06.18.2024

Today’s Forecast

🌱 Green machines

30+ vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Columbus

The breakfast tacos with vegan chorizo are served with elote-style corn on the cob at Katalina’s. | Photo by CBUStoday

Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in Columbus, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake. From vegetarian barbecue to vegan baked goods, here are 28 restaurants serving up plant-based fare.

Mitch, here. I’ve been a vegetarian since 2017, and it all started in Columbus. I’ll be sharing my pro tips throughout each section.

The brunch bunch

Katalina’s, Multiple locations
While some menu items are accidentally vegetarian — like the highly coveted Nutella-filled pancake balls — others are purposefully plant-based, offering the option to swap real meat for veggie meat.

Dropping in. I’m a firm believer that tacos can be enjoyed at any time of the day, and luckily, Katalina’s agrees. I love the breakfast tacos with vegan chorizo, prepared with tortillas from the North Market, crema from Snowville, and loads of other fresh ingredients like pico de gallo and avocado.

For the meat-free carnivore

CBUStoday Comune.png — Grab a friend and share a plate of plant-based food at Comune. | Photo by Brian Kaiser

Comune, 677 Parsons Ave., Olde Towne East
All menu items at this upscale restaurant can be made vegan. The bread and spread is a consistent crowd pleaser + entrees are regularly updated based on seasonal produce.

Back again. Comune is my go-to spot for any non-veg head that may be reluctant. Chef Jacob Inscore’s innovations led to creations like the mustard greens ‘pesto’ rigatoni — a vibrantly green pasta dish with toasted Guajillo chile oil and lemon zest.

Casual eating

CBUStoday Northstar Cafe — The Northstar burger from Northstar is free on Earth Day each year. | Photo via @northstarcafe

Northstar Cafe, Multiple locations
There’s a Northstar in every corner of the city, with locations in Clintonville, Easton, Short North, and Westerville. And, it’s for good reason. The Northstar burger, made with black beans, brown rice, and beets, satisfies both vegheads + meat eaters.

I’m back. The vegetarian enchiladas are a solid alternative if you want a change up. They’re made with roasted corn + sweet potatoes and served with smoky black beans.

25 more plant-based restaurants

Asked

Have you eaten at a local vegetarian or vegan restaurant within the past month?

A. Yes
B. No, but I have considered it.
C. No.

Let us know

Events

Tuesday, June 18

A Lil Show With Adam Little | Tuesday, June 18 | 7-8:30 p.m. | MadLab, 227 N. 3rd St., Arena District | $10 | Laugh along at a variety-style sketch show featuring Columbus-based comedians.

Wednesday, June 19

Juneteenth Commemoration | Wednesday, June 19 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Kings Art Complex, 835 Mt. Vernon Ave., King-Lincoln Bronzeville | Free | Join this local organization to commemorate a special date in history for African Americans.

Thursday, June 20

Dave and Jimmy’s Charity Softball Classic | Thursday, June 20 | 7 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln., Arena District | $15 | Watch a softball game featuring the popular radio duo from WNCI, New Kids on the Block, former Buckeye athletes, and other celebrities.

Friday, June 21

“The Secret Life of Pets” | Friday, June 21 | 8:15 p.m. | Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown | Free | Watch this animated family flick that follows the life of Max, a spoiled terrier living in New York City.

Saturday, June 22

Columbus Crew vs. Sporting Kansas City | Saturday, June 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Lower.com Field, 96 Columbus Crew Way, Arena District | $50-$648 | The Crew look to secure a win against this KC team with less than five wins.

100+ more local events

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News Notes

Weather

With temperatures soaring above 90° this week, local organizations will be offering cooling centers. This includes multiple community centers hosted by Columbus Recreation and Parks + Columbus Metropolitan Library branches.

Closing

The Short North Local Cantina, located at 600 N. High St., will close in the near future, according to a note posted on its door. It’s unclear when an official closing date will be. (NBC4)

Show

Cirque du Soleil is returning to Columbus at Mershon Auditorium from Dec. 11-Dec. 15. This acrobatic performance is titled “Songblazers,” and it follows the story of two main characters forging a path to recognition. General public tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 25.

Biz

A new state fund could supply three Columbus-based projects with millions for development. The airport terminal would receive $7.5 million; the Columbus Symphony’s riverfront venue would receive $18.5 million; and the Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies would receive $20 million. (Columbus Business First)

Festival

Columbus Coffee Festival has a new location. The yearly event will now take place at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard on Oct. 4-Oct. 5. Sign up for emails via their website. (NBC4)

Outdoors

Happy Pollinator Week. Columbus Recreation and Parks shared its habitats map, which showcases all the parks in central Ohio with prominent pollinators. If you want to dive into more information, check out this research from The Ohio State University.

Drink Up

Raise a glass, drop a deal. We’ll be toasting to Drink Up Week — a celebration of Columbus’ vibrant beverage scene — from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. If you own a local business that serves beverages, join us by offering a fun drink deal to our readers — we may include it in a newsletter.

Sports

Michael Hage is one of the top Canadian prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft, and he might be the next player drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Blue Jackets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Plan Ahead

🏠 This old house

Short North Tour of Homes returns for its 49th season

Get a glimpse inside historic homes on this self-guided tour. | Photo via @shortnorthartsdistrict

For some local traditions, it’s never too early to start planning.

The Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens is on Saturday, Sept. 14 + Sunday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This yearly event lets the community take self-guided tours through popular Short North homes, many of which were built in the 1800s + 1900s. Tickets are available now at a discounted price, and will continue to be on sale leading up to the event.

In the meantime, early birds can get a sneak peek by picking up tickets to the preview party. Start the afternoon with a quick look inside select homes from 4-7 p.m., then make your way to Hubbard Park Place for its rooftop club house. Here, you’ll have cocktails + finger foods from 7-10 p.m. overlooking the city while under the stars.

The Buy

The Buy 6.18.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The perfect wedding guest outfit for your next summer or fall affair. Don’t forget the sparkly, satin-y shoes.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Mitch

From the editor

I went go-karting at Buckeye Raceway last weekend, and it was so much fun. I was zooming around the track, clocking in a best lap time at 34 seconds. It was still five seconds slower than 10th place on the leader board, but not bad for my first try. If you are looking for some high-speed fun, give this place on the west end a go.

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