COLUMBUS WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT: APRIL 17-20

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In today's entertainment guide:

• Hot New Restaurants in Columbus: The culinary scene continues to evolve with exciting openings

• 10 New Restaurants & Shops Coming to Easton This Summer: The popular shopping destination continues to expand

• Things To Do In Columbus This Week (04/12 - 04/18): I found what activities exist this week so you don't have to

• Weekend Weather Outlook: Perfect spring conditions ahead!

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COLUMBUS LIFESTYLE: WHERE TO EAT & WHAT TO DO

One of the reasons Columbus ranks so highly in happiness metrics is our thriving food and entertainment scene. Now, obviously, if you want Nepali food you go to Reynoldsburg. (Tell them Gagan sent you, they’ll know what that means.)

All jokes aside, there really has been a verity of things to do and people to see here. From running The Columbus Report, I have lately received many more reach outs to collab with local shops and venues.

Our city continues to punch above its weight class when it comes to culinary innovation and diverse activities. And, that’s one of the reasons why I broke this down into two segments. One, that focuses on the real estate, news, and development, and one that focuses on the fun!

This week's guide brings you the latest restaurant openings worth your attention and a curated list of events happening across the city. Whether you're a longtime resident or just visiting, there's always something new to discover in Columbus.

Let's dive into all the delicious food and fun activities Columbus has to offer this week!

-Gagan Timsina

HOTTEST NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2025

Columbus's dining scene continues to evolve with these exciting new restaurants worth trying this spring! [Columbus Monthly]

If we did a “ Desi Restaurant of the week “ where we highlighted our favorite restaurant of desi decent in Columbus would you like that? We would eat there and show you the backend, and of course, the food. Just reply here to let us know

Also - btw, Reddit is a great source for unbiased info about the places, you can see what people say here - REDDIT

Gene's

• Location: Historic Dublin

• Cuisine: Creative American with seasonal influences

• Must Try: Roasted honeynut squash, curated wine pairings

• Description: An independent venture by Dustin and Molly Snow (of Coast Wine House), offering inventive dishes and a thoughtful wine selection in a charming setting.

• This is a heavy hitter for SURE! We had a member on our real estate team that loved it here, and really, there isn’t any negative comment towards it.

Butcher & Rose

• Location: Downtown Columbus

• Cuisine: Upscale steakhouse

• Must Try: Beef Wellington, toro crudo

• Description: A Cameron Mitchell establishment that stands out among new steakhouses, serving steaks, seafood, and lighter fare in a dazzling space.

• We heard the Roasted Chicken was amazing.

Taj on Fifth

• Location: Grandview Heights

• Cuisine: Modern Indian

• Must Try: Taj Stuffed Paneer, chicken makhani, garlic naan

• Description: Founded by Ajay Kumar, this restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine, focusing on dinner and cocktails in a contemporary setting.

The Pearl

• Location: Short North & Dublin

• Cuisine: Modern American tavern fare

• Must Try: Weekend brunch menu launching April 19

• Description: A Cameron Mitchell restaurant known for its oyster bar, craft cocktails, and upscale comfort food.

Calero's Bar and Grill

• Location: Northland

• Cuisine: Salvadoran

• Must Try: Pupusas

• Description: Serving traditional Salvadoran cuisine all day and late into the night, with added entertainment like an indoor swing and karaoke nights.

Flour Modern Pasta Bar

• Location: Polaris

• Cuisine: Fusion of Indian and Italian

• Must Try: Butter Chicken alla Vodka, Tie Dye Ricotta Gnocchi

• Description: A delightful blend of flavors from India, Italy, and beyond, brought to you by the family behind Rooh.

• “An Upscale Olive Garden” As they call it.

Kung Fu Noodle

• Location: Godown Road, Northwest Columbus

• Cuisine: Lanzhou-style Chinese noodles

• Must Try: Classic Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup

• Description: Known for hand-pulled noodles, this eatery is the second shop owned by Dennis Zhang, celebrating the cuisine of Lanzhou, China.

Del Mar

• Location: Easton Town Center

• Cuisine: Mediterranean

• Must Try: Lobster Spaghetti

• Description: A Cameron Mitchell restaurant that channels an upscale seaside escape with a Mediterranean menu and fountain views.

Littleton's Market Café

• Location: Upper Arlington

• Cuisine: Seasonal American

• Must Try: Salmon with coconut broth

• Description: Located inside a bustling market, this café boasts a skillful, seasonal menu with everything needed to replicate the dishes at home.

Local Foodie News:

• Chef Leo Miller (formerly of Veritas) is opening a new concept in the Short North this summer

• The Pearl is launching a new weekend brunch menu starting April 19

• North Market Downtown is welcoming three new vendors next month

• Columbus Food & Wine Festival dates announced for August 15-17

Any places we didn't mention? Let us know!

Btw, Mezcla is breathing new life into the long-vacant space at 1022 Summit St, formerly home to The Market IV. Opening This Spring, Mezcla promises a moody, elevated Latin experience like nothing else in the neighborhood. Click the video to learn more

THESE ARE THE 10 NEW RESTAURANTS & SHOPS COMING TO EASTON THIS SUMMER

Whoever said malls are "dying" needs to take a trip out to Easton. The outdoor mall is continuing to evolve, bringing in world-class dining, high-class brands, and innovative retailers. [614NOW]

Here's a list of what's Coming Soon to Easton Town Center:

Bareburger – Summer 2025

• Location: 4206 Worth Avenue

• Details: This New York-based micro-chain that opened in 2009 currently has over 30 locations. Bareburger takes pride in crafting burgers with high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. Their diverse menu ensures a delicious experience while promoting sustainability.

Carhartt – Summer of 2025

• Location: 4174 Worth Avenue

• Details: The clothing brand known for rugged, all-weather apparel is making its way to Easton.

Vuori – Summer of 2025

• Location: 4200 The Strand

• Details: Launched in 2015, Vuori delivers elevated, everyday essentials that blur the lines between fitness and life. Founder Joe Kudla, an active yogi and surfer with an obsession for design, wanted to build products that were built to move in but styled for life.

Bar Italia – Summer 2025

• Location: 4145 The Strand

• Details: NCR Ventures (ie "next cool restaurant"), the acclaimed restaurant group known for its dedication to exceptional dining, announced the grand opening of Bar Italia at Easton.

Todd Snyder – Summer 2025

• Location: 4174 The Strand

• Details: Known for his sophisticated take on redefining how to dress the modern gentleman, Todd Snyder's collections draw from Savile Row tailoring, vintage military apparel, and classic American workwear, making timeless pieces relevant for the well-dressed man.

Faherty – Summer 2025

• Location: 4215 The Strand

• Details: Founded in 2013, Faherty is a family-owned lifestyle brand known for its surf-inspired style, quality and timeless clothing, and commitment to sustainable craftsmanship.

Peter Millar – Summer 2025

• Location: 4172 The Strand

• Details: The brand's offerings now include luxury performance sportswear, active and golf apparel, sophisticated classics, and casually refined tailored expressions.

Princess Polly – Summer 2025

• Location: 4035 The Strand West

• Details: Princess Polly is a leading fashion brand delivering the latest trends, exclusive designs, and lower environmental impact looks to trendsetters globally.

Altar'd State – Summer 2025

• Location: 3961 Easton Station

• Details: Altar'd State is a fashion-forward lifestyle and retail brand dedicated to providing inspired apparel collections and accessories while making a positive impact in the community.

Diamond Cellar – Expanding Soon

• Details: Elevated customer experience, expanded selection, and addition of luxury brands Rolex and Patek Philippe.

Newly Opened at Easton:

Mastro's – 3965 New Bond Street

• Details: Mastro's collection of sophisticated steakhouses and Ocean Club Seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant, energetic atmosphere.

Allen Edmonds – 4065 New Bond St.

• Details: Allen Edmonds is a U.S.-based manufacturer of premium men's footwear and accessories crafted in the USA, using only premium leathers via a 212-step process.

NAPA Kitchen & Bar – 4055 The Strand West

• Details: The restaurant is presented in a California-casual setting and features a menu of New American dishes designed for sharing and pairing, inspired by the spirit of California wine country living. The menu offers a selection of small plates, fresh salads, creative brick-oven pizzas, generous entrees, and signature desserts.

  

THINGS TO DO IN COLUMBUS: APRIL 17-20, 2025

• COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS VS. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (SEASON FINALE)

  • Thursday, April 17, 7:00 PM

  • Nationwide Arena, 200 W Nationwide Blvd

  • Final home game of the season against division rivals

• COMEDY NIGHT AT STRONGWATER

  • Wednesday, April 16 (extending to April 17), 8:00 PM

  • Strongwater Food & Spirits, 401 W Town St

  • Local and national comedians, drink specials

• SPRING WINE FESTIVAL

  • Friday & Saturday, April 18-19, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • North Market Bridge Park, 6750 Longshore St, Dublin

  • Over 20 Ohio wineries, food vendors, live music

• FARMERS MARKET WEEKEND

  • Saturday, April 19, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Clintonville Farmers' Market, N High St & Orchard Ln

  • Early spring produce, artisanal foods, coffee, baked goods

• COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART EXHIBITION OPENING

  • Opening weekend April 19-20

  • "American Modernism: From O'Keeffe to Hopper" exhibition

  • Members get first access this weekend

• PATIO SEASON KICKOFF WEEKEND

  • April 18-20

  • Multiple locations including Barcelona, Lindey's, Seventh Son Brewing, Land-Grant Brewing, and Vaso Rooftop

  • Special spring menus and outdoor seating

• BRANCH & BONE ARTISAN ALES WEEKEND TASTING

  • April 19-20

  • New Clintonville taproom

  • Featuring innovative sours and farmhouse ales with food by chef Liz Valenti

WEEKEND WEATHER

• Saturday: Sunny with light winds, high 73°F

• Sunday: Partly cloudy, high 70°F

• Monday: Slight chance of showers, high 68°F

• Tuesday-Thursday: Mostly sunny, highs in the mid-70s

Perfect spring weather to get out and enjoy all Columbus has to offer!

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT INSIDER TIPS

Best Patio Openings: 

With temperatures hitting the 70s this weekend, it's the perfect time to enjoy outdoor dining at some of Columbus's best patios. Here are our top picks for spring 2025:

1. Lindey's (German Village) A longstanding favorite, Lindey's offers a charming patio with a fountain and lush greenery, providing a serene dining experience in the heart of historic German Village.

2. Lincoln Social Rooftop (Short North) This rooftop lounge boasts panoramic city views and a chic atmosphere, making it ideal for evening cocktails and small plates while watching the sunset over the Columbus skyline.

3. Barcelona Restaurant & Bar (German Village) Known for its vibrant Spanish cuisine, Barcelona features a beautiful garden patio adorned with hanging plants and string lights—perfect for tapas and sangria on warm evenings.

4. Budd Dairy Food Hall (Italian Village) Housed in a renovated historic building, this food hall offers diverse culinary options with ample outdoor and rooftop seating, allowing you to sample different cuisines in one visit.

5. BrewDog New Albany A spacious venue perfect for craft beer enthusiasts, BrewDog provides a large patio area and an extensive vegan menu in addition to their renowned brewing offerings.

6. Cafe Istanbul (Scioto Riverfront) Offering Mediterranean dishes, Cafe Istanbul's riverside patio provides scenic views of the Scioto River and a relaxing ambiance for lunch or dinner.

7. Ocean Prime (Easton Town Center) This upscale seafood and steakhouse features a stylish patio, ideal for special occasions or business dinners while watching the bustle of Easton.

8. Lupo on Arlington A cozy spot known for its tapas and oysters, Lupo offers a pleasant outdoor dining experience with a neighborhood feel in Upper Arlington.

9. JT's Pizza & Pub (Linworth) A casual eatery with a welcoming patio, JT's is great for enjoying pizza and pub fare outdoors with friends and family in a relaxed setting.

10. Cuco's Taqueria (West Henderson Road) Known for authentic Mexican cuisine, Cuco's offers a vibrant patio setting perfect for margaritas and flavorful dishes on sunny afternoons.

Patio Season Tip: Many popular patios fill up quickly on the first nice weekends of spring. Consider making reservations where available or arriving early to secure your spot at these sought-after outdoor dining destinations.

WEEKLY WRAP-UP

Columbus continues to impress with its diverse culinary scene and wide range of activities. This week offers everything from arts and sports to comedy and wine festivals—truly something for everyone.

With Easton Town Center adding 10 new restaurants and shops this summer, Columbus shoppers and diners have even more to look forward to. The continued investment in our retail and dining spaces is another testament to Columbus's growing reputation as a destination city.

With perfect spring weather in the forecast, it's the ideal time to explore new restaurants, check out Easton's latest additions, cheer on local teams, and discover the many attractions that make Columbus one of the happiest cities in the world.

Have a restaurant or event you think should be featured? Let us know!

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See you around town,

— Gagan Timsina

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Spring Wine Festival at North Market Bridge Park this weekend—several wineries will be offering exclusive tastings not available elsewhere!

P.P.S. If you liked this newsletter, please share! Columbus has too many great dining and entertainment options to keep to yourself.