Columbus Favorites You Probably Already Know About

Quite often people suggest restaurants, bars and fun events for me to include on Columbus à la Mode. I L-O-V-E getting recommendations! However, my friends always joke that my canned response is:

“Everyone already knows about _______.”

However, I’m reconsidering. If you are new to Columbus, you actually may NOT know about some of the most popular hot spots in this great city. So here are just a few...

Places to eat, drink and be merry (that you may... or may not already know about):

Jeni’s Ice Cream
I mean duhhhhhhhhh. If you haven’t been to Jeni’s, you may be living under a rock. It’s the most creative and delicious place to grab a cone in the city. They dole out flavors like Mackenzie Creamery Goat Cheese with Cognac Figs and Wildberry Lavender. Best of all it’s a farm-to-cone creamery that utilizes LOCAL, fresh ingredients. My personal fave is a combination of Salty Caramel and Bourbon Buttered Pecan… I mean…YUM.

Short North Gallary Hop
On the first Saturday of each month, street performers, musicians and artists hit the sidewalks of the Short North, Columbus’s designated arts district. Shops set up temporary exhibits and art galleries remain open late. You walk, you drink, you bask in one of the greatest neighborhoods in C-bus. PLUS you get to feel artsy and cool while being just a few blocks away from plenty of bars to hit-up after the hop.

Northstar Café’s Veggie Burger
I eat this like once a week. Seriously. Northstar has three locations in Clintonville, the Short North and coming soon Easton. I love that they use organic, locally sourced and artisan produced foods. And don’t be a hater on the veggie burger. My friends will tell you - I love red meat - probably more than any lady should. However, this is unlike any other veggie burger you’ve tried. Go. Go now. I promise you won’t be craving cow when you're finished.

North Market
The North Market is actually Columbus’ only public market. There you’ll find independent merchants and farmers along with a great place to eat, mingle and people-watch. In my opinion, the BEST way to do North Market is on a Saturday morning. Grab your significant other and beg them to take you to breakfast at Taste of Belgium. A.K.A. best waffle ever. Then mosey around the market… pick up something for dinner, grab fresh flowers from Market Blooms and take in the scene. It may just become a Saturday tradition.

Like I said…this list is just a start. I would love to hear what you think. What would you add to the list?