Your guide to food, fun and more in Franklinton
Franklinton, the artistic neighborhood west of the Scioto, thrives on community and camaraderie.
Past & Present
Though Columbus wasn’t officially founded until 1812, a settlement had already been established in 1797 by surveyor Lucas Sullivant on the west bank of the Scioto River. Granted several thousand acres of land, Sullivant set out to build a small town of his own. The area—now known as Franklinton, in honor of Benjamin Franklin—was heavily forested and largely uninhabited, though it had long served as a passageway for Indigenous communities.
It soon became clear why Native Americans no longer lived there. Despite its fertile soil, the land was prone to frequent flooding—and just a year after its founding, the fledgling town of Franklinton was submerged under the Scioto River’s waters.
But, true to form, Franklinton persevered. To attract new residents, Sullivant offered free plots of land to anyone willing to build a home. Many claimed lots along what became known as Gift Street, and by the early 20th century, Franklinton had grown to nearly 30,000 residents. Despite periodic flooding and other hardships, the community continued to thrive.
That resilience was tested again during the Great Flood of 1913, which left more than 20,000 residents homeless. To make matters worse, post-flood investment was restricted by law, preventing homeowners from making necessary repairs. What outsiders would later call “neglect” was, in truth, the result of legal barriers—not community apathy.
A floodwall, completed in 2004, finally offered long-awaited protection and paved the way for revitalization. Today, Franklinton is home to roughly 8,800 residents—many of them artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. The neighborhood stands as a testament to endurance and reinvention, transforming a history of hardship into one of creativity and growth.
Eat
Tommy’s Diner
914 W. Broad St.
Athanasios “Tommy” Pappas grew up in a small village in Greece, where he taught himself to cook. At 21, he was drafted into the Greek army. While on leave, he met his future wife, Kathy, who was visiting from Columbus. She convinced him to make the move, and together they opened Tommy’s Diner on Broad Street. Ever since, locals and visitors alike have lined up for a table, booth, or barstool to enjoy some of the best classic diner fare in town. Though Tommy has passed, his son Michael proudly continues the diner’s beloved legacy.
Sweeney’s Tavern
500 W. Walnut St.
Jim Sweeney, former executive director of the Franklinton Development Association, transformed a historic home into a cozy neighborhood tavern with a 1950s flair—an homage to Franklinton’s post–World War II glory days. Here, you’ll find friendly faces, bartenders spinning vinyl, and even a rotating Malört shot on the menu.
The Original Josie’s Pizza
894 W. Broad St.
Family-owned and operated since 1959, this no-frills spot on W. Broad Street serves up quintessential Columbus-style pizza. If you don’t see the pepperoni on top, that’s on purpose—the Catalfina family discovered early on that layering it beneath the cheese locks in more flavor, letting the pepperoni’s juices infuse their signature homemade dough.
Milo’s Deli
401 W. Town St.
While Michael Pappas now owns the aforementioned Tommy’s Diner, his brother, Louie Pappas, has resurrected Milo’s, which initially opened in 1999 but switched to catering only 15 years later. But now, the deli is back and better than ever before, located inside of the old Strongwater space. Deli cases filled with antipasti and sides, their famous pressed paninis, made-to-order sandwiches on homemade schiacciata bread, and even a full bar and dining room to lounge and leisurely dine await their old and new fans.
Explore
Franklinton Fridays
400 West Rich
As one of Columbus’ most vibrant arts districts, Franklinton comes alive every second Friday of the month from 6–10 p.m. during Franklinton Fridays. Artists and makers open their studios, galleries, and streets for an evening of creativity, connection, and community. Hundreds gather to browse, shop, and support local talent—and you’re invited to join in.
Land-Grant Wintergarden
424 W. Town St.
Each winter, Land-Grant Brewing transforms its outdoor extension into a whimsical wonderland. The Wintergarden offers igloos, brewery curling, ice bumper cars, and winter leagues—a perfect showcase of Franklinton’s playful spirit and community energy.
Columbus Glass Art Center
892 Scott St.
Ever wanted to play with fire, quite literally? You can here. This comprehensive glass-making facility, directly behind Tommy’s Diner, encompasses molten glass, casting, fusing, neon, stained glass, coldworking, and torchworking. They offer state-of-the art facilities for glass artists in all stages of their practice, including classes, public programs, exhibition, and retail space.
COSI
333 W. Broad St.
Named the No. 1 science museum in the entire country by USA Today, we’re lucky to have The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Franklinton. Along with interactive displays and exhibits for all ages, COSI offers an “After Dark” event for ages 21+ every second Thursday of every month, where adults are encouraged to lean into activities, games, and experiences, all with a cocktail in hand. Admission isn’t free, but their outside playground and green space are!
Shop
Rich St. Records
554 W. Rich St.
Formerly known as Roots Records, this 20-year-old shop offers an eclectic mix of new and used vinyl spanning reggae, house, jungle, drum & bass, hip-hop, rock, metal, soul, and R&B. Regular live DJ sets and listening parties make Rich St. Records as much a cultural hub as it is a music store.
400 West Rich
400 West Rich
This creative cornerstone of Columbus, known as 400 West Rich, is home to an ever-evolving community of artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. The century-old building houses studios and offices for vintage dealers, photographers, painters, jewelers, and more. Visitors are welcome by appointment—and most spaces open up for Franklinton Fridays. Think of it as an intimate indoor market filled with some of the city’s most inspired minds.
Franklinton Cycle Works
897 W. Broad St.
New, used, and even electronic bikes can be found at this community bike shop, but don’t expect to stop in with an exact make and model in mind, for it’s donation-based. But even cooler, they offer their shop space, stands, and tools completely free of cost to anyone who needs a place, and the means, to repair their bikes. Volunteers are even on hand to share their knowledge and experience.
Franklinton Farms
867 W. Town St. & Surrounding Markets
Sure, you’ve seen farms surrounding Columbus, but have you seen one almost Downtown? Franklinton Farms is an urban farm with a mission to fight food insecurity around Franklinton. The nonprofit grows beautiful produce to then be donated and delivered around the community or sold at local markets. If you see small but abundant farm plots scattered around Franklinton, odds are high that these are feeding the community. Along with placing an online order, you can also visit the U-PICK Garden at Town St. and Martin, where people can pick their own veggies, flowers, and herbs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, open to all with no questions asked.
Next Door Neighborhoods
Hilltop
Must try: Westside Slice, 958 Demorest Rd.
Westgate
Must try: Joseppi’s Pizza, 3179 Sullivant Ave.
Lincoln Village
Must try: Tony’s Coneys, 5266 W. Broad St.
Cherry Creek
Must try: Las Tapias Birria, 530 Norton Ctr.
A Local’s Perspective
“Franklinton is unique and special from so many perspectives. It has always been a community of grit, determination, and tenacity. Why it continues to be so unique and special today is not just about the incredible redevelopment work happening, but much more about the close fabric of residents, businesses, and organizations that call this neighborhood home, whether they’ve been here 60 years or six months. I’ve never lived anyplace else where my family and I have felt so connected and part of what’s going on. I discovered this community in 2006, and now I am a Franklintonian for life.” – Trent E. Smith
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