How is Columbus?

[streetcreed]

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I have to head to Columbus in about 3 weeks for business and I'm wondering how the city is. Any advice on good restaurants/bars would be great. I'm going to be staying in downtown Columbus and I've never been before so I'm curious how the city is.

Columbus is a very young, active city. If you are staying downtown I do advise you to take a cab, or car, and leave the immediate downtown area and go the nearby neighborhoods. Columbus' most active central city area (after 5pm) is not downtown but its nearby neighborhoods like the Short North (just north of downtown), the Arena District, German Village (south of downtown), and the University District near Ohio State (a mile north of downtown.)

If you really want to see what makes Columbus, Columbus, then hang around downtown for maybe a show/concert and some exploring of the statehouse during the day and then go to the hip neighborhoods at night.

These columbus sites are good for seeing whats going on and getting a "locals" perspective

Columbus Alive

The Columbus Underground

[Ronniec78]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm definitely going to get out and check these places out.

[jeffm1984]

Originally Posted by streetcreed

Columbus is a very young, active city. If you are staying downtown I do advise you to take a cab, or car, and leave the immediate downtown area and go the nearby neighborhoods. Columbus' most active central city area (after 5pm) is not downtown but its nearby neighborhoods like the Short North (just north of downtown), the Arena District, German Village (south of downtown), and the University District near Ohio State (a mile north of downtown.)

If you really want to see what makes Columbus, Columbus, then hang around downtown for maybe a show/concert and some exploring of the statehouse during the day and then go to the hip neighborhoods at night.

These columbus sites are good for seeing whats going on and getting a "locals" perspective

Columbus Alive

The Columbus Underground

I made the mistake of staying in a hotel in downtown Columbus a couple of years ago. I couldn't find anything to do at night. One night I went out looking for food and after walking a long time saw a Max & Irma's restaurant in the bottom of a building. But as I went in, the host told me and another guy that they were closing early due to slow business. Next time I know not to stay downtown.

[LancasterNative]

Originally Posted by jeffm1984

I made the mistake of staying in a hotel in downtown Columbus a couple of years ago. I couldn't find anything to do at night. One night I went out looking for food and after walking a long time saw a Max & Irma's restaurant in the bottom of a building. But as I went in, the host told me and another guy that they were closing early due to slow business. Next time I know not to stay downtown.

Out of curiosity...which part of downtown Columbus were you in? Downtown Columbus is somewhat spread out.

In fact, when people here say "downtown" they're usually referring to the whole shebang (inside the freeways)...but there really are several distinct districts that comprise the whole area.

My point here is...down by the Statehouse (Broad & High) is really not the hot place to be after 5 pm. This area is mainly offices, and everyone goes home after work.

The more "fun" after-hours parts of downtown are on the fringes, close to (or across) the freeways!

If you ever find yourself back in Columbus, check out the Arena District, Brewery District and Short North. In those places, I can guarantee you won't be bored after dark

[UNT_Eagle]

Check out the Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Columbus.. Very nice place to stay, and convenient to everything good downtown.
Later, y'all

[buckeye8]

Hey, if you are looking for a nice warm environment, but high-class service and good cocktails and food, go to Lindey's in German Village, or the Mohawk Tavern (good for Saturday night). Another place you could check out for decent food or cocktails would be Cap City Diner (more for 7-ish on Friday). If you're looking to pick up chicks, go to Club 185 on Thursday night (also in German Village), or got to the "Market District" for Friday and Saturday night after you eat. There you could go to Brothers, Sugar, Spice, or Bar Louie. Also, You could check out the Short North...Betty's is my choice for food...gourmet-dinner-organic-and at the same time casual food. Also, you could check out some of the newER joints in the Short North...Bodega (really cool), or Marcella's a new cool hangout...along with HydePark downtown. BUT, if you are looking for the GREATEST food in Columbus, before you go out, got to ALANA's just north of OSU's campus. It looks like a dump from the outside, but it is really nice. The menu changes daily...all organic, high-quality food. I have lived on the East Coast and Miami Beach, and this is the best food I have had. Good luck.

[firekeg]

Originally Posted by Ronniec78

HAHA!! Will do. I can't see Columbus being a great time but I may be wrong. I'll make sure I give you some feedback and warn them you're coming so they can start preparing.

ROnnnniiiiee.... Hey... How was Columbus?!?!?!

Haven't heard anything from ya.

Keg

[MontanaXVI]

A great place to check out for food is S of downtown on Thurman Ave. the Thurman Cafe. If you are taking a cab they will have no trouble getting you there plus the added bonus of finding parking is a royal PITA on Thurman Ave. on any busy night. The place can get crowded and loud but eating a Thurman burger is a must for anyone, especially someone just visiting.