Real restaurants, real prices, real reviews
Zero local restaurant advertising = Zero bias.
Every restaurant recommendation comes from our own wallets and stomachs. No free meals, no promotional partnerships, no sponsored content from local businesses. When we say a place is worth your money, it's because we've spent our own money there - repeatedly.
The only ads you'll see are from national brands who have zero influence over which Columbus restaurants we recommend.
Columbus has genuine food culture that doesn't require trust fund money. We've eaten at every place on this list – multiple times – and can tell you what's actually worth your hard-earned cash.
Address: 248 S 4th St | Phone: (614) 824-4673
Hours: 11am-midnight daily | Price Range: $8-12
Signature: "Puff the Magic Popper" hot dog ($9) - cheddar cream cheese, bacon bits, jalapeños
Why it works: Creative hot dogs that cost less than most fast-casual chains but deliver gourmet experience. Portions are legitimate.
Hours: Monday-Friday lunch hours | Price Range: $5.25-8.95
Signature: Massive sandwich portions
Why it works: Legitimately cheap pricing, portions that split into two meals
Address: 680 N High St | Phone: (614) 867-5885
Hours: Daily 11am-9pm | Price Range: $8-12
Signature: Mediterranean bowls, fresh falafels, build-your-own concept
Why it works: Chipotle pricing with actual fresh ingredients and creativity
Address: 905 N High St | Phone: (614) 469-0053
Hours: Daily 5pm-midnight | Price Range: $8-14 lunch
Signature: Wood-fired pizzas, Monday-Friday 4-6pm happy hour (half-price pizzas)
Why it works: Half-price pizza during happy hour = legitimate dining for fast-food prices
Address: Multiple locations | Hours: Daily 11am-midnight
Price Range: $2-3 per taco
Signature: Build-your-own tacos, creative combinations
Why it works: Quality ingredients, fair pricing, actually fills you up
Address: 1998 N High St | Hours: 24/7
Price Range: $3-8
Signature: Late-night donuts, basic breakfast, OSU institution
Why it works: 24/7 lifeline, cheap enough for student budgets, Columbus tradition
Address: 174 W Lane Ave | Hours: Daily 11am-3am
Price Range: $3-12
Signature: Pizza by the slice, whole pies
Why it works: Hits that sweet spot of quality and price that defines good college eats
Address: 1646 Neil Ave | Hours: Daily 7am-3pm
Price Range: $8-14
Signature: Hangover-curing breakfast, burgers, omelets
Why it works: Does exactly what it promises - fills you up cheap
Address: 193 Thurman Ave | Hours: Daily 7am-2pm
Price Range: $6-12
Signature: Western omelet, strong coffee, local favorite since 1981
Why it works: True institution - $8 gets you a massive breakfast that'll fuel you all day
Address: 410 E Whittier St | Hours: Friday-Sunday 8am-1:30pm
Price Range: $8-14
Signature: Rustic urban food with local Ohio ingredients
Why it works: Weekend-only hours mean peak freshness, fair pricing
Address: 914 W Broad St | Hours: Daily 6am-2pm
Price Range: $5-10
Signature: Family-owned 30+ years, red vinyl booths, traditional diner fare
Why it works: 30-year institution that proves good food doesn't need to be expensive
Location: Land-Grant Brewing | Hours: Thursday-Sunday varies
Price Range: $8-15
Signature: Pit barbecue, brisket, ribs, sides like collard greens
Why it works: Represents the best of Columbus food culture: authentic, affordable, community-focused