The 16 Must-Try Restaurants Near Ohio State University

Taco Tuesday is the perfect excuse to head to Cazuela’s, but if you’re craving margaritas and tacos on a Thursday, that works too. Nestled among a row of two-story homes, the restaurant feels like the inviting abode of a close friend. Settle in with a large chalice of your favorite margarita inside, or relax on the patio as the string lights twinkle to life overhead—either way, it’s a wonderful way to unwind after a long day.

This contemporary American restaurant features plush leather booths and soft lighting, making it the perfect venue for celebrations—whether you’re a student celebrating a great exam result or a professor wrapping up grading. Drawing inspiration from the Hudson River Valley and Napa, Hudson 29 offers a menu filled with crowd favorites like ahi tuna tartare, slow-roasted prime rib, pan-seared scallops, and wood-grilled salmon. Book the private dining room for an intimate gathering of up to eight friends and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere.

Brassica has emerged as a favorite among Ohio State students seeking a Mediterranean escape. This casual counter-service Mytoury features delicious options such as brisket, roasted cauliflower, baba ghanoush, and fresh falafel. Dishes are served as sandwiches (using fresh pita), salads, or hearty hummus bowls. Opt for the salad and top it with all the available fixings, including roasted red pepper sauce and zhug, to experience a variety of flavors in one meal.

In collaboration with a ramen chain from southern Japan, Fukuryu marks its debut on American soil. Owner Jeff Tsao, an OSU alumnus who also studied at the Culinary Institute of America, opened the first location in Australia in 2014 before introducing it to Columbus. The signature tonkotsu ramen (crafted with pork bone broth) and shoyu ramen (Tokyo-style with chicken and fish broth) are must-tries, but Fukuryu also offers a variety of Japanese treats and beverages. Don’t miss the Red Dragon Japanese Fried Chicken, coated in a spicy red sauce, available on its own or as a sandwich featuring a fried egg, Kewpie mayo, and unagi sauce.

For decades, the Varsity Club has been the beloved watering hole for OSU fans. Just 500 yards from the legendary Shoe, this iconic sports bar has been part of Buckeye history since Woody Hayes' era. Established in 1959, it has preserved its charm with a redbrick façade, wooden paneling, and cozy booths. The spirit of camaraderie over scarlet and gray continues to thrive here, making it a favored spot for pregame festivities.

No trip to OSU is truly complete without a visit to the Original Pancake House, a beloved local Mytoury reminiscent of a cozy diner or a warm weekend at grandma’s. The fluffy pancakes, served warm with a dollop of whipped butter, come in a variety of flavors—from savory potato pancakes to sweet strawberry, and the indulgent Buckeye pancake, generously filled and topped with peanut butter and chocolate chips. Beyond pancakes, OPH offers a delicious chorizo eggs Benedict, cherry Kijafa crepes (made with fruit simmered in Kijafa liqueur), Belgian waffles, and a classic western omelet.

Columbus boasts numerous Chipotle-style, customizable restaurants, but few match the satisfaction of Piada, which brings this concept to Italian cuisine. Here, you can enjoy a variety of customizable piadas (Italian street wraps), salads, and pastas. The freshly made, oversized piadas are especially popular, featuring generous portions of saucy pasta, protein options like calamari and steak, and toppings such as artichokes and bruschetta tomatoes, all drizzled with sauces like fra diavolo or basil pesto. Don’t forget to add a pepperoni piada stick on the side or indulge in a sweet Honduran chocolate brownie for dessert.

Every weekend, Out-R-Inn is bustling with energy. Conveniently located just off High Street, this beloved local dive bar is a must-visit before, during, and after Buckeye games. While the drink selection may not be exceptional, the bar has been the backdrop for countless fan celebrations and shared sorrows. Look closely at the walls and ceilings—you might just find a familiar signature from a night to remember, whether recent or from years gone by. If the exposed brick, neon beer signs, and graffiti-laden walls could share their tales, they'd recount the vibrant stories of numerous OSU graduates.

Open 24 hours a day, Buckeye Donuts has been a reliable source of nourishment for students at all hours—be it breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or those late-night cravings—since 1969. However, don’t be misled by the name; this shop offers more than just desserts. Alongside classic cake donuts and coffee, you can also enjoy hearty options like gyros and fries.

Apollo’s is a favorite lunchtime spot, but no night out is truly complete without grabbing some of their fresh gyros and crispy fries. Head upstairs, and you'll instantly crave a warm, fluffy pita filled with savory lamb and drizzled with tzatziki. With its cool and relaxed vibe, Apollo’s is definitely worth a visit.

With dancing, cheering, and socializing, Midway is a go-to spot for spontaneous fun. Located on High Street, this lively bar is often buzzing with Buckeyes eager to kick off the weekend. When the lights dim and the neon lights glow, it’s time to hit the dance floor as the DJ spins hit after hit. If the weekend crowd feels overwhelming, swing by midweek for drink specials like Midway Madness: $1 wells and $1 bombs. You can even host a party here to enjoy the excitement with friends.

A beloved spot among OSU students, Hang Over Easy has been cherished through the years. The space features large garage doors, a massive chalkboard wall, and vintage posters that add character, while dish names like Sloppy Seconds and Frog Eyes keep things fun. Discover your favorite dish and pass it on to future Buckeyes.

OSU students can’t go a month without enjoying pizza from Adriatico’s at a class gathering, party, or on the Oval. This restaurant caters to every pizza enthusiast, offering a variety of crusts from thin to thick. Rally your friends and indulge in the gigantic Buckeye pie, an impressive 18-by-24-inch thick-crust rectangular pizza, perfectly cut into squares. Each cheese pull is an Instagram-worthy moment.

In the unforgettable words of Kelis, the milkshakes really do attract everyone to this ice cream shop. At Shake No Eight, bigger definitely means better, with shakes served in generous 16-ounce portions featuring flavors like Ohio Blackout, Cotton Candy, Brewed Awakening, and S’mores.

Nestled away from the campus hustle, Alqueria offers a charming farmhouse atmosphere and serves up remarkable farm-to-table dishes. Begin with a trio of seasoned lion’s mane, trumpet, and maitake mushrooms paired with sourdough toast, then indulge in hearty entrees like braised beef short ribs and crispy pork shank. Alqueria is truly a hidden treasure.

During midterms each semester, Stauf’s becomes a sacred space as students flock to fuel up on their preferred coffees and teas while they study. Since transforming an old church into a café in 2019, it has served as a haven for students. The beautiful stained glass and high ceilings create the perfect atmosphere for writing papers, socializing, or diving into a good book. Don’t miss the iced Buckeye latte, almond latte, or a classic pour-over.