Updated: July 14, 2026
In this guide
Olde Towne East (OTE) sits on Columbus’s Near East Side, just east of downtown. It’s one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, known for blocks of restored Victorian homes, a tight-knit arts community, and a walkable strip of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and locally owned stores along Parsons Avenue and Oak Street.
With a variety of architectural styles, historical homes, and different industries, OTE has a unique look and vibe that you can’t find anywhere else in the city.
The area is home to some of the city’s earliest high-end homes and today, it’s an eclectic neighborhood with bars, restaurants, cafes, and more.
The official neighborhood boundaries can get a little confusing and in general, we’ve tried to stay true to only including places on this guide that are specifically located in Olde Towne East. That being said, there are some nearby features that may technically lie outside of OTE’s border, but they’re just too great to not include them.
Let’s dive in and see what there is to do in Olde Towne East!
In this guide: Restaurants & Bars | Shops & Things To Do | Where To Live | FAQ
The Best Restaurants & Bars In Olde Towne East
Gemüt Biergarten
A German-style beer garden offering deliciously brewed beer and food, perfect for visiting with groups of friends or family.
Where: 734 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205
Website: Gemüt Biergarten
East Market
Sure, it’s not technically in Olde Towne East, but it is as close as you can get. East Market offers a variety of food vendors to choose from. You can learn more about it here.
Where: 212 Kelton Ave Columbus, OH 43205
Website: East Market
Upper Cup Coffee
This charming little coffee shop offers delicious caffeinated beverages as well as some pretty awesome deli sandwiches. Come for the coffee, stay for all the great art on the walls.
Where:Â 79 Parsons Avenue
Website: Upper Cup Coffee
Osteria Pizzeria
The team behind Olde Towne Tavern opened Osteria in 2025 in the former Mikey’s Late Night Slice corner. The draw is the pizza, including a gluten-free crust that actually holds up, backed by a menu of Italian classics.
Where: 892 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205
Website: Osteria
The Light Meeting House
This coffee bar moved into the long-empty Addella’s space on Oak Street in 2025 and settled in fast. Come for the coffee and a baked good, with indoor and patio seating when the weather cooperates.
Where: 1485 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205
Website: Find them on Instagram @thelightmeetinghouse
Hangover Easy
Start your morning off with some yummy breakfast and maybe a boozy milkshake or mimosa. If you are looking for the perfect hangover cure, you can find it in the BEC sandwich, aka one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the city.
Where: 51 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Hangover Easy
Olde Towne Tavern
In addition to great food, this pub also serves as the community’s watering hole, drawing in a varied and diverse crowd. Plus, they’ve got a Monday-Friday Happy Hour that includes $1.25 soft pretzels!
Where:Â 889 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205
A.W.O.L. Bar
A.W.O.L. has been serving the local gay community for the last two decades. It’s a great place for karaoke, dancing, and craft beers.
Where: 49 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Website:A.W.O.L. Bar
Shops & Things To Do In Olde Towne East
Corner Stone Craft Beer and Wine
Your one stop shop for wine and obscure craft beers. Be sure to see what they have on tap to fill your growler, or build your own six-pack from their bottle and can selection.
Where: 61 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Corner Stone Craft Beer and Wine
Headies Hideout
This glass pipe and vape store features work by local glass blowers and artists.
Where:Â 114 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Headies Hideout
Franklin Park Conservatory
Located just east of Olde Towne East is Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden, aka one of the most peaceful and beautiful places to visit in the entire city. Get lost in these beautiful gardens and forget your troubles for a few.
Where: 1777 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203
Website: Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Old Salts Leatherworks
Brandon Ault has been hand-cutting and stitching leather here since 2008, from front-pocket wallets to totes and messenger bags. 614NOW once dubbed it the unofficial wallet of Olde Towne East. Weekend hours are your safe bet.
Where: 267 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
Website: Old Salts Leatherworks
The Attic Comedy Club
Upstairs from Osteria, The Attic is OTE’s home for standup, with regular showcases and recurring nights like The Cookout. Check the calendar, grab a slice downstairs first, then head up.
Where: 892 Oak St, 2nd floor, Columbus, OH 43205
Website: The Attic Comedy Club
Where To Live In Olde Towne East
Whether you are looking to rent or buy, Olde Towne East has some beautiful options.
For renters looking to be in the heart of OTE’s food and bar scene, The Yardley could be just the ticket. This newer mixed-use building offers studios and one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with studios starting around $1,095. There is a wide range of price points available for rentals in Olde Towne East, and you can view current available listings right here.
If you are on the hunt to purchase a house, OTE is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods to find your forever home. Much like rental prices, the price points for real estate in the neighborhood has a wide range. Single family home prices start around the mid $200,000s and can climb to a million dollars.
Olde Towne East FAQ
Where is Olde Towne East in Columbus?
It’s on Columbus’s Near East Side, directly east of downtown across I-71. Its commercial spine runs along Parsons Avenue and Oak Street, with Franklin Park and East Market just to the east.
What is Olde Towne East known for?
It has one of the country’s largest concentrations of preserved 19th-century homes, spanning more than 50 architectural styles across a National Register historic district, paired today with an eclectic food, coffee, and shopping scene.
What are the best things to do in Olde Towne East?
Grab German beer and food at Gemüt Biergarten, brunch at HangOverEasy, coffee at Upper Cup, and craft beer at Corner Stone, then walk the historic streets or head a few minutes east to Franklin Park Conservatory.
Is Olde Towne East a good place to live?
It draws people who want historic character close to downtown, with everything from restored single-family homes to newer apartments like The Yardley. For-sale prices range widely, from the mid-$200,000s up past a million.
Want To Know More?
If you want to learn more about Olde Towne East, there’s no better place to head than the Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association. The association holds regular events throughout the year, like garden tours, concerts, and other gatherings where you can really get a feel for the incredible spirit of the neighborhood. For more info, please click here.
