Cheap Eats!

Affordable LocaL Spots In & Around Columbus

Columbus patrons have it made when it comes to dining out. We have so many tantalizing options to choose from, with classic places around every corner and amazing new places opening up every week. The truth is, there are absolutely too many places to be able to mention them all.

We’re going to try our best anyway.

So here to help you steer through the mountain of options, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best local-only eateries we think any foodie should try on a budget.

In Alphabetical Order

Banks Food Hall

Almost too easy. Banks has something for everyone. Grab a Fountain City coffee from the Bake Shop, Multitude Bar for your craft beer cravings, frozen treats at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Poke bowls at Poke Sun, Tacos from El Primo Taqueria, Hotdogs from the Original Hot Dog Factory and the Jazzy Crab and Filberto’s Authentic Filipino Cuisine (opening soon). Stay tuned. Banksfoodhall.com

Bodega 1205

Not the cheapest on our list. But you definitely need to go. We dare you to try to eat a full sandwich in one sitting. The coffee is amazing, they have a little grocery as well as yummy empanadas that are only $2.99 a piece. Add one to any of their delicious breakfast or lunch items. On 12th and 1st in Uptown. Bodega1205.com

Caffe Amici

Mostly Italian and a little ‘down unda.’ This place is held close to a lot of locals’ hearts. Known as “the best kept secret” in Columbus, for lunch or date night. It’s a must. Amicicolumbus.com

Chef Lee’s Peking

So taken for granted. I left town once, and how many times while I was away did I long to come back to Columbus only to have another bite of their mongolian beef? Chef Lee knows how to give you the ultimate dining experience, and this is one no one should miss. Chefleespekingrestaurant.com

Chicken Comers

​Locals who know will tell you: this is the one. You won’t find another version of their soupy, mustard-based and oh so delicious sauce, anywhere. Chickencomersbbq.com

Clean Eatz

As one of the shops in Old Town (N. Veterans) you’ll go for the food and stay in awe of the area. This is a great place for a quick healthy option for lunch or a great way to stay on track of your health with weekly meal plans. www.cleaneatz.com

Clearview BBQ

Home of the less than a dollar fifty chipped sandwich, and yes, it’s good. Definitely bigger than a dollar burger at the fast food restaurant. If you want to mix things up, get a Junkyard dog with a side of Brunswick stew. One of the oldest barbeque joints in town – just make sure you bring cash. facebook.com/ClearviewBbq

Criolla

This hole-in-the-wall and just out of town joint will have you coming back again and again. Chef David hails from the Panama City streets and his food has a flair like New Orleans. I had the best club of my life there just the other day. Please tell him we sent you. Menu changes weekly so make sure you check it ahead of time. facebook.com/CriollaRestaurantPC

Dinglewood Pharmacy

Synonymous with Columbus culture. The Scrambled Dog is the most recognizable hot dog in town. Just across from Aflac on Wynnton Road. The late Lieutenant made sure every hot dog tasted like the best hot dog of your life. Dinglewoodpharmacy.com

El Carrizo Mexican Restaurant

With two locations, El Carrizo has served most of Columbus with their icy margaritas, crispy tacos and the absolute best chips in town for years. On our top 5 list of best dishes in town is the Cocos Salad. You’re welcome. Whittlesey & Macon Road locations.

Ezell’s Catfish

When you want true southern fried catfish, theirs is unmatched. Cole slaw and hushpuppies are their chips and salsa and it is yum. Eat catfish and be somebody. The second location is in Phenix City. eatcatfishandbesomebody.com

Frank’s Alley NY Street Food

This quirky and eclectic shop delivers menu items that run the gamut from sweet to savory, no small feat for a place that’s literally in an alley and mostly serves hot dogs. Each dog is named after the five New York City boroughs, and the ingredients vary depending on what you choose.

Golden Chopsticks Korean Restaurant

Their bulgogi is legendary and they are routinely mentioned as the best place to eat Korean food in Columbus. Their food is always freshly prepared and it’s the kind of place you can take the whole family. facebook.com/Golden-Chopsticks-Korean-Restaurant

Jarfly

Located smack dab in the middle of midtown, this gastro pub has some of the most interesting and eclectic fare around. Our favorite is the Jarfly burger, but stop by on Ramen Wednesdays to get your noodle fix, and if you’re feeling bold, have one of their signature Tiki Drinks like the Jarfly DTO. jarflymidtown.com

Jordan’s Girls Gourmet Dawgs

It doesn’t seem likely that you would hear the word “gourmet” in the same breath as hot dogs, but Columbus has never seen anything like Jordan’s girls. This hot dog stand cooks food to order, including vegan options. facebook.com/jordansgirlsgourmetdawg

La Mexicana

Definitely one of the most delicious Mexican restaurants in our area, it also serves as a grocery store. So if you don’t want to necessarily eat out, you can grab all the fixings for an authentic Mexican meal at home. la-mexicana-de-columbus.business.site

La Nacional Mexican Buffet

If your idea of heaven is a boat load of Mexican food, then this is the lunch spot of your dreams. Served cafeteria style, all you have to do is tell them what you want and they will load you up. facebook.com/La- Nacional-Mexican-Buffet

Lemongrass Thai and Sushi

Get ready for some of the most authentic Thai and sushi you’ve ever had. With a location on Wynnton Road and another on Northlake, everything on the menu is a winner. We are partial to the Tom Kha Gai and Columbus Roll. You can even order online. Lemongrassthaiandsushi.com

Luke’s Pub

Steak dinner or lunch. You’re gonna get good food, good service and everything is made like home. And the perfect spot for live music and drink on the patio. Just a little drive north in Harris Co. It’s worth it.

Mercy’s Jamaican Kitchen

Customers are encouraged to ask “fi wey yuh want” at Mercy’s and when you do you will likely get a mouthful. As one of the few authentic Jamaican restaurants in Columbus, you’ll come for the jerk chicken, but come back for the Yardy style oxtails. If Mercy’s doesn’t have a Jamaican meal or item on the menu, you can call ahead and request it. mercysjamaicankitchen.com

Mexi Grill Taqueria

Hands down, some of the most authentic Mexican food in Columbus. From Birria Tacos to horchata, you are sure to love this place. They offer military discounts on Tuesdays, and their service is quick and friendly. facebook.com/Mexi-Gril

Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant

Serving up the area’s best meat-and-three, Minnie’s is practically world famous for their traditional homecooking. This local favorite has won countless awards and continues to offer the most reliably filling meal of the day. minniesuptownga.com.

Mr. Pizza Brick Oven and Tap

Just off I185 on Macon Rd. Much like the days of old. A place where you can find a willy good pizza or a fantastic salad, watch the game with some friends or play against them in a friendly game of billiards. Lots of fun for the family. And the staff is great. mymrpizza.com

My Boulange

A slice of Paris right here on 12th Street. They also hand make their own dough for their pizza’s and they are definitely a must try. thetowerboulange.com

Neicy’s BBQ of Columbus

While the ribs are top-notch at Neicy’s, it’s the sausage dog and Q-Stew that really puts it on the local radar. The food is amazing and the prices and customer service is just a bonus when you pop in to eat lunch. facebook.com/Neicys-BBQ-of-Columbus

Peppone’s Ristorante and Pizzeria

We can’t recommend this place enough. Located on Manchester. You want NY Italian? This is NY Italian at it’s finest. facebook.com/Peppones-Ristorante-Pizzeria

Plucked Up Chicken and Biscuits

One word. The Chicken Coop. Yes, that’s three words. Go Get One. Just make sure you get there before 2:30 p.m. so you can have a seat and enjoy the atmosphere. They close at 3.

Sapos Mexican Cocina and Bar

All your favorites and then some, we highly suggest the Chicken Tortilla Soup on a cold day (insider tip, ask for a side of shredded cheese - So Good!) facebook.com/ saposmexican/

Shane’s Rib Shack

When you want plenty of good food on your plate for less money, this is the BBQ for you. Lip smacking ribs and one of the best burgers in town. You can thank us later. Shanesribshack.com

Super Mercado Las Americas

You just can’t have enough hole-in-the-wall Mexican places. Amiright? This one serves up the authentic stuff as well as a grocery store. On Veterans near Manchester.

Tacos El Paisa

Located on Victory Drive. You want authentic street tacos. These are the most authentic street tacos in town. facebook.com/ricostacosalpastor

The Chicken Lady’s Coop

From the same family who brought us Minnie’s Uptown, the Chicken Lady brings us her famous fried chicken to the Coop. Nestled in a happening strip in North Columbus. You can eat inside the Coop, but it’s just as convenient to carry out. Chickenladycoop.com

The Food Mill

Feed your body and your spirit. Not only do they serve fresh daily favorites, they might just make the best biscuits and gravy you’ve ever had in your life, all while working to eliminate food insecurity in the area. Proceeds for your meal go to the UGrow Foundation, which seeks to help grow wellness and nutrition education. Now open on Saturdays from 8-2. Stay tuned for an indoor and mobile Farmers Market opening to the public soon. thefoodmill.org

The Speakeasy

Known for their sandwich the Camel Rider, the pizza is really good too. Easy is the best way to describe the place. Bring the kiddos to play the games in the back or the boss to have a lunch time beer at the bar. The Speakeasy is one of Columbus’ most versatile lunch spots. speakeasycolumbus. com

Tuesdays Tacos and Burritos

Angie and Jeff started as a simple food truck and now sling California-inspired street tacos from their new brick and mortar location off Williams Road. We highly suggest you try anything, but one of our favorites is the chimichanga appetizer. Hire them for your next big office party. They have taco bars to go. Find their food truck around town as well. Tuesdaystacotruck.com

Uptown Vietnam Cuisine

You need their pho in your life. If you don’t know what that is? Go, go right now. They’re on the corner of Broadway and 13th. You can’t miss em.

Vertigo Fusion Kitchen

Located in Historic Uptown Columbus, this fusion kitchen serves only the freshest ingredients with dishes inspired by regions all over the world, with a focus on the influence of Mexican culture. And they have the absolute best street corn dip of your life. Vertigofusionkitchen.com

Wherever you go, please be patient, kind and always respect health and safety guidelines.