Your guide to food, fun and more in Clintonville
Past and Present
If you know anything about Clintonville, you likely won’t be surprised to learn that—even in the 1800s—the Columbus neighborhood was rooted in some form of quirky fun.
From 1880 until 1936, Clintonville was home to Olentangy Park, a bonafide theme park offering exotic animals (including bears and elephants), roller coasters, fun houses and much more.
The neighborhood’s roots trace back even further, as the area was first developed as Clinton Township (named after U.S. Vice President George Clinton) in the early 1800s, with it first being recognized as Clintonville in 1847.
An area that even today offers a blended demographic of off-campus OSU students and families, Clintonville began to see an influx of Ohio State professors began building summer homes in the neighborhood in 1900. This likely helped lay the foundations for what Clintonville is today: a lively, mixed neighborhood that embraces the arts and doesn’t shy away from the progressive, wild, or whacky.
Attractions
Glen Echo Park
One of the Columbus area’s best kept natural secrets, it’s complete with winding trails, the famous bird tunnel, and even the ominous Gates of Hell, combining natural beauty with a little slice of magic and mystery.
Clintonville Farmers Market
Every Saturday from April 26-November 22, 9a-12pm
Likely the most prominent farmers market in Columbus that’s second only to Worthington’s, this urban-feeling marketplace captured the progressive ethos of the neighborhood and is still rocking through its 23rd season.
Magical Druid
2887 N. High St.
All things magical, mystical and metaphysical come together at this long-standing Clintonville storefront. From tarot cards and incense to pagan texts, browsing is sure to provide enough intrigue for an afternoon or more.
Studio 35
3055 Indianola Ave.
Not only can you take in a new movie at Studio 35, you can also dig into some of the city’s best pizza from the in-house Fiobionacci’s, and grab a craft beer to go with it.
Whetstone Park
3923 N. High St.
The crown jewel of this nearly 150-acre park is its beautiful 11-acre rose garden, which features more than 350 varieties of roses. The park doubles as a trailhead for the Olentangy Trail, where even more outdoor opportunities abound.
Shopping
Eclectiques
3265 N. High St.
This quirky antique paradise Reopened in 2022 under new ownership, bringing two stories of trinkets and treasures to N. High Street.
Euro Classics
3317 N. High St.
Since 1986, this unassuming Clintonville storefront has served as one of the country’s best spots to purchase authentic furniture from the Arts & Crafts and Mission movements.
Rock Candy Healing Stones
3343 N. High St.
Whether or not you believe in the metaphysical power of crystals and stones, you can’t deny the allure of an eclecticly-sourced rock shop, complete with a passionate and knowledgeable owner
The Laughing Ogre
4258 N. High St.
One of Columbus’ premier spots for all things comics and tabletop games, The Laughing Ogre offers regular author events, midnight comic releases and more.
Small Talk
3337 N. High St.
A clothing and homegoods boutique with the same progressive ethos that, in part, defines the neighborhood it calls home, Small Talk leans into items that are both ethically-sourced and inclusive.
Clintonville Books
3286 N. High St.
This relatively new High Street bookseller keeps the indie spirit alive as well, with owner Grant Sabatier crafting it in the image of New York City neighborhood shops, complete with a rare books case hawking first editions and hard to find titles.
Drinks and Dining
Preston’s: A Burger Joint
2973 N. High St.
One of Columbus most beloved burger concepts continues to thrive outside of its North Market birthplace. Expect indulgent smash burgers with a culinary twist, in addition to one the city’s most underrated chicken sandwiches, and meatless options that are also worth a hike up North High.
Jenny’s Diner
4768 N. High St.
A longtime Columbus restaurant scene veteran–and former Tee Jaye’s Country Place employee–has launched a cozy little diner of her own, in the community she calls her own, as well.
Dough Mama
3335 N. High St.
Really good pie. Need we say more? Dough Mama has been serving up some of the best pies–like Brown Butter Pumpkin and Buckeye Cream–alongside delectable breakfast fare and bakery items for a decade.
Portia’s Cafe
4428 Indianola Ave.
For more than a decade, Portia Yiamouyiannis’ eponymous cafe (and its cozy, quietly eccentric interior) has served as a touchstone for vegetarian and vegan diners on the City’s North Side.
O’Reilly’s Pub
2822 N. High St.
Every good neighborhood needs a good dive bar, and O’Reily’s Pub is a great one, boasting cheap drinks, a classic jukebox, plenty of booths and a surprisingly-delicious food menu complete with a fried bologna sandwich and their signature meatloaf.
Two Tigers Coffee
3341 N. High St.
Bigger isn’t always better, and Two Tigers proves that. Squeezed into a tiny retail space, the newer Columbus coffee shop pulls off a cozy-cool interior–plus really good drinks–with aplomb.
Cornerstone Deli & Cafe
3296 N. High St.
For the better part of 20 years, Cornerstone has served, will, a little bit of everything, from sushi and sandwiches to wraps, rice bowls and seafood. Complete with all-brick exterior and a space for indoor diners, this Clintonville eatery is the Platonic ideal of the neighborhood deli.
Next Door Neighbors
Old North
Must try: Understory, 2571 Neil Ave.
Linworth
Must try: JT’s Pizza & Pub, 2390 W. Dublin Granville Rd.
Maize-Morse
Must try: Saraga International Grocery, 1265 Morse Rd.
Northland
Must try: Riziki Swahili Grill, 1872 Tamarack Cir.
A Local’s Perspective
“Clintonville feels more like a small town than a city neighborhood. On a typical Saturday morning, I wake to the sound of neighbors walking their dogs and strolling with their kids. I head to the farmer’s market, picking up fresh produce and flowers from local farms. A stop at Dough Mama for a coffee and biscuit, and. On the way home, I wander through antique shops, chat and swing by Clintonville Cobblery to pick up my freshly repaired shoes. And somehow, it’s all before noon!”
–Ciara Ganoe
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