Columbus Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Columbus

April 14, 2018 Almeta Stockton

This bustling riverfront town offers good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, old-world charm and a treasure trove of discoveries for Civil War buffs. To really get the feel of another era, stroll through the National Historic District, a 28-block stretch of restored Victorian homes, gardens and gazebos, and tour the house museums in Heritage Corner. Situated on the Chattahoochee River, Columbus offers a mixture of old and new with the lovely 12-mile Columbus Riverwalk, which includes the Chattahoochee Promenade, a walking tour of historical markers. A chief supplier for the Confederate Army, the town's Civil War history is on display in myriad museums and historic sites like Port Columbus Civil War Naval Center, which contains some of the Civil War's most important artifacts. But it's not all just war memorabilia: Columbus boasts a rich cultural side, with opera, symphony and a performing arts center. And for family fun, head to the Coca-Cola Space Museum for a simulated flight and a look at the first Coke machine used in outer space.
Things to do in Columbus

1. Epic

1201 Front Ave Ste E, Columbus, GA 31901-5275 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Dinner, Late Night +1 706-507-9909
Excellent
83%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 191 reviews

Epic

Reviewed By Mike U - Columbus, Georgia

We had our company Christmas dinner on the 15th and the food and service was outstanding as usual. Thanks to Jaime and all the staff for a fantastic evening. Starting with old fashioned girl cocktail to the wagyu ribeye, the food was amazing. If you are looking for a great evening, EPIC is the place

2. Mabella's Italian Steakhouse

14 W 11th St, Columbus, GA 31901-4224 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Dinner SGD 20 - SGD 39 +1 706-940-0070
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 210 reviews

Mabella's Italian Steakhouse

Reviewed By 491ursulac - Ludwigsburg, Germany

As an italian restaurant they serve an amazing steak...very delicious salads as well. I'm very glad that a friend recommend the place as I didn't find it at first. It is located on a side street next to broadway in a very well renovated historic building. Unfortunately, I didn't have an opportunity to visit the restaurant again during my visit to Columbus in December 2017. My last visit was in May 2017. However, I definitely will go there again in the near future.

3. Zombie Pig BBQ

6201 Veterans Pkwy Ste B, Columbus, GA 31909-6207 Delivery, Seating, Highchairs Available, Takeout, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards American, Barbecue, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 8 - SGD 20 +1 706-662-0941
Excellent
78%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 150 reviews

Zombie Pig BBQ

Come on in and enjoy our award winning fresh sliced beef brisket slow smoked for 14 hours over hickory and cherry woods every day just for you! Our mouth watering ribs are smoked slow and low and sliced to order or sold by the rack! Or how about some hand pulled pork or chicken never touched by a knife and smoked to perfection? We also have a wide variety of sides for you like potato salad, garden fresh black bean and corn salad, our award winning Brunswick stew and black beans and rice just to name a few! You can come in order and have a seat or take it with you, call in an order for pick up, have us cater your event or buy by the pound!

Reviewed By richard c

My wife and I stopped for lunch on a Saturday after seeing a billboard and then looking at reviews here. We had a pork plate, pork sandwich, coleslaw, and baked beans.
The pork was plentiful and juicy with a good taste, but not very smoky.
The coleslaw was fresh, moist, and tasty with dill; that is just not my personal preference. That is subjective and some would enjoy this alternate style.
The beans were slightly sweet which I liked, but my wife thought too sweet, this is a preference not a quality issue.
One of the owners served us at the counter and came to our table to check that everything was OK.

4. Buckhead Steak - Wine

5010 Armour Rd, Columbus, GA 31904-5235 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Steakhouse, Healthy, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks, Late Night SGD 26 - SGD 92 +1 706-571-9995
Excellent
77%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 878 reviews

Buckhead Steak - Wine

Buckhead is an elegant, casual, full-service New American restaurant serving innovative fare, seasonal cocktails, craft beers, small plates and entrees that showcase local farming and artisan products, inspired by taking the approachable and giving it a modern Southern interpretation without taking ourselves too seriously. We are committed to a “Back to Basics” philosophy and bringing you the freshest food and friendliest service in the most welcoming and comfortable environment.

Reviewed By eyesoftexas1986 - Portland, Texas

The Buckhead Grill is by far the best restaurant that we have visited in Columbus. The atmosphere, service and food were all exemplary and made our experience and evening that much better. Kesha was our waitress and she is definitely one of the reasons that the restaurant receives such excellent reviews. Kesha was friendly, patient and answered every question that we had being that it was our first time dining at the Buckhead.. We will definitely ask for her the next time we visit. To sum it up, if you are looking for a complete dining experience, visit this restaurant.. You won’t be disappointed

5. The Loft

1032 Broadway, Columbus, GA 31901-5257 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 46 +1 706-596-8141
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 474 reviews

The Loft

The Loft is a 2 level restaurant with a live music venue upstairs. Amazing food, friendly service, and delicious drinks mixed with an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else at the hub of Uptown Columbus! The Loft is a Columbus Uptown favorite, a family run business rooted in local history since 1992, combining food, fun, and music in a scrumptious and unique way. It has always been our family's goal to share with our patron's quality and value in a casual atmosphere. In short, if you love extraordinary food, the best in live entertainment plus a warm and welcoming service staff, come spend the evening with us!

Reviewed By mp0ssa - Fort Benning, Georgia

We go there for Thursday comedy nights, work meetings, get togethers, couples, etc. It is good for everything. The top floor is wonderful with a great bar/pub ambiance and the performance center right in the corner.

6. Minnie's Uptown

104 8th St, Columbus, GA 31901-2738 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Parking Available American Lunch SGD 7 - SGD 13 +1 706-322-2766
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 205 reviews

Minnie's Uptown

Reviewed By Brad V

Tasted just like Mom fixed the meal. Cafeteria style so you can see what your getting. Our favorites are the fried and baked chicken, turnip greens, cabbage, pinto beans and all other vegetables. They only have fish on Friday and Sunday. The deserts looked great.

7. 11th and Bay Southern Table

1050 Bay Ave, Columbus, GA 31901-2483 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Seafood, American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Drinks SGD 14 - SGD 51 +1 706-940-0202
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 311 reviews

11th and Bay Southern Table

Inspired by southern hospitality and fresh creative southern cuisine. We are laid back yet refined. Pull up a chair and stay a while!

Reviewed By Zoli K - Balatonalmadi, Hungary

Had a business dinner here. I am always amazed of the southern cuisine's taste "spectrum". And had never been disappointed here. Excellent food, wide choices, you cannot make a mistake. Make sure you reserve a table upfront, as it is always full!

8. Plucked Up Chicken & Biscuits

1208 1st Ave, Columbus, GA 31901-4298 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 706-225-0044
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 173 reviews

Plucked Up Chicken & Biscuits

Reviewed By Kelsner

We came for brunch. The atmosphere is wonderful. Probably the best part of the experience. We shared the biscuit French toast,which were like tasteless hockey pucks and the fried chicken on a biscuit. The chicken was well prepared. The biscuit was soggy in the middle. The service was mediocre at best. We felt like we were inconveniencing the waitress then they rushed us out. Brunch was $20 for 2. I will not return. Can get a much better meal at IHOP or First Watch.

9. The Black Cow

115 12th St, Suite A, Columbus, GA 31901-5238 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Bar Lunch, Dinner SGD 13 - SGD 39 +1 706-321-2020
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 321 reviews

The Black Cow

The Black Cow brings a laid back rustic southern charm to Uptown Columbus. Just steps away from the Whitewater Rapids, sit down at another Mark Jones Kitchens restaurant, and enjoy southern hospitality at its finest. From "The Best Burgers in the South" according to Garden & Gun Readers and tasty Po' Boys to our famous Meatloaf and succulent Steaks, Mark Jones continues to serve high-quality, mouth-watering southern comfort dishes from the area's best suppliers. Sit back, relax and enjoy one of our signature cocktails, a glass of wine, or a Georgia craft beer at our newly renovated bar. Watch the game on one of our five televisions or ride "Lil' Rafter" the Bull.

Reviewed By Alison R - Charlotte, North Carolina

Food was really good, one of the better places in the downtown area to get some good southern cooking. Shrimp and Grits are worth it, and so are the lobster tots. They aren’t a big restaurant, so they can get busy on the weekends, but weeknight evenings are not bad. They do have a small bar with some happy hour specials.

10. Hunters Pub

11269 Ga Highway 219, Columbus, GA 31811-6806 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Steakhouse, Bar, Pub Dinner, Late Night +1 706-628-5992
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 206 reviews

Hunters Pub

Reviewed By PeterKalish - Clifton Park, NY

On our way from Columbus to Atlanta Airport, we needed a place to stop and eat dinner. A short 30 minute drive up the highway is this unpretentious shack that serves real steaks, not the kind of rubbery substance at typical back woods restaurants. It's a small place with little space to park, but you can find a spot on the road.

I ordered a filet mignon black and blue. That's exactly how it came. Meat was tender and tasty. Fried green beans were not greasy and had a nice flavor.

Our server, Angel (fitting name), was attentive, happy and helpful. She made us feel at home and was quick whenever we had a request. Called me "darlin".

My friends had peanut butter pie for dessert...I was too full. But I tried a bite and it was awesome. Recommend you try it too.

This is not your typical stuffy steakhouse. It's a down home shack with great food. I loved it and will be back for more next time in town.

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