Here Are The 11 Dishes You Have To Eat In Columbus Before You Die
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Sonya Afanasyeva
Author
What food is Columbus, Ohio known for? CBUS offers pretty much endless options for places to eat, so how does one choose? If you’d like to get to know the Buckeye State’s food scene a little better, start by eating these long-time favorite dishes. Here are 11 dishes that are so good, they’re famous!
1. The Thurmanator: The Thurman Cafe
The Thurman Cafe, 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
The Thurmanator is the king of all burgers. Stacked up high with two 12-ounce burger patties, bacon, ham, sautéed mushrooms and onions, cheddar, mozzarella and American cheese, banana peppers, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickles. Whew! That's a lot of flavor stuffed in between two buns! This is one burger Columbusites just can't stop talking about. Is it huge? Yes. Is it too huge? Maybe... but it's absolutely delicious, and you can always save half for an extra meal (or two).
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2. The Bahama Mama: Schmidt's Sausage Haus
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Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant, 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
The Bahama Mama is the signature sausage of this well-known and loved establishment. It has a perfect balance of flavor and spiciness, with a great snap (that's how you know it's good!) You can get the Bahama Mama any way you like, whether that's on a bun, or on a plate with extra sides. And walking down this old brick street really puts you in the mood for some old-world recipes.
3. Turtle Soup: The Old Mohawk
The Old Mohawk, 819 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
You might be amazed, but the Turtle Soup has been a special at The Old Mohawk for over 70 years. This soup features its unique strands of meat in a perfectly seasoned tomato broth mixed in with tender slices of veggies. Try it; you won't be sorry! Keep updated on The Old Mohawk Facebook page.
4. $2 Grilled Cheese on Mondays: Bodega
Bodega, 1044 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
First off: yes, it's really $2 on Mondays. It might sound simple, but this melty, gooey, creamy, crusty sandwich is awesome, and you will savor every bite. Columbusites love starting their Monday evenings with this delicacy. You can also get a bowl of tomato soup for dipping your grilled cheese. Read about other specials on the Columbus Bodega website.
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5. Saganaki: The Happy Greek
Happy Greek Restaurant, 660 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
The Saganaki is not only delicious but also incredibly entertaining. Saganaki is a Greek dish featuring tasty fried cheese, and when you order it, you will be presented with a plate of flaming cheese. Yes, it will actually be on fire! After letting it flame for a moment, your server will put it out by squeezing fresh lemon juice over it. See other photos on The Happy Greek Facebook page.
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6. Northstar Burger: Northstar Cafe
Northstar Cafe in the Short North, 951 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
The Northstar Cafe is loved for its absolutely delicious and sustainable vegetarian and vegan options. The Northstar Burger has everybody talking. It's an entirely veggie burger, but before you meat lovers think this is not for you, give it a try. This dish is everyone's favorite! The eatery now has five locations in Columbus. Discover more on the Northstar Cafe website.
7. Al Pastor Tacos: Los Gauchos
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Los Guachos, 5221 Godown Rd, Columbus, OH 43235, USA
Los Gauchos is both the self-proclaimed and resident-confirmed best place for Al Pastor Tacos in Columbus. The Al Pastor Tacos are a fusion of Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors with shawarma meat and delicious fresh juicy toppings. Find other locations on the Los Gauchos website.
8. Pancakes: German Village Coffee Shop
German Village Coffee Shop, 193 Thurman Ave #2629, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
To the delight of the guests who have lined up outside to wait for a table - because it's that delicious - a whiteboard exists featuring the pancake special of the day. It's usually a whopper and suits the season. I prefer to order mine with blueberries and chocolate chips. The pancakes in the photo contain fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips. This legendary eatery alone is worth a drive to CBUS.
9. Columbus Style Pizza: Tommy's
Tommy's Pizza, 1350 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221, USA
Endless styles of pizza exist in the world, but at Tommy's, you can try our very own Columbus-style pizza. This thick-crust square-cut plate of heaven will have you drooling as soon as you see it. Tommy's is always generous with the toppings!
These Columbus restaurants are now in three locations. Find out where they exist on the Tommy's Pizza website.
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10. Lobster Bisque: Columbus Fish Market
Columbus Fish Market, 1245 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
Columbus Fish Market is a long-established and beloved restaurant in the city. The Maine Lobster Bisque is talked about particularly often. This is a perfectly creamy bowl of soup that will make your tastebuds do a happy dance. Make sure you try it. See other photos on the Columbus Fish Market Facebook page.
11. Buckeyes
Buckeyes, while served at many establishments in Columbus, are even better in home kitchens and family reunions! Popular partially due to our love for the Ohio State Buckeyes, these delicious dessert balls have a peanut butter and confectioners sugar filling coated in chocolate. Seems simple, but try these out! You will not be disappointed in this Columbus, Ohio famous food.
What food is Columbus, Ohio known for? Now you have a few ideas about the delicious offerings in the Buckey State. Are you hungry yet? Grab your friends and try all these favorite local dishes. What’s the best dish you have ever had in Columbus? Please share in the comments below.
Travel the big city with this budget-friendly itinerary for a fun-filled weekend. And while you’re there, reserve a room on Expedia.com.
Here’s Your Itinerary For An Epic, Fun-Filled, Budget-Friendly Weekend In Columbus, Ohio
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More to Explore
Columbus Restaurants
What are some of the best Columbus restaurants?
- Aracri Pizzeria: This family-owned restaurant has been serving delicious, authentic Italian recipes for years. Try the pizza, pasta, and garlic knots with marinara. The antipasti salads come with all of your favorite fresh meats and cheeses.
- Barcelona Restaurant and Bar: While people come for the delicious cuisine - it's no secret that this eatery has one of the best patios in town. From fresh seafood and produce to some creamy first-class cheesecake, visit German Village for this one.
- Chapman’s Eat Market: You'll find the menu as interesting and colorful as the food, such as the Hyper-Roasted Beet & Chevre, Gochujang Fried Chicken, and the ever-popular Build-Your-Own Bánh Xèo. Sometimes it's good to step out of your comfort zone.
- Wolf's Ridge Brewing: This award-winning restaurant was co-founded by a father-son duo who created a craft brewery experience for the people of Columbus.
Where are some of the best Columbus coffee shops?
- Florin Coffee: Coffee doesn't get any fresher than if you roast it at your own shop. In addition to coffee, you'll find treats and other specialty drinks at this family-owned business.
- Basic Biscuits, Kindness, and Coffee: Find a cup of Staufs coffee and grab a made-from-scratch treat. Flaky biscuits, delicious breakfast sandwiches, sausage gravy, and quiche are available.
- A Proper Garden (Delaware): This garden-center cafe offers delicious eats while you shop for home decor and beautiful aromatic plants. From indoor plants and floral-design ideas, this shop will inspire you to spruce up your own space.