Columbus may be known for its college football and craft beer, but its burger scene is quietly building a championship-caliber roster. From smash-patty perfection to towering gourmet creations, these 16 spots prove Ohio’s capital deserves a place at the table.
O’Reilly’s Pub
$ | (614) 262-6343 | WEBSITE
O’Reilly’s Pub only has a handful of things on the short food menu, but everything at this Columbus spot is excellent. The burgers are well-made and satisfying, like the fantastic blue cheese burger, or the classic pub burger with steak fries. And the fish and chips is a must-order—there’s a perfect balance of crispy batter and flaky fish, plus tartar sauce and a side of coleslaw.
Seats are limited at the low bar, but if there’s a comfy chair available, grab it—you’ll want to be sitting down to briefly escape reality while eating that meal.
Ted’s Montana Grill
$$ | (614) 227-0013 | WEBSITE
Ted’s Montana Grill is a burger joint that really leans into the rustic Montana lodge vibe. It has a cozy-chic balance, wood accents, and a bustling bar area where the bartender efficiently handles drink and food orders. There’s even a free pickle jar on the counter, a nice touch while you wait.
Come for the juicy, well-seasoned burgers like the Avalon Burger and the 1977 America’s Cup Burger, or even the veggie burger that meat-lovers praise, assuming you can snag a table before the game-night rush.
Urban Gourmet
$ | (740) 812-6035 | WEBSITE
There are other things on the menu at Urban Gourmet in the East Market, but you’re really there to eat their fantastic burgers, made to order and cooked to perfection. This place is casual, clean, and perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner after exploring the market.
The Rail – Grandview
$$ | (614) 618-1800 | WEBSITE
This counter-service burger spot in Grandview is a solid choice for a satisfying meal any time of day. The Rail is clean, has a cool vibe, and is perfect for a leisurely lunch with their standout truffle fries topped with big shreds of parm, or a quick bite with their garlic hot chicken sandwich and house-made tater tots. There’s a patio out back ideal for warm-weather dining, where you can enjoy their secret recipe mac n cheese or shareable pretzel bites.
While the music can get a bit loud, the friendly and attentive staff like Ala and Joe make the experience enjoyable with their personable, conversational service.
Culver’s
$ | (614) 870-8022 | WEBSITE
The choice to grab lunch at Culver’s in Columbus is always a smart one. This isn’t just because this popular fast food spot has delicious burgers, but because it works for any casual craving. The interior is kept clean and bright with simple decor that feels welcoming without being distracting. The food is a bit pricey for fast food (most combos run around $12-$18) but everything is worth it.
The Mushroom Swiss butter burger is an example of a menu item that shouldn’t be skipped, the onion rings are always crispy, and the frozen custard flavor of the day is delightfully creamy.
HangOverEasy
$ | (614) 928-3778 | WEBSITE
It’s entirely possible to eat at this Columbus restaurant and pretend you’re actually at a cozy diner in the Midwest. If time allows, sit for the Cinnamon Roll French Toast or Dirty breakfast burrito with chorizo—but know that it’s also worth grabbing pancakes or local goetta on the go.
Village Coney
$ | (614) 445-9633 | WEBSITE
Village Coney in Columbus focuses on classic comfort food, serving coneys and more in a space that feels like a quirky neighborhood joint with a retro vibe. There’s a regular menu with things like burgers and salads, but the best way to eat here is by going for the daily specials, which are available every day.
And that’s where you’ll also find mini meatball subs, gyros, chicken sandwiches, and the signature coneys—basically anything you can think of, and some stuff you might not, like the surprisingly good salads. It’s affordable (the specials are under $10), and enjoying as much of it as possible is a justifiable reason for lingering over the best music and movies.
Pat and Gracie’s Downtown
$ | (614) 347-3952 | WEBSITE
Few places make us want to show up right when they open at 11am, but Pat and Gracie’s Downtown’s enormous mozzarella sticks get us out the door after just one text. This downtown spot’s Chimmy Burger is excellent, whether it’s perfectly cooked and satisfying or paired with their homemade tater tots. Aside from their pub creations, don’t be surprised if seeing the El Diablo without bacon or buffalo wings while sitting at their indoor counter convinces you to get one of those, too.
Chubby’s Sports Bar & Grill
$$ | (380) 257-1521 | WEBSITE
A Columbus favorite. This cozy sports bar has everything from hearty potato soup to crispy mozzarella sticks. Open for casual hangouts every day, Chubby’s is always a strong late-night decision.
The Thurman Cafe
$ | (614) 443-1570 | WEBSITE
During the day, this lively, bustling restaurant in Columbus serves some of the best burgers in Ohio. The Thurman Cafe offers massive, delicious patties with crisp fries and onion straws that are absolutely worth trying.
Perhaps the only downside is that since everything is made from scratch, your food may take 30 minutes or more to arrive—so either come when you’re not in a hurry or start brainstorming an elaborate story about how you were late meeting friends because of a particularly stubborn traffic light.
Flip Side Easton
$$ | (614) 472-3547 | WEBSITE
Though Flip Side Easton is part of the bustling Easton Town Center, a deep appreciation for truffle fries and boozy milkshakes isn’t a requirement to enjoy their great burgers and onion rings. This Columbus counter service spot is (obviously) all about burgers. They’re hearty, cooked to perfection, and loaded into buns with brisket and sweet sauce or topped with eggs and chipotle ranch, or paired with fantastic fries and macaroni and cheese.
Evenings and weekends can be busy, but most people enjoy their food in the good outdoor dining setting, so finding a seat might be tight.
Johnnie’s Tavern
$ | (614) 488-0110 | WEBSITE
Johnnie’s has been serving up classic burgers in Columbus since before that was a thing, and it pretty much feels like the restaurant incarnation of a dive bar. This means the menu stays reliably familiar, so if you have a burger you love, you can always count on it. There are, however, some standout staples: the juicy burger, crispy fried mushrooms, and shareable jalapeño poppers. It’s all good—this place is a neighborhood classic for a reason.
Jetpack’s Burger Truck
$ | (614) 955-8224 | WEBSITE
If you haven’t already discovered it, you might have heard about Jetpack’s Burger Truck because of its reputation—it’s famous for being one of the top burger spots in Columbus. There’s even a consistent buzz about how incredible their smash burgers are. But what really makes this place special is the fact that it’s a no-frills food truck, complete with a straightforward menu and a team that works hard to keep everything hot and fresh.
And the burgers—with options like the Jetpack burger, chicken sandwich, and onion rings—are our favorite thing to eat here. Just remember that more seating would be nice when they get busy.
Smokey Bones Columbus
$$ | (614) 476-2668 | WEBSITE
Smokey Bones Columbus is a solid dining choice, particularly for an Easton area crowded with chain eateries. It’s definitely on the affordable side at $16, but it does deliver a satisfying amount of food—the pulled pork platter comes with sides and your choice of sauce (the house barbecue is our favorite). And if that’s too heavy, their burgers and sandwiches with crispy fries are also tasty.
Burger Theory Columbus
$ | (614) 221-3281 | WEBSITE
Burger Theory Columbus offers a variety of dishes, and that’s exactly what you’ll find. The menu at this burger spot in Columbus is mostly protein-focused plates, like shrimp or steak dinners, plus burgers—including the highly anticipated burgers that we’d be happy to try on a return visit.
Burger Theory is extremely accommodating with its friendly staff, but during peak times, it’s a slower-paced place you might wait at, with ample parking and accessible seating that’s practical but doesn’t force you to struggle with logistics.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (614) 841-7708 | WEBSITE
On any afternoon, Red Robin is full of burger-loving families, people grabbing post-work meals, or parents on fry duty as their kids devour coloring pages and balloons. It’s popular for good reason: this Columbus spot makes excellent burgers. The classic beef patties have the ideal meat-to-bun ratio, while their gluten-free or lettuce wrap options are equal displays of customization prowess.
And thanks to their unlimited sides selection, you’ll be thinking about those fries even when you’re full from the main course.