Your guide to a night out on the town in Columbus’ Short North Arts District.
Our town has a lot going for it you guys. What, with our unpredictable weather patterns and our roadways that seem to defy all reason with their constant state of construction? It’s enough to get even the grouchiest of Michigan-loving Columbus natives to swell with Buckeye pride (trust me, we know who all of you are, we’ve known for years).
But no doubt, the glistening crown jewel of Central Ohio is its Short North Arts District. It’s got all the things Columbusites love to do, namely, pretending to be fancy while loading away irresponsible amounts of booze. Oh, and food. God, do we love food.
All of these things and more can be found in the Short North. So for all of you food, booze, and fancy art newbs out there, here’s a handy guide of stuff to do and places to go next time you’re looking for a night out.
Food Stuffs
Del Mar SoCal Kitchen
Del Mar SoCal Kitchen is one of those restaurants that fully transports you. From the SoCal vibes to the light, coastal menu, it really does feel like you should look out the front window and see an oceanfront view. While you can visit for brunch or happy hour, you really can’t go wrong with dinner at Del Mar.
Location: 705 North High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Del Mar SoCal Kitchen
Ampersand Asian Supper Club
Craving great ramen? Stop what you’re doing and head to Ampersand Asian Supper Club. The restaurant has a fantastic menu. The ramen is delicious and the menu has a few delightful little surprises, like the Nori fries.
Location: 940 N High St. Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Ampersand Asian Supper Club
Rooh
ROOH combines traditional Indian cuisine with local ingredients to create some of the best meals you can find in Columbus. The restaurant has a great location and an effortlessly glamorous vibe.
Location: 685 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: ROOH
The Pearl
After a long day of exploring the Short North, there’s nothing quite like stopping into The Pearl for a bite. From oysters to fish and chips, The Pearl is serving up perfectly prepared seafood.
Location: 641 N. High St, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Website: The Pearl
North Market
North Market is so much more than a restaurant. If you’re visiting Columbus, a lunch at North Market is an absolute must. Not only can you choose from a huge variety of food stalls, you can also grab a gift or two to remember our fair city by. Eateries within the North Market include everything from Nashville fried chicken to Nepali dumplings to fast-casual Somali cuisine, and just about everything in between.
Location: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: North Market Downtown
READ MORE: The Best Restaurants in the Short North
Places To Booze
Bodega
What: Great happy hour deals in a welcoming, neighborhood location.
Where: 1044 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Bodega
Union Cafe
What: Union has been a focal point for the local gay community since 1996. It offers friendly service and a great patio.
Where: 895 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Union Cafe
Short North Tavern
What: A neighborhood bar where everyone is welcome to pull up a stool and grab a pint.
Where: 674 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Short North Tavern
Lincoln Social
What: With incredible views of the city and amazing cocktails, starting or ending your night at this rooftop bar is a must.
Where: 711 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Lincoln Social
Denmark on High
What: An upscale cocktail bar offering innovative concoctions with friendly service. Denmark is known for having some of the best cocktails in the city, so prepare to be wowed.
Where: 463 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Denmark
Brothers Drake
What: This meadery produces honey wine from locally sourced from wildflower honey.
Where: 26 E. 5th Ave. Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Brothers Drake
Local Bar
What: A chic but comfortable bar with a diverse crowd of regulars.
Where: 913 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Local Bar
Skully’s Music Diner
What: Showcases local and national music acts. Come check out their famous Ladies 80s parties for a great night of dancing.
Where: 1151 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43201
Skully’s
Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge
What: Ginger Rabbit offers yummy cocktails, delicious tapas, and live jazz music. It’s chic, it’s exciting, and it’s honestly perfect.
Where: 17 Buttles Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Ginger Rabbit
Shopping
Big Fun
What: This toy store is a treasure trove of collectibles and nostalgia. The kids can definitely have a good time at Big Fun, but the store is geared toward adults and collectors.
Where: 672 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Big Fun
Sole Classics
Where: A premier boutique for sneakers and street wear.
When: 46 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Sole Classics
Happy Go Lucky Her
What: Offers a variety of styles of womens clothing and home goods.
Where: 964 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Happy Go Lucky Her
Out of the Closet Thrift Store
What: Not only do they have affordable thrift clothing but 96% of every dollar goes into HIV/AIDS treatment programs.
Where: 1230 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Out of the Closet
Mary Catherine’s Antiques
What: Mary Catherines has two different showrooms, both displaying furniture and antiques. It’s kind of an iconic spot in the Short North and it’s certainly worth visiting, whether you think you’re searching for antiques or not.
Where: 1128 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Mary Catherine’s Antiques
Lady Bird
What: Lady Bird specializes in established designers as well as up and coming artists. It’s the perfect place to have a trendy, fashion forward shopping experience.
Where: 716 N. High St. Columbus, Ohio 43215
Website: Lady Bird
Things To Do
Short North Gallery Hop
On the first Saturday of the month, all of Columbus comes down to the Short North Area to experience Gallery Hop. With plenty of street performances, art galleries, and food & drink for everyone.
Location:Short North Arts District
Website: https://shortnorth.org/arts-galleries/gallery-hop/
Goodale Park
Surrounded by stunning historic homes, Goodale Park is the oldest park in Columbus and among the oldest in the United States. The park is a great space to have a picnic, catch a festival or concert, or just take in a bit of nature in the heart of a bustling urban neighborhood.
Location: 120 W Goodale St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Goodale Park- City of Columbus
Short North Stage
A night at the theatre is the perfect way to have a night out on the town in Columbus, and the Short North just happens to be home to one of our best local theatre companies. Short North Stage produces several shows throughout the year from the historic Garden Theatre. You can check out their full show schedule by visiting their website below.
Location: 1187 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Short North Stage
Public Art
It’s not called the Short North Arts District for no reason, people! If you want to see some truly breathtaking examples of public art, look no further than street corners and the sides of buildings throughout the neighborhood. From a multi-story interactive mural to the largest art installation in the city’s history, exploring the public art in the Short North could be an adventure all on its own.
Location: Various locations. You can view a full list of public art in the Short North here.
Website: Shortnorth.org
Art Galleries
Although the neighborhood has grown and changed over the last few years, there are still plenty of amazing galleries to check out. You can visit during Gallery Hop or stop in any time to take in some of the fantastic art the neighborhood has to offer. Popular galleries include the Pizzuti Collection, Studios on High Gallery, Brant Roberts Galleries, Emergent Art + Craft, and more. To view a full list of Short North Art Galleries, visit the link below.
Location: Various locations
Website: Short North Art Galleries
Featured image: Short North Gothic by Steve Galgas and Mike Altman. Photo via Facebook.
