Some people make to-do lists — we make to-dine lists. Many hot new Columbus restaurants have opened over the past several months, from local breweries to regional restaurants with expanding roots.
To satisfy those who are really hungry for fresh dining options, we’ve got details on several more CBUS restaurants coming soon, too. Grab your forks as we dig right in.
Newly opened
Buckeye Donuts, 59 Spruce St. | Donuts | Reservations: No
You can’t go wrong at this beloved campus donut shop that is now open inside the North Market, directly across from Fox’s Bagels & Deli. It filled a donut-sized hole when it opened early July.
Buckeye Donuts has been on N. High Street for 50+ years. | Photo via North Market Downtown
Cento, 595 S. 3rd St. | Italian | Reservations: Yes
Feast on upscale Italian dishes like mussels or rigatoni alla vodka at Cameron Mitchell’s first German Village restaurant. The CMR-owned spot opened mid-August.
Cocky’s Bagels, 1484 N. High St. | Bagels | Reservations: No
Start your morning with this Cleveland-owned restaurant that opened on campus mid-August. The menu features vegan + vegetarian options, including plant-based cream cheese, and sandwiches are made to order.
Fox in the Snow, 38 W. Bridge St. | Bakery and café | Reservations: No
This locally loved café landed in Dublin near the end of September with a full menu of handmade treats and coffee. There are now four total FITS in CBUS: Italian Village, German Village, New Albany, and Dublin.
Whether it’s a noon or nighttime kickoff, Homage Bar is open with options. | Photo via Homage Bar
Hiraeth, 36 E. Lincoln St. | Live fire restaurant | Reservations: Yes
Eat like royalty at this restaurant offering a half-rack of lamb, dry-aged ribeye, and whole-fried fish — each cooked over a live fire. This comes from the culinary minds at Chapman’s Eat Market, which was recently a finalist for a James Beard Award.
Homage Bar, 750 N. High St. | Restaurant and bar | Reservations: No
Whether you are staying at the Graduate Hotel, or just strolling through the area, this bar is open day and night. In the mornings, find breakfast options and coffee, and at night sip cocktails with giant pretzels.
ThunderWing Brewing, 2419 Scioto Harper Dr. | Brewery | Reservations: No
After the former Sideswipe Brewing closed, a new local brewery quickly moved in. This time, it comes from Jason Wing, a craft brewer of 10 years who began at home.
Coming soon
Victor’s Taco Shop, 2110 Morse Rd. | Mexican | Project opening: Fall 2023
This locally owned drive-thru offers delicious tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and chips and queso at an affordable price. Forget that national chain — Victor’s will be here soon.
Yellow Springs Brewery, 2855 Indianola Ave. | Brewery | Projected opening: Fall 2023
Columbus can soon sip on YSB without taking a trip to southern Ohio. We recommend brews like Boat Show, a citrusy IPA that packs a 7% ABV.
The speakeasy will offer a different experience and atmosphere than other High Bank locations. | Rendering via ROWE Creative Union
High Bank Co., 28. S. State St. | Restaurant and bar | Projected opening: Spring 2024
A 3,600-sqft facility is planned for Westerville, and it includes a 2,000+ sqft speakeasy in the basement. The main floor will feature a full menu of food and drinks, and the speakeasy will focus more on lighter bites.
Butcher & Rose, 155 E. Broad St. | Steakhouse | Projected opening: Summer 2024
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants have been busy in 2023, and that trend will continue into 2024 with this downtown steakhouse. Expect high quality cuts of meat, ranging from steak to fish.
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream, 1325 Grandview Ave. | Ice cream | Projected opening: 2024
Score a scoop of this ice cream that has been a Columbus staple since 1950. The Bexley-based creamery plans to announce a firm opening date in the new year.
Lion Cub’s Cookies, 7105 N. High St. | Cookies | Projected opening: 2024
This locally owned bakery crowd-sourced $60,000+ in under 30 minutes to help secure this new Worthington location. In the meantime, stop by Grandview for huge cookies that are straight out of the oven.
Puttshack is an upscale, tech-infused mini golf experience. | Photo via Puttshack
Puttshack, 2116 Ikea Way | Restaurant, bar, and arcade | Projected opening: 2024
It’s all in the wrist — whether that’s tapping in the perfect putt-putt shot, or tipping back the last sip of your craft beer. You can find it all at this national chain opening its first Columbus location near TopGolf.
Don Tequila Mexican Grill and Cantina Bar, 1540 Bethel Rd. | Mexican | Projected opening: TBD
The former Texas Roadhouse on Bethel Road is getting a new life. Don Tequila is renovating the space and plans to open sometime in the future.
