Our “Dine Like a Local” series was created to provide you with a friendly set of recommendations on where to find some great restaurants in Columbus. By locals, for locals!
This week’s installment features suggestions from J.M. Rayburn, an urban planner with the City of Dublin (you can follow him on Instagram at @jmrayburn) that include a fun mix of new and old places to try.
“The local dining scene for me is comprised of the Bethel Road and Henderson Road corridors in Northwest Columbus as well as Clintonville and Beechwold,” explained Rayburn. “I’ve lived in many Columbus neighborhoods and I have to admit the local dining scene in this area of town is a lot of fun to explore. The area features a diversity of cuisines and many hidden gems.”
Here are some of his favorite spots, across 10 different categories of dining:
Favorite Spot for Breakfast
If you are looking for something that is not an old school diner, I have to recommend Cafe Elena off Bethel Road. Their breakfast menu has a range of dishes inspired by cuisine from around Europe and the Americas. My goal is to try them all!
Favorite Lunch Restaurant
Min-Ga Korean Restaurant on Bethel Road. They have a lunch time special that is served with five different side dishes. Amazing! I recommend ordering a Korean-style pancake to share as an appetizer.
Favorite Location for Happy Hour
Since I work in Dublin, I typically do Happy Hour in Bridge Park or Historic Dublin. That being said, my favorite place is Getaway Brewing Co. on High Street in Bridge Park West. It’s a unique brewery concept from the founders of Seventh Son Brewing and Antiques on High. My favorite drink is a cocktail called the “Weekend Jaunt”. It’s a take on a piña colada with Watershed gin, rum, pineapple, and coconut. YUM! Another favorite is The Roosevelt Room at Bridge Park. It is the second location of the Cincinnati-based brand of cocktail bar. The Roosevelt Room pays tribute to the storied life of our 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.
Favorite Coffee Shop
I am torn between Belle’s Bread Japanese Bakery and Tea Zone Bakery & Cafe. They both offer coffee and tea drinks as well as unique and delicious pastries and sweets. Belle’s is a French-inspired Japanese bakery and named one of America’s best Japanese bakeries by Food & Wine Magazine. Tea Zone features Bingsu bowls, which are a milk-based Korean shaved ice dessert with fresh fruit, ice cream, and sweet red beans.
Best Place for Late Night Eats
If by late night spot, you mean grabbing a bite to eat after midnight, my go-to is Cousin Vinny’s Pizza on Kenny Road. They are open until 3am during the week and 4am on the weekends!
Perfect Date Night Spot
Akai Hana because I love sushi and it’s a red flag if a date does not haha. All jokes aside, the menu at Akai Hana offers many non-sushi options. I enjoy the ambiance and everything the menu has to offer.
Favorite Place to Take Large Groups
I would have to say Somewhere In Particular (S.I.P) Brewing on Dierker Road. The property the brewery sits on has a rich history and I love a good patio. Not to mention that have a pop culture trivia night on every last Tuesday of the month.
Best Restaurant for an Anniversary or Birthday Celebration
The Refectory on Bethel Road. The building has an interesting history and the food is delicious. I also like their cocktail menu even though they are known for their wine selection.
Favorite “Hidden Gem” Restaurant
Sushi 10 and Tensuke Market. Sushi 10 is a take out only sushi shop and is the latest addition to the growing Japan Marketplace at Kenny Centre. It spun off from Tensuke Market, which was one of the first stores in Ohio to sell professionally made sushi. It’s become a Friday tradition of mine to place a sushi order when I am leaving the office in Dublin. The sushi is ready for pick up when I arrive and then I swing by Tensuke Market to pick up Sapporo beer to start my weekend off right! #TreatYoSelf
Favorite Place to Take Out of Towners and Showcase Columbus Dining
CoCo Hot Pot on Bethel Road. It’s a Chinese restaurant featuring hot pot, which is setup as an interactive group meal. It’s something a little different but very tasty and memorable. You will also notice that the other patrons of the restaurant represent the breadth of diversity found in Columbus, which I think is pretty cool.