Columbus, Ohio City Guide

Welcome to your Columbus, Ohio City Guide!

I always have tons of readers asking for suggestions on the best things to do in the city and this list covers most of my favorites!

(map c/o On Lane Avenue )

BRUNCH in Columbus:

• Katalina’s – try the pancake balls!
• Milestone 229 – fabulous views.
• Alchemy Juice Bar + Cafe – tons of healthy options, smoothies/juice/bowls.
• Skillet –  cozy German Village spot that serves season, farm to table fare.
• Emmett’s Cafe – Cozy + cute lil’ cafe!
• Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – great atmosphere, beermosas, and doughnuts.
• Cambridge Tea House – the sweetest lil’ tea room!

You can find a full listing of my recommendations on Where to Brunch in Columbus here.

LUNCH in Columbus:

• Brassica – Mediterranean-influenced, casual, perfect lunch spot.
• North Market – Tons of food options, including Little Eater, Jeni’s, and Pistacia Vera.
• La Chatelaine – Cozy and delicious French bakery & bistro.
• Northstar Café – One of our faves – try the Buddha Bowl
• Budd Dairy Food Hall – Lots of options!
• Lindey’s – Charming Columbus classic in German Village. Sit on their patio if it’s warm!

DINNER in Columbus:

• Marcella’s – Fantastic happy hour. Italian. In the Short North.
• Chapman’s Eat Market– Fun spot in German Village!
• Del Mar – Cameron Mitchell restaurant at Easton, with a focus on SoCal food & drinks
• Martini Modern Italian – Best filet in town. Upscale but inviting atmosphere.
• Comune – A cozy + delicious vegetarian restaurant.
• Figlio – Delicious Italian.
• Cento – for special occasions, it doesn’t get better than Cento. Period.
• Basi Italia – the quaintest spot in Columbus

DESSERT in Columbus:

• Pistacia Vera – Macarons, delicious treats.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – You can’t come to Columbus and not try Jeni’s! The best!
• The Cheesecake Girl – lil’ delicious cheesecakes!

COFFEE SHOPS in Columbus:

• Mission Coffee Co. – Short North
• Kittie’s Cakes
• Joya’s – Worthington
• Crimson Cup
• Stauf’s – go-to spot in German Village
• Fox in the Snow Cafe
• Maudine’s – located inside The Junto Hotel!

JUICE BARS in Columbus:

• Alchemy Juice Bar + Cafe
• Native Cold Pressed
• Zest Juice Co.

BEST BARS in Columbus:

• Lincoln Social – GORGEOUS rooftop bar in the heart of the Short North Arts District!
• Seventh Son Brewing – A fun, casual spot!
• Antiques on High – Sister restaurant to Seventh Son, located in the brewery district.
• Pins Mechanical Co. – Fun for families, too! 🙂
• Service Bar – A Middle West Spirits experience – a newer spot with a cozy atmosphere!
• Standard Hall – on High Street in the Short North and has a great patio!
• VASO Rooftop Lounge – Amazing rooftop bar in Dublin!
• Coast – Dublin – The cutest wine bar! Sit outside on their patio!

WHERE TO TAKE KIDS in Columbus:

• Columbus Zoo
• COSI
• Franklin Park Conservatory (especially the Children’s Garden!)
• Columbus Museum of Art

Check out all of my recommendations for the kiddos HERE.

WHERE TO SHOP in Columbus:

• Easton Town Center
• Polaris Fashion Place
• Boutiques in the Short North
• Worthington Farmer’s Market

BEST BOUTIQUES in Columbus:

• STUMP Plants
• Cub Shrub (for the littles!)
• Rowe Boutique
• Homage
• Vernacular

You can find a full listing of my favorite local shops here.

Columbus, Ohio City Guide: Sites to See

• Scioto Mile
• Columbus Zoo
• Ohio State University
• Park of Roses
• Columbus Museum of Art
• COSI
• German Village

BEST HOTELS in Columbus:

• Hilton Downtown
• German Village Guest House
• Hotel LeVeque
• The Westin
• AC Hotel by Marriott Columbus Dublin
• The Joseph
• Graduate Columbus
• The Junto – we love their restaurant & their rooftop bar, too!

BEST SALONS/SPAS in Columbus:

• The Blowout Bar
• The Spa at River Ridge
• Charles Penzone
• Virtue Vegan Salon
• The W Nail Bar

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BEST GYMS/FITNESS CLASSES in Columbus:

• Thank Yoga
• The Fitness Loft
• LA Fitness
• System of Strength

BEST DAY TRIPS from Columbus:

• Granville, Ohio – cozy town east of Columbus with a New England feel
• Yellow Springs, Ohio – fun + quirky town w a chill vibe
• Chillicothe, Ohio – my hometown has a ton of history & charm
• Ohio’s Amish Country – so insanely gorgeous
• Cincinnati – so, so much to do
• Geneva on the Lake – highly recommend a girls’ trip to Ohio’s wine country!
• Lake County – pretty towns on Lake Erie
• Lebanon – a charming town on the way to Cincy
• Marietta – on the Ohio River – so historic & cozy

There you have it – my Columbus, Ohio city guide! What did I miss?!