The Best Restaurants Near Ohio State University

Cocky’s BagelsDining OutThe Best Restaurants Near Ohio State UniversityWhere to eat and drink in Columbus, Ohio before and after a Buckeye football gameUpdated Aug 13, 2026, 4:00 PM UTCOh come, let’s sing Ohio’s praise. The eats and drinks to the Buckeye Nation we raise.For many, Ohio State is home to the scarlet and gray, where fans converge on Ohio Stadium, aka the great ‘Shoe, to pay homage on football Saturdays. But for alumni, the Ohio State University will always also be the place where we held a weekly vigil waiting for drinks at Ethyl & Tank, stood shoulder to shoulder dancing on sticky floors at Midway, and sat on aged, carpeted dorm room floors eating slices straight out of an Adriatico’s pizza box. The years of success of an OSU graduate can be attributed not only to professors, Sloopy, and Woody Hayes, but to all the laughter, sweat, and tears shared at the bars and restaurants surrounding the campus proper. The hallowed dining halls of campus do their part, but local food and drink businesses deserve their own recognition, as they continue to serve the OSU community, local residents, and visitors.Hounddog’s PizzaPass through the big wooden door and enter into the tavern-style restaurant that boasts the Smokin’ Joes crust (hand-tossed crust topped with garlic butter and Joes sauce) that can be added to any pizza. Hounddog’s is both a bar and restaurant, with an easygoing atmosphere for those looking for some respite after a long day’s work. Wind down at the bar with specialty pizzas like the Spud Stud Pizza Pie with mashed potatoes and queso, the Señor Dog taco pizza, or the Russell with chicken, bacon, and ranch. Add some snacks to go on the side such as the lasagna bites, twice baked skins, or classic stuffed mushrooms. Look for the retro limousine out front; you can’t miss it.Location2657 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43202, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 261-4686LinkVisit websiteJack & Benny’sLocated on the corner of Hudson and High is a piece of Columbus history. Jack and Benny’s is a neighborhood institution over 30 years running, that has come to serve generations of Buckeye families. The Old-English-style structure has stood against time to dish out cult classic breakfast dishes with diner-style flair that includes countertop seating, vintage booths, and old photographs lining the walls from floor to ceiling. Dining here feels like stepping inside grandma’s kitchen and taking a seat at the counter as you eagerly await your comfort meal. Be it the eggs Benedict, the chorizo scramble, or the famous Gutbuster (a dish featuring potatoes in multiple forms, breakfast meats, toast, and everything topped with country gravy), you’ll leave feeling like you’ve become part of the Jack and Benny’s family.Location2563 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43202, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 263-0242LinkVisit websiteJack & Benny’sEmmett’s CafeEmmett’s Cafe in the 100-year-old Open Air School building is modeled after Australian-style coffee shops, and it’s become a staple for brunchgoers in the Old North area of Columbus. From the coffee list, to the food menu, to the original tiled floors and school lockers, Emmett’s is the place to be for a cozy breakfast as you catch up on your calls, your friends, or with yourself. For a first-timer visiting the cafe, the Meat + Tato on an everything roll from Matija Breads is a great choice, as well as the TK (eggs, avocado, arugula, and cheese on a Matija focaccia), and the breakfast burrito. Pair it all with a nice Aussie cappuccino or a tall iced mocha and finish up the meal with banana bread.Location2571 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43202, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 670-7702LinkVisit websiteAngela LeeCazuelas Mexican CantinaTaco Tuesday is the ideal time to visit Cazuela’s, though a craving for margaritas and tacos on a Thursday is a good reason to visit as well. Located in the middle of a row of two-story houses, the restaurant appears in many ways like the home of a good friend. Take a seat inside and find comfort with a giant chalice filled with your favorite margarita, or find a spot out on the patio and wait for the string lights overhead to pop on; either way, it’s an excellent ending to a long day.Order delivery from GrubhubLocation2321 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43202, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 884-0755LinkVisit websiteCazuelas Mexican CantinaHudson 29 Kitchen + DrinkA new American restaurant complete with leather booths and soft ambient lighting, Hudson 29 is the ideal place for a celebration, whether you’re a student who just aced a big exam or a professor who finished grading it. The kitchen takes broad cues from the Hudson River Valley (home to the Culinary Institute of America) and Napa to create a crowd-pleasing menu with items like ahi tuna tartare, slow-roasted prime rib, pan-seared scallops, and wood-grilled salmon. Reserve the private dining room for up to eight of your friends, and luxuriate in the moody ambience.Location1600 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH, 43221, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 487-0622LinkVisit websiteHudston 29BrassicaBrassica has become a staple for Ohio State students looking to escape campus for a quick trip to the Mediterranean. The chill counter-service spot offers options like brisket, roasted cauliflower, baba ghanoush, and fresh falafel. Meals come in the form of sandwiches (made with fresh pita), salad, or loaded hummus bowls. Go for the salad and affix it with all the available toppings, including the roasted red pepper sauce and zhug, to try the full array at once.Location1442 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH, 43221, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 929-9997LinkVisit websiteBrassicaFukuryu RamenLaunched in partnership with a ramen chain from southern Japan, Fukuryu is the first of its name to grace American soil. Owner Jeff Tsao, an OSU grad who also attended the Culinary Institute of America, opened the first location in Australia in 2014 before bringing the restaurant to Columbus. It’s worth trying the signature tonkatsu ramen (made with pork bone broth) and shoyu ramen (Tokyo-style made with chicken and fish broth), but Fukuryu also sells an assortment of Japanese delicacies and drinks. Look out for the Red Dragon Japanese Fried Chicken, which is tossed in a spicy red sauce, served on its own or in a sandwich with a fried egg, Kewpie mayo, and unagi sauce.Order delivery from GrubhubLocation1600 W Lane Ave #160, Upper Arlington, OH 43221, USAExternal LinkPhone(614) 929-5910LinkVisit websiteAngela LeeVarsity Club Restaurant & BarFor generations, the Varsity Club has stood as OSU’s go-to watering hole. Located only a short 500 yards from the legendary Shoe, the iconic sports bar has helped carry the history of the Buckeyes since the days of Woody Hayes. Originally established in 1959, the business has maintained its character through the years, with its redbrick exterior, wood paneling, and upright wooden booths. An atmosphere of easy friendship over the scarlet and gray still pervades the place, and it’s a popular option for pregaming before kickoff.Order delivery from GrubhubLocation278 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 299-6269LinkVisit websiteThe Varsity ClubThe Original Pancake HouseNo visit to OSU is complete without a stop at the Original Pancake House, a classic local restaurant that channels a comfy diner or a weekend at grandma’s place. The warm and delightfully fluffy pancakes are topped with a light whipped butter and come in flavors ranging from savory (potato pancakes) to sweet (strawberry) to indulgent (the Buckeye pancake arrives filled and topped with peanut butter and chocolate chips). Aside from the eponymous pancakes, OPH serves a savory chorizo eggs Benedict, cherry Kijafa crepes (made with fruit simmered in Kijafa liqueur), Belgian waffles, and a western omelet.Location1633 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH, 43221, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 695-6810LinkVisit websiteThe Original Pancake HouseBuckeye DonutsAs a 24-hour establishment, Buckeye Donuts has been a source of sustenance for students during breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, dinner, supper, and of course, midnight snack since 1969. But don’t let the name fool you; the shop serves more than sweets. Beyond the classic cake doughnut or Long John and coffee combo, there are gyros and fries to satisfy anyone looking for a heartier meal.Order delivery from GrubhubLocation1998 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43201, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 291-3923LinkVisit websiteBuckeye DonutsEthyl & TankCurrent Buckeyes, alumni, and even the Buckeye Nation-adjacent are no strangers to Ethyl and Tank. Located in the heart of campus on High Street, Ethyl and Tank is a restaurant by day and a wind-down hangout by night. This bar and restaurant combo has served as the local watering hole since 2014, andthe neon sign continues to serve as a beacon. Visit during lunch and dinner hours to check out the tavern-style menu featuring a mac & cheese skillet, truffle fries, fish and chips, and a wide assortment of sandwiches, wings, and nachos. Come back on the weekend for a brunch menu that includes classic chicken and waffles, corned beef hash, and steak and eggs. You might find yourself wanting to make a visit again next week.Order delivery from GrubhubLocation19 E 13th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 817-6997LinkVisit websiteHang Over EasyHang Over Easy is a staple for OSU students, passed down from class to class of Buckeyes. Large garage doors, a wall-sized chalkboard, and vintage posters splashed across subway tiled walls give the space a lot of character, while the names of dishes — sloppy seconds, frog eyes, whole lotta goodness — keep the mood light. Find your own favorite item and share it with the next generation. Whether you stop in bright and early in the morning right before the big game, stroll through with the extended family for some good old fashioned breakfast, or crawl in after a long night of post game day festivities, Hang Over Easy is the place for you.BookingBook a tableOrder delivery from GrubhubLocation1646 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 586-0070LinkVisit websiteHang Over EasyAdriatico’s New York Style PizzaOSU students rarely go a month without a bite of pizza from Adriatico’s at a class event, party, or the Oval. The restaurant has something for all kinds of pizza lovers, with various crusts ranging from thin to thick. Gather a crew and order the massive Buckeye pie, an impressive 18-by-24-inch, thick-crust, rectangular pizza cut in squares. Every cheese pull is worthy of a social media feed.Location1618 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USExternal LinkPhone(614) 421-2300LinkVisit website