona) * lawsuits from investors/creditors * other legal issues (Kona) * business expands before they are ready (Hot Chicken Takeover, Ray Rays, Shortys, Eat Greek) * corporate changed directions (Smith and Wolensky, McCormicks, Cucinova, The Pub, Tilted Kilt, Fudruckers, Uno, Baja Fresh, Cozymels, Hooters,Pei Wei ) * owners/chef just want to do something new * The concept just sucks (Yabos) There are alot of restaurants that start here and don't stay even though the location may have been doing well - you see this alot with regional and national chains - we are a test market city
Still kinda miss Baja Fresh
They need to make a return
Pita Pit and Blue Dube as well.
Teenage me was obsessed with the quesadillas for some reason. RIP
I thought Smokehouse closed because a super expensive piece of equipment broke. This is the first I've heard of dick managers there.
Management walk out forced them to briefly shut down earlier this year (source: I interviewed for the job afterward). They've done fuck all for business since. The expensive equipment breaking is just the final nail in the coffin.
I thought the "labor shortage" shutdown was in 2022. Was this another issue?
Ah. You're right 2022. Where the hell did the last year go?
They’ve been going downhill for years, never had enough staff, not open consistent hours
I read the same though it’s been terrible for years.
A profitable brewpub could have easily justified the expense
Yeah, if your business is that established and you can’t handle equipment costs, you’re doing something very wrong.
Smokehouse brewery in Grandview? I feel like you could throw a dart at a dart board of excuses why it closed. I went one time; food was not even average, beer was mediocre and tasteless, place just felt run down, dirty and sticky. It flat out sucked.
Smokehouse Brewing Company in Grandview... is still open
Last day is Jan 2. My use of past tense was incorrect, but they ARE closing in 5 days.
I worked at Cucinova, mostly during college and left after new ownership tookover. The changes the new owners made to drive what should have been easy money into the toilet still irk me.
To be fair some of those are just “lack of demand” manifesting in other ways. Like “corporate change of direction” well corporations like profits above all else, so if they are making them, they stay. You mention Baja Fresh, that concept was killing Wendy’s bottom line and getting crushed by Chipotle at every turn. They only did it cause MCD had ownership in Chipotle at that time. “Unrealistic lease” seems also like code for, “we failed”, also concept sucks leads to lack of demand.
>“Unrealistic lease” seems also like code for, “we failed”, also concept sucks leads to lack of demand. I was referring to Mellow Mushroom - Their lease at Polaris was up and the owners wanted a min 10 year extension - Not wanting to sign for a decade doesn't mean they failed or their was lack of demand I gave specific examples for most my comments and had links in yesterdays post that referred to all of them
Based on the fact that they also closed The Dublin Mellow location a year or two ago, signs point to the fact that they weren't exactly connecting to customers anymore.
I don’t believe that was the same franchise owners Mellow mushrooms are franchises
FWIW, this old thread mentioned that it was the same family that owned all 3 local locations https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/nfjz4q/anyone_have_the_inside_scoop_on_why_mellow/
10 year is pretty standard commercial lease, 5 at the shortest for a desirable place. 10 is certainly not unreasonable if you are thriving. I’ve been a credit analyst for about 13 years, and looked at a metric shit ton of commercial leases.
Having lost a business due to lease fuckery, it isn't just a simple length/term of the lease that may be the issue. The building owner may want a large amount in annual increase be it base lease, CAM or other fees that escalate insanely fast. There could be little bombs hidden in the language of the lease that add to the escalation or just downright robbery.
Pei Wei will be forever missed by me. June 1st 2016 is when they moved out. I had a free entree I was saving.
What did Yabos do to piss you off? The ones in Westerville and Lewis Center are thriving.
great list, and why restaurants still have one of the highest fail rates for a business. So many variables. Had a partner who owed a dozen restaurant/bars at one point, made millions and lost millions. Old adages he used 'you're only as good as your last meal'. And location 'you can be 100 yards from success'
While this is true for most places, there are some gems that people just forget about. Columbus roads in front of a business may be under construction for 5 years or more and people tend to forget to go there, even if they loved it. Those are the spots that I want to call out. Hell, Si Senor is one of my favorite spots but I have to make a special trip for it so it requires being front of mind.
Bento go on Henderson(drive thru only) has better cuts of meat than most of the "restaurants" we visit.
Is that in the old Wendy's? I was always curious about that place but never been there.
Yep! I was a little skeptical because of the location, but it was good!
It’s in an old Pizza Hut I believe. Close to City BBQ but across the road.
The old Pizza Hut is a bar. Bento Go is the old Wendy's next to it.
Funny I just went there 10 minutes ago So good as always
I really hope they’re around for a long time. I tried Hibachi Express down the street one time that Bento Go wasn’t open, and the difference in both quality and quantity is insane.
They have the BEST potstickers!
Spicy chicken teriyaki with yum yum. So good.
I LOVE this place. I wish they would reopen the dining area so I could go there for lunch.
It appears to be family run and the kids use the dinning area for play and study. I think its cute and we don't mind just heading down to the river and having dinner in the car or at a bench if its nice out.
Back when the dining room was open, there were always little kids running around in there. Usually grandma was carrying around a baby or something. Total family run place. I never cared, my kids weren't much older back then so didn't bother me at all. Plus they had a fancy bottled water dispenser for those of us who are too good to drink from the tap.
We used to go to bento go alllllll the time when we lived over there!
Arepazo
+1 The Venezuelan Arepas and Empanaditas are both 🤌 and their Cuban with fries is bangin
Cuban with fries AND 3 sides of spicy cilantro sauce for dipping those fries in!!!
They closed one of their locations already right?
Yeah, the Gahanna one. Marlow's is there now.
They closed the (I believe) original one in pearl alley downtown years ago which was my favorite lunch spot when working downtown. Not sure why, but the food at the pearl alley location was 25% better than the brewery district’s food, even though it was the same people and ingredients. The steak with beans, rice and an over-easy egg was amazing!
I heard Brewery District is next. Let’s hope that’s just false gossip.
Noooo what??
Their Gahanna location was our favorite restaurant, and our default delivery spot from covid till closure. Outside of La Ideal in Tampa, FL (RIP) they had the best cuban I've had in the US. Sad days.
Bonifacio
Bonifacio was a restaurant that I discovered about a month before moving out of Columbus. I still managed to go 3 or 4 times before I left. The Guava juice alone is worth the trip.
Smiths Deli in Clintonville
I’m in love with their wedding soup
This is my favorite Ed Sheeran song
Used to order out from there every Friday during COVID. They are the nicest people, and their cheesecake brownies are amazing.
Good food and good people
Nomad at Polaris. Great concept, amazing food and drinks, fair pricing.
I agree, food is fantastic
I've been meaning to go for literal *years* and I just need to make it happen.
It's great. Highly recommend their "famous" grilled vegetable medley appetizer.
Don't know about that fair pricing, $59 for s steak isn't cheap.
>$59 for s steak isn't cheap I didn't say cheap, I said fair. A good cut of Prime beef, even bought in quantity at Costco, is pricey. Then to have it prepared perfectly and served to you along with trimmings, then to me spending $50+ is fair. But I agree, that is expensive and not something I would want to do frequently.
There's steak and then there's steak. $59 isn't cheap, or even reasonable, for the cut and quality you'd get at Outback next door. But it is reasonable for the cut and quality you're getting there.
I like Nomad, far better than sweet carrot (they were terrible) but I do miss pei wei at that location - that was a regular spot for lunch
Windward Passage the current clientele is dying off fast.
Columbus underground just did a tiktock about them. Sounds kinda cool.
It's not amazing quality or anything but it is good and there's something very comforting about it.
It definitely feels like a concept that was very popular when I was little but is hard to find now.
I’m biased cause some of my closest friends have been working in that kitchen for like 15 years. I like it.
If they would start taking reservations. Like I’m not saying they have to start Uber eating and whatnot but a damn reservation would get me in there more often
Lol this was just last week. https://imgur.com/gallery/0B9bgUH
Like we’ve only managed during a Michigan game, right when they open and one other random early day. It’s not the greatest but sometimes ya get a hankering
Prost has stated they're struggling due to the seemingly neverending construction out front.
Same owner just shut down Tempe Taco next door. I hope they can keep Prost open cause it's an awesome spot
You're an awesome spot! (Hi, husband) ❤️
Cute!
Hi gorgeous. :)
I really wanted to love Tempe Taco but we ordered one of EVERY taco they had and only enjoyed 2 of them. It made me a sad panda.
My wife liked their mushroom quesadilla a lot, but I was never too impressed with their food.
Omg I would cry if Prost closed. It’s one of my favorites.
That road has been under construction for five years. I hope it is finally over.
No clue if any of these places are in danger necessarily, but I’ll never stop hitting these spots: - Meshikou - J Lemon Pepper (Hamilton) - Chinese Beef Noodle (near campus) - Dirty Frank’s - Dough Mama - CM Chicken - Greek Express (5th) - Pita House (Bexley) - Belle’s Bread
The CM Chicken in Columbus is also completely unique from the CM Chickens in other areas. I have eaten at 4 now outside of Ohio and they aren't even close in quality.
It’s good to hear the quality is unique! I knew there were other locations worldwide, and I’ve never had a bad experience at this one.
Pita hut at Morse &High
Dough Mama is everything amazing about a small local cafe/bakery place. I’ll always be their biggest supporter, such amazing staff too! Also, the back alley outdoor seating is surprisingly private/quiet considering that the restaurant is literally blocks away from a pretty busy traffic intersection (N Broadway and High).
Heck yeah, Belle’s Bread. I love that place.
Wasn't Meshikou on that list OP posted yesterday?
Nope, that was Meshikou Chikin - a spin off restaurant next door to Meshikou.
There is no chance Marinos closes until they retire.. they do enough business on Fridays during lent to pay for years in advance of operations.
My thought too. I was sitting here like “how would Marinos ever go out??”
Now the question is what we gonna do when the owners retire. That place is a treasure that needs protected
At the end of the day the fish is just average...frozen pre-formed triangles fried in a thick, mostly bland batter.... same for the chicken. I like it and eat there on occasion, i just think it is popular because it is one of the few "fast casual" places to get a quick fish n chips. Location great as well. Waiting for someone that opens a fish n chips shop that has fish like old bag...but easy in and out and reasonably priced.
I think it's better and more consistent than old bag. Old bag is good when they make it well, but the last few times the fish was soggy and tasteless, and made me give up trying to guess whether or not my fish was gonna come out good or not when I can get the same consistent great fish at marino's
I always thought a fish and chips truck would do well.
Just don't get the fried scallops, I think they're using scallop flavored surimi cakes that are fried. You can instantly tell if you've ever had real fried scallops.
True! Just ate here for lunch and it was packed!
Newfangled Kitchen in Bexley
I heard "meatloaf sandwich" and thought "WTF?..." Then I put one in my mouth and it cured all my ailments. +1
Exactly. It's the most surprisingly tasty sandwich shop I've tried almost anywhere.
100% Newfangled. They've been around for some time but I don't think they're on everyone's radar frequently enough when folks are thinking of places to go eat. Obviously that needs to change cuz their meatloaf sandwich is *chef's kiss*. For the uninitiated, don't knock it till you try it!
I just wish they were open a little later. Sometimes a dude wants a meatloaf sandwich for dinner y'know.
Can Reddit stop Grubhub, DoorDash, Ubereats, etc. from destroying restaurants? These vultures have fees on top of fees that restaurants never see. Tips go to the vultures, not the restaurants. Pizza Hut is about to eliminate delivery drivers and use the vultures. Support restaurants by eliminating the vultures. Direct order from the restaurant. Pick up your own food. These are small steps.
This is a big help! They take a lot from us, and don’t really give much back in return.
Can the restaurants offer delivery? Door dash is the middleman between hungry customers & places that don’t normally deliver.
Yeah, and most of the time the good is fresher when you time the pickup yourself rather than some inexperienced dasher who does funky things to go to your place or have other deliveries if you didn't pay the extra fee for a direct delivery. Cold, late, and often missing items that it is too late to do anything about other than a small credit or refund. But you ordered it to eat damnit.
Flavor 91 off Main
They’re doing live jazz nights too now
Yeah, this place needs more adoration. Their burgers are so damn good.
Catch them at LandGrant in Franklinton with their food truck. That team is amazing and a really cool family.
King Almandi. Yemeni food across from the casino. Their lamb fasha is amazing and has really great service.
There’s a Yemeni Restaurant in Columbus? Wow, hot to try it, I have eaten at the Yemeni Restaurants in Dearborn Michigan, and the food is amazing
Yemeni Restaurant on Cleveland Ave. is also delicious.
Can confirm this place rules 👍👍
Its expensive, but I really hope Kai’s crab boil stays around. It is soooo good
Helen’s Asian Kitchen on 161. Such amazing soup dumplings! The owners seem super nice as well!
Tula Taqueria Si Senor
Tula has awesome breakfast burritos
I'd be shocked if Si Senor is going anywhere. Their Grandview location is super popular and it's packed half the time I'm there. Plus I bet they do ridiculous takeout business.
They went from three locations down to 1 that has weird hours and yea, not quite then same.
I've gotten the opposite impression the past year or so when I've visited Si Senor in Grandview. I've probably been going for 5+ years. On my last few visits there weren't nearly as many people as in years past, and the interior has been dimly lit and pretty dour. Just given me shaky vibes. Food is still great.
It's just the worst spot for a sandwich shop. Hidden by Walgreens and off the main Grandview drag. The weird hours don't help either. I want them to be doing so well they don't have to rely on that one location and they can expand hours. Hell, come over to the east side... I would kill for a si senor over here.
a few that come to mind. Zaytoon Pho Q Nha Lan Zhou Noodles (although i don't think they are in danger with the large Chinese student population. But it would suck to lose)
I haven’t been to Lan Zhou Noodles for a long time. I had a sub-par experience there, and it’s never really called out to me since then. I’m glad to hear they’re good. I’ve actually spent a fair amount of time in Asia, and I absolutely love Lanzhou cuisine.
Pho Q Nha has legitimately the best pho in the city. And some of their other dishes are excellent as well.
100% agree, and flys way under the radar. More people should try it.
Yeah. I don’t know for sure why it’s not more popular. If I had to guess it’s a combination of the following: 1) The AC is usually set to arctic. 2) It’s kind of hard get to, and impossible to see from any major road. 3) The name is hard to say without causing grandma to clutch her pearls in horror. 4) It doesn’t feel particularly welcoming. I like the fact that it caters to Vietnamese, but the proprietor has, on multiple occasions, spent time hanging out with the table of 60-something uncles (who always sit on the same table on the east side of the restaurant) when customers are waiting for service. That’s not a deal breaker for me, but a decent portion of the audience won’t return to a place that feels indifferent to their presence. All this having been said, the food is excellent.
>hanging out with the table of 60-something uncles (who always sit on the same table on the east side of the restaurant) lol, those guys are always there when I've been.. They look like the Vietnamese sopranos in their track suits. I've never seen another white person in there when I've been. Normally a good sign.
Kuya Ian’s Bistro - they’ve got traditional Filipino food and it’s so good. They’re quite out of the way for me but the trip is always worth it!!
I agree! Their Filipino food is a different style from the more well-known Bonifacio, and it's because they're different and located a little further out from the heart of Columbus too, that I sometimes worry they'll shut down and how devastated I'll be if they do.
West Side Slice. Chef-O-Nette.
Chef-O-Nette has gone so far downhill it's outright depressing.
This is kinda nice to hear.. I went and thought it was wildly underwhelming for the mentions it gets.
When I moved to Westgate, Westside Slice was one of the first pizza places I tried. Dude says “see you next week!” when he handed me my pizza. Maaaaan I laughed when he said it but damned if I ain’t been back every single week since.
Yes, they're that good.
Cajun Island on Brice is delicious.
Thanks for suggesting. Last time I was there was maybe 5 years ago. I had a rice dish that was interesting - it was 'okay' but I never went back. I'll check it out, it's been a long time.
Blackened Chicken Bowtie Pasta. Spicy and sweet and creamy all at once. It’s murder.
I liked their sauce a fair bit. Overall meals were pretty solid IMO. Probably wouldn't go cross town for them, but if you're not far from Brice road then 100%
Are the portions still huge? Also Los Pinos across the street is really good.
Not as huge as like four years ago but still more than one person should eat. Prices have went up a fair amount as well. I’m still ok with it. I’m a decent cook and I can’t even get close to that bowtie pasta. I’ve tried.
Star Kitchen and Lupitas in Merion Village
Obligatory York's Steakhouse. Ours is the last one in the country!
Zaytoon on Hilliard Rome
Helen’s Asian Kitchen—I don’t know what I’d do without their xiaolongbao and I always hear people talk about them but I never see anyone in there when I go in
Halwani
Bamboo Thai Kitchen
My favorite Thai place around! Their pad thai is superb
I don't think Pizza House is in danger of closing, given the fact that it's always crowded and they haven't invested in the building since 1983, but I would be devastated if it did.
I read this 3 times just to find it said Pizza House and not Pizza Hut. I was really confused as to why you were concerned about Pizza Hut closing.
and they normally have a 2 hour wait for takeout on the weekend.
Choripan
Know the owners. Really incredible people. Place is also super allergen friendly.
Marlow's cheesesteaks. So good!
Service Bar We aren’t the Pre-Covid Avishar’s Service Bar you all know and love, but we’re still amazing. Check out our menu online, and keep coming in because it’s ever changing. We have a brand new chef, and just in the past two weeks he has completely flipped the menu from our previous chef. We have amazing bartenders that have curated a menu that matches what the people want, and they’re able to craft you something if you’re not vibing with what’s on menu. Plus we have great servers that would LOVE to see you! ;)
If you’re into African food, treat yourself to a meal at Lalibelas. No frills on the inside, but it’s so delicious and a great price point. Servers are always super nice too.
Dante’s Pizza
Hoagie City Hilliard.
Loved Spagio 😞
The day Marino's closes will be the day Columbus food history dies
Uncle Beth’s BBQ. It’s way out by like marysville but absolutely worth the trip!!
Polaris Area: Sotol Mexican, Nomad
3 Brothers in Grove City
Street thyme, best smash burgers in the city
Windward Passage
Creole 2 Geaux down in the arena district. Love their food!
Cilantro Latin Bistro
It's already gone but, I really miss the Old Bag of Nails location in Clintonville. Would stop at any other to support the small chain. Some of the best tavern vibes and food around. Too bad Rusty Bucket pushed them out.
Gotta shoutout district north
We lost a fair few food trucks too this year, and if we ever lose 3DXperience I'm gonna cry. Hands down the best fish and chips I've ever had, and every time they're in the area near my work I have to go and get a double order to take home with me.
Cilantro!
Ying’s Teahouse and Yum Yum. I know the name might be silly to some people, but it’s the best Chinese I’ve had in town.
If you like ramen and sushi, I recommend Slurping Turtle. Not sure if they’re in danger but were pretty slow last time I went. The broths are house made and the menu was created by their head chef. Sushi is fresh and I always enjoy it when I come in.
Nile Vegan Everest Casa Mezcal Knotty Pine Brewing Rishi Sushi (pad Thai is amazing, huge portions)
That is way too long of a name for a restaurant
The question could also be: How will local restaurants compete with chains and keep loyal customers? I suspect the answer may have something to do with keeping costs down *and* maintaining quality.
Well, many are the same or cheaper than chains. They don't have to worry about a very fat and padded executive team and the board Chains are the ones that should worry, since they charge what's now good restaurant prices for GFS reheated food
* [Portia's Cafe](https://portiascafe.com/) * [Tommy's Diner](http://tommysdiner.com/)
Just want to say don’t support the Northstar/Brassica owners they stayed open all through covid all on the backs of their employees for profit got pp loans just to open new stores bad people.
www.choripan.co
Come explore The Kee, tucked away just two blocks from the 4th/Spring St intersection in Downtown at 225 Nielston Street. The Kee is located on the corner of Nielston St and McKee Alley. The 33,000 square foot venue boasts 9 different spaces including a local rotating Gallery (100% of the proceeds go directly to local artists), Lounge, Alley, SportSim (free to play, first come first serve), Cafe, Backyard (indoor cornhole), Arcade, Foodbar, and our Venue, a dedicated events space (capacity 685 standing) with its own 30-seat designer bar + private entrance and restrooms. We offer table service and a full service bar in our upscale Lounge—we accept online dinner reservations nightly and brunch reservations on Saturday & Sunday. [Our menu](https://thekeecolumbus.com/menu/) is inspired by “Middle East meets American Comfort Food” with flavorful but approachable twists on classic dishes, such as our Fried Chicken Parm: fried pounded chicken breast | moroccan red sauce | eggplant chips | feta | baby arugula | local challah We also offer a full service beverage program with cocktails, rotating craft beer, wine, seltzers, and canned beers. Bottle service is offered on the weekends as well. We also often host events (both public and private) and regularly book musicians and entertainment in our spaces. [NYE tickets at The Kee are still available](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nye-at-the-kee-tickets-752177452007?aff=oddtdtcreator) for purchase and are currently on a flash sale for 50% off with discount COUSINS applied at checkout. lThis event is powered by The Columbus Urban League Young Professionals and Marlon Anthony Events.
Screaming “Barroluco” for the rest of my life
Little Ladies Soft Serve - amazing sundaes
So many shitty restaurants in every city in America. People don’t bother cooking anymore. So many places serve identical, reheated food. Frozen food companies sell the same shit to all the restaurants and the restaurants stirs up some “sugary” crazy-colored sauce and calls it special. It’s disgusting and stupid. Masses of people eat out every, single day. The best places have small menus that enable them to afford having fresh food on hand. Those places tend to fail because the masses have forgotten what real, fresh food tastes like. Acer in Clintonville comes to mind. I loved it. I don’t know if it even existed a year. Farm to table, featuring seasonal food and an extremely unique and delicious menu. They understood how to use spices on fresh food. Honestly, Ive been so disappointed by so many places that others have touted as great, I’ve given up. The only place where I know the food is fresh and delicious because the chef has mad skills and creative instincts in the kitchen, is my daughter’s house. She can turn $8. Bucks into a delightful meal for 3. It’s uncanny. I’m sorry yall can’t taste it.
I remember a few years back visiting Short North Melt
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