Photo courtesy of the Ringside Cafe
Cozied up in an alley in downtown lies a century-old tavern serving up some of the best burgers in town. The Ringside Cafe, which has been around since 1897 (wowza), is a little taste of history in an otherwise modernized, urban area. The dining area is decorated with charming memorabilia from days gone by, including antique paintings and stained glass windows, and features a friendly, pub-like ambience that invites you in to stay awhile. After you've ordered a pint, move on to the "Heavyweights" section of the menu. Here, you'll see an impressive list of burgers, all named after famous wrestling champions — the Oscar de La Hoya, with roasted red pepper, provolone and garlic aioli, is our favorite.
Photo courtesy of Third and Hollywood
If you're looking for a burger experience that's a bit more elevated, Third and Hollywood is your place. The dimly-lit dining room is perfect for a romantic date night, and the menu features chef-driven, cleverly-crafted comfort food with an urban twist. Start your meal off with some whole grilled artichokes or an iron skillet of cheddar herb biscuits before moving on to the main event. The Hollywood Burger is your target, and features Niman Ranch brisket and chuck ground in-house daily, topped with cheddar and served with french fries. This is honestly one of the most beautiful meals we've ever seen, which is why it made our list of The Most Instagram-Worthy Meals in Columbus.
Photo courtesy of Eden Burger
We didn't think we'd live to see the day a meatless burger made a top-ten list, but today is that day. Eden Burger opened in early July on North High Street, and has already made a splash in the Columbus food scene with its creative combinations and fun atmosphere. Carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike will swoon over the hearty cheeseburgers, fried pickles, milkshakes and hand-cut fries — all plant-based, all organic, and all delicious.
Photo courtesy of Stack City Burger Bar
This cheerful burger joint never fails to impress with its hearty burgers, thick shakes, and a la carte sides. The burgers are all made with locally sourced, grass-fed beef and served on a sesame seed bun, and come in standard and large sizes (always get the large). We recommend the Red White & Blue burger, which comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle — and we always add that bacon because 'Merica.
Columbus is quickly climbing the charts as one of the top foodie towns in America. Regardless of what you're craving, be it a heaping grilled cheese, a street taco, or an elegant seafood meal, you can bet to find a pub, restaurant or booth within city limits to curb your hunger. We've gathered up some of the most Instagram-worthy dishes across town, so you can see for yourself.
Nowadays, traveling across town, or even across the world, is possible just with the tap of your thumb on a small screen. So enjoy flipping through these completely drool-worthy images of Columbus' best meals, but make sure to actually go and experience them in person afterward.
These pictures might look good enough to eat, but the real deal is even better.
Ice Cream Almost Too Pretty to Eat from Simply Rolled
It's BYOB at Poke Bros! (Build Your own Bowl)
Just Look at This Crispy Panini from Caffé Apropos
Or This Incredible Example of a Cheeseburger from Third and Hollywood
Please get us This Grilled Cheese/Burger Combo from Melt Bar & Grilled
A Gyro Wrap from Zaki Grill
This Ice Cream Extravaganza from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
All of This from Brassica Short North
A Spicy, Pickle-Topped Number from Donatos Pizza
These Sweet Treats from Laughlin's Bakery
A Crispy Stack from Bakersfield Short North
A Rainbow of Juices from Native Cold Pressed
A Hearty Boxed Lunch from Hot Chicken Takeover
A Family of Unicorns from the Flour Exchange
A Beautiful Pie from Goremade Pizza
A Pretzel that EVERYONE Wants from Brezel
A Literal Tower of Meat from Lexi's on Third
A Vegan Burger Good Enough for Carnivores from Eden Burger
The Perfectly Crispy, Ahi Tacos from Forno Short North
A Swoon-Worthy Spread from Condado Tacos
Sweet Dreams are Made of Cheese, Thanks to This Creation from Sweet Carrot
Scrumptious Veggie Toast from Rockmill Tavern
Fried Chicken Goodness from Standard Hall
These Poptarts that are Almost Too Pretty to Eat from Trism
This Patriotic Treat from Hadley's Bar + Kitchen
A Bowl of Goodness from Aloha Streatery
We hope this didn't make you too hungry! Make sure to follow us on Instagram for more swoon-worthy lifestyle images of Columbus.
Looking for 2019 Fourth of July events? Check out our most recent guide: 13 Fourth of July Events + Fireworks Displays in Columbus, Ohio
241 years ago, our founding fathers signed our great nation into existence — giving us freedom as well as one heck of a reason to celebrate. Fourth of July weekend is finally upon us, bringing with it the chance to gather with friends and family and enjoy one of the most anticipated highlights of the season. While hosting a picnic and lighting sparklers at home is great, there are so many exciting events in Columbus, and it would be a shame to miss out on the fun. Fireworks will go off around town on the evening of Independence Day, but we plan on celebrating all weekend long with concerts, 5Ks, festivals and more. Below, we've gathered up some of our favorite events in town, so don your star-spangled apparel and get ready to make this weekend one for the books.
Photo courtesy of Randall Schieber via the Columbus Symphony
This summer tradition with the Columbus Symphony is always a night to remember. Come enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites and Sousa marches with brilliant light displays. Of course, the beloved event would not be complete without fireworks, which will take place after the show.
Graphic courtesy of Reel Big Fish's Facebook Page
Celebrate the long weekend with a day of ska, craft beer and good times. While you're sampling craft brews from all over the country (and participating in a few drinking games) at Newport Music Hall, you'll be dancing along to lively tunes from the Expendables, the Queers, Tunnel Vision, and headliner Reel Big Fish.
Photo courtesy of the Charity Day 5K
Feel like giving back (and working off some of those burgers and brats while you're at it)? Don't miss the Charity Day 5K, during which runners and walkers alike will take to the streets of downtown Columbus in honor of several charitable organizations. During registration, participants can choose their beneficiary to be sure they're racing for a cause they truly care about! After the race, enjoy a post-race party hosted by Red, White & Boom. Register here.
Photo courtesy of Red, White & BOOM
More than 400,000 people will gather in downtown Columbus for the largest fireworks display in the state! Red, White & BOOM began in 1981 as a small celebration, and has grown exponentially over the years. It's not tough to see why the event is so popular! Sure, the fireworks are spectacular, but there will also be a grand parade, live music, dancing, and an after party to conclude the night!
Photo courtesy of the Doo Dah Parade
The self-proclaimed celebration of liberty and lunacy will return to Columbus this year! Everything will go topsy turvy at the craziest parade in town. Antics kick off at 10 am and continue all day, and the parade will begin at 1 pm. While you're not watching, enjoy free live music, vendors, beer and bites from local restaurants.
The Independence Day celebration in nearby Dublin is one of the best around, offering a full day of food, music, and fun for all ages. Come early to witness the Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby at 8am, and then spend the rest of the day eating ice cream, enjoying the parade, watching the dogs in a canine frisbee competition, and dancing along to the tunes of Peter Frampton. The event will conclude with a massive fireworks display at the high school stadium.