16 essential restaurants near OSU’s campus, according to food publication, Eater

If you would have asked me which restaurants were on my own essential list when I was an undergrad student at Ohio State University, I would have probably mentioned my many trips to Raising Canes at 2am or walking to Plaza Mexican Grill before a party (if you know, you know).

Fortunately, Eater, an international food publication, provided us with a list of “The 16 Essential Restaurants Near Ohio State University,” so we don’t have to rely solely on my memory of campus eateries from 11 years ago.

Here’s some must-try spots that Eater thinks deserve some recognition:

Cazuela’s Mexican Cantina
2321 N. High St.
Authentic tacos, huge burritos, fresh margaritas, with a patio adorned with twinkling stringed lights.

Varsity Club Restaurant & Bar
278 W. Lane Ave.
This 64 year old staple quenches the thirst of many college students, but it also serves delicious bar food, such as pizza, hot subs, cheeseburgers, and much more.

Out-R-Inn
20 Frambes Ave.
This house-turned-dive bar in the heart of campus housing is a haven for a good reason. Drinks for $1.50 on some days, the sharpied names of alumnus all over the walls, and the fact that it shares a building with Sicilia’s Pizza, which offers huge pizza by the slice for only $3.

Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink 
2600 W. Lane Ave.
Some like to celebrate a Buckeye win with nachos and wings, but others may opt for seared scallops and steak. Located right on Lane Ave., Hudson 29 is close enough for college students, professors, and parent visitors, yet far enough to establish itself as its own entity.

Buckeye Donuts
1998 N High St.
This establishment offers gyros, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and of course, donuts. And it’s open 24 hours a day, providing sustenance to college students around the clock.

Piada Italian Street Food
1315 W. Lane Ave.
Sick of Chipotle? Try the pasta version instead. Pick your own noodles, sauce, and toppings, all at an affordable option.

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The Original Pancake House
1633 W. Lane Ave.
The perfect spot to fuel up before a Saturday noon game, or to relax on a Sunday after a long night-game.

Fukuryu Ramen
1600 W. Lane Ave. #160
The owner, Jeff Tsao, graduated from OSU and brought this ramen chain near campus for all to enjoy Tonkatsu Ramen or Japanese-style fried chicken sandwiches.

Apollo’s Greek Kitchen
1758 N. High St. 
A late-night staple for a steaming hot gyro and crispy fries. 

Midway
1728 N. High St.
So, this technically isn’t a restaurant, but it’s definitely an essential establishment on campus. With $1 wells, $1 bombs, and a dance floor that’s incredibly lively (and sticky), it’s just part of OSU culture.

Hang Over Easy
1646 Neil Ave.
The name speaks for itself. Ease up on your hangover with a huge breakfast and extra spicy bloody mary.

Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza
1618 Neil Ave.

This Sicilian-style pizza shop offers huge, cheesy, saucy squares to the college crowds.

Shake No Eight 
1537 N. High St.
Huuuuuge milkshakes topped with cookies and candy.

Alqueria
247 King Ave.
Farm-to-table fare that will make you feel as if you got to step away from the hustle and bustle of campus life.

Stauf’s Coffee
1334 Neil Ave.
Everyone needs an essential coffee shop, and Stauf’s, located in a converted old church with ample space to write papers, could definitely be the one.

Which campus spots would make it on your essential list?

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