The best diners Columbus has to offer
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Gorgeous plates of breakfast at the new Jenny's Diner on North High Street. Photos: Tyler Buchanan/Axios
I've been a breakfast and diner lover my whole life.
Why it matters: Diners harken back to a simpler time in American life before the rise of hurried drive-thrus and impersonal delivery services.
The big picture: They are perfect for nearly every occasion.
- My hometown diner was the place to be after school plays and football games, while my college diner was great for late-night grub.
- I enjoyed cozy work spaces and bottomless coffee during my first journalism gigs. Nowadays, I head to them for cheap, family outings.
- All along the way, I've taken dates and commiserated breakups, celebrated birthdays and washed away rough sports losses.
What separates a diner from other restaurants? To paraphrase Justice Potter Stewart, "I know it when I see it."
☕ It must serve coffee and breakfast at all (or most) hours of operation.
🐔 It should have weird stuff on the wall. The best rural diners are loaded with chicken and farming decor.
🥪 If the menu spells "Reuben sandwich" correctly, it's a good place. If it misspells "Reuben," it's a great place.
🙄 The vibe is professional, but slightly sassy. A now-closed diner in southern Ohio had a sign: "Take a penny, leave a penny. Take two pennies, get a job."
Zoom in: Across the region, there are old-fashioned joints like Fitzy's and Chef-o-Nette, along with modernist takes like The Mercury.
- You can find an upscale feel at Cap City, a vegan menu at 4th and State, Latin flavors at 3 Brothers and massive margaritas at Anne's Kitchen.
Yes, but: Tying all good diners together is the feeling of warmth and familiarity.
- Whatever's afflicting you out there, in here the coffee is always hot, the fries are always crispy and the ranch dip is always free.
My local recs: Like everybody, I love Tommy's in Franklinton. DK Diner in Franklinton is fun and you get to serve your own drinks, but be patient for a table.
- The Eclectic Diner & Sweeterie is a nice respite from the torturous drive up Route 23.
🚗 Others worth a road trip: The Buckeye Express in Bellville (55 minutes from Columbus) offers unique seating inside a train car.
- The Triple Nickel in Chesterhill (90 minutes) is a hidden gem with scenic views along the way.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show DK Diner is in Grandview Heights (not Franklinton).