Alive Best of Columbus 2017

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

2017 D I N I N G Best neW restaurant

Best french fries

Best Brunch

Best Mexican

Best BarBecue

Best Bloody Mary

Rockmill Tavern El Vaquero

Best Burrito

Northstar Cafe

Best tacos Condado

Best asian

BEST OF

COLUMBUS

Best veGetarian

Best Mediterranean

Best veGGie BurGer

Best italian

Best PuB GruB

Marcella’s

Best GourMet Pizza Harvest Pizzeria

Best traditional Pizza

Mikey’s Late Night Slice

Best BurGer

The Thurman Cafe

N I G H T L I F E Ladies ’80s

Best Whiskey/ scotch Bar

Mickey’s Bar

Barrel on High

Marcella’s

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Best Bar for live Music

2

Best dj niGht

Pins Mechanical Company

Best karaoke niGht Best haPPy hour Best Beer Bar

Best lGBtq Bar Union Cafe

Best irish PuB Brazenhead

Best sPorts Bar

Best short north Bar Best clintonville Bar Best GrandvieW Bar

Best BreWery

Varsity Club

Best Mid-size Music venue

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Best taProoM

Best Place for PeoPle-WatchinG

Newport Music Hall

The Old Mohawk

Roosters

101 Beer Kitchen

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

ComFest

Best local alcohol

Best Place to take out-of-toWn visitors

OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka

Best neiGhBorhood Bar

Oddfellows Liquor Bar

Natalie’s Coal-Fired Pizza

Best larGe Music venue

The Crest

Best GastroPuB food The Crest

Lindey’s

Best coffeehouse

Stauf’s Coffee Roasters

Best coffee roaster

Stauf’s Coffee Roasters

Best donuts

Buckeye Donuts

Best local treat Resch’s Bakery

Best ice creaM

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Best dessert at a restaurant Pistacia Vera

Best roMantic restaurant The Refectory

Best food truck

Mikey’s Late Night Slice

Best ethnic food truck Junior’s Tacos

Best short north restaurant The Pearl

Best clintonville restaurant The Crest

Best GrandvieW restaurant

Best quick lunch

Best caMPus restaurant

Marcella’s

Best hanGover Breakfast

Best cheaP eats

Starliner Diner

Lindey’s

Cap City Fine Diner & Bar

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace

Mikey’s Late Night Slice

Best fine dininG restaurant

Best sMall Plates

Best late-niGht eats

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace

COSI

Best coluMBus Brand

Best Place for Geeks and nerds

Best face of coluMBus

Best Bookstore

16-Bit Bar + Arcade

Jack Hanna

Best art Gallery

Best alternative transPortation

Best Place to Buy vinyl

Best MuseuM

OSU Urban Arts Space

Best live theater

Cameron Mitchell

Uber

Best tattoo studio

Tommy’s Pizza

Best GerMan villaGe restaurant Schmidt’s Sausage Haus

Best festival

Best Wine shoP

Angela Perley & the Howlin’ Moons

Best cocktail list

Columbus Square Bowling Palace

16-Bit Bar + Arcade

Best Movie theater

Best arcade/ GaMinG Bar

Gateway Film Center

16-Bit Bar + Arcade

Best Place to enjoy the outdoors Highbanks Metro Park

Best city Park Park of Roses

Best yoGa studio

Book Loft

Magnolia Thunderpussy Ohio Thrift

BalletMet Columbus

Best doWntoWn Bar

North Market

Best farMer Market

Best GerMan villaGe Bar

Best BoWlinG alley

Best BarBershoP

Best thrift store

Out-R-Inn

ComFest

Best local food store

Evolved Body Art

North Market Farmers’ Market

Plank’s Bier Garten

Best Bar Patio

Old Bag of Nails

Best dance coMPany

Short North

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Northstar Cafe

Best caMPus Bar

The Refectory

Skully’s Music-Diner

Brassica

Shadowbox Live

Best Wine list

Best dance cluB

The Top

Woodlands Tavern

Best local Band or Musician

Curio

Columbus Fish Market

Northstar Cafe

C U LT U R E

Best Place to Watch the Buckeyes

Skully’s Music-Diner

Katzinger’s Delicatessen

Best indian

L

Best neW Bar

Best sandWiches

Best steakhouse

Lavash Cafe

BrAd KeeFe, nichoLAs deKKer, mAtt Lovett And BrooKe preston

Roosters

Best sushi

don’t ever say your vote doesn’t count.

By Andy downing, JoeL oLiphint, ericA thompson, Jim Fischer,

Best WinGs

Best seafood

Aab India

Read on to see the rest of the winners you selected.

City Barbeque

Molly Woo’s Asian Bistro Akai Hana

ike March Madness basketball games, this year’s Best of Columbus readers’ poll was filled with close calls. Just 10 votes separated winner the Blue Danube from runner-up Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails in the Best French Fries category, for instance. And also like March Madness, the poll included its fair share of blowouts. (Thanks for playing, everyone, but clearly nobody can touch Northstar Cafe when it comes to getting your vote for the city’s Best Veggie Burger.)

Blue Danube

Weiland’s Market

Best liquor store Weiland’s Market

Best GroWler fill sPot The Daily Growler

Best Beer shoP

Weiland’s Market

Best vintaGe shoP Flower Child Vintage

Best Brand Without a storefront

The Mug & Brush Yoga on High

Best fitness center/GyM

Planet Fitness

Best sPortinG Goods store

Clintonville Outfitters

Best Bicycle shoP roll:

Best Pet store PetPeople

Best GardeninG shoP/nursery

Rogue Bakery

Oakland Nursery

Best hair salon Salon Lofts

Best sMoke/ ParaPhernalia shoP

Best sPa

Best adult shoP

Woodhouse Day Spa

Waterbeds ‘n’ Stuff The Garden

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

C O N G R AT S S A L O N L O F T S

VOT E D B E S T S A L O N I N C O L U M B U S !

Fi n d your

eautiful a t salonl ofts.co m with a ny of o ur 500+ Colum bu s B e au ty Spe c i al i s ts .

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LOFT OWNERS!

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

Rockmill Tavern

DINING Best New RestauRaNt

Best BuRRito

503 S. Front St., Brewery District 614-743-4364 rockmilltavern.com

Multiple locations thenorthstarcafe.com

Rockmill TaveRn

Columbus diners warmly welcomed this Lancaster brewery’s new pub. With a menu that includes spicy chicken sandwiches and deviled duck eggs to pair with the brewer’s Belgian-style ales, it’s easy to see why.

Runners-up: The Avenue Steak Tavern, The Eagle

Best MexicaN el vaqueRo

Multiple locations vaquerorestaurant.com

PHoto BY tiM JoHNsoN

From its substantial breakfast burrito to its popular Thai and Sweet Basil burritos, Northstar Cafe continues to wrap up the competition.

Runners-up: Yabo’s Tacos, Los Guachos

Best tacos condado

Multiple locations condadotacos.com With two locations and counting, this Day of the Dead-themed taco joint took the top spot with its creative menu of build-your-own tacos.

Runners-up: Local Cantina, Yabo’s

Condado

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Northstar Cafe

Raise your margaritas to toast El Vaquero’s continued success in winning fans with its Mexican fare, which is served at 10 Central Ohio locations.

Runners-up: Condado, Los Guachos

noRThsTaR cafe

PHoto BY MegHaN RalstoN

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PHoto BY JoNatHaN QuilteR

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US ONE OF THE

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANTS

Skip The Wait, Call Ahead For Carry Out: (614) 538-0211 (614) 471-4717 5221 Godown Rd.

SUN - THU: 11AM - 12AM FRI - SAT: 11AM - 1AM

1376 Cherry Bottom Rd. MON - SUN: 11AM - 11PM

www.los-guachos.com

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

IN COLUMBUS

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

PhOtO BY tiM JOhnsOn

Best AsiAn

Best indiAn

1500 Polaris Pkwy., Polaris 614-985-9667 mollywoos.com

Multiple locations aabindiarestaurants.com

Molly Woo’s AsiAn Bistro

With a menu ranging from sushi rolls and noodle bowls to giant seafood medleys, Molly Woo’s pan-Asian cuisine has broad appeal.

Runners-up: Nida’s Thai on High, Basil Restaurant

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

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The tandoori ovens at Aab produce some of the city’s favorite Indian cuisine. Throw in a popular weekday lunch buffet and vegetarian-friendly dishes and it’s easy to see why this eatery won.

Runners-up: Flavors of India, Indian Oven

Best sushi

Best MediterrAneAn

1173 Old Henderson Rd., Northwest Side 614-451-5411 akaihanaohio.com

2985 N. High St., Clintonville 614-263-7777 lavashcafe.com

AkAi HAnA

Akai Hana

AAB indiA

lAvAsH CAfe

In a city with plentiful sushi options, Akai Hana stands out for its colorful-butinexpensive sushi, served from a hidden gem location tucked away on the Northwest Side.

Lavash’s menu of hummus, falafel, tabbouleh and lamb shawarma continues to top the list as the city’s favorite Mediterranean.

Runners-up: Fusian, Blue Ginger Asian Fusion

Runners-up: Happy Greek, Aladdin’s Eatery

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

PHoto BY WIll sHIllInG

COME HAVE SOME FUN AND ENJOY THE IN COLUMBUS

BEST BURGER Marcella’s

Best ItalIan Marcella’s

Marcella’s two locations offer uncomplicated Italian cuisine that wins fans, offering everything from a respectable wine list to cheese plates, lasagnas, pizzas and luscious desserts.

Runners-up: Basi Italia, Giuseppe’s Ritrovo

Harvest Pizzeria Multiple locations harvestpizzeria.com

Harvest Pizzeria’s multiple locations feature inventive oven-fired pizzas like the Fennel Sausage, the Spicy Yuma and the Ohio Double Bacon.

Runners-up: Yellow Brick Pizza, Natalie’s CoalFired Pizza

Best tradItIonal PIzza Mikey’s late NigHt slice

Multiple locations latenightslice.com Day or night, Mikey’s is the traditional pizza of choice for our readers. It’s hard to argue with huge wedges of spicy pepperoni, mushroom and whatever specialty pies this joint is slinging each week.

Runners-up: Massey’s Pizza, Hounddog’s Pizza

Have you tackled the Thurmanator?

Check out Thurman To Go, right next door to the Thurman Café, and at 14950 East Broad St. in Reynoldsburg. (614) 626-4067

183 Thurman Ave., Columbus, 43206

(614) 443-1570

thethurmancafe.com

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Multiple locations marcellasrestaurant.com

Best Gourmet PIzza

Thanks for the Love Columbus!

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

The Thurman Cafe

Best Burger

Best BarBecue

183 Thurman Ave., German Village 614-443-1570 thethurmancafe.com

Multiple locations citybbq.com

The Thurman Cafe

The Thurman Cafe’s towering creations like the Thurmanator and the Jaeger Burger continue their dominance of Columbus burger culture.

Runners-up: Bareburger, The Crest

PhOtO BY tim JOhnsOn

CiTy BarBeque

City Barbeque has become synonymous with good barbecue, cooking up everything from smoked turkey and beef brisket to pulled pork and St. Louis ribs.

Runners-up: Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, The Hickory House

Best French Fries

Best Wings

2439 N. High St., Old North 614-261-9308

Multiple locations roosterswings.com

Blue DanuBe

roosTers

Many a fry has been consumed underneath the colorful ceiling tiles at The Dube, whether it’s late at night or with a hangover at weekend brunch.

Roosters continues to be Columbus’ favorite spot for wings slathered in housemade sauces like the Honey BBQ and the crazy spicy Nu-Killer.

Runners-up: Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails, Arch City Tavern

Runners-up: Winking Lizard Tavern, Quaker Steak & Lube

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

City Barbeque

PhOtO cOurtesY OF citY BarBeque

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PhOtO BY Will Figg

Blue Danube

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017 ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

BesT sandwicHes

Katzinger’s Delicatessen

BesT seafOOd

BesT sTeakHOuse

BesT VegeTaRian

BesT Veggie BuRgeR

1245 Olentangy River Rd., Grandview 614-291-3474 mitchellsfishmarket.com

2891 E. Main St., Bexley 614-231-8238 thetopsteakhouse.com

680 N. High St., Short North 614-867-5885 brassicashortnorth.com

Multiple locations thenorthstarcafe.com

columbus Fish marKet the top

475 S. Third St., German Village 614-228-3354 katzingers.com

Katzinger’s is a mainstay in the Columbus dining scene, and its sandwiches always please. Order one of its towering reubens or the classic Katzinger’s Club.

The Columbus Fish Market brings the ocean’s bounty to Central Ohio, rotating through fresh daily specials and featuring everything from crab legs to seafood-centric pastas.

Runners-up: The Brown Bag Deli, The Old Mohawk

Runners-up: Mitchell’s Ocean Club, The Pearl

brassica

There’s no school like the old school. With over 60 years in the business, The Top is still Columbus’ go-to for New York strips, porterhouses and filet mignon.

Runners-up: Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, Mitchell’s Steakhouse

Brassica shows you that eating veggie-friendly isn’t a dull affair. You can load up bowls, pitas or hummus plates with colorful pickled veggies, roasted eggplant, carrots and cauliflower.

northstar caFe

With its flavorful black bean and brown rice patty, Northstar’s ever-popular veggie burger could easily be ranked as one of Columbus’ signature dishes.

Runners-up: Third & Hollywood, The Worthington Inn

Runners-up: The Angry Baker, Portia’s Cafe

Brassica

B E s T

o f

C o L U M B U s

EXPERT PICK

PHOTO BY Tim JOHnsOn

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

PHOTO BY megHan RalsTOn

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Matthew heaggans hEad ChEf aT ThE RossI

favorite place to dine on a night off from the Rossi “An invitation that I’ll likely never turn down is to Jiu Thai. The dumplings are top tier and the Biang Biang Noodles are chewy and addictive. They come to your table drenched in chili oil and accompanied by a bottle of black vinegar that you’re meant to use a lot of. I can’t say I’ve gotten around to trying a lot of the menu because I can’t stop myself from attacking those noodles every visit.”

Northstar Cafe

PHOTO BY Tim JOHnsOn

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

2891 E. Main Street | 614-231-8238 | thetopsteakhouse.com

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Voted Best Columbus Steakhouse - 2016, 2017 Join us!

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

BEST HANGOVER BREAKFAST 2014, 2015, 2016, & 2017

BY ALIVE! READERS

Best PuB GruB

Best Late-niGht eats

Multiple locations oldbagofnails.com

Multiple locations latenightslice.com

Old Bag Of Nails Old Bag of Nails’ slew of American and British pub grub standbys are the perfect complement to downing a pint or four.

Try the Fish & Chips.

Runners-up: Press Grill, Brazenhead

Best GastroPuB Food The CresT

Multiple locations thecrestgastropub.com The Crest’s menu was likely voted best in town because of its focus on serving bar food that’s both innovative and environmentally sustainable. And, yes, it’s actually delicious.

Runners-up: 101 Beer Kitchen, Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

Mikey’s laTe NighT sliCe Mikey’s mostly traditional but occasionally shameless approach to pizza-making (mac ‘n’ cheese as a topping would be mildmannered) makes it the kind of place of which late-night eaters dream.

Runners-up: Buckeye Donuts, Hounddog’s Pizza

Best hanGover BreakFast sTarliNer diNer 4121 Main St., Hilliard 614-529-1198 starlinerdiner.com

Everyone has a preferred hangover breakfast remedy, but there’s a dang good chance Starliner Diner makes a dang good version of whatever you’re craving — or needing — the morning after boozing it up.

Runners-up: Jack & Benny’s, Hang Over Easy

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

The Crest

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Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Friday - Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Sunday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Photo BY tim Johnson

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

Hilliard 4065 Main St. MansďŹ eld 625 Lexington Ave.

Marysville 225 East 5th Ave. Worthington 663 High St.

Pickerington 797 Hill Rd. Powell 345 West Olentangy St.

Upper Arlington 2102 Tremont Center Westerville 24 N. State St.

Mason 5234 Kings Mills Rd. Newark 1671 N. 21st St.

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Bexley Gahanna 18 North Nelson Rd. 63 Mill Street Delaware Grandview 66 N. Sandusky St. 1099 West 1st Ave. Centerville 101 E. Alexanderville-Bellbrook Rd. Ste 191

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

SUNDAY HAPPY HOUR IN THE BAR AND DINING ROOM 4-9PM

Best Brunch

Best Bloody Mary Best donuts

Various locations thenorthstarcafe.com

169 E. Beck St., German Village 614-228-4343 lindeys.com

Northstar Cafe

You might think, “What kind of person’s willing to wait in a 50-yard-long line for brunch?” The kind of person who knows Northstar is worth the wait. (It is.)

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH

Runners-up: Lindey’s, Matt the Miller’s

LiNdey’s

BuCkeye doNuts

Though Lindey’s hardly needs a great Bloody Mary to gain acclaim at this point, it’s definitely a huge bonus. Plus it pairs nicely with the high-quality brunch menu.

As most campus establishments crumble or scale upward, Buckeye Donuts maintains the vibe of a fast-fading time.

These are more than just delectable doughnuts; they’re a tradition.

Runners-up: Rusty Bucket, Matt the Miller’s

Best coffee roaster

stauf’s Coffee roasters

Various locations staufs.com

BRUNCHY D & BLOO !

MARY

Stauf’s has been delivering perfectly roasted coffee from all over the globe for close to 30 years now — well before specialty coffee was “a thing.” Luckily, nothing’s changed here.

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

FEATURING THE BLOODY MARY BAR $8

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Runners-up: Amy’s Donuts, DK Diner

Best coffeehouse

10AM-2:30PM E VOTED ON ' BEST S U B M U L OF CO

1998 N. High St., Campus 614-291-3923 alwaysopen.buckeyedonuts.com

Runners-up: Crimson Cup, One Line Coffee

stauf’s Coffee roasters Various locations staufs.com

With a wide variety of coffees ready to be brewed every which way, Stauf’s offers a well-accommodated nook for your study, reading or lounge session.

Runners-up: Fox in the Snow Cafe, Cup O’ Joe

Our Sunday Brunch Buffet offers made-to-order omelettes and waffles, breakfast favorites, Chef specialties, salads, flatbreads, pastries and more.

Adults $18.95 Kids 4-10 $8.95 | Kids 3 and under Free (Under 3 free with paying adult. Additional 3 and under, $4.95)

6725 AVERY-MUIRFIELD DRIVE DUBLIN, OH | 614.799.9100 1436 GEMINI PLACE COLUMBUS, OH | 614.841.4430 1400 GRANDVIEW AVENUE COLUMBUS, OH | 614.754.1026 MTMTAVERN.COM clb | restaurants

Stauf’s Coffee

Photo By tiM Johnson

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

THANK YOU COLUMBUS THE BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017 RESULTS ARE IN! VOTED BY ALIVE READERS: #1 Best Fine Dining Restaurant #1 Best Bloody Mary Runner-up: Best German Village Restaurant and Best Bar Patio

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

169 E. BECK STREET COLUMBUS, OH 43206 614.228.4343 LINDEYS.COM

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Best LocaL treat

Best smaLL PLates

4061 E. Livingston Ave., Whitehall 614-237-7421 reschbakery.com

Multiple locations 614-223-2100 marcellasrestaurant.com

Resch’s BakeRy

After being last year’s best local treat runner-up, Resch’s Bakery’s homegrown, just-make-it-good baking philosophy deservedly won over the bulk of voters this year.

Runners-up: Whit’s Frozen Custard, Fox in the Snow Cafe

Best Ice cream Jeni’s splendid ice cReams Multiple locations jenis.com

Photo BY tIm Johnson

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace

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Photo BY meghan raLston

maRcella’s

Marcella’s magically makes even small plates feel indulgent and exciting, whether diners are noshing on the braised veal meatball, prosciutto and melon or even mussels with pancetta, ciabatta and white wine. Small plates, big flavor.

Runners-up: Barcelona, Sidebar

Best QuIck Lunch diRty FRank’s hot dog palace

Multiple locations dirtyfrankscolumbus.com

There’s finally a rivalry brewing in Columbus that doesn’t involve the Buckeyes (unless you count the chocolate peanut butter variety). Jeni’s took the throne this year, beating out fellow local favorite Graeter’s by a mere .2 percent with its innovative, artisan flavors and seasonal offerings. Never let it be said that your vote doesn’t matter — at least when it comes to the really important things in life.

Hot...Dog Takeover? Cheap, delicious and quick added up to a big win from Dirty Frank’s, which edged out fellow cult-lunch haven Hot Chicken Takeover this year. Don’t let the name fool you.

The hot dog palace is actually a clean, cheerful space to grab a bite; you can even bring your vegan and vegetarian friends as there are options for those who don’t get down with Vienna franks but still want to get down with Dirty Frank’s.

Runners-up: Graeter’s, Johnson’s Real Ice Cream

Runners-up: Hot Chicken Takeover, Piada Italian Street Food

Best Dessert at a restaurant

Best cheaP eats

Multiple locations pistaciavera.com

Multiple locations dirtyfrankscolumbus.com

pistacia VeRa

diRty FRank’s hot dog palace

Pistacia Vera artfully bakes a surprisingly wide variety of elegant and delectable, European-style pastries and baked goods, offering everything from croissants to chocolate bombes. But even if the bakery only sold its rainbow of signature macarons, we have a hunch it could still carry the day in this category. Sweet, light and chewy Parisian perfection served in a cellophane bag.

Dirty Frank’s nets back-to-back wins for delivering hot dogs to the people at almost ridiculously affordable prices.

Whether grabbing a quick lunch during a break from your Downtown office, or taking advantage of late-night hours to grab a frank and a few brews, nowhere in CBus beats Dirty Frank’s for cheap eats that delight the senses (if not the digestive system at large).

Runners-up: Cap City Fine Diner, Mozart’s Bakery

Runners-up: Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Tommy’s Diner

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017 ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

PHOtO BY tim JOHnsOn

B E S T

O F

C O L U M B U S

EXPERT PICK Lindey’s

Best Fine Dining RestauRant Lindey’s

169 E. Beck St., German Village 614-228-4343 lindeys.com This German Village staple continues to win new praise because its attentive service, cozy ambiance and superb menu manage to feel fresh and modern. Flashy food fads and concepts will come and go, but we hope to always have Lindey’s casual elegance as the antidote.

Runners-up: The Refectory, Hyde Park

Best ROmantic RestauRant

Best etHnic FOOD tRuck

1092 Bethel Rd., Northwest Side 614-451-9774 refectory.com

184 W. Fifth Ave., Harrison West 614-743-7603

The RefecToRy

The Refectory celebrated 40 years in business in 2016. That’s a lot of romantic dinners. The French-American cuisine, ample 600-selection wine cellar (complete with a top-flight sommelier) and special touches like the dinner music series will keep new praises ringing in this former church for many years to come.

Runners-up: Basi Italia, M at Miranova

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

PHOtO BY WiLL sHiLLing

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Mikey Sorboro MIKEy’S LaTE NIghT SLICE FOUNdER

Favorite place to get a slice (other than Mikey’s) “You can’t beat Catfish Biff’s for a good slice. I was always at [OSU dorm] Stradley Hall, so that place will always hold a place in my heart. Sometimes when I feel like hiding in the dark and nursing a bitchin’ hangover, a whole Donatos classic pepperoni does the trick.”

Best FOOD tRuck

Mikey’s LaTe nighT sLice Various locations latenightslice.com

Mikey’s is used to the view from the top, having scored multiple wins in the past.

This year, Best Food Truck is technically Best Food Trucks, since Mikey’s iconic all-black PizzAssault fleet now features a trio of vehicles. Don’t worry, the simple “Pay. Eat. Leave.” attitude still applies, and the same tasty slices are served up at both roving locations.

Runners-up: Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, Paddy Wagon

JunioR’s Tacos

Junior’s taco truck isn’t fancy, and it doesn’t deal in exciting cutting-edge reimaginings of Mexican food. It serves simple tacos, burritos and quesadillas.

And the eats are damn good.

Runners-up: Challah!, Explorers Club

Best sHORt nORtH RestauRant The PeaRL

641 N. High St., Short North 614-227-0151 thepearlcolumbus.com The Short North has no shortage of fantastic restaurants, but leading the formidable competition this year is The Pearl. As soon as you step inside, it’s obvious why: The made-from-scratch food and cocktail menus pair perfectly with the sophisticated-yet-unfussy, modern tavern vibe.

Runners-up: Marcella’s, Northstar Cafe

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

GRACIAS! Schmidt’s Sausage Haus

Best Clintonville restaurant The CresT

2855 Indianola Ave., Clintonville 614-261-7128 thecrestgastropub.com Since opening in 2013, the Crest has been a rousing success in a neighborhood that can’t get enough of its culinary fare. From bar snacks (oh, those fries!) to small plates and entrees — many featuring offerings from the rooftop garden — there’s a reason The Crest tops this list.

Runners-up: Northstar Cafe, Harvest Bar and Kitchen

Cap CiTy Fine Diner & Bar

1299 Olentangy River Rd., Grandview 614-291-3663 capcityfinediner.com

Best Campus restaurant Tommy’s pizza

174 W. Lane Ave, Campus 614-294-4669 It’s not exactly breaking news, but college students love pizza, with two pizza joints landing in our top three spots. Tommy’s has been around for more than a halfcentury, giving generations of Ohio State students a chance to follow in their parents’ pizza footsteps.

Runners-up: Blue Danube, Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza

www.vaquerorestaurant.com Follow us on

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST ETHNIC FOOD TRUCK IN COLUMBUS!

Best German villaGe restaurant

sChmiDT’s sausage haus 240 E. Kossuth St., German Village 614-444-6808 schmidthaus.com

There are no shortage of great dining options in Grandview, but the fierce competition among our voters still has Cap City coming out on top. One of the longest running eateries in Cameron Mitchell’s dining empire, it takes diner food to the next level.

In the heart of a neighborhood founded by German immigrants, this long-standing, much-loved family restaurant’s Bavarian feasts seem appropriate fare to represent German Village. Locals and out-of-towners speed to this German Autobahn Buffet for a range of authentic fare, topped off with that famous cream puff.

Runners-up: Third and Hollywood, Spagio

Runners-up: Lindey’s, The Thurman Cafe

CALL IN FOR PICK-UP ORDERS!

614.743.7603

184 W. 5TH AVE. COLUMBUS, OH 43201 • SUN - THURS 11AM -10PM • FRI & SAT 11AM -11PM

JUNIORSTACOSTRUCKS.COM

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Best Grandview restaurant

pHoto BY tim JoHnson

for your vote and support

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

NIGHTLIFE

Pins Mechanical Company

Best new Bar

Pins Mechanical coMPany 141 N. Fourth St., Downtown 614-464-2255 pinsbar.com

The people behind Pins know a thing or two about an entertaining twist on a bar, having opened 16-Bit Bar + Arcade (and starting a bit of a trend, you may have noticed). For their next trick, they turned a Downtown spot into a haven of play with duckpin bowling (and an amazing slate of pinball machines). This is where you want to take visitors to show off Columbus cool.

Runners-up: Rockmill Tavern, Hoof Hearted Brewery + Kitchen Photo By tim Johnson

Best whiskey/scotch Bar

Best Bar for live music

1120 N High St., Short North 614-564-9058 barrelonhigh.com

5601 N. High St., Worthington 614-436-2625 nataliescoalfiredpizza.com

Barrel on high

Whether you were into bourbon before everyone decided it was cool or you’re a newbie trying to discover your palate, Barrel has got you covered. The bar has been doing this for a while now and boasts a bottle list that is both impressive and meticulously curated. Neat!

Runners-up: Bakersfield, Fado Irish Pub

Best mid-size music venue

Best large music venue

1151 N High St., Short North 614-291-8856 skullys.org

1722 N High St., Campus 614-461-5483 promowestlive.com

natalie’s coal-Fired Pizza

skully’s Music-diner

Forget any preconceived notions of live music in a pizza restaurant. Natalie’s is a space built around the live-music experience, as evidenced by the impressive array of artists both national and local, with an emphasis on folk, jazz and bluegrass.

Skully’s has dominated this category since we first launched it, boasting an open floor, high ceiling and a great sound system. Get one of the highly coveted balcony spots for a sold-out show and you’ll have a perfect view of both performer and crowd.

Runners-up: Woodlands Tavern, Park Street Tavern

Runners-up: A&R Music Bar, The Basement

newPort Music hall

When you look at the posters of past performers at the Newport, you know you’re on hallowed ground. Standing in the heart of campus for generations means a lot of great concert memories, and the Newport still does it best.

Runners-up: Express Live, Columbus Commons

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Newport Music Hall

Photo By Jodi miller

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017 ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

Best local Band or musician

AngelA Perley & the howlin’ Moons Hey, we don’t want to brag, but when we named Angela Perley & the Howlin’ Moons in our Class of 2014 Bands to Watch, we had a feeling they would succeed. The band’s tireless touring and spot atop this list feels vindicating.

Runners-up: Lydia Loveless, Two Cow Garage

Best dance cluB

skully’s Music-Diner 1151 N. High St., Short North 614-291-8856 skullys.org

If you think it’s odd to dance at a diner, you don’t know Skully’s. With perennially popular dance nights (see Best DJ Night), this Short North eatery/ concert venue/dance club can transform into whatever you want it to be.

Runners-up: Axis, Park Street Cantina

Best dJ night

Best wine list

Multiple locations marcellasrestaurant.com

middlewestspirits.com

1092 Bethel Rd., Northwest Side 614-451-9774 refectory.com

MArcellA’s

Runners-up: Bodega, Lindey’s

Runners-up: Brothers Drake mead, OYO Bourbon: Michelone Reserve

Best Beer Bar

1230 W. Fifth Ave., Grandview 614-488-3566 facebook.com/mickeysgrandview

One of the city’s top restaurants also boasts our readers’ favorite wine list, which draws from a wine cellar containing more than 600 selections to pair with the French-American cuisine.

Runners-up: Cooper’s Hawk, Wine Bistro

101 Beer kitchen Multiple locations 101beerkitchen.com

A new winner this year, 101 Beer Kitchen now boasts copious sudsy offerings at locations in Dublin, Gahanna and Westerville. In second place, Clintonville’s Bob’s Bar edged out the Short North Pint House by just three votes.

B E S T

O F

C O L U M B U S

EXPERT PICK

Runners-up: Bob’s Bar, Short North Pint House

Best Brewery

seventh son Brewing co.

As usual, this long-running Thursday night dance party at Skully’s Music-Diner blew away the competition. And don’t let the name fool you: The ’90s are in the mix now, too.

Mickey’s BAr

the refectory

Middle West Spirits’ OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka, a perennial reader favorite, is made with local wildflower honey and organic vanilla beans. Drink it straight or get creative with your cocktails.

For the second year in a row, this beloved Fourth Street craft brewery with a popular patio took top honors in a field that, to the delight of beer lovers, gets more crowded every year. (Seventh Son was also named Alive’s first-ever Brewer of the Year in 2016.)

Best KaraoKe night

oyo honey vAnillA BeAn voDkA

Cameron Mitchell concept Marcella’s isn’t just an Italian eatery. It’s a great spot for drinks, and from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, you can drink and dine at half the price.

1101 N. Fourth St., Italian Village 614-421-2337 seventhsonbrewing.com

Runners-up: O-GEE Old School Hip-Hop Party, Heatwave!

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Best local alcohol

lADies ’80s

1151 N. High St., Short North 614-291-8856 skullys.org

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Best happy hour

Runners-up: Columbus Brewing Company, Land-Grant Brewing

Best taproom

seventh son Brewing co.

1101 N. Fourth St., Italian Village 614-421-2337 seventhsonbrewing.com

If a bar hangs a sign that reads “World’s Best Karaoke,” then it better follow through. Mickey’s does. Come early and add your name to the list, or just grab a table and watch some top-notch local singers.

Not only did readers vote Seventh Son the best brewery in the city, they also love the open feel of the Italian Village spot’s double patios (particularly great in the spring and summer) and its modern industrial vibe.

Runners-up: Dirty Franks, Ugly Tuna Saloona

Runners-up: Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, Land-Grant Brewing

Hamadi Rose BLVCK ICE

Most underrated DJ in Columbus “I bought my first Rad & Quick mixtape from B&B Records on Livingston Avenue sometime in 1997. The tape was maybe the first to amaze me with its virtuosity — the transitions between songs made me hear my favorite rap songs in a new way. And they were local! Half of Rad & Quick, which now goes by Quickmode, is still active today. You can hear him most Saturdays at Buckeye Crazy, or order the mixtapes I fell in love with from Quickmode directly (djquickmode@gmail.com). I’m still waiting for that next tape.”

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

PRESENTING DINNER EACH NIGHT WITH THE SKILL OF A MASTER, THE MIND OF A CHEMIST AND THE HEART OF AN ARTIST

CHEF RICHARD BLONDIN

Named 2017 Best Wine List

Named 2017 Best Romantic Restaurant RESTAURANT & WINE SHOP

Creating Memories for 40 years

PRIVATE DINING ROOMS & CATERING • DINNER MUSIC EVENTS (PRIVATE ROOM) JAZZ • OPERA • CHAMBER MUSIC & WINE DINNERS and now RETAIL WINE SALES es WINE TASTINGS n i CASE DISCOUNTS, STATE MINIMUM PRICING W

1092 Bethel Road, Columbus 43220 • 614.451.9774 • refectory.com LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED, SERVING COLUMBUS SINCE 1976

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

“Somewhere between the Caesar Salad and the Crème Brulée, I fell in love with my husband all over again”

Prosecco to Dom Perignon Pinot Grigio to Puligny Montrachet Pinot Noir to Chateau Petrus ~ find your own perfect selection at the Refectory

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

Curio

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Photo BY tessa BerG

Union Cafe

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Photo BY tim Johnson

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Photo BY BarBara J. PereniC

Best CoCktail list

Best Bar Patio

Best lGBtQ Bar

Best irish PuB

491 S. Fourth St., German Village 614-824-1769 curiococktails.com

1101 N. Fourth St., Italian Village 614-421-2337 seventhsonbrewing.com

782 N. High St., Short North 614-421-2233 columbusnightlife.com

Multiple locations hdrestaurants.com

Curio

Curio is a standard-bearer when it comes to craft cocktail bars and features seasonal concoctions as creative as they are delicious.

Runners-up: Strongwater Food & Spirits, M at Miranova

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Last year, Seventh Son ousted longtime favorite Lindey’s as our readers’ favorite bar patio, and this year’s face-off was a dead heat. In the end, the Italian Village brewer edged out the German Village mainstay by just 16 votes.

Runners-up: Lindey’s, Barcelona

union Cafe

Brazenhead

The beloved Short North bar remains dominant in this category, taking top honors by a landslide (second-place finisher Axis also boasts the same owners). Gay or straight, people-watcher or social butterfly, Union bar-goers will find plenty to love.

This bar’s namesake, the original Brazen Head in Dublin, Ireland, purports to be the oldest pub in the Emerald Isle and a former watering hole of James Joyce. The local version doesn’t have quite the history, but it makes up for it with a massive beer list and an utterly Irish atmosphere.

Runners-up: Axis on High, Level Dining Lounge

Runners-up: Byrne’s Pub, O’Reilly’s Pub

Best BoWling alley Columbus squaRe bowliNg PalaCe 5707 Forest Hills Blvd., Northeast Side 614-895-1122 palacelanes.com

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

Comfest

Edging past Ten Pin Alley by just six votes for the win, Columbus Square Bowling has been providing award-winning fun for over 30 years. Don’t feel like bowling? Get away from it all at the Blue Sky Island Bar inside. An added bonus? The bowling alley is open 24 hours! photo By Meghan ralston

Best sports Bar RoosteRs

Multiple locations roosterswings.com Winning by a huge margin, Roosters is a chain that takes full advantage of the not-so-secret but incredibly effective sportsbar combo: wings and wall-towall TVs. Runners-up: Short North Pint House, R Bar Arena

Runners-up: Ten Pin Alley, Star Lanes

Best place to Watch the Buckeyes VaRsity Club

278 W. Lane Ave., Campus 614-299-6269 theoriginalvarsityclub.com In a landslide victory, readers again chose Varsity Club as the optimal spot for getting your scarlet and gray on. Every football season, this historic campus hangout lives up to the hype.

Runners-up: Short North Pint House, Little Bar

Comfest

Goodale Park, Victorian Village comfest.com

Best place to take Best MoVie theater out-of-toWn Visitors gateway film CeNteR shoRt NoRth shortnorth.org

Once again, the summertime “party with a purpose” tops the list for most interesting attendees. From the drumcircle enthusiast to the blatant toker, these festivalgoers are guaranteed to draw your eyes away from the stage more than once.

Whether you take in some of the city’s best art during a Gallery Hop weekend, or dance the night away at Skully’s Music-Diner, you can confidently show your guests an unforgettable time in the Short North. With popular restaurants, boutiques and hotels, your never have to leave the area.

Runners-up: Ohio State Fair, Short North

Runners-up: Columbus Zoo, North Market

“BEST BREWERY”

“BEST BAR PATIO”

1550 N. High St., South Campus 614-247-4433 gatewayfilmcenter.org This isn’t your ordinary, run-ofthe-mill movie theater. In addition to the newest blockbuster releases and acclaimed independent movies, the nonprofit offers themed events and cinema education. Extensive screen time is also given to documentaries and local films.

Runners-up: Marcus Crosswoods, Studio 35

NO, YOU’RE THE BEST, COLUMBUS

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

“BEST TAPROOM”

Best place for people-Watching

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

B e s T

o f

c o L u M B u s

eXperT pIcK photo BY Jodi miller

16-Bit Bar + Arcade

Best CliNtoNville Bar The CresT

2855 Indianola Ave., Clintonville 614-261-7128 thecrestgastropub.com From bar snacks to brunch, this neighborhood gastropub offers some of the city’s freshest food, with ingredients grown in rooftop gardens or otherwise locally sourced. Visit for a daytime meal with the family, or take advantage of the late hours and try one of the excellent, barrel-aged cocktails.

Runners-up: Bob’s Bar, O’Reilly’s Pub

Marcy Mays owner of Ace of cups

favorite place to see a show (other than Ace of cups) “You can’t beat Cafe Bourbon Street for keeping it gritty, weird and diverse. You might not know what you’re walking into on any given night, but chances are it will be awesome. For a big outdoor show (like the Scorpions), Express Live is super fun.”

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Best NeighBorhood Bar

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The Old MOhawk

819 Mohawk St., German Village 614-444-7204 theoldmohawk.com The German Village establishment has a rich, 100-year history (printed right on the menus) and even richer turtle soup — one of its most popular dishes. Visit during the day to observe the colorful regulars, but it may take some time to work your way “backstage,” the shorter side of the horseshoe bar where the cool kids sit.

Runners-up: Bob’s Bar, Tie: O’Reilly’s Pub, Hey Hey Bar & Grill, Dick’s Den

Best short North Bar

OddfellOws liquOr Bar 1038 N. High St., Short North 614-923-9631 oddfellowsliquorbar.com

Kitschy, quirky and crazy, Oddfellows offers unforgettable scenery, a perfect patio and the best brunch buffet $8 can buy. Also, where else can you get an alcohol slushy — or “lushy” — topped with potato sticks? Any night is a good night to visit, but we recommend popping in during the “DrunNk SpeLing Be” competition.

Runners-up: Short North Tavern, Bodega

Best graNdview Bar wOOdlands Tavern

1200 W. Third Ave., Grandview 614-299-4987 woodlandstavern.com

photo BY tim JohNsoN

Best germaN village Bar Plank’s Bier GarTen

888 S. High St., German Village 614-443-4570 planksbeergarden.com Since 1960, the Plank family has been serving the German Village neighborhood with brews, traditional American cuisine and a spacious outdoor patio.

The tenacious bar is pressing on after surviving a fire back in December. We’re looking forward to seeing the shiny plaque in the establishment when it reopens this May. Runners-up: Club 185, The Old Mohawk

Best dowNtowN Bar 16-BiT Bar + arCade

254 S. Fourth St., Downtown 614-222-1616 16-bitbar.com/columbus

Woodlands Tavern has all of the characteristics of a great neighborhood bar. There’s delicious Jewish-style food from Challah! and an impressive list of beers on tap. However, what makes the establishment stand out is the consistent lineup of bands on its two stages.

By a landslide, the arcade bar won the hearts of Columbus residents with its classic games and quirky cocktails (see if you can handle the eight liquors packed into the “Game Over”). Be sure to watch the calendar for theme nights and pop-up tournaments.

Runners-up: Byrne’s Pub, Zauber Brewing Co.

Runners-up: The Walrus, Wolf’s Ridge Brewing Tap Room

Best Campus Bar OuT-r-inn

Best arCade/gamiNg Bar 16-BiT Bar + arCade

20 Frambes Ave., Campus 614-294-9259

254 S. Fourth St., Downtown 614-222-1616 16-bitbar.com/columbus

This campus bar describes itself as “timetested, Buckeye-Approved.” It’s a fitting label for an establishment solidified at OSU since the 1960s. It’s one of the best spots for watching the Bucks during football season, and just an all-around good time year round.

The arcade bar competition has multiplied in recent years, but 16-Bit Bar + Arcade has out-maneuvered them all. From Q*bert to Paperboy, the watering hole has enough games (over 40!) to satisfy your nostalgia craving.

Runners-up: Varsity Club, Ace of Cups

Runners-up: Pins Mechanical Company, Old North Arcade

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017 ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

C U LT U R E B E S T

O F

C O L U M B U S

Best MuseuM

Best art Gallery

333 W Broad St., Downtown 614-228-2674 cosi.org

50 W. Town St., Downtown 614-292-8861 uas.osu.edu

COSI

Winning by just three votes, the internationally renowned science center has been entertaining adults and children for over 50 years. Between the exhibits, events and education programs, it could take dozens of trips to experience everything the museum has to offer.

Runners-up: Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio Historical Society

Best Place for Geeks and nerds 16-BIt Bar + arCade

254 S. Fourth St., Downtown 614-222-1616 16-bitbar.com/columbus If you’d fit right in among the cast of “Weird Science,” or could stand in for Steve Urkel, you’ve chosen 16-Bit Bar + Arcade as your home away from home.

Show off in a Mario Kart tournament and buy that hot guy or girl a “Winnie Cooper” cocktail because you’re popular now.

OSU UrBan artS SpaCe

Free to the public, this Downtown art gallery is a hotbed for up-and-coming talent, straight from OSU. In addition to the eclectic exhibits, the space provides free education programs for kids and myriad events and performances.

Runners-up: ROy G Biv Gallery, Lindsay Gallery

Best live theater ShadOwBOx LIve

503 S. Front St., Brewery District 614-416-7625 shadowboxlive.org So much more than sketch comedy and rock ’n’ roll, while retaining that irreverence at its heart, Shadowbox is a perennial winner here. Fully staged rock musicals, original and otherwise, and the magic of collaborative works such as “Gallery of Echoes” explain why.

Runners-up: CATCO, Short North Stage

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Runners-up: Kingmakers, Laughing Ogre

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Best dance coMPany

Best festival

322 Mt. vernon Ave., Downtown 614-229-4848 balletmet.org

Goodale Park, victorian village comfest.com

BaLLetMet COLUMBUS

Columbus’ dance scene has gotten a bit of a freshening in the past few years, but BalletMet, with its masterful dancers (young, athletic and graceful newcomers alongside company favorites) and creative vision cast by Artistic Director Edwaard Liang (“Please stay forever!”), remains at the top of this list.

Runners-up: Columbus Dance Theatre, Columbus Moving Company

COMFeSt

What makes a community festival? The community, right? The growth of this beloved summertime staple through the years merely speaks to the value of the broadening community that it celebrates through music of all stripes, homegrown businesses and creatives and, of course, the people who make a difference.

Runners-up: Columbus Arts Festival, Dublin irish Festival

OSU Urban Arts Space

Best Place to enjoy the outdoors hIghBankS MetrO park

9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center 614-891-0700 metroparks.net When you find this 1,160-acre retreat along the Olentangy River in Southern Delaware County, you find serenity. (Not that it’s hard to find, what with its main entrance right on, essentially, High Street.) Hike, jog, walk your dog, picnic. It’s a perfect way to spend a morning/afternoon/evening.

Runners-up: Scioto Audubon Metro Park, Alum Creek State Park

Photo By MeGhan ralston

Best city Park park OF rOSeS

3901 N. High St., Clintonville 614-645-3391 parkofroses.org The Park of Roses is perennially tops in this category, on the strength of its visual and olfactory wonders. It doesn’t hurt that its beautiful gardens are augmented by a stretch of riverfront and surprising open space. Also, welcome Scioto Mile to the leaderboard.

Runners-up: Goodale Park, Scioto Mile

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017 ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

eXPeRT PiCK

Best ColumBus Brand

Best Farmers market

Multiple locations cameronmitchell.com

59 Spruce St., Arena District northmarket.com

Cameron mitChell

DaviD N. Lewis owner of elizabeth’s records

favorite place to shop for records (other than elizabeth’s)

You want parity? You want competition?

Each of these three iconic Columbus nameplates has taken its turn at the top of this category in the past three years, with the local restauranteur moving from third, to second to now first, with recent strong entries like The Guild House and The Avenue no doubt helping the cause.

Runners-up: Homage, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Best FaCe oF ColumBus “Most record store owners will tell you that they never get a chance to go to other stores because they are always in their own. TRUE! That said, I occasionally stop into Lost Weekend to get new vinyl and talk business with Kyle Siegrist, but my favorite digging spots are off the record store map and in my friend Rod’s record-filled garage in Clintonville or in Ron House’s storage in the Brice Road area.”

JaCk hanna

Jungle Jack manages to be quintessentially Columbus while repping his Columbusness all over the world. He’s beaten out college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner three years running.

Runners-up: Archie Griffin, Nina West

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

COME AS YOU ARE.

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VOTED IN TOP 3 SALONS FOR 11 YEARS IN A ROW. THANKS COLUMBUS!

Best alternative transportation Uber

Columbus is figuring out that Uber is more than responsible late-night transportation or a way to get to and from fun you can’t walk to (although it’s still a good option for both). City-dwellers without cars are using the service for both business and pleasure.

Runners-up: COTA, CBUS Circulator

Best tattoo studio evolved body art Multiple locations evolvedbodyart.com

Whether you’re a tattoo vet or looking to get your first ink (or piercing), the welcoming atmosphere and talented artists at either location of Evolved have you covered.

Runners-up: Short North Tattoo, Stained Skin Studio hair by Brett Jones

614.447.3313

LUCKY13SALON.COM

3131 N HIGH ST

north market Farmers market A thorough and diverse set of vendors for this seasonal offering is, of course, augmented by the permanent offerings of the North Market itself. The combination, plus a fun Arena District/Short North vibe, continues to make this the class of the scene.

Runners-up: Worthington Farmers Market, Clintonville Farmers Market

Best GiFt shop homage

Multiple locations homage.com Homage consistently ranks for helping us look clean and smart and still rep our favorite place or sports team. And when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you vote Homage.

Runners-up: Wholly Craft, Tigertree

Best Wine shop

Weiland’s market

3600 Indianola Ave., Clintonville (614) 267-9878 weilandsmarket.com It’s a crowded field when considering Columbus’ top-notch wine shops.

Selection and expertise are abundant, but this year voters chose this venerable store, with a well-earned reputation for quality and a broad appeal to a variety of drink aficionados, as you’ll see…

Runners-up: Wine on High, House Wine

Best liquor store Weiland’s market

3600 Indianola Ave., Clintonville 614-267-9878 weilandsmarket.com Whether you’re in search of your favorite booze or a noob looking for a recommendation, Weiland’s is the place.

The helpful, knowledgeable staff is on point and ready to assure you get the drink that suits you.

Runners-up: The Hills Market, Arena Wine and Spirits

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US A

North Market

photo BY tim Johnson

Best Growler Fill spot

Best local Food store

Multiple locations thedailygrowler.com

59 Spruce St., Arena District 614-463-9664 northmarket.com

The Daily Growler

A massive selection of quality brews both local and national, and a commitment to maintaining a creative tap list make The Daily Growler a perennial favorite for craft beer drinkers.

Fill your jug or enjoy a pint at the bar.

Runners-up: The Ohio Taproom, Savor Growl

norTh MarkeT

The public market is a local institution, boasting retailers peddling everything from craft cheeses (Black Radish Creamery) to meat (Two Brothers Butcher Shoppe) and booze (The Barrel & Bottle). Plus, there are a slew of eateries, including Hot Chicken Takeover, which would likely jump at the chance to fry up the market’s rooster mascot.

Runners-up: Weiland’s Market, Carfagna’s

3600 Indianola Ave., Clintonville 614-267-9878 weilandsmarket.com

Best Bookstore

weilanD’s MarkeT

Wine, liquor and now beer. Is there any adult beverage situation that Weiland’s can’t handle? Well-stocked coolers feature your old favorites and your notyet favorites, which the staff is always willing to help you navigate. Weiland’s is a winner.

Runners-up: Grandview Carry Out, Kenny Road Market

Book lofT

631 S. Third St., German Village 614-464-1774 bookloft.com There’s a reason this book labyrinth takes the best bookstore crown every year: It’s a reader’s paradise, overflowing with books that fill every nook and cranny of the house-like structure. Take care not to get lost; rumors persist there’s at least one customer that’s been trying to navigate a way out since the late ’80s.

Runners-up: Half-Price Books, Village Bookshop

CHEERS COLUMBUS! wineonhigh.com • 789 N High St • 614.294.8466 @WineonHigh @wineonhigh wineonhigh

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Best Beer shop

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

Y ou # 1 ! k n a h T

Best place to Buy vinyl

Magnolia Thunderpussy

for Voting Us

1155 N. High St., Short North 614-421-1512 thunderpussy.com

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Columbus is a great record town. Nearly every neighborhood is home to a unique shop, including the Short North, which is the longtime site of this local classic.

Runners-up: Used Kids Records, Spoonful Records

Best thrift store ohio ThrifT

Multiple locations ohiothriftinc.com You don’t have to bust your budget to fill out your wardrobe. With multiple locations, shoppers could spend hours browsing Ohio Thrift’s wares to locate that perfect new (old) button-up.

Best Brand without a storefront rogue Bakery roguebakery.com

Rogue sums up its business plan in text that could fit inside a tweet with plenty of leftover room to spare: “We bake cookies.

You buy cookies. We deliver cookies. You eat cookies.” Simple and delicious.

Runners-up: Thunderkiss Coffee, Sweet Stella Designs

Best hair salon salon lofTs

Multiple locations salonlofts.com

Runners-up: Rag-O-Rama, Plato’s Closet

Salon Lofts could be considered Tinder for the hair and makeup set, offering clients “a place to discover a new beauty specialist from hundreds of online profiles.” Swipe left ‘til you find the one that’s right for you. (We assume.)

Best vintage shop

Runners-up: Charles Penzone, Lucky 13 Salon

flower Child VinTage 989 N. High St., Short North 614-297-8006 flowerchildvintage.com

Rogue Bakery

No matter what era you’re looking to relive, be it the ’60s, ’70s or ’80s (not the ’90s, though; not only were the decade’s fashions awful, but the shop’s website advises stock cuts off at the ’80s), you can find something to help recreate the look at Flower Child Vintage.

Runners-up: Grandview Mercantile, Boomerang Room

photo By tessa Berg

Magnolia Thunderpussy

For store locations & info:

www.ohiothriftinc.com

photo By Meghan ralston

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017 ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

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BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

Yoga on High

Thank you Columbus Alive readers for voting us

Best Smokeshop in Columbus!

In honor of your votes and support, we’d like to extend these offers to you:

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photo By meghan ralston

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Best spa

Best yoga studio

19 N. High St., Dublin 614-790-8822 woodhousespas.com

1081 N. High St., Short North 614-291-4444 yogaonhigh.com

Woodhouse day spa

Three words: Treat. Yo. Self. This Dublin spa is the perfect place to do that, offering a wide range of spa treatments in a tranquil and soothing environment that makes your beauty routine a part of your self-care.

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

Runners-up: Charles Penzone, Kenneth’s Hair Salon and Day Spa

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yoga on high

With its prime Short North location, Yoga on High is sure to attract the many practitioners in the neighborhood.

But the true draw is its mix of trained instructors, welcoming atmosphere and diverse class offerings that suit your needs whether you’re just getting started or you’re already more advanced.

Best BarBershop

Runners-up: Balanced Yoga, Bikram Hot Yoga

2433 N. High St., Old North 614-263-5518 themugandbrush.com

Best fitness center/gym

The Mug & Brush

This old-school barbershop offers up traditional services from the top of your head to beard care — or straight-razor shaves for the beardless. Plus it caters to the whole family. Added bonus: It’s the site of the Mug and Brush Sessions, a video series of live performances from great local musicians.

Runners-up: Old Familiar Barbershop, Niko’s Barber Shop

planeT FiTness Multiple locations planetfitness.com

As established elsewhere in this issue, Columbus is home to great food. If you want to enjoy more of it, you’re going to have to burn off those calories. With multiple locations dotting the city and suburbs, Planet Fitness has you covered.

Runners-up: Lifetime Fitness, LA Fitness

Clintonville outfitters 2864 N. High St., Clintonville 614-447-8902 clintonvilleoutfitters.com

Even as more outdoor and sporting goods megachains have come to town, our readers still love the reliable local option of Clintonville Outfitters, the perfect place to get everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors.

Runners-up: Aspen Ski & Board, Roush Sporting Goods

Best gardening shop/ nursery oakland nursery Multiple locations oaklandnursery.com

If you to Oakland Nurseries, u haven haven’tt been b

you simply haven’t been to a nursery!”

Runners-up: Strader’s Garden Centers, Dill’s Greenhouse

Best Bicycle shop roll:

Waterbeds ‘n’ stuff

Multiple locations roll-online.com

Multiple locations waterbedsnstuff.com

You can’t slow this roll. As Columbus slowly but surely is improving its bikefriendliness, roll: is the place to find the two-wheeled companion of your dreams, or to take care of the one you already have.

Open since 1972, man, Waterbeds ‘n’ Stuff has been the go-to place for “stuff” for generations. And even as the smokefriendly stuff has gotten more advanced, blacklights never go out of style.

Runners-up: Paradise Garage, BikeSource

Runners-up: The Joint, Puff N’ Stuff

PetPeoPle

Values That Grow!

Once again, Oakland Nursery is the favored choice for Columbus’ green thumbs, offering everything from seed to full-blown trees for budding or expert gardeners.

Best smoke/ paraphernalia shop

Best pet store

Discover the Oakland Value

Best adult shop

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017

Best sporting goods store

• Largest Selection of roses in the midwest -scores of varieties!

• Annuals & perennials • Complete gardening lines • Vegetables & culinary herbs • Exotic plants - indoor & outdoor varieties • Shade & ornamental trrees • Flowering shrubs We have the Largest • Evergreens Selection of plants • Fertilizer, mulch, & see in Central Ohio! *Plant Selection is seasonal • Unique garden art • Home decor, Gifts & M • Fruit trees & berry plants

Quality, Selection & Service

Let our horticulturally-trained staff assist you with all your garden needs

the Garden

Multiple locations petpeoplestores.com

1174 N. High St., Short North 614-294-2869 thegardencolumbus.net

With aisles upon aisles of natural foods and every toy your furry buddy could desire, the Columbus area PetPeople locations have it all for your pet friends. And, of course, the stores are all pet-friendly.

This long-running Short North home for all manner of ways to explore pleasure is everything an adult store should be, meaning it’s a sex-positive and judgmentfree zone. It will keep you coming.

Runners-up: Three Dog Bakery, Moochie & Co.

Runners-up: Lion’s Den, The Chamber

Visit our website at

oaklandnursery.com

for online garden tips, the purchase of Oakland Gift Cards and more seasonal specials!

Since 1940

roll:

Columbus

1156 Oakland Park Ave.

Dublin

4261 W. Dublin-Granville Rd.

(East of I-71)

(Rt. 161 between Riverside & Sawmill)

25 Kilbourne Rd.

5211 Johnstown Rd.

614-268-3511 Delaware (NW corner Rt. 36/37 & Kilbourne)

740-369-5454

614-874-2400

New Albany

(corner of Johnstown & Thompson Rd.)

614-917-1020

All stores open daily! • Delivery service available photo By tim Johnson

CALL 614-268-3834 FOR OAKLAND LANDSCAPE DESIGN

ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

oaklandnursery.com

Thank you for voting us the Best Garden Center / Nursery in Central Ohio for 11+ years!

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36 ColumbusAlive.com | Thursday, March 30, 2017

BEST OF COLUMBUS 2017