614 feast’s Columbus Burger Battle: Central Edition
you’re craving the best burgers in town, look no further. Central Columbus is home to some serious burger gems, and this week I’m featuring the juiciest, crispiest burgers around. I always order my burgers with no lettuce (it’s a texture thing for me, but I list it here as it reads on the menu). Let’s get into it:
COLO Burger Bar (59 Spruce St)
Located inside the North Market Downtown, COLO Burger Bar delivers top-tier smash burgers sourced from Ohio farms. My go-to is the Spicy Burger: two Ohio wagyu beef patties, pepper jack cheese, Tabasco aioli, lettuce, pickled jalapeños, and onion on a perfectly toasted bun.
Smash Buddies (460 S Front St)
Veteran-owned spot in the Brewery District is a smash burger paradise. The menu features: the Double (or Triple) Cheeseburger and the All American (lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, mayo, mustard), plus a rotating weekly special. I tried the Double and loved it—the honey-based sauce adds a sweet-savory kick without being too much. Each bite was crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Club 185 (185 E Livingston Ave)
The 185 Bacon Cheeseburger is a simple, no-frills burger that hits all the right notes. Perfectly seasoned beef patty, bacon, cheese, tomato, pickle, onion, lettuce, and mayo. This burger reminds me of the episode of Parks and Rec where Ron Swanson makes a basic burger and it’s perfect—sometimes, that’s all you need: beef, bacon, cheese, and toppings done right.
Press Grill (741 N High St)
A cozy neighborhood bar known for elevated comfort food, their Press Burger is a must-try. It’s a cheeseburger stacked with American cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo, and topped with a fried egg on a toasted bun. Add bacon for an extra indulgence—it’s an absolute feast as is, but the bacon really takes it over the top.
Goood Friends (171 N 4th St)
Located inside Jackie O’s on Fourth, this spot offers great vibes, beer, and the Juicy Jackie—a mushroom-blended beef burger with American cheese, griddled and crispy onions, good sauce, Duke’s mayo, dill pickles, all served on a telera roll. The mushroom adds an umami punch that takes this burger to the next level—don’t miss it!
Was your favorite burger spot on this list, or did I miss your go-to? Let me know where I should head next—Columbus’ Northwest, Southeast, or Southwest—so we can keep this burger battle going!
Want to read more? Follow @614feast on Instagram, and check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
