Coffee Shops
I shamelessly judge a coffee shop by how good of a latte they make. With that being said, here are the top coffee shops that make a mean iced latte.
Brioso Coffee
If you are looking for the best coffee shop to work remotely from downtown, this is my go to! Their High Street location is quaint and quiet most of the day so it's a wonderful spot to open your laptop and get to work at.
Cafe de Nook
Probably the most unique coffee shop in Franklin County is Cafe de Nook. Situated next to the Columbus Commons, this Parisian themed coffee shop is home to Paris themed decor, antique furniture, and unique drink features. This is my favorite lunch time coffee stop.
Community Grounds
This shop lives up to their name. They are very community involved and support local all while providing amazing coffee. Absolutely try their S'mores Latte when you stop in!
One Line Coffee
This is my weekday favorite. They have the best maple syrup lattes (made with local syrup from Milligan's) and are very inclusive of everyone. Such a genuine coffee shop.
Parable Cafe
In the heart of downtown, this shop has some of the best coffee and pastries I have ever had. Get the chocolate croissant and sit by their fireplace when you visit for the best coffee shop experience.
The Roosevelt Coffeehouse
The definition of a coffee shop you would want to work in on a rainy day. Order their maple or hazelnut latte and thank me later.
Transcend Coffee + Roastery
Located in downtown Grove City, this shop is a great stop if you want to walk around and get a small town vibe. During the summer, downtown does Saturday farmers markets right outside of the shop!
Winans Coffee and Chocolates
Situated in German Village directly next to Schiller Park, this is a favorite of mine overall! If it's spring time, you have to try their Caramelberry Latte - who could possibly turn down Caramel and Blueberry in a latte?
Brioso Coffee
If you are looking for the best coffee shop to work remotely from downtown, this is my go to! Their High Street location is quaint and quiet most of the day so it's a wonderful spot to open your laptop and get to work at.
Cafe de Nook
Probably the most unique coffee shop in Franklin County is Cafe de Nook. Situated next to the Columbus Commons, this Parisian themed coffee shop is home to Paris themed decor, antique furniture, and unique drink features. This is my favorite lunch time coffee stop.
Community Grounds
This shop lives up to their name. They are very community involved and support local all while providing amazing coffee. Absolutely try their S'mores Latte when you stop in!
One Line Coffee
This is my weekday favorite. They have the best maple syrup lattes (made with local syrup from Milligan's) and are very inclusive of everyone. Such a genuine coffee shop.
Parable Cafe
In the heart of downtown, this shop has some of the best coffee and pastries I have ever had. Get the chocolate croissant and sit by their fireplace when you visit for the best coffee shop experience.
The Roosevelt Coffeehouse
The definition of a coffee shop you would want to work in on a rainy day. Order their maple or hazelnut latte and thank me later.
Transcend Coffee + Roastery
Located in downtown Grove City, this shop is a great stop if you want to walk around and get a small town vibe. During the summer, downtown does Saturday farmers markets right outside of the shop!
Winans Coffee and Chocolates
Situated in German Village directly next to Schiller Park, this is a favorite of mine overall! If it's spring time, you have to try their Caramelberry Latte - who could possibly turn down Caramel and Blueberry in a latte?
Restaurants
Arepazo Tapas Bar Grille
One of the few Latin American restaurants in Columbus, and my all time favorite. They have empanadas that put most empanadas to shame.
Brown Bag Deli
Small shop in the heart of German Village with amazing sandwiches. This is a hidden gem who has some of the best subs in Columbus. They also have soup flights!
Cluck Norris
Chicken sandwiches meets pop culture. The Angry Bird chicken sandwich is crispy, spicy, and delicious.
CM Chicken
Korean. Fried. Chicken. Need I say anything else? Their garlic soy drums are mouth watering.
Delaney's Diner
With a few locations in Columbus, this is such a good choice for a homestyle breakfast spot. I personally love the Indy 500 meal.
Hubert's Polish Kitchen
This spot is my favorite restaurant inside of North Market. Once you try Hubert's perogies, you will be buying some frozen to take home, trust me.
Michael's Goody Boy
A 1940s themed restaurant that serves comfort food? Yes please! Their smash burgers are magnificent.
Little Italy Ristorante
My favorite sit down restaurant on the south side of Franklin County, hands down! Little Italy recently moved into a new building in downtown Groveport, Ohio that houses a bar, great food, and a hand-dipped ice cream bar.
Loops
To my Chicago natives, two words - Italian Beefs. Loops has the best Italian Beef Sandwich outside of the Windy City. This is a taste of home away from home.
Lovell's Tavern
Controversial opinion incoming...the best Rueben in all of Franklin County hands down. I highly suggest pairing it with their chicken wings for the full experience of Lovell's.
The Woodbury
Located in downtown, this is my favorite brunch spot! They have a French Toast Casserole that dreams are made of.
Three Brothers Diner
This spot in Grove City is a Cuban breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot. I highly suggest you trying their breakfast menu items such as their enfrijoladas.
One of the few Latin American restaurants in Columbus, and my all time favorite. They have empanadas that put most empanadas to shame.
Brown Bag Deli
Small shop in the heart of German Village with amazing sandwiches. This is a hidden gem who has some of the best subs in Columbus. They also have soup flights!
Cluck Norris
Chicken sandwiches meets pop culture. The Angry Bird chicken sandwich is crispy, spicy, and delicious.
CM Chicken
Korean. Fried. Chicken. Need I say anything else? Their garlic soy drums are mouth watering.
Delaney's Diner
With a few locations in Columbus, this is such a good choice for a homestyle breakfast spot. I personally love the Indy 500 meal.
Hubert's Polish Kitchen
This spot is my favorite restaurant inside of North Market. Once you try Hubert's perogies, you will be buying some frozen to take home, trust me.
Michael's Goody Boy
A 1940s themed restaurant that serves comfort food? Yes please! Their smash burgers are magnificent.
Little Italy Ristorante
My favorite sit down restaurant on the south side of Franklin County, hands down! Little Italy recently moved into a new building in downtown Groveport, Ohio that houses a bar, great food, and a hand-dipped ice cream bar.
Loops
To my Chicago natives, two words - Italian Beefs. Loops has the best Italian Beef Sandwich outside of the Windy City. This is a taste of home away from home.
Lovell's Tavern
Controversial opinion incoming...the best Rueben in all of Franklin County hands down. I highly suggest pairing it with their chicken wings for the full experience of Lovell's.
The Woodbury
Located in downtown, this is my favorite brunch spot! They have a French Toast Casserole that dreams are made of.
Three Brothers Diner
This spot in Grove City is a Cuban breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot. I highly suggest you trying their breakfast menu items such as their enfrijoladas.
Experiences
* The best experiences in Columbus are often accompanied by them being affordable. Any listings with an asterisk next to them has budget friendly options.
Columbus Metropolitan Library - Main Branch*
I am a huge book nerd, so visiting the library is already one of my favorite things to do, but the Main Branch makes the experience so much better. With a coffee shop on site, free art exhibits, and weekly events for children and adults, this is easily one of the best FREE day trips in the county. The Topiary Garden is directly behind the main branch and is also so amazing to visit (read below for more on Topiary Garden).
Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks*
The Metro Parks feature 20 outstanding natural area parks with more than 230 miles of trails and over 28,500 acres of land in seven central Ohio counties, including Franklin County. There are so many lovely spots to visit that I could make a page on the parks all on my own, but I will let the experts have all the glory. This is another FREE option. For more information go here: https://www.metroparks.net/.
Columbus Museum of Art*
Located in Downtown Columbus is the Columbus Museum of Art, home of art exhibits, art workshops, educational sessions, and special events. Free Sundays is a key feature of the museum that provides free general admission for museum visitors each and every Sunday.
Columbus Park of Roses*
Located off North High, the Park of Roses is a public park that homes over 13,000 different species of roses. Better yet, this park is FREE to visit.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens*
This 13-acrea botanical garden, conservatory, and art exhibition is my favorite spot in Columbus for a day trip. I spend about 3 hours here every time I visit! This is one of our affordable options ad they offer free General Admission to residents of Columbus and Franklin County on the first Sunday of every month.
German Village*
Just south of downtown Columbus lies German Village. If you are looking for a free day of fun, I suggest talking a stroll down Beck, Mohawk and Deshler streets to see some of the best architecture in the city. When you get to Deshler, a stop at Schiller Park is a must. More info on Schiller park can be found further down!
Schiller Park*
Schiller Park is the second oldest park in the City of Columbus and one of my favorite places to spend a sunny afternoon! The park houses picnic areas, softball diamonds, a fishing pond, gardens, and a stage for the Actor's Summer Theater.
Topiary Park*
The Topiary Garden is a living recreation of Georges Seurat's famous post-Impressionist painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte shaped from shrubs. This is housed behind the main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. This is another FREE to visit stops!
Columbus Metropolitan Library - Main Branch*
I am a huge book nerd, so visiting the library is already one of my favorite things to do, but the Main Branch makes the experience so much better. With a coffee shop on site, free art exhibits, and weekly events for children and adults, this is easily one of the best FREE day trips in the county. The Topiary Garden is directly behind the main branch and is also so amazing to visit (read below for more on Topiary Garden).
Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks*
The Metro Parks feature 20 outstanding natural area parks with more than 230 miles of trails and over 28,500 acres of land in seven central Ohio counties, including Franklin County. There are so many lovely spots to visit that I could make a page on the parks all on my own, but I will let the experts have all the glory. This is another FREE option. For more information go here: https://www.metroparks.net/.
Columbus Museum of Art*
Located in Downtown Columbus is the Columbus Museum of Art, home of art exhibits, art workshops, educational sessions, and special events. Free Sundays is a key feature of the museum that provides free general admission for museum visitors each and every Sunday.
Columbus Park of Roses*
Located off North High, the Park of Roses is a public park that homes over 13,000 different species of roses. Better yet, this park is FREE to visit.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens*
This 13-acrea botanical garden, conservatory, and art exhibition is my favorite spot in Columbus for a day trip. I spend about 3 hours here every time I visit! This is one of our affordable options ad they offer free General Admission to residents of Columbus and Franklin County on the first Sunday of every month.
German Village*
Just south of downtown Columbus lies German Village. If you are looking for a free day of fun, I suggest talking a stroll down Beck, Mohawk and Deshler streets to see some of the best architecture in the city. When you get to Deshler, a stop at Schiller Park is a must. More info on Schiller park can be found further down!
Schiller Park*
Schiller Park is the second oldest park in the City of Columbus and one of my favorite places to spend a sunny afternoon! The park houses picnic areas, softball diamonds, a fishing pond, gardens, and a stage for the Actor's Summer Theater.
Topiary Park*
The Topiary Garden is a living recreation of Georges Seurat's famous post-Impressionist painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte shaped from shrubs. This is housed behind the main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. This is another FREE to visit stops!