Regardless of one’s dining pursuits, Columbus, Georgia, offers some of the ultimate places to eat
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA–MAY 2019––Whatever the hankering, dining in Columbus, Ga., offers tasty, award-winning (and award-deserving) options from Southern to trendy to upscale. Centrally-located in west-central Georgia and 90 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, it’s an easy drive from anywhere in the Southeast to some memorable eats.
As diners in Columbus taste their way through the city, they’re sure to find their personal favorites, such as Ruth Ann’s red-velvet pancake, an Explore Georgia’s “100 Plates Locals Love” honoree and Minnie’s Uptown, voted as one of the “Best Restaurants in Georgia” for their chicken and dumplings by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards. And, hot off the presses, for the second consecutive year EPIC has just been named a 2019 Four Diamond AAA Restaurant. For a rundown of top dining in Columbus, keep reading.
Southern
Often visitors to Columbus, Ga., are looking for authentic Southern experiences, including that perfect Southern meal. Columbus provides a plethora of options to try and reasons to return again and again:
Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant (104 8th Street) is known for their delicious meat and three options for lunch but their recent 10Best honor proves they’re worth a visit. Minnie’s is open 10:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday through Friday.
Plucked Up Chicken and Biscuits (1208 1st Avenue) is the creation of local eatery icon Mark Jones. Think perfectly fried chicken and fluffy, golden-brown biscuits and all the different dishes that are possible, and you have Plucked Up. Its casual atmosphere is within a brick-exposed venue with “memorable” décor. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Smoke Bourbon and BBQ (1047 Broadway) This casual spot showcases the only rooftop patio on Broadway and is known for creative barbecue and Southern fare, such as mouth-watering favorites: pimento cheese wontons, brisket tacos topped with pineapple cilantro slaw and pickled onions, brisket gnocchi and the crowd favorite–the Pig Mac, a pulled pork sandwich topped with homemade mac-n-cheese, house-made sauce all on a toasted brioche bun. And, every Friday and Saturday there is “Up in Smoke” with live music followed by a DJ. Smoke is open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 pm., Friday and Saturday; and, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.
Country’s on Broad (1329 Broadway) is a locally-based restaurant started in 1975 and now has three locations in Columbus, including one in Uptown Columbus. This location is uniquely situated in a building with shiny, stainless steel interior decor that was a former Greyhound bus station built in the 1930s with a free juke box playing music selected by customers–including a vintage bus attached to the building and available for dining. Country’s is a popular destination for barbecue, ribs, milkshake bar and more. And, probably the best lemon meringue pie in Columbus, Ga., and beyond…and definitely the tallest. Open 11 a.m. to 10 pm. daily.
Ruth Ann’s Restaurant (941 Veterans Parkway) Originally built in 1959, this iconic eatery may serve the best breakfast in Columbus, Ga. It is a “must visit” Columbus restaurant with a no-frills homey atmosphere. Ruth Ann’s famous delicious Southern home-style breakfast and lunch dishes are served all day–coffee, espresso and cappuccino, too. Want something for unique for breakfast? Try the Capt’n Crunch French Toast! Ruth Ann’s is open 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday; 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday.
Trendy
The Black Cow (115 12th Street) is a homey destination for fried green tomatoes and other Southern-inspired comfort food plus cocktails. The burgers are especially good with a shout out for a “Best Burger in Georgia” by readers of Garden & Gun magazine. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Downstairs at The Loft (1032 Broadway) For more than 25 years, Downstairs at The Loft has been a place dedicated to great food, fun and quality entertainment. Offering a variety of casual American fare options, it serves lunch and dinner and amazing desserts such as its brag-worthy cheesecake. Upstairs in the lounge, known as The Loft, guests enjoy music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with comedy acts every Thursday. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Dinner is served 5 to 10 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday and 5 p.m. until closing, Thursday through Saturday.
Saltcellar (1035 1st Avenue) Just across the street from the historic State Theatre of Georgia, the Springer Opera House, the owner/operators of well-known establishments The Loft and Mabellas have added Saltceller to their Columbus, Ga., restaurant portfolio. Saltcellar delivers a variety of clean, fresh and bold flavors. It is open 5 to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday and 5 p.m. until closing on Friday and Saturday. It is a great pre- or post-show stop, or anytime, for applause-worthy dining.
Bare Roots Farmacy (105 12th Street) Bare Roots Community Kitchen & Bar supports the development of a resilient and healthy food culture throughout Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley. Diners looking for fresh, local and organic in Columbus, Ga., Bare Roots Farmacy is the place. It is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday and Monday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday; and, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday.
11th and Bay (1050 Bay Avenue) Whether dining indoors, at the bar, or al fresco with a great sunset view, the team at 11th and Bay are inspired by Southern hospitality and fresh creative Southern cuisine. Quality products from our local area are sourced from farmers and purveyors to create the seasonally-driven menu. With 4.5 out of 5 stars in just about every listing, 11th and Bay is one of the best restaurants in Columbus, Ga., and just steps from the Chattahoochee River. It is open 5 to 9:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 5 to 10 p.m., Friday; and, 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday.
Cannon Brew Pub (1041 Broadway) A microbrewery, before anyone knew what a microbrewery was, Cannon Brew Pub is also known for its wood-fired pizza and a variety of burgers. Its brick-lined pub setting gives it a unique old-world charm right in the heart of Uptown Columbus. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and, Noon to 10 p.m., Sunday.
Trevioli (7466 Blackmon Road) Defining itself as an artisan pasta company, Chef Trevor’s philosophy is “to create dining excellence through unequivocal passion, humility, and class.” While his wife Brandi arrives early daily to roll the pasta, Chef Trevor spends the evenings cooking custom dishes from scratch that evolve into his seasonal menus. Trevioli is open 5 to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday.
Wicked Hen (1350 13th Street) Chef Bryant Walker, a Columbus native, transforms the essence of his New South Cuisine with the Wicked Hen Restaurant and Lounge in Midtown. Featuring modern technique and fresh, natural regional fare, the kitchen recreates the bounty of the surrounding area and redefines traditional Southern cooking. It is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. The lounge is open 3 to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday; 3 p.m. to Midnight, Friday; Noon to Midnight, Saturday; and, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday.
Upscale
Epic Restaurant (1201 Front Avenue, Suite E) Chef Jamie Keating has wowed Columbus with this Epic concept, which features “elevated American cuisine in a white tablecloth setting.” Having earned the AAA Four Diamond Award, the 2017 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine, and being named by Gayot.com a 2016 Top 40 Fine-Dining Eateries in the United States, the only one in Georgia and ranked 10th on the list, Epic is a popular special-occasion restaurant in Columbus, Ga. Reservations are recommended. Epic is open 5 to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday (Pre-Fixe Menu 5 to 6:30 p.m.); and, 5 to 10:30 p.m., Friday to Saturday (Pre-Fixe Menu 5 to 6 p.m.).
Mabella (14 W 11th Street) The restaurant describes itself as a “quaint trattoria” which translates to “an Italian restaurant serving simple food.” If “simple” means “delicious,” they are a definitely “trattoria.” The historic building was a telephone switch in the 1800s, hence its name. Chef Tom Jones works to fuse the history of Columbus into his wonderful menu options. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; and, 5 to until closing, Thursday to Saturday,
7th Street Provisions (222 7th Street) is a French-inspired Southern restaurant located in historic Uptown Columbus. They offer a small paper menu that changes regularly based on the freshest ingredients possible. Their bar offers a curated selection of wines that match the menu, beer, and their own signature craft cocktails. Hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m., Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday; and, 5:30 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Jarfly (1358 13th Street) Located in Midtown, Jarfly is a new fun place offering great food that everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy great food whether it is a family, business luncheon, or late-night affair. Roll-up doors, bike racks, and pet-friendly exterior seating make it a go-to location to relax and enjoy. Named after the loud, buzzing Southern cicadas, there is definitely a buzz around town about Jarfly, which is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
Coffee Houses
Iron Bank Coffee Co. (6 West Eleventh Street) is an independent and locally owned company located in the unique old Iron Bank Building in the historic district of Uptown Columbus. In addition to coffee, lattes, and espressos, they serve teas, smoothies, beer, and wine. Food offerings include breakfast items, sandwiches, sweets, and salads with homemade dressings. It is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.
Fountain City Coffee (1007 Broadway) Established in 2003, Fountain City Coffee has been roasting beans an serving the Columbus since their inception. They consider everyone involved–from bakers and baristas to regular costumers–as part of the family. They pride themselves on their deeply flavorful roasts and their commitment to using high-quality, ethically-sourced green beans. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Wednesday; 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday; and, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday. Check their website for a live entertainment schedule.
Midtown Coffee House (1342 13th Street) With a tagline “everything we do is fresh,” it is pretty sure to be good. Featuring a premium coffee, homemade soups and sandwiches, Midtown Coffee believes in great service and good value with a simple feel yet sophisticated flavor. And, for those who don’t have time to get out of their car, there is quaint Coffee Camper for drive-through coffee adjacent to the restaurant. It is open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday; 6:3o a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and, closed on Sunday.
Golden Donuts (625 Manchester Expressway) is a locally owned donut shop. Whether you want to dine-in or drive-through, Golden Donuts is serving up hot, fresh donuts. They are open 24 hours a day.
Classic
Cerrone’s Brick Oven Pizzeria (7830 Veterans Parkway, Suite G) Named the “2019 Best in the Southeast” at the biggest pizza competition in the United States–the International Pizza Challenge–in Las Vegas, Cerrone’s is a surprise place to find some great pie. Locally owned and operated, they have the only true-to-region, authentic New York woodfire, brick oven pizza in Columbus. All of their items are prepared by hand daily from the freshest imported Italian and domestic ingredients available. They offer a wide selection of craft beers and wine from the state of Georgia. Hours may change based on the availability of pizza dough. The kitchen closes 8:45 p.m. weekdays and at 9:45 p.m. weekends.
Bluewater Grill (4640 Warm Springs Road) Having been in the seafood business since the 1950s, the Smith Family has brought their coastal homestead connections to Columbus by way of Bluewater Grill and its fresh, scratch kitchen. Their hours of operation are 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; and, 5 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Scruffy Murphy’s Pub (1037 Broadway) While in Columbus, enjoy some authentic Irish, British, and American fare. Be sure to try the signature dish…pub-style Fish ‘N’ Chips with house made Tartar sauce. They carry premium import and craft beers, many local, on draught. Hours of operation are 10 to 3 a.m., Mondays; 11 to 3 a.m., Tuesday to Friday; 10 to 3 a.m., Saturday; and, 11 to 11:55 p.m., Sundays.
Flip Side Burgers & Tacos (1115 Broadway) Located in a skinny location in Uptown Columbus, this booth-lined joint features a music theme and menu of classic burgers, tacos and snacks like nachos. It is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday and Tuesday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; and, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Speakeasy (3123 Mercury Drive) A Columbus institution since 1976, offering dining, a game room, and a bar, Speakeasy is appealing to all ages. Its menu features the signature Camel Rider sandwich, original Speakeasy pizzas and specialty desserts including Nutcracker Pie and Drowned Brownie. They are open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Saturday; and, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Parker’s Pantry at the Park (1815 Garrard Street) With a passion for feeding people good, quality food, Parker Mullins started a catering business that grew into Parker’s Pantry which features the tagline “Love People. Feed them Good Food” across her menus. Serving freshly made soups, salads, sandwiches, and sweets, don’t be surprised if a menu item is sold out for the day. It is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Surprises
My Boulánge (111 12th Street, #101) is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday to Thursday; and, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday. This French bakery is a delightful locale and one of the best places in Columbus, Ga., for breakfast, lunch or a sweet treat, such as a handmade macaroon. There are not too many places to eat in Columbus where one can enjoy a fresh croissant, croque madame, croque monsieur or croque salmon. And, it is a great spot for coffee or espresso to kickstart a day.
Nonic Beer Bar & Kitchen (1239 Broadway) is probably the only place in Columbus, Ga., calling itself a “gastropub.” While the word on the street is Nonic has the best craft cocktails in Columbus and it has more than 30 rotating taps featuring flights and multiple pour sizes, the food is as equally notable. Nonic’s kitchen is open 3 to 11 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. Nonic is a 21 and older facility, but they will serve any age on their patio.
Chili Thai (19 W 10th Street) Locals brag about Chili Thai being one of the best Asian restaurants in Columbus, Ga. They serve curries, noodle dishes and other familiar Thai fare served in a casual, brick-walled establishment. Chili Thai is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. It is open for dinner 5 to 9:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 3 to 10 p.m. Friday; and, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday.
Ready, Steak, GO! (1790 Williams Road) Founder, chef and restaurant-innovator Mark Jones noticed a need for a casual place that specializes in quick and quality food, so he opened Ready, Steak, GO! in a gas station. The menu varies from rib-eye steak, grouper fingers, pasta to burgers and family-style meals. Getting a fast, delicious meal has never been so easy–there’s even a drive-up window as well as indoor seating. It is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday; and, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday.
With so many great options, varieties, and styles of dining, there is a great number of reasons to visit and try all the best restaurants in Columbus, Ga.
For When You Dine in Columbus, Ga.:
Make time for Market Days on Broadway every Saturday morning, which features more than 200 local vendors selling homemade and homegrown products, including local and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, crafts and yummy baked goods.
To really figure out Columbus dining, sign up for the Columbus Eats Food Toursand/or the Vicinity Tours Foodie Tour and eat your way through Columbus with experts on the subject. And, you’ll be walking/burning the calories as you sightsee through the city.
If you visit Ruth Ann’s Restaurant, try the
Streak-o-lean, you can’t get much more Southern than that. Or, a Columbus
tradition, the Scrambled Dog (you’ll just have to see it for yourself) at Ruth
Ann’s or Dinglewoods (1939 Wynnton Road), an authentic, old-fashioned pharmacy
soda-shop experience.
For
the most amazing, best cheesecake maybe anywhere, go to Downstairs
at The Loft, Saltcellar or Mabella (as
sister restaurants they serve the same cheesecake). Yum!