By: Janie Fleetwood
It’s an exciting time when our parents visit us at college and finally get a glimpse into our newfound independence. That said, we might want to clean up our usual weekend routine a little for our guests. Instead of eating at Traditions at Kennedy or the campus Chipotle, they might like to experience the great food Columbus has to offer. Parents’ weekend is a chance to experience something a little more sophisticated. Because that’s who we are now, right? Sophisticated and independent. Here is your guide to a parents’ weekend fit for a Buckeye.
Let’s Talk Food
Not only does parents’ weekend mean that your parents, who you of course miss so much, get to crash your world — it also means free food! If you haven’t had a chance to explore the great restaurants Columbus has to offer, this weekend is your chance. Here are a few restaurants you and your parents are guaranteed to love.
Breakfast/Lunch
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner: Northstar has got it all! However, I would say the best time to go is breakfast through lunch. Located in the Short North Arts District (don’t be surprised if this location makes multiple appearances in this guide!). Order at the counter and seat yourself either indoors or outdoors. From ricotta pancakes to cheeseburgers, the brunch here is my favorite I’ve ever had (and I live near New York City, so that says a lot). Be prepared to be full the whole day after brunching here.
Ethyl & Tank is an Ohio State classic. Most people know Ethyl for its fun night-life bar environment, but their brunch is also loved by many. Ethyl is located right off of High Street so it gets points for convenience. It’s a sports bar, so there are TVs all around if you’re trying to catch a game while dining. Although there is outdoor and indoor seating, space is limited so try to get there on the earlier side.
Dinner
My top choice for dinner is, without a doubt, Arch City Tavern, located in the Short North. Arch City offers an upscale tavern experience, with a clean, open atmosphere. They serve locally-sourced food and craft beer, which is always a hit, especially with the dads. I highly recommend the Amish Chicken Sandwich, my favorite meal in Columbus, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Be sure to make a reservation since it’s a popular spot!
For those families that can never agree on what to eat, Budd Dairy is the perfect place. Located in the Italian Village, Budd Dairy offers 10 different food vendors: Boni Filipino Street Food, Borgata Pizza, Hatch- Burger Royale, The Cheesecake Girl, Cluck Norris, Marlow’s Cheesesteaks, Modern Southern Table, Pokebap, Tacos Rudos and Zaki Mediterranean Grill. The space is massive with indoor, outdoor, and rooftop seating. Budd Dairy offers sit-yourself style seating, making it a popular spot for parties looking for large, open tables. It’s loud and maybe even a little chaotic, but always a ton of fun.
Daytime Activities
A lot of our days are filled with classes, clubs and homework and while I’m sure our parents are glad we’re studying, they don’t want to spend their weekend watching us work. So get your homework done early and enjoy some of these activities!
Sports, sports, and more sports!
Whether you are a sports fan or not, seeing an Ohio State game at home is a core memory for students at OSU. Sharing the love and spirit students have for their teams is an experience not all universities can pride themselves on the way we do. Going to a sporting event may be at night or the day, but whenever it is, I encourage you to bring your parents along.
The North Market located in downtown Columbus is a 148-year-old public market that is still one of the best places to explore in Columbus. Ranked as one of the top public markets in the country, there are over 30 small businesses that come together to show the diversity the Columbus community has to offer.
German Village
While the German Village isn’t large or flashy, it’s beautiful and unique. The houses are all so diverse, so take your time doing some wandering. Schiller Park has gorgeous greenery, flowers, pickleball courts and, my favorite part, lots of dogs can be found running around. You can’t leave German Village without stopping in the Book Loft, one of the largest independent bookstores in the country.
Nightlife
If your parents don’t like to end the night after dinner, this is a very important section of the guide for you. Parents aren’t usually fans of the loud, crazy bars many of us college kids can be found at, so finding the right medium to show Ohio State is fun, but not too fun, can be tricky. It’s taken four years, but I’ve found some spots where my parents always have a good time.
Out-R-Inn
Another Ohio State staple, Out-R-Inn has been open since 1969. It’s a classic college dive bar with a pool table and cheap drinks. The phrase “this reminds me of a bar I went to in college” is pretty common to hear when parents come here. If your parents want the real Ohio State bar experience, Out-R-Inn is a great spot.
Piano Bar may not be the most famous bar at Ohio State, I have gotten nothing but raving reviews from parents about it. With a piano located right in the middle of the bar, live music is always playing and you can even request a song (just imagine how excited your parents will be to hear something other than house music). Bring a group of parents and friends here to listen to some piano and experience a new, cool bar.
And there you have it! A complete guide to a successful parent’s weekend. Hope you and the ‘rents have fun!