There’s only one place you can eat right now: a diner. And while you could settle for any old booth, the only options you might have at your disposal are a sticky counter, questionable coffee, and that plate of hash browns you’re saving for a hangover.
Denny’s
$ | (614) 647-7352 | WEBSITE
Denny’s is offering consistently excellent service with servers like Courtney, Rachael, and Sherry – who’s described as the ‘greatest’ for being friendly, knowledgeable, and making customers feel welcomed. You also can enjoy good food at a reasonable price, with a family of five finding the cost really good while servers rush around to help everyone.
While the atmosphere could use some improvement with those inoperable TVs on the wall, the overall experience delivers an easy Denny’s visit with convenient parking and walking distance to nearby hotels.
George’s Beechwold Diner
$ | (614) 447-0944 | WEBSITE
Try to get the frantic weekend rush out of your mind. OK, good. This classic diner spot has a long list of comfort foods available (from biscuits and gravy to club sandwiches to onion rings), along with hearty breakfasts to fuel your day like pancakes and omelets.
The Mercury Diner
$ | (614) 852-3036 | WEBSITE
The Mercury Diner has a few of its standout breakfast items available for takeout. There are others you could choose, but we recommend the classic breakfast with over easy egg and cheese (you get generous portions of housemade biscuits, real potato home fries, and a side of sausage gravy) or the chicken and pancake combo that comes with a large, thick pancake that’s light and flavorful, not cakey or dry, plus perfectly cooked chicken.
The presentation adds to the enjoyable experience, and the food maintains its flavor even when reheated. Service is attentive and friendly, though it can get busy. Overall, the food is worth it.
Tio’s Diner
$ | (614) 444-7590 | WEBSITE
Along with waiting in line at the DMV, grabbing a booth at Tio’s Diner for massive plates of Mexican food and $1.99 Monday margaritas is a Columbus rite of passage. While it might be a minute before you can actually squeeze into the cozy spot, in the meantime, you can order burritos and guacamole for takeout.
Golden Donuts & Diner
$ | (614) 443-1766 | WEBSITE
This classic neighborhood diner has a bunch of breakfast combos that feel really appropriate for the kind of place you go to for a giant plate of comfort food – like the apple fritter French toast, and several versions of egg sandwiches.
Ari’s Diner
$ | (614) 274-7747 | WEBSITE
Beyond classic American breakfasts, Ari’s Diner is celebrated for its Greek Gyro. And it offers a “Cowboy omelette,” where you get their signature chorizo, eggs, and either crispy fries or French toast.
Delaney’s Diner
$ | (614) 696-4672 | WEBSITE
Delaney’s Diner has some very cool breakfast options. They come with your choice of sides (the “Delaney breakfast” features over easy eggs, sausage, and French toast) and a locally made hot sauce that Delaney’s adds to your meal. Hot sauce not included in the price, but now is definitely the time to order something off the menu you want but don’t normally get. The Reuben sandwich is also a crowd-pleaser, with its generous portion of corned beef and crispy fries.
Prices are reasonable, making it a great value for the quality of food and service. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring guests feel welcome in the cozy spot on First Avenue. Overall, Delaney’s Diner is a great spot for a meal out, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for families and repeat customers alike.
Tommy’s Diner
$ | (614) 224-2422 | WEBSITE
This is a diner that’s doing a lot. For $12, they’re serving up classic breakfast plates of their signature dishes (like the Franklinton burger with ground Angus beef) for dine-in. They’ve even decorated the walls with nostalgic pictures and collectibles to keep you entertained while you wait.
Fitzy’s Old Fashioned Diner
$ | (614) 846-1004 | WEBSITE
Fitzy’s Old Fashioned Diner is a breakfast-focused restaurant that actually has chicken fried steak on the menu, but we’re not here to talk about that. We’re here to talk about their $12 blueberry pancakes. They also have something called sweet tea (it’s Southern hospitality in a glass), but we’re not here to talk about that either.
Spiros
$ | (614) 481-8448 | WEBSITE
Spiros is serving a Greek salad that comes with crisp lettuce, feta cheese, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette. And if that sounds like your regular lunchtime craving, that’s perfectly fine.
Grandview Diner
$ | (614) 375-3939 | WEBSITE
You can find all kinds of comfort food at Grandview Diner – including dishes you haven’t tasted since your college days (like that turkey bacon sub). Also noteworthy, they’re serving up hand-cut fries with homemade hot sauces, which is definitely the best use of potatoes.
Ritzy’s
$ | (614) 754-8960 | WEBSITE
Let’s be honest, it’s satisfying to devour a greasy, nostalgic burger in your comfiest jeans while watching a classic sitcom rerun. Ritzy’s is the old-fashioned diner with that classic Columbus charm and gives you the chance to do just that. They have that smash burger everyone’s raving about – perfectly crispy edges, hot shoestring fries, and the classic Ritzy with cheese. They each come with those fresh fries, cost about $12, and they’re really, really good.
Fame’s Diner
$ | (614) 992-0005 | WEBSITE
Fame’s Diner is also serving a variety of Indian-American fusion dishes, with some pretty satisfying convention-center inspired options. We especially like the Chicken Tikka Masala with perfectly cooked rice, and the traditional breakfast with fluffy eggs and a pillowy biscuit.
George’s Linworth Diner
$ | (614) 396-6401 | WEBSITE
We need to talk about George’s incredibly generous country fried steak. Aside from a massive portion of crispy fried steak, it also comes with creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, and a side of rich gravy. Basically, it’s a complete comfort food experience.
Stav’s Diner
$ | (614) 725-4330 | WEBSITE
Stav’s Diner is a classic eatery that embodies the spirit of a traditional diner. So, it’s not surprising that they have a standout French Toast. They also have favorites like the Bagel Breakfast Sandwich, Feta and Spinach Omelette, and Hash Browns. Each dish is well-prepared and they range from $8-$14. The portions are large and the prices are reasonable, making it a satisfying meal. The staff is friendly and welcoming, with Ms. Twyla providing attentive service.
The atmosphere is cozy and warm, though space is limited. Overall, Stav’s Diner is a must-visit destination for breakfast, described as a ‘best kept secret’ for its delicious food and excellent service.
Cafe Illyria
$ | (614) 227-3330 | WEBSITE
If you want hearty, unpretentious breakfast, order from Cafe Illyria. Their menu comes with things like the Albanian breakfast platter, gyro breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and all sorts of salads. And each dish makes for a satisfying, fair-priced meal.
Sloopy’s Diner
$ | (614) 292-7000 | WEBSITE
Sloopy’s Diner is serving up classic diner fare at campus-friendly prices. Some items hit the spot – like the juicy burgers or the crispy fries. Some dishes are less exciting (i.e. the basic salads), especially when they arrive lukewarm and feel like an afterthought.
Cap City Fine Diner and Bar
$$ | (614) 291-3663 | WEBSITE
This classic diner has a few different burger options – the cheeseburger and the cheesesteak. Each comes with a generous portion of meat, fresh toppings, and a side of fries (which are good enough to eat on their own without the burger). That said, don’t. Because now is not the time to be a hero.