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    Cheap Eats: $10 (and Under) Finds at North Market Bridge Park

    My first time exploring Dublin (the one in Ohio; the one in Ireland is on a “future travel” wish list) was during a Columbus Food Adventures tour. Yes, I’ve mentioned these tours once before, so consider this your sign to join one if you haven’t already. No, they’re not paying me to advertise them. It’s just a genuinely good time. 

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    We first tasted our way through the very pretty streets of historic Dublin before crossing the Dublin Link, a pedestrian bridge that is, fun fact, the “longest single tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world.” 

    On the other side of the bridge stands historic Dublin’s younger, more modern sister: Bridge Park, an upscale residential community that includes blocks of entertainment in the form of dining, shopping and attractions. 

    And in the middle of it all? North Market. That’s right, another one! While the North Market Downtown was established well over 100 years ago in 1876, North Market Bridge Park is the new kid on the block by comparison, having opened just a few years ago in 2020. You’ll notice some familiar faces across locations, such as Hoyo’s Kitchen and Lan Viet, but for the most part North Market Bridge Park offers a selection of vendors unique to their location.

    Interior of North Market Bridge Park with people at tables and string lights draped from the rafters overhead.

    Much like its Downtown counterpart, North Market Bridge Park is built on a diverse selection of cuisine. It’s a cool space, too, with brick archways and vibrant paintings of the logo’s beloved rooster. For a touch of whimsy, glowing string lights drape from the rafters near the market’s bar (aptly named Market Bar). 

    My previous treks to the Bridge Park North Market were often due to cravings for the now-closed Little Kitchen. Their vegan milkshakes alone were worth the trip. This time, however, I went with a different mission in mind: to find satisfying bites for $10 and under. 

    Admittedly, I was a bit more prosperous when I took on this same quest at the North Market Downtown. But it is possible to eat cheaply and deliciously at Bridge Park. You just have to keep your eyes open.

    Pablo's restaurant exterior on the left, a close up of El Cubanito sandwich on the right.
    El Cubanito from Pablo’s Havana Cafe

    Pablo’s Havana Cafe was the first to catch my eye. Several of its Cuban sandwiches are just $10, including my order, El Cubanito. It comes on pressed Cuban bread with honey ham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. Every vinegary bite of pickle and mustard is immediately soothed by the sweetness of the ham. Classic flavor combinations like this are beloved for a reason. 

    I also ordered a side of maduros for $5 because whenever I can get a basket of soft, sweet plantains right out the fryer, I most definitely will. 

    Close up of fried plantains.
    Maduros from Pablo’s Havana Cafe

    Pablo’s appetizers are also $10 and under. I’m talking hearty items like the Havana Sampler. It comes with several of their standout sides, such as their croquetas (crispy fritters with creamy ham filling), maduros, tostones (salty, crunchy plantains) and yucas (deep fried root vegetable). 

    Bowls of soup are all $6 and available in flavors like sopa de pollo (warm chicken with vegetables) and frijoles colorados (red bean). 

    Looking for brunch? Pablo’s has a Saturday and Sunday brunch special from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. When I stopped by, there were two egg sandwiches to choose from, one with bacon and the other with chorizo. Both were served on Cuban bread, both were just $8. 

    Falafel Kitchen counter on the left, close up of the HumBa pita on the right.
    HumBa Pita from Falafel Kitchen

    Falafel Kitchen was my next stop, as I had eyed a $10 menu item called the HumBa pita pocket. It comes stuffed with a marinated beet salad, hummus, baba ghanoush, romaine lettuce, pickles and a Jerusalem salad (chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley). It was extremely fresh, flavorful and light. It was also huge! I had to make a pretty big dent in it with my fork before I could comfortably eat it with my hands. I promise you’re getting your money’s worth. 

    If you’re looking for something lighter to snack on while you stroll, Falafel Kitchen now has “demi pockets” which are half-sized pita pockets for hungry stomachs on-the-go. Get the falafel for $6 or chicken for $7. 

    You can also get creative and orchestrate your own plate by putting together a few sides. The feta and olives ($3), rice ($4) and fresh veggies ($3) would make a nice little meal for just $10 total. 

    The front of Dos Hermanos with colorful flags and a menu.
    Dos Hermanos

    Dos Hermanos Tacos is another place where the combination of a couple a la carte items may be just what you need to appease a (smaller) appetite at a reasonable price. Pair an order of refried beans and rice ($5) with a single taco ($5).

    I’ll round things out by once again giving a shout out to Lan Viet. Their Bridge Park menu lists the same tasty selection of banh mi (Vietnamese subs) as their Downtown location, all for just $8.

    A busy North Market with people dining at tables.

    For even more deals, check out the North Market Bridge Park’s happy hour on Thursdays from 3 – 7 p.m. The same goes for North Market Downtown. Vendors offer specials such as $5 nacho boxes and $6 hummus dip with pita chips. The details may change each week so keep an eye out for updates

    If you’re a fan of North Market Downtown, I highly recommend a visit to Dublin to check out the Bridge Park location. This second North Market is proof that more of a good thing can be…well, a very good thing. Dining there is the perfect way to explore some of the region’s innovative tastemakers one after the other without having to go far. At the market, they’re all just a few feet away from each other, after all.

    The North Market Bridge Park is open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday, and 9 a.m – 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. 

    For more information, visit NorthMarket.org.

    All photos by Taylor Meredith

    Exterior photo of North Market Bridge Park with red rooster statue.
    Make sure to look up and say hello to this handsome fella as you enter the market.
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    Taylor Meredith
    Taylor Meredithhttps://www.columbusunderground.com/
    Taylor is a freelance contributor to Columbus Underground who writes about where to find the city's cheap, delicious eats. Her main gig is in internal communications at a major retailer headquartered here in Columbus. She enjoys tea, house plants, horror movies and getting more tattoos after she claims to be done getting tattoos.
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