Liz and Susan welcome you to Columbus
Looking for places to eat around the Convention Center? The #alacartlibrarians have checked out many of these restaurants as they canvassed the Arena District and Short North. Here is a list of some of the restaurants in and around the Convention Center. If you’re “Yelping” it, they are all within the $$ to SSS price range. Reservations are recommended for some of the restaurants such as Martini Modern Italian, Marcellas Ristorante, Barcelona, Lindey’s, and Hyde Park Prime Steak House.
Martini Modern Italian – 445 North High Street
Martini Modern Italian is where timeless and innovative dining intersects, blending contemporary Italian style with classic Italian influence. Dine in a cosmopolitan glow with downtown design and metropolitan energy. Check out the menu here: http://www.martinimodernitalian.com/Menus
Bareburger – 463 North High Street
Whether you are health-conscious and seek out organic alternatives for dining out or you just enjoy a really good burger, check out Bareburger. Bareburger sources organic, grass- fed meat such as beef, bison, ostrich, elk, lamb, wild boar, chicken and turkey to create their unique variety of burgers, made to order. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans that include the new quinoa veggie patty, black bean patty, and Portobello mushroom burger. Bareburger has an impressive array of salads and sandwiches and a delicious dessert so save room for the Bare Sammies. Check out the menu here: http://bareburger.com/menu/
Barley’s Brewing Company – 467 North High Street
On the casual side, Barley’s opened in 1992, and one of its special events is Firkin Friday in which customers can taste cask-conditioned ale. Its menu has something for every palate from soups, to sandwiches, to wraps, to salads. The dinner menu includes White Truffle Mac’n Cheese, Panko Crusted Pecan Chicken, Grilled Sirloin, and much more. Check out the menu here: http://www.barleysbrewing.com/menu/barleys_dinner_2013.pdf
Double Comfort Restaurant – 505 North High Street
Memphis-style fried chicken is Double Comfort’s specialty. Historic, wood-trimmed pub with on-site brewing & a menu of surf ‘n’ turf & other American fare.Peel’n Eat Crawfish, Housemade Pork Rinds, Sweet Corn Fritters are for openers and the sides include Red Beans’n Rice, Chef Dan’s Mac’n Cheese, Braised Southern Greens. The desserts – Key Lime Pie, Beignets, and the King (dessert made famous by Elvis Presley). Check out the menu here: http://www.doublecomfortrestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/FINAL-NEW-MENU-9-5-15.pdf
LemonGrass – 641 North High Street
Lemongrass was one of the first Pan-Asian restaurants in Columbus when it opened in the Short North six years ago. It’s one of most successful, largely because of a menu that doesn’t stand still. – Columbus Dispatch. Check out the menu here: http://www.lemongrassfusion.com/dinner-menu.html
Forno – 721 North High Street
Forno is a unique stone-fired dining experience. Meaning “oven” in Italian (and in a number of other romantic languages) you’ll find the right touch of heat when you step into Forno. It offers American cuisine which is finished in a stone-fired oven. From shareable plates to sizable entrees, everyone will find something they like. Guests can enjoy a fun and lively show as the chef’s work from the oven which sits front and center in the dining room. Forno is located in an historical building that adds an old-world charm to the modern design. Check out the menu here: http://www.fornoshortnorth.com/menus/
Philco Bar and Diner – 747 North High Street
Located in the heart of the Short North this tiny diner is packed with your typical diner food but with a flare. Hushpuppies, Nutella grilled cheese, herb-crusted steak and potatoes, Coney dogs, fish stick tacos and much more. Serves breakfast too. Check out the menu here: http://philcodiner.com/menu-test/
Buca de Beppo – 343 North Front Street
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant is the perfect place in Columbus for great Italian food and fun! Buca offers authentic Italian food in an eclectic, vintage setting. Buca’s family-style dishes are perfect for celebrations and groups of all sizes. Check out the menu here: http://www.bucadibeppo.com/menu/dinner/
Ted’s Montana Grill – 191 West Nationwide Blvd.
Ted Turner joined forces with chef George McKerrow Jr. to create Ted’s Montana Grill. Casual dining that features American cuisine such as Karen’s “Flying-D” Bison Chili, St. Phillip’s Island Crab Cakes, Bar None Sliders, burgers, and premium steak cuts such as Delmonico Ribeye. Check out the menu here: http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com/menu_steaks.html
Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar – 191 West Nationwide Blvd.
With over 40 restaurants across the U.S. and Mexico, Boston’s offers comfort foods such as burgers, chicken wings, and gourmet pizzas. Check out the menu here: http://www.bostons.com/menu
Nada – 220 West Nationwide Blvd.
It’s been described as an upscale Mexican-inspired restaurant with electric design. Nada’s menu features a contemporary take on Mexican. The Columbus menu will include multiple new dishes like the pastor taco with chili marinated pork, pickled white onion, and guajillo Diablo sauce, and the arrachera taco with black bean puree, guacamole, crema, rajas, and chihuahua cheese. Check out the menu here: http://www.eatdrinknada.com/columbus/
Check out these great restaurants just blocks away from the Convention Center.
Max and Erma’s – 55 East Nationwide Blvd.
Max and Erma’s offers casual dining and is known for its award-winning burgers and locally brewed beers. Although it is a chain – it’s a Columbus-based chain and a Columbus favorite since 1972. Check out the menu here: http://www.maxandermas.com/menu/
Flat Iron Grill – 129 East Nationwide Blvd.
It’s been described as a “collegial spot in a historic building serving po’ boys, jambalaya, BBQ ribs & cocktails.” If you like Cajun, Creole, barbecue, and low country cuisine then be sure and check out this chef-driven and made-from-scratch restaurant. Check out the menu here: http://flatironcolumbus.com/
Bakersfield – 733 North High Street
It’s been described as “a casual, quirky choice featuring tacos with handmade tortillas, plus a long cocktail & beer list.” Check out the menu here: http://www.bakersfieldtacos.com/menu/
Plantain Cafe – 77 East Gay Street
Open from 11 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Plantain Cafe is known as a “colorful cafe with a menu focused on Cuban sandwiches and entrees.” It also serves tacos and burrito bowls. Check out the menu here: http://www.plantaincafe.com/menu/
Elevator Brewery and Draught House – 161 North High Street
It’s been described as “historic, wood-trimmed pub with on-site brewing & a menu of surf ‘n’ turf & other American fare.” The history behind the Columbia building, in which the restaurant is located, makes for interesting dinner conversation. Check out the menu here: http://www.elevatorbrewing.com/menus/
Marcella’s Ristorante – 615 North High Street
Named by Columbus Alive 2015 as “Best of Columbus for Best of Italian and Best Small Plates,” Marcella’s is known for its “bustling burst of Italian flavor and energy.” Check out the menu here: http://shortnorth.marcellasristorante.com/menus.aspx
Hyde Park Prime Steak House – 569 North High Street
It’s been described as a “high-end steakhouse chain serving grilled meats, seafood & cocktails in a sophisticated setting.” Reservations required. Check out the menu here: http://www.hydeparkrestaurants.com/menus/index.htm
If you are interested in hopping the Cbus (free) you can explore the restaurants in German Village.
Barcelona – 263 East Whittier Street
Located in a 100-year old building, Barcelona is a unique dining experience. It’s been called a “culinary fusion of metropolitan chic and Old World European charm.” Delicious sangrias, Spanish small plates and paellas await you. Reservations a must. Check here for the menu: http://www.barcelonacolumbus.com/menu/
Lindey’s – 169 East Beck Street
American bistro offered in a unique dining venue. Reservations a must. Check here for the menu: http://www.lindeys.com/Menus.aspx
Schmidts Sausage Haus – 240 East Kossuth Street
A Columbus staple since 1967, Schmidt’s feature sausage is the Bahama Mama and you have to try their signature dessert – cream puffs. Check out their menu here: http://www.schmidthaus.com/restaurant-menu-2/
For more restaurant suggestions visit
Food & Drink – Arena District at this website – http://arenadistrict.com/food-and-drink/
Eat & Drink – Short North at this website – http://shortnorth.org/eat-drink/
Looking forward to seeing you in Columbus!
Your Local Arrangement Co-chairs
Liz Deskins
Susan Yutzey
Author: Susan Yutzey
Categories: AASL National Conference, Blog Topics, Community
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