Several years ago, when Nancy’s Home Cooking closed in Clintonville, it looked like the end of an era. It was the same old story: a decades old mom-and-pop restaurant can’t keep up with customers and renovations and shifts in dining trends, and they just kind of fade away. Not so with Nancy’s. Clintonville wouldn’t let it go, so the neighborhood contributed time and resources to renovate it and bring it back to life. When I think of that, and the fact that Jack & Benny’s just added a third location, it makes me happy to see diners doing so well, so this week we’re looking at new, old, and new-old diners.
1. Fitzy’s Old Fashioned Diner – Fitzy’s serves breakfast 24 hours a day to hungry patrons on the north side, from Worthington residents to Otterbein college students to the overnight bar crowd. They’ve been doing well enough that they just added another location – also 24/7 – at 2550 Bethel Rd.
2. Paul’s Fifth Avenue – Paul’s story follows Nancy’s. Paul Panzera closed his eatery last July, but when the proposed buyer fell through, he renovated the restaurant and re-opened it earlier this month!
3. Jack’s Diner – Jack’s was closed for a bit last year for renovations and other issues, but this little diner down Lynn Alley has been back it for a couple months now. If you’re downtown on a weekday, stroll over for an inexpensive breakfast or lunch.
The last Three To Try: Funky Donuts
Need more breakfast ideas? Check out my complete Columbus Diner Guide, read other Three To Try options, or re-visit the List of Reviews. Happy Breakfasting!
