What is a “Mom & Pop” restaurant? Well, it’s probably family owned, has been in the same spot for decades, and it is most definitely a place that serves delicious homemade food and a cozy inviting atmosphere. Columbus has lots of such places! We love these spots and we’re so glad to show them the support they need to keep serving up their fantastic foods for years to come. Check out these 10 excellent Mom & Pop restaurants in Columbus.
- Katalina’s
Evanes S./Yelp
Jess H./Yelp Home of the original Pancake Balls, Katalina’s is definitely a favorite eatery in Columbus. It sits in a 100-year-old gas station and it’s a great local spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The food is homemade with a Latin and Southern vibe, and is made with local and ethical ingredients.
Katalina’s is located at 1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
- Dough Mama Cafe & Bakery
Michael M./Yelp
Meg H./Yelp This wonderful little joint opened just last year, but it already feels like a classic. The establishment features the most simple of styles, taking you back to a time of simple diners and cafeterias. The food, while traditional, is made with a wonderful modern touch. Dough Mama is a bakery specializing in artisanal pie, and a great place to find brunch items.
Dough Mama Cafe and Bakery is located at 3335 N High St., Columbus, OH 43202.
- Jack & Benny’s
Nathan L./Yelp
Holly Jo J/Yelp This is the place for that quick, classic diner-style breakfast. Roll out of bed and head on over for your very own “Gus Buster” portion. Jack and Benny’s is a true local favorite. With it’s quick service, it’s never too long until your next plate of egg and gravy heaven.
Jack & Benny’s has several locations: 2563 North High St., Columbus, Ohio 43202 12 East Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215 2160 West Case Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43235
- Rubino’s Pizza
Meghan Y./Yelp
Cherie L./Yelp Rubino’s is a long-time local favorite that serves Italian-style thin crust pizza. This place has been feeding pizza-craving locals for more than 50 years! It’s a simple old-fashioned cash-only pizzeria with some of the most delicious pies in town.
Rubino’s Pizza is located at 2643 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43209.
- Katzinger’s Delicatessen
Kevin D./Yelp
Angela S./Yelp With a motto like “Matzo Ballin’ since 1984,” you know this place is great and has a fun vibe. The idea behind the deli is simple - great sandwiches served in two sizes to fit any budget and appetite. The work that goes into creating the amazing ingredients is anything but simple. Their chicken comes from Amish families at Gerber Farms, the Emmentaler cheese is Swiss imported, and the brisket is marinated for 48 hours prior to roasting!
Katzinger’s Delicatessen is located at 475 S 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215.
- Starliner Diner
Madelyn A./Yelp
J W./Yelp Starliner Diner features a big menu with the perfect dish for everyone. They have an award-winning breakfast and brunch menu, with incredible meals like the Farmer’s Omelette and the Breakfast Burrito with Chorizo. The menu also has a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Starliner Diner is located at 4121 Main St., Hilliard, OH 43026.
- Buckeye Donuts
David K./Yelp
Anna L./Yelp Buckeye Donuts has been a staple of campus and Columbus life for years. Besides selling a huge assortment of delicious donuts, they also serve a variety of gyros. The place is open 24 hours a day, making it the perfect destination when you’re craving a gyro and a side of paprika tossed french fries after a late night out or a sweet treat for those midnight sugar cravings.
Buckeye Donuts is located at 1998 N High St., Columbus, OH 43201.
- Nancy’s Home Cooking
Cassie Rachelle R./Yelp
Andy B./Yelp Nancy’s might just be as close to Mom’s home cooking as you can get. Since 1968, this place has been providing the neighborhood with a super friendly, super cozy, super yummy spot to gather and dine together. Nancy’s opens up early to make sure they have time to feed you before your busy day begins.
Nancy’s Home Cooking is located at 3133 N High St., Columbus, OH 43202.
- The Pizza House
Yelp/ Matthew V.
Matthew V./Yelp Even after being in business for more than 50 years, The Pizza House still offers traditional homemade pizza with fresh ingredients and dough made in-house. Over the years, they have also added some delicious newer items, including White Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Pesto Pizza, and pizza with gluten-free crust.
The Pizza House is located at 747 E Lincoln Ave., Columbus, OH 43229.
- Talita’s Southwest Cafe
Owner/Yelp
Owner/Yelp For Tex-Mex dishes prepared using traditional family recipes, look no further than Talita’s. Here you’ll find all your favorites, including enchiladas, tacos, and salads. Make sure you also try their coney dogs- they’re big, meaty dogs with coney sauce, cheese, onion, and mustard.
Talita’s Southwest Cafe is located at 1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 110E, Columbus, OH 43215.
Have you been to these places? Which one is your favorite? Where do you go when you just need a taste of home? Let us know in the comments!
Evanes S./Yelp
Jess H./Yelp
Home of the original Pancake Balls, Katalina’s is definitely a favorite eatery in Columbus. It sits in a 100-year-old gas station and it’s a great local spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The food is homemade with a Latin and Southern vibe, and is made with local and ethical ingredients.
Katalina’s is located at 1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
Michael M./Yelp
Meg H./Yelp
This wonderful little joint opened just last year, but it already feels like a classic. The establishment features the most simple of styles, taking you back to a time of simple diners and cafeterias. The food, while traditional, is made with a wonderful modern touch. Dough Mama is a bakery specializing in artisanal pie, and a great place to find brunch items.
Dough Mama Cafe and Bakery is located at 3335 N High St., Columbus, OH 43202.
Nathan L./Yelp
Holly Jo J/Yelp
This is the place for that quick, classic diner-style breakfast. Roll out of bed and head on over for your very own “Gus Buster” portion. Jack and Benny’s is a true local favorite. With it’s quick service, it’s never too long until your next plate of egg and gravy heaven.
Jack & Benny’s has several locations: 2563 North High St., Columbus, Ohio 43202 12 East Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215 2160 West Case Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43235
Meghan Y./Yelp
Cherie L./Yelp
Rubino’s is a long-time local favorite that serves Italian-style thin crust pizza. This place has been feeding pizza-craving locals for more than 50 years! It’s a simple old-fashioned cash-only pizzeria with some of the most delicious pies in town.
Rubino’s Pizza is located at 2643 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43209.
Kevin D./Yelp
Angela S./Yelp
With a motto like “Matzo Ballin’ since 1984,” you know this place is great and has a fun vibe. The idea behind the deli is simple - great sandwiches served in two sizes to fit any budget and appetite. The work that goes into creating the amazing ingredients is anything but simple. Their chicken comes from Amish families at Gerber Farms, the Emmentaler cheese is Swiss imported, and the brisket is marinated for 48 hours prior to roasting!
Katzinger’s Delicatessen is located at 475 S 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215.
Madelyn A./Yelp
J W./Yelp
Starliner Diner features a big menu with the perfect dish for everyone. They have an award-winning breakfast and brunch menu, with incredible meals like the Farmer’s Omelette and the Breakfast Burrito with Chorizo. The menu also has a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Starliner Diner is located at 4121 Main St., Hilliard, OH 43026.
David K./Yelp
Anna L./Yelp
Buckeye Donuts has been a staple of campus and Columbus life for years. Besides selling a huge assortment of delicious donuts, they also serve a variety of gyros. The place is open 24 hours a day, making it the perfect destination when you’re craving a gyro and a side of paprika tossed french fries after a late night out or a sweet treat for those midnight sugar cravings.
Buckeye Donuts is located at 1998 N High St., Columbus, OH 43201.
Cassie Rachelle R./Yelp
Andy B./Yelp
Nancy’s might just be as close to Mom’s home cooking as you can get. Since 1968, this place has been providing the neighborhood with a super friendly, super cozy, super yummy spot to gather and dine together. Nancy’s opens up early to make sure they have time to feed you before your busy day begins.
Nancy’s Home Cooking is located at 3133 N High St., Columbus, OH 43202.
Yelp/ Matthew V.
Matthew V./Yelp
Even after being in business for more than 50 years, The Pizza House still offers traditional homemade pizza with fresh ingredients and dough made in-house. Over the years, they have also added some delicious newer items, including White Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Pesto Pizza, and pizza with gluten-free crust.
The Pizza House is located at 747 E Lincoln Ave., Columbus, OH 43229.
Owner/Yelp
For Tex-Mex dishes prepared using traditional family recipes, look no further than Talita’s. Here you’ll find all your favorites, including enchiladas, tacos, and salads. Make sure you also try their coney dogs- they’re big, meaty dogs with coney sauce, cheese, onion, and mustard.
Talita’s Southwest Cafe is located at 1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 110E, Columbus, OH 43215.
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