Betty's Fine Food & Spirits
680 N. High St., Short North
614-228-6191
Web: bettyscolumbus.com
Liz Lessner's first restaurant, Betty's in the Short North, is the shop that launched thousands of fans. They cram in at all hours to take in the crazy, kitschy digs and to dig into Betty's famously bold comfort vittles. Yeah, this place puts the fun in funky. And with a knowing staff always quick with a dish, a quaff and a laugh - and a kitchen that serves until 2 a.m. - Betty's can make the tail-end of the evening wag a little more smoothly.
Runners-up: Dub Pub, Union