Want to support local restaurants in the new year? Curious about new openings or under-the-radar finds? Here are five restaurants I’m suggesting you try this month!
1. Watershed Kitchen & Bar
Watershed Kitchen & Bar was the state’s first distillery restaurant when it opened in 2017, and it’s earned accolades locally and nationally since that time. Even following the departure of head chef Jack Moore (to run his own line of hot sauce!) at the end of last year, the restaurant doesn’t seem to have missed a beat. The menu takes a playful look at Midwestern comfort foods and pairs them with a world-class cocktail program. And just recently they began offering Sunday Suppers: a weekly rotating three-course tasting menu offered Sunday evenings.
Read more from me here: breakfastwithnick.com/2017/04/18/breakfast-watershed-kitchen-bar-columbus/
1145 Chesapeake Ave.
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 357-1936
watersheddistillery.com/kitchenandbar
2. Hiro Ramen & Tea
How’d you like your ramen served by a robot? Hiro Ramen & Tea makes its official debut on March 10 in the Carriage Place Plaza at Bethel and Sawmill roads. The menu spans steamed buns, takoyaki, ramen, rice bowls, stir fry udon noodles. After you order, your meals are rolled over to you by a robot!
4800 Sawmill Rd.
Columbus, OH 43235
(614) 551-2876
hiroramentea.com
3. La Poblanita
It’s been a rough few months for the La Poblanita taco truck in Clintonville. In December their truck was stolen and stripped for parts, then found abandoned. The community has rallied around the family-run operation, and they’re set to re-open on March 14. So visit them soon for tacos, tortas, or a dinner platter!
3825 Indianola Ave.
Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 598-9539
instagram.com/lapoblanitacolumbus
4. Bamboo Thai Kitchen
We lost our favorite Thai spot, Bahn Thai, over the pandemic – so we’ve been searching for a suitable replacement that’s close to home, and we’ve landed on a new winner: Bamboo Thai Kitchen on Bethel Road. They’re not currently open for dine-in, only carryout and delivery, but everything we’ve tried has been terrific: dumplings, spring rolls, green curry, pad Thai, Pad See Ew. And they don’t mess around with the heat!
774 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 326-1950
bamboothaikitchen.com
5. ‘plas Food & Drink
‘plas Food & Drink took the place of the beloved The Table in Short North, but has quickly distinguished itself for its seasonal menu drawing on loads of local ingredients. It emphasizes doing things from-scratch, from breads to pastas to charcuterie. As much as we’re missing The Table, we’re happy ‘plas has continued the warm hospitality and expert food of its predecessor.
21 E. Fifth Ave.
Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 725-5700
plasfoodanddrink.com
Want more ideas for places to try? Follow me on Instagram at @breakfastwithnick, check out the news archives, search one of our local guides like the Columbus Diner Guide, or…
Hiro Ramen photo courtesy facebook.com/hiroramentea; La Poblanita photo courtesy instagram.com/lapoblanitacolumbus; Bamboo Thai Kitchen photo courtesy Angelo Signorino; ‘plas Food & Drink photo courtesy facebook.com/plasfoodanddrink
