There’s nothing quite like a good bowl of mac & cheese to soothe the soul. But that can be a bit of a challenge if you, like myself, find the kitchen foreign and hostile territory.
Luckily for me, my horrible cooking skills don’t have to match up with my desire to consume delicious mac & cheese. Columbus knows how to make good food, but this city knows how to make great mac & cheese. Here are the best places to grab yourself a bowl of that creamy goodness.
Hoggy’s Restaurant
Hoggy’s mac and cheese isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a creamy concoction made unique by the addition of cottage cheese. Following a cherished family recipe, this dish stands out for its extra creaminess and comforting, home-cooked vibe. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking a taste of nostalgia with a twist.
Location: 830 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43214
Website: Hoggy’s Restaurant
Tupelo Honey
Tupelo Honey presents a baked mac and cheese that’s as comforting as a sunny Southern afternoon. Crusty on the top and ooey-gooey in the middle, this dish is a delightful mix of textures that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining in grandma’s kitchen, if your grandma was a gourmet chef.
Location: 1678 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Website: Tupelo Honey
101 Beer Kitchen
With a name as simple as “Macaroni and cheese,” 101 Beer Kitchen delivers a classic comfort dish that’s bound to satisfy your cheesy cravings. Paired with their craft beer selection, it’s a reminder of the timeless appeal of perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, velvety cheese sauce.
Location: Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna
Website: 101 Beer Kitchen
Crispy Coop
The Crispy Coop’s “mac and cheese” may not boast a fancy description, but it stands as the perfect sidekick to their famed crispy chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort combo – crunchy, juicy chicken with a side of creamy, cheesy mac that’s sure to keep you coming back for more.
Location: 1717 Northwest Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212
Website: The Crispy Coop
Press Grill
“Mac + cheese” at Press Grill might sound simple, but it’s the comfort food hero you didn’t know you needed, especially after a night exploring Columbus. This dish is a creamy, dreamy bowl of goodness that will wrap you up in its warmth and make you forget about the world outside.
Location: 741 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Press Grill
The Eagle
The Eagle elevates the mac and cheese game with a decadent blend of five cheeses, topped with garlic breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch. It’s a sophisticated take on the classic, offering depth of flavor and a garlic kick that will appeal to the foodie looking for something beyond the traditional.
Location: 790 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: The Eagle
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit may be renowned for its BBQ, but their mac and cheese deserves its own spotlight. While the menu keeps it mysterious, the dish is known to perfectly complement their smoky, savory meats, making it the ultimate BBQ side dish.
Location: Various locations
Website: Ray Ray’s Hog Pit