I have lived in Columbus off and on for the past 8 years.
That’s A LOT of food / drinks / places I’ve been to, eaten, and seen! Today I’m sharing the top places that I adore in Columbus. The spots that I can’t wait to go back to the next time I’m in town. Here we go!
Roosevelt Coffee
Roosevelt knows what’s up when it comes to roasting & crafting beverages. My favorite thing to order is an almond milk latte with honey. So many coffee shops do real dairy well, but lack when it comes to alternative milks – not Roosevelt. There are multiple locations, but my favorite is their Franklinton spot. Best baristas in the city, hands down. They are all about good coffee for good, and back it up when it comes to their philanthropic side. Roosevelt will forever be my favorite coffee shop.
Woodhouse
I have followed Woodhouse around like a lost puppy – this vegan popup turned straight up restaurant is owned by the baddest babes in the biz. The Woodhouse sisters saw a cuisine that was lacking terribly in Columbus (vegan), and made it their own, killing it with each item they’ve added to their menu. Now you can find them in a new home in Italian Village, where they sling the best food you can find. Try the caesar cheeser if it’s on the menu, as well as the nachos. And be sure to get whatever dessert they have – their baker is a damn magician.
Jeni’s
As you are all well aware, I freakin love Jeni’s Ice Cream. I know every scoop shop out there is now experimenting with non traditional flavors and flavor combos, and I’m sure they’re all wonderful… but Jeni’s is still better. It’s just a fact. She’s got scoop shops all over the city, but the Bexley location is my favorite. Try the coconut cold brew (dairy-free!), or the goat cheese and red cherry – you won’t be sorry!!
North Market
Nestled back off of High Street between downtown and the Short North is our cute little North Market. This market is full of food, and has less purveyors of goods and products, so I recommend stopping in for a tour de north market & try all the yummy eateries with friends! Must eats are: Jeni’s (duh), Pistacia Vera, and Lan Viet. I heard a ramen bar just opened up there as well, so if you go, let me know your thoughts.
Zaftig
Oh Zaftig brewery, I’m so proud of them, they just opened up a second location off of 5th ave on the outskirts of Italian Village! Next time I’m in Cbus, I’m going to pop in and see the new digs. I frequented their Worthington location when I lived closer to it, but I made sure to stop in from time to time. I have never been to a brewery where I loved each and every beer produced until i stepped into Zaftig. I highly recommend Hazy Miss Daisy. Bonus: They are dog friendly & have rotating food trucks.
GoreMade Pizza
When I first moved to the Italian Village neighborhood of Columbus, I had just returned from a trip to Italy, so naturally I was craving pizza. Enter GoreMade. These guys are weird, wacky, and know how to make a damn good pizza. I stick to their simple pie, the comfort zone harry, but I’ve seen many a good pie come out of their wood fired oven. They also do this great Sunday night dinner special that you have to check out; and their happy hour is literally amazing. Pro tip – when ramp season is upon us, add them to your pizza!
LIT life + yoga
LIT was the very first studio I went to in Columbus, and in a weird turn of events, I worked for the studio and fell even more in love with it. They are now on classpass, which I know everyone drools over, and they have the best instructors. My top classes are: Amy’s Thursday night aireal, and Babajide teaches a killer class, if you really want to sweat. This studio is great for reminding you that your mat is your space, challenging you to show up for yourself, and making you feel amazing. Plus, hello the aesthetic is gorgeous.
Farmer’s Markets
When in season, I couldn’t recommend the outdoor Worthington farmers market more – the stands, food, and music are so wonderful. The Clintonville farmers market is a little closer if you are staying downtown, and it’s almost as good. I feel like that one just gets so crowded that I’m having to get a game plan together before I walk in, whereas Worthington’s I can leisurely stroll. Plus, Worthington has Native juice as a vendor and I love them so, so much.
Ebb & Float
This is the small business I love the most. My incredible friends, Kym & Rick, own the best float spa I’ve ever been to in my life. If you’ve never had the pleasure of floating, please give Ebb & Float a try. Here is the best set up for a perfect afternoon: book a massage in their amazing massage chairs, then sauna in the infrared deluxe sauna, and lastly have a float. I go for the wave cabin – it resembles a walk in shower, so you won’t feel claustrophobic. Use my name at booking for an extra special discount!
Where to stay
The Leveque tower is probably my favorite building in the Columbus skyline, and even though the top is residential, the bottom is a beautiful hotel! It’s also an autograph collection by Marriott, and I’m a big fan of this line Marriott has. I’ve also stayed at the Hilton downtown, which is in a stellar location – right by the North Market, and in walking distance to just about everything on this list. There is also a newer hotel that I had the pleasure of touring, Canopy by Hilton. Tucked away, but still central to everything, Canopy is making its way to my favorite hotel in Columbus with its beautiful patios + rooftop bar.
Overall
There are easily 50 more places that I could include on this list, from incredible restaurants to breweries, coffee shops and boutiques alike, but these are my absolute musts. I can’t wait to visit Columbus again and pop back into all of my favorite places! If you’re a Cbus native / transplant, let me know some of your favorites around the city!
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