This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOC advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.
At first glance, Gresso’s might just look like a fun neighborhood sports bar tucked into an old brick building in the Brewery District. But don’t be fooled — this place has layers. And I’m not just talking about the mozzarella sticks.
First of all, a crazy fact that I can’t believe more people don’t know about… The building used to be the mayor’s mansion!
Walking inside feels more like exploring someone’s totally rad sports-themed home than going to a modern sports bar. You walk in to a cozy foyer and a grand staircase on your right, but just past that, the bar and all those wild themed rooms are calling your name.
There are different themed rooms, with an Ohio State room (naturally)… but there’s also a West Virginia/Steelers themed room and probably a few other secret passageways we didn’t find. TVs are everywhere, and each room has a totally different vibe, so every visit feels like you’re discovering something new.
But the real reason I’ll be coming back? The food.
The smash burger that stole the show
Don’t get me wrong, the blackened chicken sandwich was incredible. Juicy, spicy, and if you hit it with a drizzle of their homemade hot honey, you’re in for an out of body experience.
But the house smash burger somehow did the sweet & savory combo even better.
We’re talking a crispy outer edge with juicy meat coming through in each bite. But the sweet and savory combo in this burger is even more mesmerizing than the chicken sandwich.
No hot honey here. Instead, the burger is topped with a house-made bacon jam that is just UNREAL. It’s savory and bacon-forward at the front, but slowly the sweet caramelized jam hits you.
It’s a bite that will make you have to pause to sift through all the flavors packed into this burger as you pull out your calendar to see when you will be able to come back to Gresso’s for more.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the mozzarella sticks.
Look, I don’t usually go nuts for mozzarella sticks. They’re fine. They exist. But these? These are genuinely great. The breading isn’t just crunchy. It’s FLAVORFUL, like someone actually cared when they made them. There’s this basil-y, herby seasoning that gives them actual depth.
A must-try, if I may be so bold.
And did I mention the patio?
Gresso’s has the biggest patio in all of German Village and the Brewery District. Tons of seating, plenty of shade, and it’s dog-friendly. This is where you want to be when the weather’s nice and you’re looking for somewhere low-key but actually good.
Gresso’s is a historic bar that quietly serves some of the best bar food in Columbus. You’re coming for the burger, the fresh-made jalapeño poppers, and the gooey, overachieving mozzarella sticks. You’re staying for the patio, the weirdly fun mansion layout, and the fact that it’s one of the few places that actually nails both atmosphere and food.
Mention Step Out Columbus and get 10% off your tab! Check out their full menu here!
This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOC advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.