Columbus: A Local's Guide

I was recently at the DMV proving my Ohio residency after spending the last 6 (!!) years here. Now that I'm an ~official~ Buckeye, it feels like I’m qualified to share my favorite spots in Columbus…

[This is a growing, evolving, living list; expect changes as I find more good food and good vibes.]

Oakland Nursery

This shouldn't be surprising since I love plants! I typically spend most of my time in the tropical rooms since I like leafier plants, but I'll also wander off to check on a few special spots that I hold near and dear. It's best to go mid-spring and early summer when the outdoor portion is covered with flower options and herbs.

Two Dollar Radio Headquarters

As someone who knew TDR as a 3-person effort around Eric and Eliza's dining room table, this space is so very special. I love the handmade bar and tables, the natural lighting, the plants, the lavender lattes, and the peanut butter brownie. There's a positive, upbeat spirit you can sense the moment you walk in—plus, you can find a book just about anyone would love. Their whole menu is vegan, and it's a great place to spend a whole day since they have coffee all day and beer/cocktails in the evenings.

The Bottle Shop

Think Marcel Duchamp meets dimly lit bohemian. Cocktails that are snazzy and brought to your table so you don't have to linger in the tight space between the bar and the bathroom(I don't get to use "snazzy" often enough in my daily conversations).

The Pizutti Collection

For art-goers, this collection is across from Goodale Park and features rotating exhibitions. I saw a handful of gorgeous Frank Stella works here a few years ago. They have a great student deal (free entry) too. I'd prefer to go here than the Columbus Museum of Art. #hottake

Pattycake Bakery

One word: yum. Pattycake is an all-vegan bakery tucked into the smallest building with an even smaller parking lot. Their treats are a bit more expensive (as vegan treats tend to be), but they are SO worth it. My top picks are: Marry Me Blueberry Muffin, Lemon cupcake, and Apple Pie (when they have it).

Brassica

Again, yum. Brassica is like Chipotle's older cousin who traveled to the Mediterranean and came back cultured. I've heard that it can be hard to pair some of their pita/salad topping options together, but I've always been successful with baba ghanoush, greens, falafel, crispy onions, cukes + radishes, eggplant, cauliflower, roasted carrots, and special sauce. Now that you know my order, feel free to bring me some any time you go. ;)

German Village Coffee Shop

If you ever ask me where we should grab breakfast, I will say GVCS 10 out of 10 times. It is a sentimental diner nuzzled between cafes on Thurman Ave. It's always warm, and you can watch the cook prepare the food behind the counter. My go-to order is the veggie omelet, rye toast, and a pancake twice the size of my face. Breakfast or lunch for 2 is less than $15, which is hard to beat anywhere, especially GV.

Koko

I love sustainability and I love reusing things like pasta jars and spray bottles. Koko is a sustainable living shop with locations in Hilltop & Clintonville. The people who work at Koko (hi, friends!) are bright, uplifting, and knowledgeable. I can’t walk out without buying at least a few things.

Seventh Son

I love the plants, beer, vibes, and Assistant Manager cat at Seventh Son. I’ve been going for years 7 years, and my favorite beers all live here: Proliferious, Assistant Manager, Scientist, Rime, and so on. On Saturdays, I get the food truck for lunch. On weeknights, I like to sit upstairs. And the beer always tastes better as part of a bike & brew bar crawl.

Eden Burger

Sometimes a Beyond Burger doesn’t do it for me, and as a vegetarian that really limits my options. A Northstar Burger is good, but Eden Burger is my go-to for a burger and fries that tastes a bit greasy/sloppy/delicious in the way that a burger and fries (and sometimes a milkshake) does.

Parable

Thanks for the photo, Britt.

If you want good coffee, and I mean good coffee—go to Parable. The space is bright and calming, the music is boppy, and the drinks are well worth the price. The shop is also employee-owned!

Paulie Gees

Paulis Gees has my favorite pizza(s). Go on a Wednesday and get the 3 for $33 deal. There are a handful of vegan options I pick from, but I always get the Daniela Spinaci. The cashew ricotta is what clouds, and dreams, are made of.

The Book Loft

The Book Loft is a magical place: 32 rooms packed the the brim with shelves of books. It’s open every day of the year, and you’re certain to find something (or many somethings) that pique your interest. This is a great spot for a date, killing time, or to show off to anyone visiting town. It’s a true treasure.