This chic noodle bar serves some of the best ramen and pho in Columbus
The idea of “comfort food” is universal. In Columbus, that might traditionally mean fried chicken with mashed potatoes or a hearty bowl of chili—but this fall, with the temperature dropping, it’s worth discovering a different kind of comfort.
At Mecha Noodle Bar, located at 965 N. High St., warmth comes in the form of steaming bowls of ramen and pho made with scratch broths that simmer all day, hand-rolled dumplings, pillowy bao, and other deeply satisfying dishes.
Better yet, these meals fill up your belly and soul. During happy hour (Monday through Friday, 3–6 p.m.), you can enjoy a bowl of ramen, a snack such as egg rolls or firecracker wings, and even a pour of sake, all for under $20. And on Tuesdays, indulge in Mecha’s signature bowls for only $10. Choose from Pho Ga, also known as the “hangover cure,” or Spicy Beef Ramen, or even a Kinoko Vegan Ramen.
The restaurant itself carries an intentional sense of coziness, inspired by owner Tony M. Pham’s own upbringing. “In the soft hum of this space, there is a memory of a boy bent over his homework in the corner of his parents’ restaurant, learning not just math and grammar, but duty and devotion,” Pham recalled. “His small hands once carried plates and books in equal measure, helping out where love was louder than words—and sometimes those words were really loud from Vietnamese parents.”
Today, Mecha is Pham’s love letter to that childhood: a homecoming “steeped in gratitude and served with heart,” he said.
And just as Pham once sat tucked in the corner of his parents’ place, Mecha welcomes children of its own. The kids’ menu includes a KFC-inspired bao, noodles, chicken ramen, and smaller portions of pho, with high chairs available for families who want an inclusive and easy night out.
Mecha Noodle Bar is open daily from noon to 9 p.m.—a perfect stop for a comforting meal that feels like home, even when it’s something new.
Check out their menu below!
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