The summer season is officially in full swing, which means a return to al fresco dining and drinking around the city. This year, a slew of new patios joins the already impressive lineup Columbus has to offer. So, what’s your new fave patio?
Seventh Son Brewing
Opened in December 2012, Seventh Son Brewing didn’t fully realize their patios until last year. A group of picnic tables out front provide the perfect spot for enjoying a brew and a meal from one of the many food trucks that park daily at Seventh Son. In addition, there’s an enclosed patio at the back of the brew house, complete with fire pit for the long nights invariably spent at the popular Italian Village hangout. The atmosphere, and seating, are communal, so bring your best attitude when coming out. Seventh Son Brewing is located at 1101 North Fourth Street.
Harvest Pizza
One of the city’s favorite pizza joints, Harvest Pizza, expanded just this past March to Clintonville. They opened at 2885 North High Street, and provide two al fresco dining areas for their excited patrons: one along North High Street, which has a casual lounge feel; the other along the side of the building. Groups love the friendly vibe and laid back attitude of the spot as much as they love the pies, and with a central location in beautiful Clintonville, Harvest Pizza is an ideal choice when you want to wind down at the end of a busy day or week.
Westies Gastropub
The Brewery District got a new, modern American sports bar in January when Westies Gastropub opened at 940 South Front Street. The 5,300 square feet restaurant’s outdoor patio is located along the east side of the building, an extension of the back lounge space that’s essentially a four-season patio itself. Garage doors open up to create a surprisingly elegant space despite the many large televisions scattered around. The outdoor patio seats about 30 guests, while the lounge holds about 100. Westies is a great spot to watch the game, grab a bite for dinner, or happy hour with friends, so make a plan to stop by today.
Columbus Ale House
The patio at Columbus Ale House, located at 1201 Olentangy River Road, offers a view that’s arguably an acquired taste. It’s located along the 315 alternative, and for those who find the din of traffic appealing, this is the spot to be. The large area is fenced, and has a fire pit. The entire back of the restaurant is really a 2,500-square foot under-roof patio, with doors that can be opened or closed depending on the weather. With close proximity to Grandview, Victorian Village, and Ohio State’s campus, Columbus Ale House is the place to go for sports viewing, group gathering, and family dining.
Oliver’s Burgers, Steak & Bourbon
Downtown’s newest warm-weather patio can be found at Oliver’s, located at 26 North High Street officially. The restaurant actually sits in Pearl Alley, which is where the 40-person patio is as well, and it is a welcome alternative for lunch, happy hour, or late-night revelry. True urbanites will appreciate the coolness of this tucked away spot, which is also quite romantic when the sun goes down.
Yellow Brick Pizza
Fulfilling a goal since opening in 2009, Olde Towne East’s favorite pizza joint added a rear courtyard patio last Fall. The 800-square feet patio comfortably seats around 30 guests, and is an ideal place for friends to meet at the end of the day. The patio was constructed with reclaimed materials in keeping with the brand’s philosophy, and is one of the best spots to witness the emergence of this up and coming neighborhood. Yellow Brick Pizza is located at 892 Oak Street.
Strongwater Food & Spirits
Strongwater Food & Spirits, the anchor at the 400 West Rich project, is adding a patio this summer. The new space will be about 1,500 square feet, and seat around 36 guests. Owing to its adjacency to Downtown, the Franklinton neighborhood is hip without being crowded, close enough to the heart of the city without being drowned by it, and industrially chic. All of these things Strongwater embodies as well, so pop by for a round or two once the patio is complete, which should be any day now. Strongwater Food & Spirits is located at 401 West Town Street.
The Table
Known for its delicious farm-to-table fare, The Table, located at 21 East Fifth Avenue, invites guests to dine al fresco on their new patio this summer. With room for roughly 30 guests, this slightly shaded patio is located on the eastern side of the building, in an alley-like space between the restaurant and a neighboring building. This tucked-away gem is perfect for date night, impressing the parents when they’re in town, or just grabbing a nightcap at the end of the day.
Bar 145
Tucked away at the back of a small strip of businesses off Fifth Avenue is Bar 145, which opened last autumn. The burger joint boasts a large bourbon selection, and there’s no better place to imbibe there than on their wrap-around patio. Garage doors open up to create an indoor-outdoor bar/patio that can seat about 60 people at a time. With several televisions all around, Bar 145 is the place to catch your favorite sports games or just hang with your favorite people. Bar 145 is located at 955 West Fifth Avenue.
Rishi Sushi
Rishi Sushi opened only a few months ago, but is already proving to have one of the most lively patios in the downtown. Situated along Third Street, the patio, which can seat roughly 40 guests, is bright, clean, and a perfect spot to watch the bustle of the city go by. Couple that with a cold beer and a bowl of some of the best ramen in town, and you’ve got the makings of a very good time. Rishi Sushi is located at 114 North Third Street.
Northstar Café
To commemorate their 10th anniversary this year, Northstar Café has upgraded the patio at their Short North location, 951 North High Street. They’ve added new table lighting for the nighttime crowd, and a second doorway to ease congestion upon entering and leaving. Summer time brunching takes on a whole new meaning at Northstar, where good food meets homey ambiance. And don’t forget, it’s one of the best seats in town for High Street people watching.
Novak’s Tavern & Patio
Novak’s Tavern & Patio reopened last year with a whole new look and attitude. This new Novak’s is classier, cleaner, and more focused on the customer. Its biggest draw is the redesigned patio, which now features its own bar. There are also several tables with umbrellas, and a view that overlooks the North Market. The drinks flow freely, as do the laughs, at the new Novak’s, so stop in today for both. Novak’s Patio & Tavern is located at 475 North High Street.
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