Photo courtesy of the Ringside Cafe
Cozied up in an alley in downtown lies a century-old tavern serving up some of the best burgers in town. The Ringside Cafe, which has been around since 1897 (wowza), is a little taste of history in an otherwise modernized, urban area. The dining area is decorated with charming memorabilia from days gone by, including antique paintings and stained glass windows, and features a friendly, pub-like ambience that invites you in to stay awhile. After you've ordered a pint, move on to the "Heavyweights" section of the menu. Here, you'll see an impressive list of burgers, all named after famous wrestling champions — the Oscar de La Hoya, with roasted red pepper, provolone and garlic aioli, is our favorite.
Photo courtesy of Third and Hollywood
If you're looking for a burger experience that's a bit more elevated, Third and Hollywood is your place. The dimly-lit dining room is perfect for a romantic date night, and the menu features chef-driven, cleverly-crafted comfort food with an urban twist. Start your meal off with some whole grilled artichokes or an iron skillet of cheddar herb biscuits before moving on to the main event. The Hollywood Burger is your target, and features Niman Ranch brisket and chuck ground in-house daily, topped with cheddar and served with french fries. This is honestly one of the most beautiful meals we've ever seen, which is why it made our list of The Most Instagram-Worthy Meals in Columbus.
Photo courtesy of Eden Burger
We didn't think we'd live to see the day a meatless burger made a top-ten list, but today is that day. Eden Burger opened in early July on North High Street, and has already made a splash in the Columbus food scene with its creative combinations and fun atmosphere. Carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike will swoon over the hearty cheeseburgers, fried pickles, milkshakes and hand-cut fries — all plant-based, all organic, and all delicious.
Photo courtesy of Stack City Burger Bar
This cheerful burger joint never fails to impress with its hearty burgers, thick shakes, and a la carte sides. The burgers are all made with locally sourced, grass-fed beef and served on a sesame seed bun, and come in standard and large sizes (always get the large). We recommend the Red White & Blue burger, which comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle — and we always add that bacon because 'Merica.
Columbus is quickly climbing the charts as one of the top foodie towns in America. Regardless of what you're craving, be it a heaping grilled cheese, a street taco, or an elegant seafood meal, you can bet to find a pub, restaurant or booth within city limits to curb your hunger. We've gathered up some of the most Instagram-worthy dishes across town, so you can see for yourself.
Nowadays, traveling across town, or even across the world, is possible just with the tap of your thumb on a small screen. So enjoy flipping through these completely drool-worthy images of Columbus' best meals, but make sure to actually go and experience them in person afterward.
These pictures might look good enough to eat, but the real deal is even better.
Ice Cream Almost Too Pretty to Eat from Simply Rolled
It's BYOB at Poke Bros! (Build Your own Bowl)
Just Look at This Crispy Panini from Caffé Apropos
Or This Incredible Example of a Cheeseburger from Third and Hollywood
Please get us This Grilled Cheese/Burger Combo from Melt Bar & Grilled
A Gyro Wrap from Zaki Grill
This Ice Cream Extravaganza from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
All of This from Brassica Short North
A Spicy, Pickle-Topped Number from Donatos Pizza
These Sweet Treats from Laughlin's Bakery
A Crispy Stack from Bakersfield Short North
A Rainbow of Juices from Native Cold Pressed
A Hearty Boxed Lunch from Hot Chicken Takeover
A Family of Unicorns from the Flour Exchange
A Beautiful Pie from Goremade Pizza
A Pretzel that EVERYONE Wants from Brezel
A Literal Tower of Meat from Lexi's on Third
A Vegan Burger Good Enough for Carnivores from Eden Burger
The Perfectly Crispy, Ahi Tacos from Forno Short North
A Swoon-Worthy Spread from Condado Tacos
Sweet Dreams are Made of Cheese, Thanks to This Creation from Sweet Carrot
Scrumptious Veggie Toast from Rockmill Tavern
Fried Chicken Goodness from Standard Hall
These Poptarts that are Almost Too Pretty to Eat from Trism
This Patriotic Treat from Hadley's Bar + Kitchen
A Bowl of Goodness from Aloha Streatery
We hope this didn't make you too hungry! Make sure to follow us on Instagram for more swoon-worthy lifestyle images of Columbus.
Looking for 2019 Fourth of July events? Check out our most recent guide: 13 Fourth of July Events + Fireworks Displays in Columbus, Ohio
241 years ago, our founding fathers signed our great nation into existence — giving us freedom as well as one heck of a reason to celebrate. Fourth of July weekend is finally upon us, bringing with it the chance to gather with friends and family and enjoy one of the most anticipated highlights of the season. While hosting a picnic and lighting sparklers at home is great, there are so many exciting events in Columbus, and it would be a shame to miss out on the fun. Fireworks will go off around town on the evening of Independence Day, but we plan on celebrating all weekend long with concerts, 5Ks, festivals and more. Below, we've gathered up some of our favorite events in town, so don your star-spangled apparel and get ready to make this weekend one for the books.
Photo courtesy of Randall Schieber via the Columbus Symphony
This summer tradition with the Columbus Symphony is always a night to remember. Come enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites and Sousa marches with brilliant light displays. Of course, the beloved event would not be complete without fireworks, which will take place after the show.
Graphic courtesy of Reel Big Fish's Facebook Page
Celebrate the long weekend with a day of ska, craft beer and good times. While you're sampling craft brews from all over the country (and participating in a few drinking games) at Newport Music Hall, you'll be dancing along to lively tunes from the Expendables, the Queers, Tunnel Vision, and headliner Reel Big Fish.
Photo courtesy of the Charity Day 5K
Feel like giving back (and working off some of those burgers and brats while you're at it)? Don't miss the Charity Day 5K, during which runners and walkers alike will take to the streets of downtown Columbus in honor of several charitable organizations. During registration, participants can choose their beneficiary to be sure they're racing for a cause they truly care about! After the race, enjoy a post-race party hosted by Red, White & Boom. Register here.
Photo courtesy of Red, White & BOOM
More than 400,000 people will gather in downtown Columbus for the largest fireworks display in the state! Red, White & BOOM began in 1981 as a small celebration, and has grown exponentially over the years. It's not tough to see why the event is so popular! Sure, the fireworks are spectacular, but there will also be a grand parade, live music, dancing, and an after party to conclude the night!
Photo courtesy of the Doo Dah Parade
The self-proclaimed celebration of liberty and lunacy will return to Columbus this year! Everything will go topsy turvy at the craziest parade in town. Antics kick off at 10 am and continue all day, and the parade will begin at 1 pm. While you're not watching, enjoy free live music, vendors, beer and bites from local restaurants.
The Independence Day celebration in nearby Dublin is one of the best around, offering a full day of food, music, and fun for all ages. Come early to witness the Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby at 8am, and then spend the rest of the day eating ice cream, enjoying the parade, watching the dogs in a canine frisbee competition, and dancing along to the tunes of Peter Frampton. The event will conclude with a massive fireworks display at the high school stadium.
Photo courtesy of Angela Perley & The Howlin' Moons
The Rock 'n' Roll beats of Angela Perley & The Howlin' Moons are as danceable as they are enviable. Perley's voice has the perfect balance of edge and clarity, and simply floats over the hard hitting bass and electric guitar. The band credits Tom Perry, Led Zeppelin, Nebula and David Gilmour as influences, but have created a sound that is truly their own. They play in their hometown (Columbus) fairly often, but have also embarked on many tours nation-wide (including the notorious South by South West festival in Austin, Texas).
Photo courtesy of Hillary Jones via All Dogs
This pop punk quartet hails from Columbus, but is known to play shows all over Ohio. They released a split cassette with Slouch, another Ohio band, before debuting with a full album, Kicking Every Day in 2015. The music is an impactful collision of soft vocals, rolling drums and snappy guitar, and is the perfect mix to listen to on a "Sunday Morning" with the windows rolled down.
Photo courtesy of Bridgette McCullough via Red Wanting Blue
Red Wanting Blue came to life back in 1996, when leader Scott Terry was in school at Ohio University, and was immediate success story. By 1998, the band had already released its second full-length album entitled The Image Trigger, and has since toured the country over two decades, playing an average of 200 shows a year. The band features toe-tapping, finger-snapping beats, as well as deep vocals and lyrics that are sure to stay with you long after the first listen.
Photo courtesy of the New Bomb Turks
The New Bomb Turks are masters of the garage punk genre, featuring a collision of danceable rock 'n' roll beats and the rebellious punk vocals that we know and love. They've been around for awhile, evolving from a college band at Ohio State University in 1990 to a European tour in 2017. Explore their ten full-length albums, two EPs and twenty singles — you won't regret it.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Miller via Earwig
Earwig oozes an attitude that is oh-so enviable, and with clear vocals and hard-hitting guitar, they've got everything a great rock band needs. The band has released several full-length albums, each with a unique sound. Gibson Under Mountain was the most recent of these, released in 2014.
Photo courtesy of Shrub
In 2010, Jay Shrub decided that a white-picket fence life didn't sound as rewarding as the life of a musician, and released a reggae/rap album created in his basement studio (to his friends). Luckily the sound took off, and now Shrub has evolved into a seven piece band that performs locally and across the country. Their humor and musical talents are sure to put you in a good mood.
Photo courtesy of Two Cow Garage
The husky vocals and fast-paced beats of this alternative rock band will draw you in immediately. The band was formed in late 2001 by singer and guitarist Micah Schnabel, and has since released seven full-length albums. You'll find them touring the state and capturing the hearts their listeners — with a name as Ohioan as Two Cow Garage, how could they not?
Photo courtesy of Jonny Costa via Like Moths to Flames
If you're more of a metalcore fan, Like Moths to Flames will impress with their hard-hitting guitar and strong vocals. Since the band's formation in 2010, they have released two EPs and three full-length albums, the most recent of which was released in late 2015. Fans hope there's something else up their sleeves!
Photo courtesy of RJD2
The famed RJD2 now hails from Philly, but his roots are in Columbus. This artist is a master of the psychedelic hip-hop genre, paving the way for this trancy, catchy music with hits like "Ghostwriter" and "A Beautiful Mine" (the theme song for Mad Men). If you're as captivated by these songs as we are, check out his newest album Dame Fortune, which was released last year.