Columbus delivers Midwestern comfort dialed up with creativity—cheffy diners, hearty sandwiches, and Italian-American red-sauce nostalgia sit side by side with soul food staples.
These five hit the sweet spot.
The Thurman Cafe
Famous for colossal burgers, The Thurman Cafe is a German Village legend.
The Thurmanator is the headline—massive, messy, and gloriously over-the-top—but the classic cheeseburgers, wings, and loaded fries make the case for returning often.
It’s a little chaotic, a lot friendly, and exactly the kind of spot that defines comfort with excess and charm.
Katalina’s
A neighborhood treasure, Katalina’s is all about cozy, creative brunch.
The Nutella-stuffed pancake balls are a signature, while the breakfast tacos, pork-and-egg sandwiches on bolillo, and avocado-topped toast hit every mood.
Local ingredients shine, coffee is great, and the patio—on a sunny day—turns a casual breakfast into a little celebration.
Hot Chicken Takeover
Columbus’s take on Nashville hot—community-focused, fast-casual, and consistently delicious.
Choose your heat level (Warm still brings a glow) and build your basket with juicy tenders or bone-in chicken.
Sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and banana pudding deliver full-on comfort.
The vibe is upbeat, the service is kind, and the tea is bottomless.
The Pearl
Gastro-pub meets comfort classics at The Pearl.
The chicken pot pie is textbook perfection—buttery crust and creamy filling—while the meatloaf with rich gravy and the shrimp and grits keep things Southern-leaning.
Oysters and a strong whiskey program give it a polished edge, but it stays friendly and relaxed. It’s a solid bet for a comforting dinner that still feels special.
Tommy’s Diner
Franklinton’s retro gem, Tommy’s Diner is pure, old-school comfort.
Expect plate-sized pancakes, crisp hash browns, gyros and omelets, and hot turkey sandwiches smothered in gravy.
The counter seating and neon nostalgia seal the deal. It’s a multigenerational favorite for a reason—simple, consistent, and warm.
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