Bexley Guidebook
Food scene
Open Tuesday thru Saturday 7 AM - 5 PM, Sundays 9 AM - 2 PM
Cherbourg Bakery is probably the most friendly restaurant in Columbus for people with restrictive diets. Out of principle, they completely avoid using gluten, nuts, and food dyes, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat without having to worry about what might be in it. From savory breads to the classic sweets, like muffins and donuts, their goal is to make their food accessible to everyone.
Their classic Petit-Choux are cream puffs that are filled on the spot with your choice of vanilla orchocolate, and they are to die for!
Cherbourg Bakery
541 S Drexel AveOpen Tuesday thru Saturday 7 AM - 5 PM, Sundays 9 AM - 2 PM
Cherbourg Bakery is probably the most friendly restaurant in Columbus for people with restrictive diets. Out of principle, they completely avoid using gluten, nuts, and food dyes, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat without having to worry about what might be in it. From savory breads to the classic sweets, like muffins and donuts, their goal is to make their food accessible to everyone.
Their classic Petit-Choux are cream puffs that are filled on the spot with your choice of vanilla orchocolate, and they are to die for!
Open 11 AM - 10 PM daily
Brassica is a Columbus must-have. Their menu is small, but that gives them the opportunity to give a lot of attention-to-detail. Their ingredients are fresh and local, and the Middle Eastern/Mediterranean focus means you’ll find something a little different than you’re likely to find anywhere else. Falafel pitas, shawarma wraps, and the hummus plate are all fantastic, and you can wash it all down with their amazing drinks, all prepared in-house!
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brassica in the Short North
680 N High StOpen 11 AM - 10 PM daily
Brassica is a Columbus must-have. Their menu is small, but that gives them the opportunity to give a lot of attention-to-detail. Their ingredients are fresh and local, and the Middle Eastern/Mediterranean focus means you’ll find something a little different than you’re likely to find anywhere else. Falafel pitas, shawarma wraps, and the hummus plate are all fantastic, and you can wash it all down with their amazing drinks, all prepared in-house!
Open Monday thru Friday 7:30 AM - 2 PM
Scotty’s Cafe is a low-key, unpretentious, truly American cafe. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, so they have the type of items you’d expect to find at a restaurant of the sort--breakfast omelets, burgers, sandwiches, and patty melts, to name a few. This is the true American diner experience.
Scotty's Cafe
2980 E Broad StOpen Monday thru Friday 7:30 AM - 2 PM
Scotty’s Cafe is a low-key, unpretentious, truly American cafe. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, so they have the type of items you’d expect to find at a restaurant of the sort--breakfast omelets, burgers, sandwiches, and patty melts, to name a few. This is the true American diner experience.
Open Tuesday thru Thursday 11 AM - 10:30
PM, Friday 11 AM - 11:30 PM, Saturday 4
PM - 11:30 PM, Sunday 4 PM - 10:30 PM
Rubino’s pizza is probably the favorite pizza restaurant in this area. They are a cash-only restaurant, so be sure to have some cash on hand when you stop in! Their pizzas have crispy, thin crusts with classic Italian ingredients and just the right amount of sauce. If you want to eat like a local, Rubino’s is the place to do it! They’ve been in business for decades for a reason!
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rubinos Pizza
2643 E Main StOpen Tuesday thru Thursday 11 AM - 10:30
PM, Friday 11 AM - 11:30 PM, Saturday 4
PM - 11:30 PM, Sunday 4 PM - 10:30 PM
Rubino’s pizza is probably the favorite pizza restaurant in this area. They are a cash-only restaurant, so be sure to have some cash on hand when you stop in! Their pizzas have crispy, thin crusts with classic Italian ingredients and just the right amount of sauce. If you want to eat like a local, Rubino’s is the place to do it! They’ve been in business for decades for a reason!
Open Tuesday thru Friday 6 AM - 3 PM, Saturday & Sunday 7:30 AM - 2 PM
Stav’s Diner is an unassuming little place, and it would be easy to miss if you didn’t know it was there! Stav’s is a small restaurant with a long breakfast counter, giving it a classic diner feel. Their menu features all the staples you’d expect to find in an American breakfast diner, and the quality of their ingredients really stands out.
Stav's Diner
2932 East Broad StreetOpen Tuesday thru Friday 6 AM - 3 PM, Saturday & Sunday 7:30 AM - 2 PM
Stav’s Diner is an unassuming little place, and it would be easy to miss if you didn’t know it was there! Stav’s is a small restaurant with a long breakfast counter, giving it a classic diner feel. Their menu features all the staples you’d expect to find in an American breakfast diner, and the quality of their ingredients really stands out.
Open Monday thru Saturday 11 AM - 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 9 PM
Happy Hour Monday thru Friday 3 PM - 6 PM
If you’re up for a trip downtown, Melt Bar & Grilled is a Columbus staple. Melt takes grilled cheese to the next level with options like chorizo & potato, Cleveland cheese steak, backyard pork barbecue, and chicken and waffles. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and an excellent kid’s menu!
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Melt Bar and Grilled
840 N High StOpen Monday thru Saturday 11 AM - 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 9 PM
Happy Hour Monday thru Friday 3 PM - 6 PM
If you’re up for a trip downtown, Melt Bar & Grilled is a Columbus staple. Melt takes grilled cheese to the next level with options like chorizo & potato, Cleveland cheese steak, backyard pork barbecue, and chicken and waffles. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and an excellent kid’s menu!
Open Mondays 11 AM - 9 PM, Tuesday thru Thursday 11 AM - 10 PM, Friday & Saturday 11 AM - 11 AM, Sundays 11 AM - 10 PM
Head on down to Columbus’s German Village neighborhood for an authentic German experience.
Schmidt’s has been around since 1967 and it only gets better with age. Featuring German classics like sausages, sauerkraut, schnitzel, and cabbage rolls, Schmidt’s really adds a ton of character to the German Village. No German restaurant experience is complete without some great German ale, though, which is why Schmid’ts has been given the “Best Beer Menu” award by the Columbus Dispatch!
80 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant
240 E Kossuth StOpen Mondays 11 AM - 9 PM, Tuesday thru Thursday 11 AM - 10 PM, Friday & Saturday 11 AM - 11 AM, Sundays 11 AM - 10 PM
Head on down to Columbus’s German Village neighborhood for an authentic German experience.
Schmidt’s has been around since 1967 and it only gets better with age. Featuring German classics like sausages, sauerkraut, schnitzel, and cabbage rolls, Schmidt’s really adds a ton of character to the German Village. No German restaurant experience is complete without some great German ale, though, which is why Schmid’ts has been given the “Best Beer Menu” award by the Columbus Dispatch!
Open 10:45 AM - 10 PM daily
Piada is another Columbus favorite, with eight locations right here in the city. What Chipotle is to Hispanic food, Piada is to Italian. The menu features wraps (piadas), tossed salads, and pasta bowls, all of which you can customize to your tastes. There’s a real focus on ingredients at piada, so everything tastes fresh and well-prepared.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Piada Italian Street Food
2585 E Main StOpen 10:45 AM - 10 PM daily
Piada is another Columbus favorite, with eight locations right here in the city. What Chipotle is to Hispanic food, Piada is to Italian. The menu features wraps (piadas), tossed salads, and pasta bowls, all of which you can customize to your tastes. There’s a real focus on ingredients at piada, so everything tastes fresh and well-prepared.
Open Monday thru Thursday 1 PM - 10 PM, Friday & Saturday 12 - 11 PM, Sunday 1 PM - 10 PM
Jeni’s is a Columbus staple, and one of the most recognizable brands to come from the city. Jeni’s pushes the envelope with their flavors, serving up things like churro, cream puff, and goat cheese with red cherries. Their sorbet includes dairy-free options as well, meaning no one has to miss out!
164 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
714 N High StOpen Monday thru Thursday 1 PM - 10 PM, Friday & Saturday 12 - 11 PM, Sunday 1 PM - 10 PM
Jeni’s is a Columbus staple, and one of the most recognizable brands to come from the city. Jeni’s pushes the envelope with their flavors, serving up things like churro, cream puff, and goat cheese with red cherries. Their sorbet includes dairy-free options as well, meaning no one has to miss out!
Shopping
Easton Town Center, located at 160 Easton Town Center, is one of the largest and nicest outdoor shopping malls in Columbus, with all the big name stores you’d expect, and a ton of excellent restaurants. With over 240 stores and services, you can expect to find all of the typical anchor stores you would expect, but there are also plenty of high-end brands on site. This mall is definitely worth checking out!
Open Monday thru Thursday 10 AM - 9 PM, Friday & Saturday 10 AM - 9 PM, and Sunday 12 - 6 PM
53 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Easton
Easton Town Center, located at 160 Easton Town Center, is one of the largest and nicest outdoor shopping malls in Columbus, with all the big name stores you’d expect, and a ton of excellent restaurants. With over 240 stores and services, you can expect to find all of the typical anchor stores you would expect, but there are also plenty of high-end brands on site. This mall is definitely worth checking out!
Open Monday thru Thursday 10 AM - 9 PM, Friday & Saturday 10 AM - 9 PM, and Sunday 12 - 6 PM
If it’s cold or rainy, or if you’d just rather stay indoors, Polaris Fashion Place is just up Interstate 71 at 1500 Polaris Parkway. This mall is located almost entirely indoors and offers all of the stores you’d expect to find in a mall, plus plenty of local and regional favorites.
Open Monday thru Thursday 10 AM - 9 PM, Friday & Saturday 10 AM-9:30 PM, and Sunday 12 - 6 PM
171 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Polaris Fashion Place
1500 Polaris Pkwy If it’s cold or rainy, or if you’d just rather stay indoors, Polaris Fashion Place is just up Interstate 71 at 1500 Polaris Parkway. This mall is located almost entirely indoors and offers all of the stores you’d expect to find in a mall, plus plenty of local and regional favorites.
Open Monday thru Thursday 10 AM - 9 PM, Friday & Saturday 10 AM-9:30 PM, and Sunday 12 - 6 PM
Grandview Mercantile, located at 1489 Grandview Avenue, is a 6000 square foot antique shop in Columbus’s Grandview community. With all different types of antiques, this shop is so much fun to wander around. Whether you’re looking for a nick nack to take home as a unique souvenir, or you’re looking for a piece of furniture for your home, this place has a little bit of everything.
Open Monday thru Saturday 11 AM - 7 PM, Sunday noon - 5 PM
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grandview Mercantile Company
1489 Grandview AveGrandview Mercantile, located at 1489 Grandview Avenue, is a 6000 square foot antique shop in Columbus’s Grandview community. With all different types of antiques, this shop is so much fun to wander around. Whether you’re looking for a nick nack to take home as a unique souvenir, or you’re looking for a piece of furniture for your home, this place has a little bit of everything.
Open Monday thru Saturday 11 AM - 7 PM, Sunday noon - 5 PM
Tanger Outlets is located just up Interstate 71 at the Delaware/Sunbury exit at 400 S Wilson Rd, Sunbury, OH. This outlet mall has all of the big name brands that you would expect to find in a typical outlet mall, and it’s a great place to score some amazing deals. This is an outdoor mall, so make sure it’s not too rainy or cold before you head out!
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tanger Outlets Columbus
400 S Wilson RdTanger Outlets is located just up Interstate 71 at the Delaware/Sunbury exit at 400 S Wilson Rd, Sunbury, OH. This outlet mall has all of the big name brands that you would expect to find in a typical outlet mall, and it’s a great place to score some amazing deals. This is an outdoor mall, so make sure it’s not too rainy or cold before you head out!
Neighborhoods
The Short North district of Columbus is one of the most vibrant and lively parts of the city. There are dozens of restaurants and fun, local shops to check out, and you’ll see a ton of work from local artists gracing the sides of buildings and in art galleries. This is also one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly areas of the city. It truly is the “art and soul” of Columbus.
326 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Short North Arts District
The Short North district of Columbus is one of the most vibrant and lively parts of the city. There are dozens of restaurants and fun, local shops to check out, and you’ll see a ton of work from local artists gracing the sides of buildings and in art galleries. This is also one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly areas of the city. It truly is the “art and soul” of Columbus.
Family-Friendly Activities
Open Wednesday thru Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM
COSI is a science museum with a ton of different activities and exhibits for all interests and ages. Whether your little one is into space, dinosaurs, the ocean, or more, there’s plenty to see and do. Expect to spend at least a few hours here taking in all that the museum has to offer.
254 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro de Ciencia y Tecnología
333 W Broad StOpen Wednesday thru Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM
COSI is a science museum with a ton of different activities and exhibits for all interests and ages. Whether your little one is into space, dinosaurs, the ocean, or more, there’s plenty to see and do. Expect to spend at least a few hours here taking in all that the museum has to offer.
Open 10 AM - 5 PM
Columbus is home to one of the most highly-regarded zoos in the entire country, and it’s highly-regarded for a reason. With over 580 acres of exhibits, this zoo features animals from all over the world, including elephants, tigers, manatees, cheetahs, bears, gorillas, and more. Columbus Zoo is managed by the world-famous zookeeper, Jack Hanna, and does a lot of conservation work to help save endangered species. Expect to spend most of the day here.
233 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico y Acuario de Columbus
4850 W Powell RdOpen 10 AM - 5 PM
Columbus is home to one of the most highly-regarded zoos in the entire country, and it’s highly-regarded for a reason. With over 580 acres of exhibits, this zoo features animals from all over the world, including elephants, tigers, manatees, cheetahs, bears, gorillas, and more. Columbus Zoo is managed by the world-famous zookeeper, Jack Hanna, and does a lot of conservation work to help save endangered species. Expect to spend most of the day here.
Open 10 AM - 11 PM
If you have a bookworm in your family, Book Loft is a must-see when visiting Columbus. Located in a pre-civil war era set of buildings in German Village, this place is so much more than a bookstore. It’s more like a maze, with every room themed for a different genre. It’s so easy to get lost in here, but in a good way! It’s every book-lover’s dream come true. Expect to spend an hour or two here!
110 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Book Loft of German Village
631 S 3rd StOpen 10 AM - 11 PM
If you have a bookworm in your family, Book Loft is a must-see when visiting Columbus. Located in a pre-civil war era set of buildings in German Village, this place is so much more than a bookstore. It’s more like a maze, with every room themed for a different genre. It’s so easy to get lost in here, but in a good way! It’s every book-lover’s dream come true. Expect to spend an hour or two here!
Open 9:30 AM - 5 PM
For the explorer in your family, Olentangy Indian Caverns is an awesome experience. Millions of years ago, an underground river carved a channel through this section of Delaware County, leaving behind a series of caverns with incredible geology. Evidence has been found to indicate that the Delaware Indians used the caverns for centuries as shelter from inclement weather and to hide from enemies. Olentangy Indian Caverns also features a petting zoo, mini golf, gem mining, and more. Expect to spend a few hours here.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cavernas Indias Olentangy
1779 Home RdOpen 9:30 AM - 5 PM
For the explorer in your family, Olentangy Indian Caverns is an awesome experience. Millions of years ago, an underground river carved a channel through this section of Delaware County, leaving behind a series of caverns with incredible geology. Evidence has been found to indicate that the Delaware Indians used the caverns for centuries as shelter from inclement weather and to hide from enemies. Olentangy Indian Caverns also features a petting zoo, mini golf, gem mining, and more. Expect to spend a few hours here.
Outdoor Activities
Highbanks is one of Columbus’s most visited parks, but there’s a reason for that! This park is named after the 100 foot tall shale bluff overlooking the scenic Olentangy River, and features over 12 miles of hiking trails. If hiking’s not your thing, though, you can also bike, canoe, fish, and more. This park allows pets, but they must be on a leash at all times.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Metropolitano Highbanks
9466 Columbus PikeHighbanks is one of Columbus’s most visited parks, but there’s a reason for that! This park is named after the 100 foot tall shale bluff overlooking the scenic Olentangy River, and features over 12 miles of hiking trails. If hiking’s not your thing, though, you can also bike, canoe, fish, and more. This park allows pets, but they must be on a leash at all times.
Topiary Park is a 9 acre community park featuring a series of live, sculpted topiaries depicting figures from George Seurat’s classic painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” This park is the only one in the world that is based on a single painting, and it stands on the grounds of the former Ohio School for the Deaf. While it’s less of a hike than a walk in the park (ha!), it’s still a rewarding outdoor experience right in the heart of the city.
Topiary Park
480 East Town StreetTopiary Park is a 9 acre community park featuring a series of live, sculpted topiaries depicting figures from George Seurat’s classic painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” This park is the only one in the world that is based on a single painting, and it stands on the grounds of the former Ohio School for the Deaf. While it’s less of a hike than a walk in the park (ha!), it’s still a rewarding outdoor experience right in the heart of the city.
General Entertainment
Open Tuesday thru Thursday 2 - 9, Friday 2 - 10, Saturday 10 - 10, Sunday 11 - 7
GPK Indoor Entertainment is a one-stop shop for thrill seekers. They have the largest indoor go-karting track in central Ohio for ages 8 and up, as well as a tactical laser tag facility, and escape rooms. Since it’s all indoors, it’s open year-round!
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grand Prix Karting Indoor Entertainment
1300 Alum Creek DrOpen Tuesday thru Thursday 2 - 9, Friday 2 - 10, Saturday 10 - 10, Sunday 11 - 7
GPK Indoor Entertainment is a one-stop shop for thrill seekers. They have the largest indoor go-karting track in central Ohio for ages 8 and up, as well as a tactical laser tag facility, and escape rooms. Since it’s all indoors, it’s open year-round!
Open Sunday thru Thursday 9 AM - 12 AM, Friday & Saturday 9 AM - 2 AM
Topgolf is a golf-themed entertainment complex that uses microchipped balls to allow players to rack up points on the driving range. There are different versions of the game you can play, and it’s great for all skill levels, whether you’re a novice or an expert golfer. The bays are all climate controlled and the venue features a bar and restaurant with pool tables when you need a break from all the golfing!
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Topgolf
2000 Ikea WyOpen Sunday thru Thursday 9 AM - 12 AM, Friday & Saturday 9 AM - 2 AM
Topgolf is a golf-themed entertainment complex that uses microchipped balls to allow players to rack up points on the driving range. There are different versions of the game you can play, and it’s great for all skill levels, whether you’re a novice or an expert golfer. The bays are all climate controlled and the venue features a bar and restaurant with pool tables when you need a break from all the golfing!
Open Monday thru Wednesday 4 PM - 1 AM, Thursday & Friday 4 PM - 2:30 AM,
Saturday noon - 2:30 AM, Sunday noon - 1 AM
Pins Mechanical is a barcade with tons of options for entertainment! If you’re into pinball, you’re sure to love this place because it has over 30 different games to choose from. They also have foosball, ping pong, patio pong, and duckpin bowling. They also regularly feature food trucks, so you can grab a bite to eat while you’re there as well!
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pins Mechanical Company
141 N 4th StOpen Monday thru Wednesday 4 PM - 1 AM, Thursday & Friday 4 PM - 2:30 AM,
Saturday noon - 2:30 AM, Sunday noon - 1 AM
Pins Mechanical is a barcade with tons of options for entertainment! If you’re into pinball, you’re sure to love this place because it has over 30 different games to choose from. They also have foosball, ping pong, patio pong, and duckpin bowling. They also regularly feature food trucks, so you can grab a bite to eat while you’re there as well!
If you have some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, Hollywood Casino is located just west of town and it’s open all day every day! Hollywood Casino is your typical casino experience, with slots and video poker, table games, and a dedicated poker room. There are also five restaurants and a bar on site, so you won’t have to play on an empty stomach.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hollywood Casino Columbus
200 Georgesville RdIf you have some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, Hollywood Casino is located just west of town and it’s open all day every day! Hollywood Casino is your typical casino experience, with slots and video poker, table games, and a dedicated poker room. There are also five restaurants and a bar on site, so you won’t have to play on an empty stomach.