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    Eat Right: Restaurants with Live Music

    Looking to liven up your dinner with a little live music? In Columbus, there’s a restaurant offering live music every night of the week, and for every musical taste. Read on for top picks for live jazz, folk, rock, blues and more.

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    Barcelona
    263 E. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43206
    Enjoy a set or two while lingering over Spanish tapas and cocktails every Sunday evening in the bar area at this longtime German Village hotspot. A rotating selection of live performers skews toward jazz. Recent musical guests have included the Jacob Reed Jazz Trio and Dwight Lenox.

    The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek
    1370 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230
    Cameron Mitchell’s new concept in Gahanna boasts live music from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday evenings on the Terrace, a cozy patio area overlooking the rolling countryside and creek. Frequent performers include singer-songwriter Donna Mogavero and pianist Dave Powers.

    local-roots
    Live music at Local Roots.

    Local Roots
    15 E. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065
    When the weather is warm enough, this Powell farm-to-table restaurant hosts live music in the beer garden Tuesday through Sunday. Rotating artists range from folk rocker Andy Shaw to R&B from Theo Perry, and Tuesdays are always jazz. In the winter, live music is a constant on Tuesdays and Sundays.

    Mozart’s
    4784 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
    The Clintonville bakery and restaurant celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and one constant all those years has been live piano music daily. Stop in between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. or 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (plus from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday!) for classical and modern favorites courtesy house pianist Mark Werling. And that’s just the beginning of the live music lineup at Mozart’s—check out their events calendar for more musical offerings, including Arnett Howard every Thursday evening.

    mozarts
    Live music at Mozart’s.

    Natalie’s Coal-Fired Pizza
    5601 N. High St., Worthington, OH 43085
    This excellent old world-style pizzeria doubles as an intimate live music venue, playing host to an enviable lineup of regional and national acts. Natalie’s is the ultimate music-friendly restaurant, boasting a specially designed stage that provides all patrons with a great view of the music. Check the calendar for the upcoming slate of Americana, jazz, blues, folk and rock performances.

    Nicola
    4740 Reed Rd., Columbus, OH 43220
    Nicola regulars know the best seats in the house are on the lush patio. Snag a table on the patio at this regional Italian spot on Friday and Saturday evenings to be serenaded by talented local guitarist Mike Hagerty.

    The Refectory
    1092 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220
    With a varied slate of live music events including in-house performances from ProMusica String Quartet, Opera Columbus and the Columbus Symphony, The Refectory has quietly become a sought-after venue in Columbus. Head to the upstairs Choir Room for intimate Jazz Dinner Club events, held multiple times throughout the month. It’s a true dinner-and-a-show experience, with a four-course menu accompanied by a live jazz performance.

    The Top Steak House
    2891 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43209
    If you’ve frequented Columbus’ iconic midcentury steakhouse over the years, you’re likely familiar with longtime piano player Sonia Modes. She’s been presiding over the lively piano bar since 1965, and you’ll still catch her there every Tuesday and Saturday night. Sonia’s not the only Top pianist, though—the full roster includes Dave Powers on Mondays, Matt Munhall on Wednesdays, LG Scott on Thursdays, Jerry Wolfe on Fridays and Doug Sopira on Sundays.

    The Walrus
    143 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43215
    This hip new Downtown establishment from the owners of The Tavern in Olde Towne East was specifically designed as restaurant-slash-live music venue. So far, the local and regional music lineup has included favorites like Andy Shaw Band, Matt Munhall and Hebdo.

    Worthington Inn
    649 High St., Worthington, OH 43085
    There’s plenty of history behind each dining room in this stately Victorian inn, and each area has its own personality. The Pub is by far the most spirited, with a full lineup of entertainment including trivia nights and live jazz music every Friday. Live music on Wednesdays takes a summer break during July and August but will return in September.

    dine-originalsDine Originals Columbus celebrates, supports and promotes the culinary diversity that locally owned and operated member restaurants contribute to the identity and culture of our city. The nonprofit group is committed to strengthening the local economy and enriching the community through education and charitable partnerships.

    On the first Wednesday of each month, each Dine Originals restaurant offers their own special dining experience, whether it’s a prix-fix dinner, a tasting menu, a retail wine night or a fun promotion. No matter which Dine Originals restaurant you visit tonight, you’ll be treated to a VIP dining experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

    For more information, visit www.dineoriginalscolumbus.com.

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    Shelley Mann
    Shelley Mannhttp://www.umamicolumbus.com
    Shelley Mann is the executive director of Dine Originals Columbus, a nonprofit group that celebrates, supports and promotes independently owned restaurants in Central Ohio. She's also the founder of Umami Consulting, a company that provides marketing and public relations support for local, independent restaurants in Columbus.
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