Award-winning handcrafted beer and “Best Burgers in the South” bring guests back to the table again and again
End your quest for the South’s best burger with a visit to Columbus, Georgia, about an hour and a half south of Atlanta–a foodie’s paradise. And, for dessert, savor views of the city’s historic uptown as you dine al fresco. Read on for the area’s best temptations when it comes to Columbus’ culinary scene.
The Black Cow Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
Just steps away from Columbus’ whitewater rapids, sit down at one of the city’s culinary creative Mark Jones’s top restaurants and enjoy Uptown’s only Oyster Bar. From “The Best Burgers in the South” according to Garden & Gun Readers to tasty Po’ Boys and succulent steaks, Jones serves only the highest quality, mouth-watering Southern comfort dishes from the area’s best suppliers.
The Cannon Brew Pub
Uptown’s favorite place for award-winning, handcrafted beer and the best traditional American cuisine around, the Brewpub offers two distinct dining areas, both with an authentic ambiance featuring exposed brick and soaring wooden beams. The brewery, located in the bar-side area, is the central feature of the Brewpub. Dominating the rear of the building, it reaches from below floor level to the ceiling, 20 feet tall. The copper-topped bar, directly in front of it, allows patrons to watch their favorite beer being brewed. For a change in the atmosphere, the Cannon offers a dining room with a quieter, more family-oriented feel. Featuring a wood-burning pizza oven, it helps to give guests a place to call their own.
Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant
Looking for a classic meat-and-three or a family-friendly option sure to satisfy the palates of the pickiest eaters? Check out Minnie’s, a Columbus tradition for over 24 years. But be prepared to wait in line for this delicious authentic Southern cuisine, made from scratch, from the hoe cakes to the sweet tea. Save room for the homemade desserts, splurge on the fried chicken and definitely add mac and cheese to your plate. Minnie’s version was named one of the “Top 100 Plates Locals Love” in the 2016 edition of Georgia Eats guide, produced by the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Downstairs at the Loft
For a delicious meal in a trendy, happening place with a neighborhood feel, diners find wonderful food and plentiful drinks at one of Broadway’s most popular eateries. The Loft comedy club upstairs adds another dimension to the fun at this Uptown favorite since 1992. Find instant entertainment and front row seats to the show if you dine al fresco during outdoor events which take place nearby in the wide, grassy median that separates north and southbound traffic on Broadway in the middle of Uptown.
Iron Bank Coffee
Iron Bank Coffee offers an outstanding coffee experience and atmosphere in a beautiful historic bank building with high ceilings and a kitchen area behind the former teller windows, serving up not only coffee but desserts, pastries, lunch, wine, craft beer and weekly live music.
Epic Restaurant
Chef Jamie Keating has studied and cooked all over the world, even competing on the 2008 ACF United States Culinary Olympic Team, but created his dream restaurant on the banks of the Chattahoochee River in the heart of Columbus, Georgia’s, Uptown district. Epic, the name shortened from the word Epicurean, is a warm and intimate space, surrounded by artwork from a local artist who captured the essence of what the restaurant represents in her paintings: cooking and family. Adding to the authentic vibe, there’s an antique copy of a huge hardbound (leather cover) book, The Epicurean, on display. With an exquisite menu, extensive and fine wine selection, and a classic chef’s table set in the middle of the restaurant’s perfectly managed kitchen, Epic could easily be called the pièce de résistance among the Columbus culinary scene.
Dinglewood Pharmacy
Established in 1918, the iconic Dinglewood in Midtown has served Columbus families faithfully for almost 100 years. The last pharmacy with its original soda fountain, it is the oldest eating establishment in town. Lieutenant was the cook here for many years and a fixture at Dinglewood. He is renown to the point that his likeness is imprinted on the Styrofoam cups and other logoed items! Be sure to try the Scrambled Dog, a wiener and bun sliced and covered with Lieutenant’s delicious chili, which was named one of the “Top 100 Plates Locals Love” in the 2016 Georgia Eats culinary travel guide. Topped with oyster crackers and pickles, it’s a local favorite and Dinglewood’s specialty!
Meritage Restaurant & Wine Bar
Located in the heart of Uptown, Meritage is well known for its dinner menu reflecting a melting pot of American regional dishes with classic European preparation techniques and a pinch of Southern influence, topped off by an outstanding wine selection. Personable service makes every patron feel like family. Lunchtime offers a European style deli menu with Panini grilled sandwiches, salads and soups. Be sure to try the tomato bisque! Don’t be intimidated: even though the restaurant is beautiful and elegant looking, the family-oriented owners want you to come as you are, whether dressy, in jeans or even shorts.
Ruth Ann’s Restaurant
An iconic diner and must-visit in Columbus, with a no-frills, homey atmosphere, Ruth Ann’s is famous for serving delicious Southern home-style breakfast and lunch dishes for nearly 60 years. Want something different for breakfast? Try the Captain Crunch French Toast!
If you go
Make time for Market Days on Broadway, a 200+ vendor fair that takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon and features fresh fruit, veggies and flowers, organic eggs, local honey, homemade goodies, arts, crafts, live entertainment and lots more.
Beyond good eats, Columbus offers year-round special events such as ArtBeat of Columbus or the Uptown Beer & Wine Festival. Browse boutiques for trip-worthy souvenirs and refuel at local restaurants serving Southern favorites alongside options from around the globe. At the end of the day, choose from more than 4,600 hotel rooms where a night’s rest is the perfect ending to a day spent exploring the wild side of this unbeatable Southern city.