12 Black-owned Columbus restaurants to try this Black History Month
Bake Me Happy
Letha Pugh, who co-owns Preston’s alongside veteran Columbus chef Matthew Heagen, is also a co-owner of the hugely popular gluten-free bakery, Bake Me Happy. Even more reason to pay it a visit: The concept recently relocated to a new Merrion Village-area home inside a former USPS post office.
Chef Hiro
The Columbus “anime chef” has been serving up hearty and inventive dishes from his Parsons Avenue brick and mortar for nearly a year now, and if you haven’t tried his food—which encompasses everything from jerk chicken tacos to pineapple bowls—what are you waiting for?
Just Chicken
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. That’s the attitude Just Chicken owner D’Andre Martin has adopted with his new concept in the East Market. A concise menu of tenders, fries and chicken sandwiches is complimented by a handful of sides and some really, really good dipping sauces.
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Phyllis Ann’s Signature Ice Creamery
Phyllis Ann’s began as a spice shop and dry mix store in Polaris Fashion Place, and the family-owned business has expanded to include another concept: an ice cream scoop shop. Also located in Polaris Fashion Place, this recently opened dessert spot offers nearly 20 varieties of ice cream, and more than 40 different flavor splash options for soft drinks.
Marlow’s Cheesesteaks
If you’re in the mood for authentic Philly cheesesteak, you don’t need to worry about making the trek to eastern Pennsylvania. Marlow’s, which opened its doors last spring, serves up sandwiches that would make even Rocky proud, and they’re doing so right here in Gahanna.
Modern Southern Table
Authentic Southern fare is front and center in this Budd Dairy Food Hall mainstay. Owner Sadaya Lewis, who holds an MBA from Capital University and won a season of Food Network’s “Food Court Wars,” cites her grandmother’s recipes as inspiration, with dishes like their Gumbo, Fried Chicken and Louisiana Blackened Fish stealing the show.
The Patty Shop
Authentic Jamaican beef patties are on the menu at this modest storefront located next to the King Lincoln-Bronzeville post office. Owner James Simmons, a New York native, is bringing his recipes straight from the Big Apple at prices that are decidedly Midwestern. Just make sure you don’t ask for dipping sauce: Simmons insists his patties should be eaten as they come.
The Royce
This Polaris gastropub from longtime restaurateur Walter Anderson serves a wide variety of familiar yet sophisticated comfort foods, alongside an expansive wine list and plenty of craft cocktails. The weather is warming up, but The Royce also offers a private igloo dining setup for cooler evenings.
Parable Coffee
Where else in Columbus can you grab a Sesame Miso Caramel Latte and an Espresso and Tonic with juniper and pomegranate sauce? The answer is nowhere. Operating out of its new location in the former home of Nosh on High, Parable Coffee continues to push the boundaries of Columbus coffee.
Preston’s: A Burger Joint
Chances are you’ve heard of Preston’s, one of the most popular spots for burgers in Columbus, but you likely haven’t stopped by the concept’s first-ever standalone restaurant. Preston’s, which opened last weekend, is located at 2973 N. High St.
West Side Slice
Danny Jones grew up right around the corner from 958 Demorest Dr., and once Bella’s Pizza relocated, leaving the storefront vacant, Jones made it his own. West Side Slice opened earlier this year, and has already made a name for itself, serving Jones’ from-scratch sauce on thin, Columbus-style pies.
What the Waffle
Just because you can’t dine in doesn’t mean What the Waffle isn’t offering some of the best breakfast creations in the city. While the food is top-notch, you also know you’re supporting a good cause patronizing this King-Lincoln Bronzeville spot, which provides readiness and vocational training for women who have aged out of the foster care system.
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