The best patio in Columbus can be a subjective response based on what you’re looking for in an outdoor dining experience. Which is why we were pleased to see the results when our readers were asked to select the number one patio in Columbus. The end result is a top 20 list of places where you can find upscale dining, fancy cocktails, neighborhood joints, rooftop experiences and much more.
If you’re looking for a new outdoor dining or drinking experience, then this is the list for you. And if you don’t see your favorite patio in the list, leave a comment below and share your favorite spot!
20. BrewDog DogTap – Canal Winchester Location
96 Gender Rd. – Canal Winchester
www.brewdog.com/usa/bars/us/brewdog-dogtap-columbus/
Description: When Scotland-based BrewDog opened their 100,000 square foot US brewing facility in Canal Winchester a few years ago, everything they did was larger than life. So it should come as little surprise that their “DogTap” taproom on site at the brewery measures 10,000 square feet in size — much larger than your average bar. Outside is an industrial-chic patio featuring freshly brewed beer on tap, fire pits, live music, picnic-style seating and much more to make the destination worth the drive just outside of town.
Best Time to Go: Weeknight dinnertime, weekend lunch.
19. Balboa
1312 Grandview Ave. – Grandview Heights
www.balboagrandview.com
Description: Balboa launched in 2016, keeping most of the existing patio of the former restaurant that called this address home. But this spring, the restaurant has gone through a bit of an upgrade, adding a large wooden structure to the front of the building, giving their patio diners a bit more of an experience with new lighting and tables. Can’t beat the location for people watching along Grandview Avenue and SoCal dining.
Best Time to Go: Weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
18. Cosecha
987 N. Fourth St. – Italian Village
www.cosechacocina.com
Description: Cosecha is one of the newer entries on the list, but their patio has quickly made an impression on local diners. The historic building housing this upscale Mexican restaurant provides a quaint backdrop for patio dining that features contemporary fixtures like string lights and communal seating. As an added bonus, the summer sun is blocked in the evening by the building, providing a bit of shade for the later hours of the day and landing them in the #18 spot on our Best Patio in Columbus list.
Best Time to Go: Happy Hour or dinner time.
17. Milestone 229
229 Civic Center Drive – Downtown
www.milestone229.com
Description: Milestone 229 has won a lot of accolades since its launch in 2011, both for its menu and its atmosphere (you can read our new review, here). While the interior of this riverfont restaurant features floor-to-ceiling glass that offers great views of the city, the patio is what truly shines, with more of a 360 vista as well as a front row seat for the water fountain shows at Bicentennial Park.
Best Time to Go: Lunch, brunch and weekday happy hour.
16. Condado – Short North Location
1227 N. High St. – Short North
www.condadotacos.com
Description: The rapidly growing Condado Tacos has opened a dozen locations since launching in 2014, but the original spot in The Short North has a special place in a lot of people’s hearts (and stomachs). The hidden patio tucked away in the back features communal picnic table seating making it a great way to make new friends over margaritas and build-your-own tacos.
Best Time to Go: Weekday lunch, late night, weekend brunch.
15. Vaso
6540 Riverside Drive – Dublin
www.vasodublin.com
Description: One of the tallest new buildings in any of Columbus’ suburbs is the eight story AC Hotel at Bridge Park in Dublin that opened in 2017. And on the top floor of that hotel you’ll find Vaso — a restaurant and bar open to the public that features a rooftop patio with a stunning view. Instead of a Downtown skyline though, you’re looking out at the trees along the Scioto River while sipping cocktails in front of a fire pit.
Best Time to Go: Weekday happy hour or weekend dinner time. Consider an autumn trip when the leaves begin to change colors.
14. Standard Hall
1100 N. Hight St. – Short North
www.standardhall.com
Description: Standard Hall launched in the summer of 2016, and one of the biggest differences that set it apart from the bars and clubs that called this building home before it was the exposed south side of the building that spills out into the outdoor spaces. Garage doors and windows open onto a smaller patio with tables while a larger outdoor area serves as a spot for games, food trucks and more. While the larger outdoor space is currently a bit rough around the edges, an updated patio plan has been announced but has not yet taken form. Could it improve their “Best Patio in Columbus” rank in the future?
Best Time to Go: Weekday lunch, happy hour, late nights on the weekend.
13. Grandview Cafe
1455 W. Third Ave. – Grandview Heights
www.grandviewcafe.com
Description: The Grandview Cafe has a history that dates back to 1925, but thanks to a recent change in ownership and a 2017 renovation, the space feels much younger. The restaurant’s lower and upper patios serve as a neighborhood spot to watch sports and a late night hangout for the young professional crowd.
Best Time to Go: Weekday happy hour, weekend brunch or weekend late night.
12. Union Cafe
782 N. High St. – Short North
www.columbusnightlife.com
Description: For over 20 years, the Union Cafe has been one of the primary LGBTQ+ gathering spot destinations in Columbus. After several relocations and renovations, the inward-facing safehaven has transformed into an outward-facing place to be seen thanks to a large patio out front that serves both diners and drinkers looking for a social atmosphere. And while a future update is planned to add a second story for more outdoor space, the current layout can continued to be enjoyed as-is for now.
Best Time to Go: Special events are frequent, so pick your poison (happy hour? lunch special? karaoke? drag brunch?) and join the action.
11. Land-Grant Brewing Company
424 W. Town St. – Franklinton
www.landgrantbrewing.com/taproom/
Description: The Land-Grant Brewing Company was one of the first new businesses to call Franklinton home during the current wave of new development in the neighborhood. Their humble launch included a communal-style beer hall connected to their brewing facility, but their outdoor space has continued to evolve over the past several years into a full-fledged gravel-lined beer garden event space. Food trucks like Ray Ray’s Hog Pit can be found serving up grub while live music and other special events bring all the local beer enthusiasts to the yard.
Best Time to Go: Weekday happy hour or late night weekends.