A fond farewell to 19 bars and restaurants that closed in 2019

With the booming bar and restaurant scene in central Ohio, some turnover is inevitable. Join us as we take a look back at some of the bars and restaurants that fell by the wayside in 2019.

Diners bid a fond “adios” to Easton-area Mexican eatery Abuelo’s this year. Gone too soon? 614NOW readers may think so, as news of the closure was one of our most-read food and drink stories of the year.

Actual Brewing closed its east side headquarters and short-lived Clintonville Taproom following sexual assault allegations that were leveled against owner Fred Lee. The company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy soon after the closures.

Fans of healthy, locally-sourced food in central Ohio were bummed when Acre closed up shop. The restaurant’s tailor-made menus were a favorite among vegetarians, paleo-dieters, and others with specific dietary needs.

There’s no sense waffling about it: after nine-ish months of serving unique waffles in the Short North, Belgian Iron bowed out of the breakfast game.

Who says all good things must come to an end? Though Danny’s Deli closed its brick-and-mortar location at 37 W Broad St., all of your favorites from the Columbus institution are now available at Lexi’s on Third at 100 E Broad St.

Pour one out for District Pour House—the bar and restaurant in the South Campus Gateway poured its last pint this year.

As the Short North shuffle continued, deep-dish pizza mainstay Fabian’s closed its doors in October of 2019. The longstanding Chicago-style pizza joint was replaced by Short North Paint & Sip.

Farewell, Fuzzy’s. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop at 479 N High St. closed permanently this year. Fuzzy’s also made news in 2019 when the Columbus Public Health Department issued a warning to everyone that had dined there to seek medical attention after an employee who had direct contact with the food was diagnosed with Hepatitis A.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

After a 7-year luau in downtown, downtown Polynesian eatery Grass Skirt hulaed off into the horizon. According to a post on Facebook, the owners plan to reopen at a later time in a new location.

Harvest Pizzeria pulled a switcheroo this year, closing both its German Village and Grandview restaurants while announcing plans for a new location at 940 S Front St. in the Brewery District.

No use whining about it—House Wine in Bexley called it quits after a few months in business. The Worthington location is still going strong.

Go off, King. Grandview-area sports bar, restaurant, and concert venue King Avenue 5 ended its 13-year run in 2019. The space has since reopened as a new location for Natalie’s Coal-Fired Pizza.

Clintonville got a little less delicious, as Little Eater permanently closed its location at 4215 N High St. The restaurant specialized in veggie-centric dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

After 52 years in business, O.G. Columbus-style pizza joint Minelli’s announced it will close its Sullivant Avenue location at the end of 2019.

In another blow to the city’s selection of great Italian fare, Morone’s Italian Villa on Bethel Road closed its doors so that “fearless leader” JJ could focus on her health following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Known for its bubble tea, sweets, and fast-casual food with a Filipino flair, Red Velvet Cafe went into the red this year, shuttering the bakery located at 246 S. Fourth St. between Dirty Frank’s and Little Palace.

After expanding “too soon,” Sweet Carrot closed two of its locations at Polaris and Dublin. But rest assured, beef brisket corn cake fans, the flagship location in Grandview remains open.

Longtime North Market merchants Taste of Belgium were forced to close after ten years in business when the market decided not to renew its lease.

Westies Gastropub closed its remaining locations in the Short North and Brewery District this year. In its prime, the locavore-centric pubs sported three locations across Central Ohio.

What bygone bar or restaurant will you miss the most? Let us know in the comments.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY