
Fresh air may not actually make food taste better, but you can't beat the ambiance. Celebrate the return of patio season at these delightful outdoor dining spots around Columbus.
With a prime spot overlooking Main Street, the patio at The Walrus is often cited as one of the best people-watching venues in Columbus. Mark your calendar for Sunday, 5/17, when The Walrus will be hosting an all-day party for their 11th anniversary with half-off any entree.
Stop in for weekend brunch, featuring creative dishes such as:
The Walrus is open 11 a.m. - midnight daily except Friday and Saturday, when closing time is 2:30 a.m.
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Understory is one school where you won't mind staying after hours. Located in the historic Open Air School just off the scenic Olentangy Trail, Understory features a comfortable Commons that opens onto a dog-friendly patio.
Check out some of the upcoming special events:
Hours are 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday.
Perched atop nine stories, Lincoln Social Rooftop is literally "above it all." The 21-and-over restaurant makes a great choice for post-workday Happy Hour or an elegant yet relaxing dinner.
Try one of their craft cocktails, including:
Hours are 4 - 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Friday, 3 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday, 3 - 10 p.m. Sunday.
Come for the clever name and stay for the stunning views at Stories on High. At 28 stories above ground level, Stories on High boasts the distinction of being the tallest rooftop restaurant in Columbus.
Don't miss the nightly Omakase experience, a chef's-choice seven-course meal that may include dishes such as the following:
Hours are 4 - 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Stories on High is for guests age 21 and up.
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Planning a dinner outing with the family? Skip the fast-food joints and head to Little West Tavern, where Fido is also welcome out on their patio.
Little West Tavern ups their bar-food game with a poutine window on the patio, where you can order the following:
Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week. Visit the website for hours.
Enjoy a beloved German tradition when you dine in the biergarten at Hofbräuhaus Columbus. Friendly servers will provide fresh water for Fido as you sip one of the flagship or seasonal beers from Hofbräuhaus.
Explore classic German cuisine with some of these great dishes:
Hofbräuhaus Columbus is open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. - midnight Saturday.
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Outdoor dining takes on a new dimension at The Boat House's riverfront setting. Panoramic views of the Scioto River and Columbus skyline create a stunning backdrop for a meal showcasing seafood, steaks, and seasonal ingredients.
Start the night out right with a selection from the raw bar:
Dinner is served 4 - 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with weekend brunch available from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cap City Fine Diner & Bar perfectly bridges the distance between past and present. The upscale diner features classic counter seating overlooking the open kitchen as well as a semi-enclosed patio.
The menu levels up comfort food with mouthwatering selections such as:
Cap City Fine Diner & Bar is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Visit the website for hours.
With multiple connected venues in a 20,000-square-foot space, Standard Complex provides endless entertainment for the whole family. In addition to a spacious patio, there's a restaurant, live music bar, and arcade.
Challenge family and friends to one of the games on the pet-friendly patio:
Visit the website for full schedule.
What's your go-to treat when dining outdoors in Columbus?

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One of the great things about living in Columbus is that you can find an outstanding meal in every corner of the city, but few neighborhoods pack as many delicious dining destinations into one area as the Italian Village. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a full day of culinary adventures, there's sure to be a fantastic, local restaurant with your name on it. Feeling hungry yet? Read on to discover nine distinctive destinations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Italian Village neighborhood of Columbus.
1031 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43201
If you're looking for the most popular place to grab breakfast, sweet treats, and a delicious morning coffee, then Fox in the Snow is the place to be. The menu here is short and sweet yet still features something for everyone. Start your day with something healthy like the house-made granola with fresh blueberries, enjoy a gourmet breakfast sandwich, or satisfy your sweet tooth with one of many tempting treats from the bakery. Finish your meal with one of their excellent coffees, lattes, espressos, or teas.
995 N. 4th St., Columbus, Ohio 43201
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When you're in the mood for something sweet and savory for breakfast, the team at Drunch Eatery + Bar has you covered. In addition to all of the breakfast standards that you know and love, the menu here boasts some items that you won't find at every breakfast spot. The chicken and waffles with cheddar, Tabasco, and maple syrup are one great example. Of course, you can also enjoy a huge selection of frittatas, breakfast bowls, french toast, flatbreads, and more.
680 N. Pearl St. #1518, Columbus, OH 43215
Everything on the menu at Tasi Cafe is prepared with fresh, local ingredients sourced from Ohio farms and crafted with love. This is the place to find elevated takes on your favorite breakfast dishes, from the tempting Challah French Toast to the classic breakfast burrito prepared with only the best whole ingredients. It's the perfect place to visit when you're in the mood to splurge on an extra-nice breakfast, with a great mix of healthy and decadent choices on the menu. Be sure to check out the drinks selection, which includes some outstanding teas from local suppliers.
951 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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With sandwiches, salads, bowls, brick-oven pizzas, and burritos, Northstar Cafe has something delicious to suit your every mood. This is also a great place for an outing with friends, thanks to the unique menu of creative craft cocktails, international wines, and locally produced craft beers that you can find at the in-house bar. Can't decide between breakfast and lunch? Northstar Cafe also offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday.
851 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215
One of the great things about the dining scene around Italian Village is that there's something for everyone, including some outstanding options for plant-based meals. Naturally, everything on the menu at this cafe, bar, and bakery is vegan-friendly, but you certainly don't have to be vegan to enjoy the excellent food served here. Settle in for a meal in the beautifully decorated cafe, or pick a sunny day to enjoy a healthy, delicious lunch on the backyard patio.
936 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
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Pizza is never a bad choice for lunch in the Italian Village neighborhood, and GoreMade Pizza consistently serves up some of the top-rated gourmet pies in all of Columbus. In the past, you may have enjoyed their pizza at local farmer's markets and events. Now GoreMade Pizza has a great brick-and-mortar location, serving up delicious, creative pizzas with a huge selection of fresh toppings sourced from local farms.
1086 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
Can't decide what you want for dinner? That's no problem when you visit Budd Dairy Food Hall, where you can find a meal for every taste and mood. Recently named one of the 10 best new food halls in the country by Fodor's Travel, Budd Dairy Food Hall is the first food hall in Central Ohio and has quickly become a local favorite. Whether you're in the mood for Hawaiian poke, delicious Southern gumbo, or a unique craft cocktail from one of three bars in the food hall, this is a place where you can satisfy nearly every culinary craving.
792 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Known for its soups, shareable plates, sandwiches, and fresh, flavorful entrees, TownHall is the perfect choice when you're in the mood for a healthy meal that doesn't sacrifice on deliciousness. The selection of broths and soups is perfect for warming up on a crisp winter evening, while dinner plates like the New Zealand Grass Fed Strip are ideal for recharging after a busy day. Be sure to check out the dessert menu, which features some healthy, flavorful keto-friendly, dairy-free, and vegan desserts.
850 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215
Italian Village is also home to some of the best craft breweries that Columbus has to offer, including the popular Hoof Hearted Brewery and Kitchen where you can enjoy a tasty meal paired with a truly unique, bombastic selection of locally produced craft brews. With daily happy hours, a fun, sometimes zany atmosphere, and friendly, personal service, this is an ideal choice when you want to unwind with an outstanding meal at the end of the day.
With so many excellent places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it will take more than one visit to Italian Village to try them all! So, where you will you find your next marvelous meal in this Columbus neighborhood?