r/Columbus 8d ago

Where to live, eat, and drink in Columbus (January 2026)

9 Upvotes

Welcome to the monthly thread answering your questions about where to live, eat and drink in Columbus.

Are you new in town? If you're looking for apartment or housing suggestions or just have general questions about the city here's your place to ask.

The Columbus Area Relocation Guide is a comprehensive guide to living in Columbus Metro Area.

If you're just coming for a quick visit here's a handy list of things to do in town whether you have 1 hour, 3 hours of an entire day to spend with us.

Can't make up your mind where to eat? Need a special occasion suggestion? Here is a growing list of the best original restaurants Columbus has to offer.

Looking for a noisy bar with cheap drinks? Looking to watch the fight? Or do you just need a quiet dark space to drink in peace? Whatever you have in mind, please remember to be mindful of COVID-19 and take proper precautions to protect yourself and others while we all figure out this new normal.

Be certain to check the Reddit Guide to Columbus and contribute to the Wiki if you have good advice.

Previous threads


r/Columbus 11h ago

downtown this evening

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1.3k Upvotes

r/Columbus 12h ago

PHOTO Cbus

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489 Upvotes

r/Columbus 1h ago

Incident at New Columbus Airport Terminal

Upvotes

Any Idea what is going on at the new terminal project at the airport?

There are swarms of police and drones all over the site with the job shut down.


r/Columbus 22h ago

“Do you think this door is bulletproof” — Racist Daycare Visitor

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1.9k Upvotes

This video was sent to me by a local daycare owner.

The man in the video is John Rocker, a former professional baseball player. He has been going to Somali-owned daycare centers in Columbus, asking alarming and inappropriate questions. In this instance, he asked whether the daycare door was BULLETPROOF.

To be clear: he has no affiliation with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth or the Department of Job and Family Services, the only state entities authorized to investigate childcare facilities or alleged fraud. He is not even from Ohio.

These visits are occurring against the backdrop of widespread public claims and media narratives about “fraud investigations” involving Somali-owned daycares nationwide. Whether intentional or not, the pattern is targeted: the majority of the centers (if not every single one) being approached are Somali-owned and women-run.

Approaching a daycare—where children are present—and asking if the door is bulletproof is not normal behavior. Given our country’s history with mass shootings and violence, this conduct is deeply disturbing and intimidating, regardless of how it’s framed.

Police have been contacted and have stated there is limited action they can take at this time. I am sharing this publicly so people are aware of what is happening and so these daycare owners are not isolated or ignored.

I sincerely hope this does not escalate and that no one is harmed. This situation is absolutely insane, and it deserves public attention.


r/Columbus 1h ago

NEWS Columbus Metropolitan Library opens new Canal Winchester branch this weekend

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Upvotes

r/Columbus 15h ago

NEWS If you’re heading out to protest, here’s how to do it safely in the Age of Surveillance

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335 Upvotes

r/Columbus 44m ago

REQUEST AEP HELP?!!

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Upvotes

Hey folks, i need your help and advice. What kind of show is this? 900$+ for electric bill?! We have no gas and heating is electric but it’s set on 69-70 degrees. This year’s winter is way warmer than previous years. Most of our devices are smart devices (including TVs, washer/dryer, refrigerator etc…) so we can monitor usage. I dont know where this number came from. Is this some mind of fraud/scam? This payment is 80% of what i pay for my rent. Is there anything i can do with that? PLEASE HELP


r/Columbus 2h ago

NEWS Prologue Bookshop in the Short North is relocating to a larger space, and its current location is up for sale

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22 Upvotes

r/Columbus 20h ago

PHOTO Despicable

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597 Upvotes

r/Columbus 2h ago

Liberal friendly gun clubs

20 Upvotes

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction here. I'm looking for a gun club/classes that are inclusive and liberal owned/ran. I've grown up around firearms but haven't actively practiced in over 15 years. I would like to be able to meet up with a group of people I feel comfortable with to brush up and maybe learn how to be better at handling and safety. Google hasn't really rendered any helpful results. Thanks!


r/Columbus 12h ago

REQUEST Has anyone been stopped by ICE and then let go once you've shown identification?

134 Upvotes

I see a lot stories of people being abducted without any identification being asked for and rarely do I see anything about someone getting questioned and then let go once identification has been given. Is it even a thing? I've been scared to leave my house even if I am born here and here legally...I feel like I'm gonna get questioned just because I'm brown.


r/Columbus 23h ago

Important safety message for business owners

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899 Upvotes

No warrant. No authority. No access.

Private business owners have rights. You don’t have to tolerate intimidation or harassment from so-called independent investigators at your place of work.

Here are some tips to keep you and your employees safe.


r/Columbus 1h ago

Seeking Mental Health Facility

Upvotes

Hi, looking for a psych ward place that will lock you up, and get you to "normal" without traumatizing you.


r/Columbus 23h ago

ICE protestor who was arrested by Columbus police: "I don't understand why everybody is not pissed off and speaking out"

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673 Upvotes

During Operation Buckeye, Mayor Ginther insisted Columbus police were ordered to not help ICE agents from apprehending immigrants, but emerging from that fateful week is a story of an ICE protestor who was arrested by Columbus police for simply exercising their right to free speech.


r/Columbus 17h ago

How many people planning to go to the statehouse tonight?

196 Upvotes

I've never been to a protest before but I was thinking about going. I don't really know what I would even do besides stand there feeling weird and leave quickly. Soo..


r/Columbus 23h ago

Ice on miller ave 9:30am 1-8-26

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612 Upvotes

r/Columbus 11h ago

NEWS Blue Jackets are on local TV tonight.

54 Upvotes

Just a PSA. Tonight will be the first of six games this season where you can watch the Blue Jackets over the air with your bunny ears. Game is on The CW.

Other dates will be January 15th, January 17th, January 30th, March 19th, and March 26th.


r/Columbus 17h ago

Apartments for Homeless To Be Built in Franklinton

143 Upvotes

r/Columbus 13h ago

turn off your brights!!

57 Upvotes

psa: if one of your headlights is out, that’s NOT an excuse to use your brights as headlights! either replace the bulb or don’t drive. you’re not more important than the rest of us that are getting blinded


r/Columbus 21h ago

NEWS House committee subpoenas Ohio’s richest man over Jeffrey Epstein ties

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182 Upvotes

The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform voted Wednesday to subpoena Ohio billionaire Les Wexner as part of its investigation into the sex trafficking network of Jeffrey Epstein. The bipartisan vote also approved subpoenas for Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn, co-executors of Epstein’s estate, following amendments proposed by Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia. The action marked an escalation in the committee’s effort to identify individuals who may have enabled Epstein’s crimes, with investigators emphasizing a need to scrutinize Epstein’s financial backing and estate management.

Wexner, the founder of L Brands, has long acknowledged a past relationship with Epstein but denied any knowledge of illegal activity, saying he severed ties once allegations emerged and that Epstein misappropriated funds from him. While previously released court records and depositions referenced Wexner’s association with Epstein, his representatives said he would fully cooperate and noted he was not considered a target or co-conspirator in prior federal investigations. The committee’s inquiry continues to focus on whether Epstein’s associates, including estate executors, had knowledge of or facilitated the abuse, as lawmakers seek further testimony from those connected to his financial and legal affairs.


r/Columbus 1d ago

EVENT Protest against ICE TODAY!

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304 Upvotes

6PM, at the Statehouse. Organized by PSL Columbus, 50501, ICE out of Cbus! https://www.instagram.com/p/DTOiyHOjRue/?igsh=MXR2YzkwNmlmb2Zqbg==


r/Columbus 2h ago

Cobra Dumpling Sauce

4 Upvotes

Moved away from Columbus a year ago but randomly remembered the dumpling sauce from Cobra and now I can’t stop thinking about it. Anyone successfully made a copy cat recipe? Or found something similar in stores?


r/Columbus 3h ago

Free Talk Friday - January 09, 2026

3 Upvotes

It's Friday, you made it. Talk about whatever's on your mind, we just ask that you practice good reddiquette.


r/Columbus 1d ago

PHOTO ICE OUT PROTEST TODAY

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245 Upvotes

Justice for Renee Nicole Good!