The Gay Street district in downtown Columbus has long been a focal point of the city core’s resurgence. While there’s always growth and change, comings and goings, the areas around Gay and High have seen new builds, renovated buildings, the addition of public art, and more. Right now the district is being affected by the first phase of construction of The Capital Line, a two-mile bike and pedestrian trail that will connect downtown. It will be great when it’s finished, but for now all the work has put a squeeze on nearby businesses.
So to help you navigate it, I put together a starting guide of where to eat and what to do on Gay Street in downtown Columbus!
Speck brings a delightful modern Italian touch to downtown. We’ve always had great dinners, drinks, and desserts there – and they’re open for lunch! You can’t go wrong with any of their pastas, their wine selection and cocktails, but don’t skip their focaccia made from a decades-old starter.
Read more: Discover the Modern Flavors of Italy at the New Speck Italian Eatery in Downtown Columbus
Brioso is one of my favorite local shops. I enjoy their expert espresso drinks and seasonal specials, their roasts are in regular rotation at home, and I appreciate their community-focused events.
Read more: Brioso Coffee at Gay and High Streets
The family-run Aracri has been a downtown fixture for decades, starting first as Cafe Napolitana on High Street before moving around the corner to Gay. They have sandwiches, appetizers, and a full bar, but they specialize in slices of giant New York-style pizzas. My personal favorite, though, is their giant sausage roll that’s big enough for two meals.
Read more: Aracri Pizzeria
Hank’s is a Charleston transplant that offers a rich assortment of Low Country favorites, with an obvious focus on seafood. They have a full dining room and a nice patio, but I’m especially partial to their lounge area. You can’t beat a Sazerac and a plate of fried calamari!
Read more: Hank’s Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar Arrives in Downtown Columbus
Veritas is perhaps one of Columbus’ most accomplished restaurants. Chef Josh Dalton and his crew revamp their tasting menu every few months based on interesting themes – often inspired by their travels. A visit to the lower level eatery is best paired with drinks first at The Citizens Trust, their cocktail bar housed in the former bank lobby.
Read more: Veritas and The Citizens Trust
Across the street from Hank’s, Chouette features traditional French fare with modern interpretations. Their cozy space is great during the colder months, while their patio is the place to be when it’s warmer (and there’s not construction next to it!).
Read more: Chouette Brings Delightful French Cuisine to Downtown
From its tiny corner space, Poke Bunny lets you assemble your own poke bowls! They offer some small plates and appetizers, too, but you can customize to your heart’s content.
Read more: Poke Bunny Opens Downtown
The Bourbon House sits in the lobby of the Residence Inn on Gay Street. It’s a spacious spot to relax, play some games, sip some drinks. As the name implies, they feature a healthy selection of bourbons, supplemented by a range of Old Fashioneds, wines, and even a small menu of snacks, sandwiches, and salads.
Read more: Buckeye Bourbon House
Barroluco Argentinian restaurant occupies that alley space that was once the original home to Arepazo. They now churn out favorites like empanadas, paella, arepas, sandwiches, tacos, and more.
Read more: Barroluco
Tip Top is one of those rare Columbus dives: a dark interior with no windows, plenty of beer and cheap drinks, lots of photos and kitsch on the walls, and a comforting menu of pot roast sandwiches, mac and cheese, fried chicken, fish and chips.
- Accent Wine: tucked into the same building as Veritas and Citizens Trust, Accent Wine features an expertly curated selection
- Tiger + Lily: they feature a modern Asian menu with everything from spring rolls to lemongrass chicken, veggie curry to loads of noodle dishes
- Rio Fresh Cafe: around the corner on High Street is Rio Fresh Cafe, with smoothies and acai bowls, breakfast sandwiches to avocado toast
- And down Pearl and Lynn Alleys you’ll find hearty soul food at Soul 2 Go, burgers at Alley Burger and one of Columbus’ oldest restaurants, Ringside Cafe
Artisans And is a beautifully curated shop with all sorts of goods for the home. It’s a gorgeous, brightly lit corner space and is worth browsing!
Read more: Artisans And
We love a good escape room, and Magic Escape Rooms was especially clever and charming. They feature two different experiences on the fifth floor of their Gay Street building. Check out my video on it!
Read more: Magic Escape Rooms
Evolverie started in Old Worthington, and features women’s clothing ethically made from repurposed and rescued scraps from the fashion industry. So you can be stylish while also being sustainable!
Read more: Evolverie
Sarah Gormley’s gallery was the first amongst a quartet of art galleries in the area, including a couple that have moved from the Short North. Sarah and her team curate a really accomplished selection of artists, and their exhibitions are endlessly fascinating.
Read more: Sarah Gormley Gallery
If you visit Gay Street, you can get validated parking from any business at the 4th & Elm garage, for only $1 an hour for the first three hours!