Upfront
Best of Columbus: Dining
BEST MEXICAN
El Vaquero
Multiple locations
Web: elvaquerorestaurants.com
Eating three square meals each day at this favorite Mexican joint, it would take nearly two months to try each of the combinations listed on the extensive menu. It's likely that some have tried, since this Columbus establishment is rather addictive. Every Mexican restaurant has quesadillas, enchiladas and tacos (all delicious and affordable at "The Cowboy"), but few places have the trimmings to inspire true devotion: complimentary chips and salsa; festive murals depicting lively Latin-American scenes; and nighttime serenades by a delightful mariachi band.
Runners-up: Don Pablo's, Chipotle
BEST BURRITO
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Multiple locations
Web: chipotle.com
If you've ever tried a Chipotle burrito, you can't fault Alive readers for picking a non-local chain as their top choice. Not only is it affordable and accessible (it seems there's one on nearly every corner here!), the fresh-Mex chain also happens to be so delicious, people who don't have one in their town have been known to openly weep.
Runners-up: El Vaquero, La Bamba
BEST SUSHI
Haiku
800 N. High St., Short North
614-294-8168
Web: haikupoeticfood.com
Once upon a time, Columbus residents seeking out raw tuna and fermented rice wine had to be adventurous not only in acquired tastes but also in their willingness to drive across several zip codes. Nowadays your midnight cravings for sushi can be met at your local grocery store—and you can (and should) thank Haiku owner Paul Liu. Specializing in sushi, noodles, sake and, if you must know, the city's best non-sports use of the ubiquitous nut in the Crunching Buckeye Roll, the restaurateur has taken the ewww out of eel and the ahhh in Asahi.
Runners-up: Otani Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Kooma Restaurant
BEST PIZZA
Massey's Pizza
Multiple locations
Web: masseyspizza.com
It's hard to imagine Columbus as a city without a single pizzeria—but that's what it was before Massey's came along in 1949 and the one-time Massuci family (Massey is their Americanized name) began baking the first local tomato pies. Though now operated by cousins of the original owners, Massey's is still the benchmark for area pizza, with its rectangular slices, liberal herb sprinkling, spicy sausage and pepperoni (still made in Columbus), good quality cheese and excellent thin and crispy crust jacked up with a cornmeal dusting.
Runners-up:Hounddog's Three Degree Pizza, Donatos Pizza
BEST BARBECUE
City Barbeque
Multiple locations
Web: cityqbbq.com
What do you get when a group of backyard barbecue enthusiasts decide to open a restaurant? The most popular spot for slow-cooked food in the city, according to Alive readers. Several barbecuing regions of the U.S. are represented, and there's not a single meat on the menu that hasn't been smoked. The authentic Southern touch is felt all the way to the refreshing sweet tea.
Runners-up: Hoggy's, Smokey Bones BBQ
BEST WINGS
Buffalo Wild Wings
Multiple locations
Web: buffalowildwings.com
Years ago, the bar most still refer to as BW3 served up its wild wings with something called weck, the third "W" in the name. But it's doubtful that people went as crazy for the obscure German bread as they do for the delicious chicken flappers that have helped Buffalo Wild Wings become one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country. Locally, the numerous locations cater to sports fans, social drinkers and casual diners, but at some point, everyone should enjoy a dozen of B-Dubs' steaming, fried wings basted with one or more of the 14 signature sauces.
Runners-up: Roosters Restaurant & Bar, Gibby's Bar & Grill
BEST GYRO
The Happy Greek
Multiple locations
Web: happygreek.com
Among other ways that Happy Greek can put a smile on your face, the Short North and Campus eateries are spreading the Mediterranean love with their gyros. Those monsters are seriously huge. A scant $5.50 scores a warm, pillowy pita loaf piled high with strongly seasoned, thick-cut gyro meat, plus fresh romaine lettuce, red onion, banana peppers, garlic dressing and a big side of crispy, herbed garlic fries.
Runners-up: Apollo's, Buckeye Donuts
BEST STEAKHOUSE
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
Multiple locations
Web: hydeparkrestaurants.com
With four locations in central Ohio it's easy to see why Hyde Park has become so popular. Each restaurant offers a slightly different ambiance while maintaining a consistent level of food quality. The Celebrity Steaks menu gives diners plenty of flavorful choices for the prime cuts. And the bars have their own charm, with a mixture of classic and contemporary cocktails served in an upscale atmosphere.
Runners-up: Mitchell's Steakhouse, The Top Steakhouse
BEST VEGETARIAN
The Northstar Café
951 N. High St., Short North
614-298-9999
Web: thenorthstarcafe.com
The dynamic, modernist design and staunch commitment to organic and local fresh foods should be plenty to raise the Northstar Café to a destination restaurant. But tack on the fact that too unlike many other vegetarian-minded eateries, Northstar has meaty options, is not philosophically preachy, serves good alcohol and actually prepares great-tasting meals and you've got a shining standout. Try the best veggie burger ever.
Runners-up: Dragonfly Neo V, Benevolence Café
BEST COFFEE HOUSE
Cup O' Joe
Multiple locations
First opened in German Village, Cup O' Joe's popularity has proliferated with locations throughout the area. All of the outlets exude the comfortable, relaxing atmosphere that one expects from a coffee house; some of the spots even have a fireplace to provide extra warmth in the dead of winter. And make sure you try one of the café's tempting desserts while enjoying a fresh cup of coffee.
Runners-up: Starbucks, Stauf's Coffee Roasters
BEST TEA
Zen Cha Tea Salon
982 N. High St., Short North
614-421-2140
Web: zen-cha.com
If you're a tea enthusiast, this is your Disney World. Zen Cha offers 100 varieties of the leaf-brewed beverage, representing nine countries of origin. Fans flock to the Short North salon for its Zen-like atmosphere and friendly staffers who resemble sommeliers of tea. They're always glad to explain the subtle nuances of each flavor and raise the art of drinking the steeped leaves to a cultural event.
Runners-up: Starbucks, Cup O' Joe
BEST BREAKFAST
First Watch
Multiple locations
Web:firstwatch.com
You don't need a hangover to go to this cheery breakfast eatery, but dang is it the perfect place to nurse one. Not only is the staff friendly, but servers bring to tables a pitcher of water with lemon and a pot of coffee. With the edge taken off, it's that much easier to enjoy the wonderful selection of hearty breakfast and lunch fare. Standouts include: the Acapulco Express ($7), a spicy omelet with chorizo and avocado; the Monterey Club ($7), with smoked turkey and bacon; and the delicious cubed potatoes that come with nearly every order.
Runners-up:Bob Evans, Jack & Benny's
BEST LATE-NIGHT EATS
White Castle
Multiple locations
Web:whitecastle.com
With 25 Columbus-area locations open 24 hours, White Castle offers the ultimate in late-night convenience when others have just gone to bed. Their combination of classic steam-grilled Slyders and the latest and greatest in fast-food innovation, like Chicken Ring Sandwiches and Jalapeno Cheeseburgers, creates a lineup too unique and affordable to pass up when you're on the verge of passing out.
Runners-up:Taco Bell, Betty's Fine Food & Spirits
BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
Barcelona
263 E. Whittier St., German Village
614-443-3699
Web:barcelonacolumbus.com
Whether out on the patio on a breezy summer night or within the elegant confines of the dining room, Barcelona is an easy choice for those looking to sweep that special someone off their feet. The German Village institution offers first-rate fine dining, an excellent wine selection and warm, friendly service. It all coalesces into one delicious love connection.
Runners-up:Basi Italia, Lindey's
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
8
733 N. High St., Short North
614-294-2413
How about fish sticks and mac and cheese for dinner? No, we're not talking about traumatic horror scenes remembered from grisly school cafeterias, but rather current grown-up versions of those kiddie classics made with swordfish and truffle oil. 8 arrived at its Short North spot in broad defiance of several previous unsuccessful ventures there. Fortunately this newbie has what it takes for staying power—great food and great prices in a hip red and black atmosphere. Also try 8's semi-boneless Cornish game hen and a terrific red-wine-braised lamb shank.
Runners-up:Surly Girl Saloon, Latitude 41
BEST ASIAN
P.F. Chang's China Bistro
Multiple locations
Web:pfchangs.com
Runners-up:Hunan House, Lemon Grass
BEST INDIAN
Indian Oven
427 E. Main St., Downtown
614-220-9390
Web: indianoven.com
Runners-up: Taj Mahal, Udipi Café
BEST ITALIAN
Buca Di Beppo
<Multiple locations
Web:bucadibeppo.com
Runners-up: Bravo Italian Kitchen, Basi Italia
BEST BURGER
Thurman's Café
183 Thurman Ave., German Village
614-443-1570
Runners-up:Max & Erma's, Northstar Café
BEST SANDWICHES
Katzinger's Delicatessen
475 S. Third St., German Village
614-228-3354
Web:katzingers.com
Runners-up:Panera Bread, Jimmy John's
BEST SEAFOOD
Columbus Fish Market
Multiple locations
Web: cameronmitchell.com
Runners-up: Red Lobster, R.J. Snapper's
BEST TAPAS
The Burgundy Room
Multiple locations
Web: burgundyroom.net
Runners-up: Barcelona, Lotus
BEST DESSERT
The Cheesecake Factory
3975 Townsfair Way, Easton
614-418-7600
Web:thecheesecakefactory.com
Runners-up:Pistachio, Mozart's
BEST ICE CREAM
Graeter's Ice Cream
Multiple locations
Web: graeters.com
Runners-up:Jeni's, Cold Stone Creamery
BEST QUICK LUNCH
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Multiple locations
Web: chipotle.com
Runners-up:Wendy's, North Market
BEST CHEAP EATS
Wendy's
Multiple locations
Web:wendys.com
Runners-up:Taco Bell, White Castle
BEST SPLURGE RESTAURANT
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
Multiple locations
Web: hydeparkrestaurants.com
Runners-up:M Restaurant & Bar, The Refectory
February 15th, 2007
Copyright ? 2007 Columbus Alive, Inc. All rights reserved.
