
Fresh air may not actually make food taste better, but you can't beat the ambiance. Celebrate the return of patio season at these delightful outdoor dining spots around Columbus.
With a prime spot overlooking Main Street, the patio at The Walrus is often cited as one of the best people-watching venues in Columbus. Mark your calendar for Sunday, 5/17, when The Walrus will be hosting an all-day party for their 11th anniversary with half-off any entree.
Stop in for weekend brunch, featuring creative dishes such as:
The Walrus is open 11 a.m. - midnight daily except Friday and Saturday, when closing time is 2:30 a.m.
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Understory is one school where you won't mind staying after hours. Located in the historic Open Air School just off the scenic Olentangy Trail, Understory features a comfortable Commons that opens onto a dog-friendly patio.
Check out some of the upcoming special events:
Hours are 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday.
Perched atop nine stories, Lincoln Social Rooftop is literally "above it all." The 21-and-over restaurant makes a great choice for post-workday Happy Hour or an elegant yet relaxing dinner.
Try one of their craft cocktails, including:
Hours are 4 - 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Friday, 3 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday, 3 - 10 p.m. Sunday.
Come for the clever name and stay for the stunning views at Stories on High. At 28 stories above ground level, Stories on High boasts the distinction of being the tallest rooftop restaurant in Columbus.
Don't miss the nightly Omakase experience, a chef's-choice seven-course meal that may include dishes such as the following:
Hours are 4 - 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Stories on High is for guests age 21 and up.
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Planning a dinner outing with the family? Skip the fast-food joints and head to Little West Tavern, where Fido is also welcome out on their patio.
Little West Tavern ups their bar-food game with a poutine window on the patio, where you can order the following:
Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week. Visit the website for hours.
Enjoy a beloved German tradition when you dine in the biergarten at Hofbräuhaus Columbus. Friendly servers will provide fresh water for Fido as you sip one of the flagship or seasonal beers from Hofbräuhaus.
Explore classic German cuisine with some of these great dishes:
Hofbräuhaus Columbus is open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. - midnight Saturday.
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Outdoor dining takes on a new dimension at The Boat House's riverfront setting. Panoramic views of the Scioto River and Columbus skyline create a stunning backdrop for a meal showcasing seafood, steaks, and seasonal ingredients.
Start the night out right with a selection from the raw bar:
Dinner is served 4 - 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with weekend brunch available from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cap City Fine Diner & Bar perfectly bridges the distance between past and present. The upscale diner features classic counter seating overlooking the open kitchen as well as a semi-enclosed patio.
The menu levels up comfort food with mouthwatering selections such as:
Cap City Fine Diner & Bar is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Visit the website for hours.
With multiple connected venues in a 20,000-square-foot space, Standard Complex provides endless entertainment for the whole family. In addition to a spacious patio, there's a restaurant, live music bar, and arcade.
Challenge family and friends to one of the games on the pet-friendly patio:
Visit the website for full schedule.
What's your go-to treat when dining outdoors in Columbus?

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