Comfort food just might be the most powerful force in the universe.
It’s cold, it’s (basically) November, and the only thing that’s going to make you happy during this overcast misery is an inordinate amount of carbohydrates.
This isn’t just Grandma’s superstition here, that stuffing really does give you happiness. There’s science to suggest that all those carbo-goodies affect the pleasure centers of the brain, making you happier in an otherwise drab world.
Let’s face it, this month would be joyless without comfort food, so to tide you over until Thanksgiving, here are 9 comfort food joints around town that’ll keep that smile pasted on your face.
Sweet Carrot
Corncake? Mac and cheese? Barbecue brisket? How can you deny yourself all that comfort goodness? Simple answer: You don’t, you just gorge yourself silly and let the guilt slide right off of you.
Where: 1417 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Nancy’s Home Cooking
Nancy’s isn’t just good eating, it’s good for your soul too. Donate to their Pay It Forward fund and whenever anyone needy comes in looking for a meal, know that they won’t have to go scrambling for the cash if they don’t have it.
Where: 3133 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Skillet Rustic Urban Food
A farm to table restaurant that does a great job balancing chic, modern dishes with the stuff your tummy really wants. It’ll remind you of all your favorite childhood dishes while maintaining a respectable level of adult sophistication.
Where: 410 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206
Tommy’s Diner
Tommy’s Diner is a Columbus legend and anyone who’s eaten there knows exactly why. Family owned and operated, this charming eatery has been pumping out dishes chocked full of love and carbs for decades.
Where: 914 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43222
Katalina’s
Two words my friends: Pancake Balls. That’s right, they’ve figured out how to whip up all that syrupy breakfast goodness into an easy to eat ball of yum. If that doesn’t rev any engines they also have tacos and some pretty meaty sammies. Seriously, try to frown, I dare you.
Where: 1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Hot Chicken Takeover
With multiple locations now in the city, HCT has literally taken over the entire town. And why shouldn’t they? They conquer taste buds with their spicy chicken, their creamy mac and cheese, and their oh-just-right sweetened iced tea. Really, it’s perfection.
Where: 59 Spruce Street – Second Floor, 4203 North High Street Columbus, OH 43214
The Old Mohawk
This former speakeasy rides that fine line between comfort and fine dining. Sure, everything you order is going to be cooked to the nines and taste about the same, but the atmosphere and ambiance makes you feel right at home and ready to eat.
Where: 819 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206
Little Palace
This place practically defines comfort. Wolf down an entire plate of poutine to yourself and try not to settle in for a nap right there in one of the booths. You know, not that I would know anything about that… or anything.
Where: 240 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
Jack and Benny’s
Beneath the veneer of a simple lunch and breakfast joint is the glutinous genius that is Jack and Benny’s. Try the Gut Buster if you need proof but be prepared to get wheeled out, no one walks after that.
Where: 2563 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
