The Clintonville neighborhood just north of Downtown Columbus is especially known for notable landmarks like Whetstone Park, the Park of Roses, and historically, the city’s first zoo and the country’s largest amusement park. Today, Clintonville’s business district is a hub for Columbus’ newest and most iconic businesses and restaurants, as you can see below:
Grab a Coffee at Themed Cafes
Central Ohio’s first cat cafe Eat, Purr, Love opened in the fall of 2016 and has since become so popular that reservations are often necessary. With its partnership with Columbus Humane, cats are adopted through the cafe every two days on average.
Comfort food that tastes just like home, but with an inclusive twist: Dough Mama Cafe & Bakery focuses on sourcing local ingredients and providing a safe, open space for community and dialogue. Its breakfast and lunch menus are inclusive too, with gluten-free, vegan, and organic options for every diet.
And equal parts bakery and floral shop, Flowers & Bread holds floral and baking classes, hosts wedding and bridal events, and houses cozy seating areas throughout. From uniquely flavored scones and cakes to beautifully arranged bouquets, the cafe’s “simple pleasures” are front and center.
Also, check out Tabletop Game Cafe for another fun cafe concept!
Eat Internationally
Speaking of themes, Mozart’s Restaurant is themed around the 18th-century composer. In paying homage, the restaurant serves specialty dishes from Austria — the home country of both Mozart and the restaurant’s owners — entertains with live classical music, and holds European wine tastings. The restaurant even celebrates the birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with an elegant gala at the top of the year that has drawn guests in the thousands.
You can also fill up on all the falafel and hummus you could want in Clintonville. Mediterranean restaurants are in abundance in Columbus, but Lavash Cafe is among the best. There’s also Aladdin’s Eatery and Pita Hut -N- Grille, all of which provide a wide variety of soups, salads, and authentic dishes to pick and choose from.
Also, try 6-1-Pho for Vietnamese and Ye Asian Bistro for Asian inspired food!
Eat, Then Play
Thankfully, Columbus isn’t overrun by escape rooms like in other cities, which makes Trapped Columbus in Clintonville that much more fun. The neighborhood boasts a cinema favorite as well: Studio 35 operating as a dine-in theater and a drafthouse, though it’s not nearly as crowded as similar theaters in the city.
For more relaxing activities, try halotherapy at Tranquility Salt Cave. This unique spa relaxes and heals guests with anti-gravity chairs, heated granulated salt floors, and a salt cave with beautiful salt lamps lighting the walls. Furthermore, it likely goes without saying that the beautiful Park of Roses is also an excellent option for a calm and relaxing time in Clintonville.
Experience Columbus presents Know Your Neighborhood: A series of articles highlighting things to do in Columbus neighborhoods. Looking to explore more neighborhoods in Columbus? Experience Columbus’ Neighborhoods first hand here!