BEST AL FRESCO DINING IN COLUMBUS

Life

May 24

Date

05.24.23

time

9:00 AM

Place

Kitchen Table

The Best Time of Year…

Summer is upon us, which means it’s officially time to dine al fresco! Personally, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for eating outdoors. There’s just something so quintessentially summer about relishing a delicious meal on a cozy patio - it just feels right!

This summer marks seven whole years since I’ve lived in Columbus! But even before I called this place home, I spent a significant amount of time here. We used to commute from Parkersburg, West Virginia to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Columbus during our free time. As a result, I’ve developed a keen sense of what’s hot and what’s not in this city. With that in mind, I thought it would be fitting to give a shoutout to some of the best patios right here in Columbus - a little bit of hometown hype, if you will!

Now, when it comes to ranking food and meals, I prefer to categorize them. So, let’s kick things off with category number one:

Fanciful Al Fresco Dining

Without a doubt, my go-to spot is Lindey’s in German Village. They have the best and most vibey patio in entire city, especially if you’re looking for that fine dining experience. Trust me: this place is a winner. Keep in mind, though, that patio seating operates on a first-come first-served basis - no reservations. Whenever guests come to town, Lindey’s is my fail-safe choice for a consistently delightful and scrumptious experience. Oh, and did I mention they recently added a non-alcoholic menu? Double win!

Moving on to category number two:

Casual Monday-Friday Eats

In this category, I have a special affinity for the patios at Northstar Cafe in Westerville and the Short North. These particular locations just hit the spot for me. While the Easton location is also good, there’s an extra sprinkle of ambiance and energy at the Westerville and Short North locations. Picture this: devouring a refreshing salad on their patio and sipping a crisp ginger ale - it’s undeniably summer! If you’re seeking a fantastic casual dining experience, I highly recommend Northstar.

Now, let’s delve into the final category:

Comfortable for All

These are the patios where you can take anyone, and they’ll feel at ease with the price point, the environment, and the menu. In this regard, my top pick is Harvest Pizzeria in Bexley. We used to adore the German Village location, which had a charming patio, but it has since closed. But fear not! The Bexley spot offers a laid-back outdoor patio experience. Just keep in mind that reservations aren’t available, so try to arrive early to secure a table. What I love about Harvest Pizzeria is that it exudes a family-friendly atmosphere and offers a genuinely relaxed dining experience for lunch or a casual dinner. Pro tip: Don’t miss their chopped Italian salad with an extra side of dressing, and their buffalo cauliflower is truly to die for.

Because I’m someone who tends to air on the side of extra, I feel compelled to note a few honorable mentions below. This list includes fantastic spots like Nada in the Short North and Vaso in Dublin, among others that I’m confident you’ll absolutely love. So, here’s to the summer season and raising a glass to dining al fresco! Cheers!