Late-night eats and college students go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Heck, Peanut Butter & Jelly Uncrustables at 2 AM and drunk college students go together like peas & carrots.
If you’re new here, we’re Step Out Columbus, your friendly neighborhood guide to the best places to eat, things to do, and more around Ohio State and Columbus as a whole.
So no matter if you’re a night owl or if you’re a little (or a lot) trashed heading home from the bar, these late-night eats are staples for Ohio State students.
Late Night Eats on Ohio State’s Campus
Sicilia’s Fine Italian Specialties
22 Frambes Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Sicilia’s is perhaps the most beloved late-night pizza spot on campus thanks to its location directly next to the most beloved bar on campus, Out-R-Inn. You can order a pizza through the window that connects to Out-R, but you can also walk in and grab a few slices if you aren’t in Out-R-Inn. Pro-Tip: Order the Honey Biscuits. They are the best non-pizza items on the menu. Also, their slices are better than their full pizzas. No idea why, but it’s the truth.
Open Sunday – Wednesday 5 PM – 2 AM, Thursday – Saturday 5 PM – 3 AM.
PJ’s Grille
15 Frambes Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Literally directly across the street from Sicilia’s, PJ’s Grille is equally infamous among Ohio State students. Their sandwiches are utterly ridiculous, and perhaps the epitome of “drunk food.” With crass names like the Fat Bitch, which comes with Buffalo Chicken tenders, beer fries, mac & cheese wedges, mozzarella sticks, and ranch, there are sandwiches on their menu with flavor combos you’d only want to eat after midnight.
Open Sunday – Wednesday 4 PM – 2:30 AM, Thursday 4 PM – 3:30 AM, Friday – Saturday 1 PM – 3:30 AM.
Mikey’s Late Night Slice
1839 N Pearl St, Columbus, OH 43201
Perhaps the most recognizable late-night eatery in the entire Columbus area, Mikey’s Late Night Slice conveniently has a spot right on campus that’s open late. But that’s not all. They also have a bar inside that’s equally cool, so you don’t have to just order your slice and leave. You can hang out, eat some late-night slices, have some nightcap beverages, and then stumble home (or Lyft, if you are walking alone).
Open Sunday – Wednesday 11 AM – 2:30 AM, Thursday – Saturday 11 AM – 3 AM.
Buckeye Donuts
1998 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
An Ohio State institution, no other way to put it. If you’re a sweet tooth, this donut shop is open 24/7 to satisfy your cravings. But if you’re also looking for something savory, don’t worry. Buckeye Donuts has legitimately great gyros, fries, breakfast sammies, and more. Buckeye Donuts rules, but you didn’t need us to tell you that.
Our write-up about why Buckeye Donuts is great.
Open 24/7. Always.
Dirty Frank’s – OSU Campus
2036 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Another high name that’s made waves in the late-night food scene, Dirty Frank’s location on campus is a great spot to grab a quick wiener or two after (or even before) you hit the bars! The Hot Mama is my favorite, since it’s fire: sauerkraut, giardiniera, jalapenos, and sriracha cream cheese for under $6. On a college budget, that’s a whole meal for a steal!
Closed Monday. Tuesday – Wednesday 11 AM – 11 PM, Thursday 11 AM – 1 AM, Friday – Saturday 11 AM – 2:30 AM, Sunday 11 AM – 11 PM.
Burger Royale
1758 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
If there were one place that could give PJ’s a run for their money when it comes to crazy sandwiches, it would be Burger Royale. They are new to the scene after taking over the legendary Apollo’s space after the owners retired, and they’re already making waves for their Pulp Fiction-inspired menu, including The Big Kahuna Burger that’s topped with grilled spam and pineapple… It’s like In-N-Out meets Hollywood Cinema, with a touch of Ohio flair.
Open Monday – Wednesday 11 AM – 10 PM, Thursday 11 AM – 12 AM, Friday – Saturday 11 AM – 3 AM, Sunday 4 PM – 9 PM.
Halal Munchies
14 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
If you’re a REAL night owl, aside from Buckeye Donuts, Halal Munchies has you covered until 4 AM on weekends and 2 AM all other nights! While they have burgers and other sandwiches, the platters are where it’s at. I like the Mixed Chicken and Lamb platter, with delicious rice and crispy lettuce serving as a base for the delicious meats.
Open Sunday – Wednesday 11 AM – 2 AM, Thursday – Saturday 11 AM – 4 AM.
Yoshi
1502 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
If you’re anything like me, you know the absolute gut-wrenching experience of craving sushi long past when all the sushi restaurants have closed for the night. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Luckily, Yoshi offers Asian Fusion cuisine, including a large sushi menu, hibachi, and more to satisfy the desire to chow down on some delicious Asian cuisine after the clock strikes midnight.
Open Sunday 12 PM – 1 AM, Monday – Wednesday 11 AM – 1 AM, Thursday – Saturday 11 AM – 2 AM.
Your New Late-Night Rotation Starts Here
Freshman year moves fast, but hunger at 1 AM waits for no one. Save this guide now so you’re not stuck doom-scrolling Google Maps outside the bars. And if you want more guides to surviving college, check out our college guides below!
