Food and Entertainment
in Columbus

The City of Columbus, which bears the name of the explorer Christopher Columbus, is a dynamic destination with a thriving cultural scene and neighborhoods that are packed with attractions, live music venues, and of course, FOOD!

With such a diverse population, there are hundreds of unique restaurants in Columbus and is one reason why Columbus Ohio has become one of the biggest “food test markets” in the United States for hundreds of different styles of food..

While you are in our picturesque city, you should take the chance to explore some of the magnificent rooftop bars, outdoor concert venues, and the local pubs and eateries. With so much to explore and do, make a bucket list of some fun things to do in Columbus. Get ready to have a great time in the “Arch City” with activities available for you, your family and friends. Before we get started, if you have a pest problem and need some help, feel free to reach out to us.

Food & Drinks

1. Book Your Table at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus

Feeling hungry? A delicious menu is one of the best ways to explore a new place, and if you’re looking for traditional Columbus cuisine, try a Columbus classic, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. The restaurant has frequently been on television thanks to its delectable menu and history in German Village, a neighborhood near downtown Columbus.

In addition to serving dishes as big as your head, this renowned eatery is has excellent catering options and food trucks, serving a German menu full of sausage like their famous Bahama Mama, cream puffs, and alpine chicken spaetzle and some native German oompah music!

2. Sample Everything at Budd Dairy Food Hall

Columbus is bringing shades of Europe to the US with places like Budd Dairy Food Hall, a 2-story building with 8 unique kitchens, bars everywhere and plenty of seating, including an enclosed rooftop area. This “kitchen incubator” brings delectable dishes of all sorts under one roof given you dozens of choices for what your craving. Where else can you get delicious Cuban cuisine, a Filipino rice bowl, Maine lobster dishes, a kickass chicken sandwich, authentic Mexican tacos, and White Chocolate Raspberry cheesecake, all under one roof? One place – Budd Dairy Food Hall.

3. Have a Cup or Cone at Jeni's Ice Cream

If you haven’t experienced Jeni’s ice cream yet, now is the time. It’s one of those iconic experiences in Columbus.

The locally-based company, founded by Columbus native Jeni Britton Bauer, has expanded to numerous stores throughout the city (and nationwide) and has been enticing taste buds throughout the city since 2002. It offers favorites like Hot Chocolate, Watermelon Taffy, Jelly Donut, Brambleberry Crisp as well as traditional flavors like salted caramel and Cookies and Cream.

4. Blow Your Whistle on a Brewery Tour

One for thirsty tourists, Columbus is definitely not shy when it comes to beer! While it may not be as well known as Boston or West Coast counterparts in California or Colorado, Columbus’ brewery scene has grown steadily over the years—with almost twenty breweries operating within city limits and many more in the suburbs.

If you’re a beer freak who loves to distill your hops from your malts (or just someone looking to discover this burgeoning industry), take your taste buds on a tour, go behind the scenes, and sample some of the most ahh-worthy beers near the aptly titled Brewery District.

On dedicated tours, you’ll not only sample plenty of regional brews but also get a behind-the-scenes look in the boiler room and discover how your favorite drinks are prepared! In the past, we would have recommendded visiting the Budwieser plant near Shrock road and Busch Blvd but the tours got a little rowdy and Budwieser shut down their tours.

Thinking of traveling solo? Rockmill Tavern, Endeavor Brewing, North High Brewing, or Barley’s Brewing Company are great places to start.

5. The North Market

The North Market Farmers Market, founded in 1876, is jam-packed with countless food vendors right on Park Street in downtown Columbus. With over 20 farmers selling their delicious homegrown fruits and vegetables, plantains, flowers, honey, and aromatic herbs, the variety of fresh items on display by local producers is incredible. You can also get plenty of handcrafted items, baked goods, and fresh meats here too.

If you and your family feel like stopping by for a meal or drink, there are also incredible culinary options that include delicious food option from around the world! The market is open daily with hours varying so be sure to check before you visit.

6. Taco trucks and Street Food aplenty in Columbus

A simple snack made into a work of beauty! Tacos are a favourite cuisine among Columbus locals, who even go as far as to host a Taco Festival each May. The taco trucks are run by passionate foodies, and they frequently serve dishes or recipes that originate in various parts of Mexico.

You can download the Street Food Finder app to check which food trucks are near you. Take a walk around Columbus Commons at lunchtime and see dozens of food trucks serving up global cuisine: taco Trucks, Chipotle-style bowls, mouth watering BBQ, Island Noodles, Caribbean jerk-chicken and more. There’s even the Columbus Food Truck Festival every year, bringing in the best of the best of local food trucks.

Entertainment

1. Cheer on Columbus’ Professional and Minor League Teams

With two major professional sports teams and a minor league baseball team in Columbus, the city is stepping up its game in the sports arena. Visit the Nationwide Arena to watch a National Hockey League game with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Come early to catch the pre-game warm-up skate a half-hour before the puck drops for more entertainment.

You can also wear your black and gold to support the Columbus Crew, a Major League Soccer team that plays in the brand new stadium, Lower.com Field, just west of Neil down Nationwide Blvd. And right next door to the Crew are the Columbus Clippers, a minor league baseball which play at Huntington Park, voted one of the best stadiums in all of baseball. Don’t miss Tuesday’s Dime-a-Dog during the night or Party-at-the-park Saturdays with a pre-game concert in right field.

2. Catch an Ohio State Buckeyes Football Game

Big fan of football? Then you should come to Ohio Stadium for a Buckeyes game. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to be on campus for an Ohio state game to attend a weekend game featuring the THE Ohio State Buckeyes inOhio Stadium. Also known as “The Horseshoe” or “The House That Harley Built,” it was built in the 1920’s after Chic Harley had such a enthusiasm for the game and got the crowd into it so much that $1.3 million dollars was donated in 1920 to build the new stadium that we know today.

With a capacity of more than 100,000, this Ohio Stadium ranks among the largest football stadiums in the entire nation. During game day, everyone is decked out in scarlet and gray to cheer on the Buckeyes. Ohio Stadium is a fantastic experience for everyone, even if you aren’t a big football fan.

3. Easton or Polaris? Hit the Mall for some Shopping

Polaris Fashion Place to the north and Easton Town Center to the east are Columbus’ two major shopping centers. If you need retail therapy these are the places you should go. In fact, both shopping centers consist of an indoor mall with multiple levels as well as a larger outdoor complex with additional shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Easton’s outdoor shopping is more robust and walkable while Polaris you may have to drive from one area to the next.

The stores sell everything from Ohio-made products to luxury brands such as Tiffany & Co. and Apple. There are several hundred stores in each mall, and there are even more in surrounding shopping centres and outdoor malls. Even if you don’t “need” to buy anything, these are enjoyable locations to visit and walk around.

4. Bust Out Your Dance Moves

Whether you’re a fan of dance and music or just looking for something to do during your trip with your better half, think about going to one of the many concerts held at the Schottenstein Center.

With over 200 events per year, there is always something happening here! The Schottenstein Center is a famous venue that has hosted famous musicians for decades now, not to mention both Ohio State men’s and women’s basketball games. Artists like Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, and Tina Turner have graced its stage in the past, to name but a few.

If the Schott doesn’t have enough music for you, check out Kemba Live and the A&R Music bar. Both located downtown on Neil Ave near the Clippers stadium, many well known bands and local favorites play at these venues. Kemba Live, formerly known as the LC Pavilion, is a unique experience if you haven’t gone as it can be both an inside show during the winter or an outside venue with a lawn seats in the summer. No matter when you have the concert bug, you can enjoy a show at Kemba Live.

5. Get your art on in the Short North Gallery

If yourin Columbus during the first Saturday of the month, you should add the Short North Gallery Hop into your planning. The Gallery Hop is among the most enjoyable free events in Columbus where boutique shops and art galleries in the Short North arts district stay open late to promote local businesses and artists. Even if you just come to window shop, it is a fun evening activity for friends and couples to roam around High Street, which offers the best people-watching in the city. You may even run into some stilt walkers and improv artists, or some musicians playing at a local bar. All are welcome in the diverse Short North.

Conclusion

Prefer to keep yourself busy while on vacation? If yes, Columbus would be a perfect fit. There are plenty of opportunities in this state capital when it comes to fine dining, activities and must-see destinations. No matter where you are in the City, excitement is to be expected and there’s something for every age group of interest. Come and enjoy Columbus.

Food and Entertainment in Columbus