Arena District Restaurants: Where to eat for every occasion.
August 29, 2013
In the ever-growing Arena District in downtown Columbus, Ohio, it’s an every day affair to see couples strolling the cobblestone streets toward a restaurant for date night, and a happy crowd of colleagues rehashing their work day over cocktails on a patio, and a jersey-clad group of excited fans leaving a bar en route to Nationwide Arena for a Blue Jacket’s hockey game, and ultra-hip indie-loving music fans grabbing a bite before heading into the LC Pavilion for a concert. There is only one place in Columbus where these groups all converge – amidst towering brick buildings, tree-lined cobblestone streets, and a plethora of the city’s best bars and restaurants – Columbus’ own Arena District. The District boats a top-notch dining scene to serve every occasion.
When happy hour is the goal, Three-Legged Mare should be the destination. Three-Legged Mare is a locally owned Irish Pub featuring a huge draught and bottled beer selection, an impressive scotch and whiskey collection, and an artfully crafted wooden bar, shipped directly from Ireland. And those bartenders know how to pour a perfect pint of cellar temperature Guinness. The menu features authentic Irish Fare including Shepherds Pie, Bangers and Mash, Dublin Coddle, and hand-battered One & One (Fish and Chips). Soccer and rugby décor cover the walls, and a match can always be found on the flat screen TV’s and 9-foot projection screens. Live music, pub trivia, darts, and open mic nights complete the Pub experience.
Hit Rodizio Grill for a work lunch to treat a client to the city’s best Brazilian Steakhouse. Rodizio offers a dozen rotisserie grilled meats, seasoned and carved tableside by Brazilian Gauchos, so the meal comes with its’ own entertainment. If you’d prefer a lighter option, try the authentic Brazilian appetizers or stunningly large salad bar with salads, vegetables, potatoes, breads, cheeses, and more. Homemade desserts and made-to-order Rodizio Limeades make this an unforgettable dining experience.
For a night out, Gordon Biersch is recognized for authentic German lagers crafted on-site. Grab a flight to taste the light Golden Export, traditional German wheat bier, Hefeweizen, dark, coffee finished lager, Schwarzbier, smooth, auburn Bavarian lager, Marzen, and medium-bodied Czech Pilsner. Start your meal off with their legendary garlic fries, flash-fried artichoke hearts, or filet mignon sliders. Their pizzas and flatbreads range from classic BBQ chicken to California Cobb. And their entrée selection makes it hard to choose with Miso Mahi, Bourbon Salmon, Churrasco Steak Tacos, Cajun Pasta, Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Kobe Burgers, and Artisanal Grilled Cheese.
Groups are best served at Buca di Beppo in the lower level of the historic Moline Plow building. The maze of themed rooms filled with lively diners, timeless photos, humorous props, and Italian decor makes for an atmosphere of food and fun. In the spirit of Italian culture, dishes are meant to be shared and are served family style on enormous platters. Buca is also a great choice for banquets, parties, and other large group events.
R Bar is the official bar of the Columbus Blue Jackets and is considered one of the top hockey bars in the country. It is the place for fans before, during, or after a game. R Bar boasts a suspended Jumbotron above the bar with over a dozen flat screen TV’s, an off the charts sound system, daily food and drink specials, and giant hockey mask themed beer tubes for the seasoned tailgater.
When date night is on the agenda, BD’s Mongolian Grill delivers a unique, interactive dining experience, as the world’s top create-your-own-stir-fry restaurant concept. Choose your own ingredients from a variety of choice meats and seafood, fresh vegetables, crisp salads, and flavor-packed sauces and spices. Take your selections over to the 7-foot, 600-degree grill and watch as expert grillers steam, grill, chop, flip and finish your meal. And if you want to take the whole interactive date night experience another step, swing over to Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar for a night cap!
For a family outing, Boston’s Gourmet Pizza can’t be beat. Boston’s is a full-service, pizza-themed restaurant and sports bar with incredible gourmet pizzas and gourmet pasta, plus wings, ribs, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and the most delicious and fresh kid’s menu in the biz. Whether you’re headed to Nationwide Arena for a concert or Blue Jacket’s game, or headed over to Huntington Park for a Clippers game, Boston’s has a fun, high-energy setting for families and sports enthusiasts alike.
Hit Sunny Street Café if you’re in the mood for breakfast or brunch. Start your day smiling with a cup of Sunroast coffee or an all natural smoothie, and choose from steamy omelettes, buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles, hickory smoked sausage, crispy bacon, chicken fried steak, sizzling hash browns, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, homemade quiche, fruits, muffins, and so much more. Sunny Street also features a gluten-free menu.
