Central Ohio is packed with hidden gems, the kind of places you’ve probably passed by a million times without realizing the magic that hides within.
From unassuming strip malls to alleyway restaurants, these spots are proof that looks can be deceiving. Here’s a list of the coolest places in Columbus and Central Ohio that are hiding in plain sight.
Otherworld
5819 Chantry Dr, Columbus, OH 43232
This totally unassuming, dare I say “ugly” strip mall houses one of the most jaw-dropping art installations you will see ANYWHERE. 32,000 square feet of trippy, mesmerizing, and truly odd interactive art pieces hide inside, and it’s something you have to experience for yourself. Check out our video about it below.
Elevator Brewing Co.
161 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
This Brewery hides in plain sight on High Street downtown. I’m sure you would recognize the exterior, with the large and rustic Elevator Brewing Co. sign and the iconic Bott’s Brothers’ Billiards on the building’s facade. This building has a ton of history, which can be felt as soon as you walk in. It’s old school and extremely well kept, and the massive wooden bar is simply gorgeous, with tons of hidden sculptures within. Rumor even has it that, while campaigning in Columbus, President Teddy Roosevelt peed on the bar during a night of drinking. You can even notice the trough directly in front of the bar is still there to this day! But please don’t copy Teddy and keep it in your pants, fellas.
The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge
843 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
This is located in the heart of the Short North, just a stone’s throw from classic Short North staples like Arch City Tavern, Pint House, Union Cafe, and Hubbard Grille. But if you aren’t paying attention, you’ll miss one of the cutest and coziest cocktail bars in the country (I’m serious, it’s that good). They have a constantly rotating menu, focused on whiskeys and bourbons. It’s one of those places that’s really hard to find a spot if you go anytime during peak hours, but it’s absolutely worth it. Just look out for the red curtains on the West Side of High Street and that’s where The Alibi hides.
The Rambling House
310 E Hudson St, Columbus, OH 43202
If you’ve ever visited the Old North, there’s a very, VERY high chance you’ve walked or driven past The Rambling House. There’s a good chance you also don’t even know what place I’m talking about… YET! If you’ve driven down Indianola and Hudson Streets over the past few years, you’ve probably noticed the very colorful building with artwork on the side. Well, that’s The Rambling House, a craft ginger soda maker turned live music venue! They host tons of bluegrass jams, open mics, and both local and touring musicians! I’ve played there countless times, and it’s one of the most welcoming and fun venues in the city. They really have poured a lot of money into making it a destination, and it’s paid off in dividends. Go check it out at an upcoming show or open mic night!
DENMARK
463 N High St 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Similar to The Alibi, this cocktail lounge is right on the west side of High Street in the section between the Arena District and the Short North. This lounge has a laid-back vibe and rests on the second floor of the building it’s in, which makes for great views of downtown and Columbus’ vibrant nightlife scene thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s really a unique space, and the vibrant red staircase leading up to it is just a taste of the uniqueness of DENMARK. Their drinks are fantastic, there’s plenty of seating, tons of fun games to play, and the vibe is always buzzing but lowkey.
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
If you’ve ever driven past or visited Ohio State’s campus, then you’ve driven past this totally underrated but super cool cartoon museum that is worth visiting, even if you aren’t a cartoon or comic fan! Everything from Captain America to Calvin and Hobbes is in its collection. There are literally millions of comic materials in the wings, and it’s much larger than you’d think. It’s definitely worth checking out.
Topiary Garden
480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
This unique art installation is a living recreation of Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” and consists of 54 people, 8 boats, 3 dogs, a monkey, and a cat, all in the form of topiary sculptures made of yew trees. It’s the only topiary representation of a painting in the world, oddly enough, and seeing it in person and how much detail goes into this Topiary Sculpture is unexpectedly inspiring.
Basi Italia
811 Highland St, Columbus, OH 43215
This might be THE most hidden spot in the entire city. It’s a small Italian restaurant nestled in with all the gorgeous Victorian houses in Victorian Village. But this restaurant is easily missed, as it’s located just off Neil Avenue in an alley surrounded by garages and backyards. It has a cozy patio with string lights, an outdoor all-season bar, and some of the best Italian cuisine in the city. The eggplant parm here is SO. FREAKING. GOOD. The eggplant is perfectly crispy, the sauce is delicious, and the pasta is tossed in a fresh pesto sauce. Read our full write up here.
Ringside Cafe
19 N Pearl St, Columbus, OH 43215
If Basi Italia is THE most hidden spot in the entire city, Ringside Cafe is RIGHT there behind it. This is located in a back alley in downtown Columbus, just across the street from the Statehouse. It’s a small, hole-in-the-wall type place that serves the juiciest burgers in the city. The Buster Douglas, named after the famous Columbus boxer, is 1.5 pounds of beef topped with countless toppings and a double order of fries. It’s incredible and even bigger than you are picturing. It seems like if you want to be one of the best, coolest restaurants in Columbus, put yourself in a back alley that no one can find on their own (only half kidding 😉)! Read our full write up here.
Pierogi Mountain
105 N Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Pierogi Mountain previously used to be just east of Ohio State’s campus, and quickly became a staple of Buckeye students. Now it’s located in the Discovery District of downtown Columbus. As a man with Eastern European roots, I know a good pierogi when I eat one, and Pierogi Mountain is in the upper echelon, no doubt about it. Pierogi are a completely underrated food, and I’m so glad that Pierogi Mountain exists to spread the pierogi love. Plus, the vibe inside is super cool and hip, you totally wouldn’t expect it to be such a cool spot for just a pierogi restaurant. It’s so worth checking out.
Dirty Dungarees
2584 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Chalk up “let’s go to the laundromat to grab some beers and catch a show” on the board of things that you never would’ve imagined yourself saying, but thankfully Dirty Dungarees gives you a chance to do just that. A fully operating laundromat, Dirty Dungarees also has a fully functioning bar/live music venue just feet away from all the washers and dryers. Read our full write up here.
Studio 35
3055 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43202
This is one of those movie theaters you’d only see in the movies set in the 50s. With a full marquee out front that looks like it’s straight out of The Outsiders, Studio 35 is one of the coolest spots in the city. Not only is it a great movie-going experience, they also have a full-service restaurant and tons of libations to participate in beforehand. Read our full write up here.
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