By: Nikki Skyer
Freshman year at Ohio State typically means spending lots of time in the Traditions dining halls and ordering meals through Grubhub. As time goes on and students begin to grow tired of these limited options, you might be looking for dining options that fit your needs and wants!
Affordable Places Near Campus
Diaspora
Diaspora is arguably the best hidden gem near campus. Located on High Street just south of Lane Ave, this restaurant offers a wide array of delicious Korean dishes and sushi rolls. If you’re looking to escape the overabundance of fast food and chain restaurants, Diaspora is the place to try. It is a small and unassuming spot, but a great chance for the sit-down experience with low prices and fast service. Some must-try dishes include the bulgogi ttukbaegi and tempura udon.
Kafe Kerouac
There are many places to grab a coffee or tea near campus, but Kafe Kerouac is undeniably the best option for a local feel with unique drinks. The interior is small, but cozy with books and board games lining the walls. It is the perfect spot to get some homework or reading done on a cold winter day. Kafe Kerouac also hosts open mic nights, comedy shows, small concerts, and more. The menu items are named after famous authors and include drinks with unique flavors such as orange and raspberry (The Kurt Vonnegut) and English toffee (The Charles Dickens).
Hangover Easy
Though HangOverEasy tends to be packed full of people most weekend mornings, it is worth noting that this restaurant is a great south campus option for breakfast and lunch. HangOverEasy offers the charm of a classic diner with a modern twist while maintaining reasonable prices for college students. The laid-back, fun atmosphere is great for kickstarting your day or recovering from a late night. The menu is full of comfort food favorites such as the Chicken and Waffles or the Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake. HangOverEasy is a great place to take your friends and family while you show them around campus.
A Little Further Away
Katalina’s
Katalina’s is a beloved local brunch spot that is perfect for students looking to switch it up from their typical eggs and cereal. There are 2 locations; One being just southwest of campus and another roughly 2 miles north on High Street. Both offer a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite before class or a Sunday morning breakfast after a gameday. The menu caters to diverse tastes and dietary needs, including the ability to make many dishes vegetarian or gluten-free. The Huge-Mazatlan Sunrise Sammy is a vegetarian option that even meat eaters will love, and the famous Pancake Balls are brought to the next level with the pumpkin-apple butter filling.
Rooh Columbus
If you are looking for something different for a birthday dinner or just the chance to try something new, Rooh Columbus offers unique Indian dishes with an eclectic spin. The restaurant’s interior design and ambiance are unmatched for a date night or dinner with friends. The menu is relatively large and offers dishes that you are unlikely to find anywhere else. The cauliflower koliwada, tiger prawns, and saffron ice cream should not be missed here.
The University District and downtown areas of Columbus offer a wide variety of dining options perfect for students looking to expand beyond dining halls. From cozy coffee shops to unique hidden gems, there is always a chance to explore and try something new.