Situated in Columbus' Short North neighborhood, Katalina's serves up inventive comfort food in colorful digs. The menu is "Latin-leaning and Southern-slanted," and each dish comes packed with flavor! Everything is fantastic, but make sure to grab an order of pancake balls to share with the table — they're worth the hype.
Tacos for breakfast? Why not? Nada serves up authentic Mexican street food in a bright, colorful and vibrant space. Stepping into the restaurant for brunch on the weekend is a wonderful way to start the day. Once you're settled at a table, you can order a sparkling breakfast cocktail and peruse the menu — featuring Mexican poutine, chorizo and egg enchiladas, scrumptious eggs Benedict and an impressive selection of street tacos!
Bloody Mary aficionados shouldn't miss the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar at Standard Hall — the offerings are nothing short of epic! Pick your alcohol of choice and spice it up with your desired mix of traditional, spicy or signature tomatillo, a selection of house-blended rims, and a delicious spread of toppings. If you try hard enough, you might be able to make a meal of it! Of course, if your brunch bevvy doesn't fill you up, there are plenty of delicious menu offerings to satisfy a wide range of taste buds.
Step into this cozy yet modern space to enjoy some of the best, locally sourced fare in the 614! The Table offers a wide variety of globally inspired dishes, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. We are particularly fond of the shakshuka, a North African-style dish with poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce with charred veggies, feta, black olives and pita. And the Dutch Baby — a gigantic, fluffy, egg-based pancake dish — shouldn't be overlooked either!
Wolf's Ridge Brewing made our list of the best breweries in Columbus, but flavorful craft beer isn't the only thing this place does right. The brunch menu, featuring items like confetti doughnuts, beef tartare, poutine, tartines and Benedicts, is on point as well. We are fans of the Toad in the Hole, which boasts eggs from Copia Farm, Applewood smoked bacon, fingerling potatoes, stout cheese sauce and brioche. It's perfection — and it pairs very well with a beermosa!
Columbus is the 14th largest city in the United States with a population that is nearing a million residents (around 879,000 according to the 2017 census). The immense growth that the city is experiencing means plenty of opportunities for entertainment, meeting people and finding jobs!


Photo courtesy of Karen Lynch via Basi Italia
Nestled in Columbus' Victorian Village, Basi Italia serves up market-driven and flavorful Italian dishes in a cozy dining room. The restaurant is definitely one of the highlights of the neighborhood and is a perfect setting for date night! When the weather is cooperating, opt to enjoy your meal outside on the patio — a fenced-in paradise with plenty of lush greenery and twinkle lights.47 taps, 150 beers total, a full lineup of craft cocktails, mouthwatering grilled cheeses and juicy burgers — need we say more? The delicious American pub fare and drinks menu are great year round, but everything just seems to taste better on the patio. The outdoor space spans the length of the restaurant and is the perfect happy hour gathering spot.
This laid-back Irish Pub is located in the heart of Columbus' Arena District, so it's a popular place to gather with friends before or after the big game. The venue offers good pub food, a friendly atmosphere and also one of the most iconic rooftop patios in the city. Sit upstairs with a beer, cocktail or glass of wine to take in the skyline views, or dance the night away after the sun sets! Bonus: Every Wednesday evening, the bar features $5 margaritas and free chips and salsa!
Set in an old brick building in the heart of Italian Village, Cosecha Cocina opened its doors in March 2017 to instant success, and the buzz still hasn't died down. Locals flock here for refreshing margaritas and Mexican-inspired street food. The menu includes traditional bites like tamales, tostadas, tacos, rellenos and enchiladas. And although the cuisine is familiar, each dish is prepared with an innovative twist. Enjoy your choice on the patio, which is laden with picnic tables on warm-weather days.
There are so many reasons to love the Crest Gastropub, including the impressive selection of craft beer, the inventive cocktails and the locally sourced menu. But perhaps our favorite feature of this beloved Clintonville hotspot is the fantastic rooftop patio. The outdoor space is scattered with comfortable chairs and tables for a leisurely meal under the sun, and provides excellent views of the surrounding urban scenery.
It's no secret that the Grandview Cafe is a preferred gathering place among locals. The institution has been serving Columbus since 1925! The cuisine and vibe have changed over the years but the sense of community has always remained the same. In fact, the Grandview Cafe underwent a complete renovation and overhaul of the menu early last year, but fear not — the iconic, two-story patio remains. Come enjoy comforting bites, a craft cocktail and camaraderie on 3rd Avenue!
This family-owned establishment is a staple in the Columbus community. The restaurant has been so successful in part due to its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, but also because of the delicious menu designed by Brett Fife and the spectacular outdoor patio. Come by during the summer months to enjoy lunch, dinner, brunch or happy hour al fresco.
For top-notch views of the Scioto Mile (and excellent food), look no further than Milestone 229. This bustling spot serves up comforting, new American fare in spectacular modern digs. The large windows open up to views of the spectacular Scioto Mile fountain, but on a beautiful day, we recommend sitting outside to get the full experience. The patio is shaded and provides the perfect spot for sipping on a craft cocktail and sharing a flatbread.
Seventh Son Brewing has served the Italian Village neighborhood since April 2013, providing incredible craft beer and bites from local food trucks in a fun and airy space. Additionally, the brewery is home to one of the most iconic patios in Columbus! On weekends, the outdoor space is bustling with locals and visitors alike catching up and sipping on one of the refreshing beers on tap — which is one of the reasons it landed on our list of the top breweries in Columbus.
Trillium Kitchen and Patio prides itself on its community atmosphere. In fact, it's one of the most popular gathering places in the Tuttle Park area! Executive Chef Bradley Balch whips up delicious, globally inspired plates with an emphasis on seafood and local ingredients, and it seems that each dish is even better than the last. Enjoy the experience on the patio, which boasts a romantic atmosphere and great opportunities for people watching.
Trism is Columbus' hottest new space — and it's tough for us to decide what we love most about it. By day, it's a sunny and healthy eatery serving house-made pastries, smoothie bowls, juices and more. And by night, it's a bar and event space hosting some of the areas most renowned DJs and performers! There are even free yoga classes on the weekends. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy Trism, make sure to take advantage of the patio on summer days.
Watershed Kitchen & Bar's philosophy of honest food, honest drinks, respect for ingredients, and respect for people is what landed it on our list of Columbus' best new restaurants in 2017. The new eatery is located in the heart of the distillery and production facility and offers creative, New American fare alongside craft cocktails made with house-distilled spirits — plus the ability to enjoy your meal outside.