We’re on a mission to find the oldest bars and restaurants in Columbus, and this one? It hits different.
Not just because it’s been serving drinks since 1897, not just because it once had a secret tunnel connecting it to the Ohio Statehouse, and not just because it was home to under-the-table prizefighting matches, but because it also serves up a burger so massive it might just take you down for the count.
Welcome to Ringside Cafe, a Columbus institution that’s been knocking people out (figuratively, of course) for over a century.
A Secret Politician Hangout With a Side of Prizefighting
Tucked away in a back alley in the heart of downtown Columbus, Ringside Cafe might seem like just another historic bar. But don’t let the quiet exterior fool you… this place has stories.
Back in the day, this alley was actually a main street when the bar first opened its doors. And for decades, it was a favorite watering hole for Columbus’ local and state politicians. But unlike other politician-filled bars, you would’ve never known they were here.
Why? Because there was a tunnel that ran directly from the Ohio Statehouse to Ringside Cafe.
That way, lawmakers could sneak away from “working” to grab a drink, eat some food, and, if the rumors are true, participate in some bare-knuckle prizefighting. The prizefighting culture was so deeply embedded in Ringside’s history that today, its entire theme pays tribute to the sport, with vintage boxing memorabilia covering the walls and burgers named after legendary fighters.
The Burger That’ll Try to Knock You Out Cold
Sure, the history is cool, but let’s talk about what really put me in a fight for my life: The Buster Douglas Burger.
Named after the Columbus-born heavyweight champ who famously knocked out Mike Tyson, this burger is not for the weak.
We’re talking 1.5 POUNDS of beef. Two ¾ lb patties stacked high with blue cheese roasted garlic aioli, bacon, sharp cheddar, coleslaw, and a pickle on top for good measure.
Plus, it’s served with a double order of house cut fries.
It’s juicy, messy, absurdly delicious, and quite frankly, a little (read: a lot) intimidating. The chef who cooked it up for me even mentioned that while it is 1.5 pounds of beef, the whole sandwich is probably closer to 3 pounds…
But I took the challenge, and while it wasn’t easy, every single bite was worth it.
Why Ringside Cafe Is a Must-Visit
Ringside Cafe is more than just a historic bar. It’s a piece of Columbus history that still delivers knockout punches (culinarily speaking, of course).
If you want to earn the respect of the workers and fellow patrons, show up hungry and take down The Buster Douglas, because nothing says “Columbus local” like dominating a burger with a literal fighting legacy.
Special thanks to Bucky from Columbus Ghost Tours for inspiring this article. If you want the raw, in-depth history of Ringside Cafe as told by one of the best oral storytellers around, book the Booze & Boos tour with Columbus Ghost Tours here.
📍 Ringside Cafe | 19 N Pearl St, Columbus, OH 43215