Want to support local restaurants? Curious about new openings or under-the-radar finds? Here are five restaurants I’m suggesting you try this month!
1. Speck Italian Eatery
Speck is a wonderful new addition to downtown Columbus. Like its nearby partner restaurant Veritas, Speck started in Delaware before owner Josh Dalton moved it south. The beautiful new space is open for both lunch and dinner, featuring cocktails, an expert wine list, and thoughtfully executed modern Italian fare, from focaccia to burrata to pastas, tiramisu, and more.
Speck Italian Eatery
89 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Learn more: Discover the Modern Flavors of Italy at the New Speck Italian Eatery
2. Jack & Benny’s
We recently reconnected with Jack & Benny’s at Hudson and High streets and were reminded why this family-run diner is so beloved. It’s a campus classic, an old school joint serving hearty breakfasts like omelets, eggs benedicts, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and my personal weakness: the everything’s-included Gutbuster.
Jack & Benny’s
2563 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43202
Learn more: Gutbusters and More Glorious Diner Fare at Jack & Benny’s
3. Creole2Geaux
Creole2Geaux got its start as a stall in the East Market, and just this week opened their first stand-alone restaurant in the Arena District. That gives us a fresh new spot for lunch or a pre-game dinner. They serve up a crave-able menu of po’ boys, bowls, jamabalaya mac and cheese, bourbon chicken, and more.
Creole2Geaux
401 N. Front St. (Arena District) & 212 Kelton Ave. (East Market)
Learn more: creole2geaux.com
4. 92 Chicken
Our obsession with the crispy Korean fried chicken from CM Chicken is well-documented, and now folks in Delaware get to enjoy it, too! A couple months ago the CM owners opened up a sister restaurant called 92 Chicken downtown. It’s more of a casual bar than CM, but it features all the same delightful fried chicken. We love the garlic spicy, curry, and red hot pepper seasonings.
92 Chicken
12 S. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Learn more: 92chickenoh.com
5. Lexis on Third
When you work downtown regularly, you quickly develop favorite lunch stops. One of my go-tos is Lexis on Third, located on the ground floor of the Chase Tower. They feature a classic deli menu of towering reubens with corned beef or pastrami, BLTs, gyros, patty melts. My personal favorite is the turkey reuben with a side of their Cajun fries. (Bonus: they serve a solid corned beef hash and other breakfasts weekdays until 10:30 a.m.)
Lexis on Third
100 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Learn more: Get a look at breakfast at Lexis on Third
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