Plan for dinner and a show in Downtown Columbus with one of these restaurants that are within walking distance of the Ohio Theatre.
From fancy to casual, there’s a restaurant that’s got what you’re looking for to complete the perfect night out! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or taking the kids out for dinner before or after a matinee, there are plenty of restaurants in Downtown Columbus that will allow you to park just once for dinner and a show.
A few tips for a successful dinner in Downtown Columbus:
- Always make reservations! Restaurants fill up on show nights. If you want to beat the rush, plan to arrive as early as possible.
- I find the easiest parking to be at the Columbus Commons Garage at 55 E. Rich St. in Columbus. There is typically a flat rate for parking in the garage for events.
- Cheaper parking options can be found at the Ohio Statehouse Garage (typically $5) or by finding street parking and using the ParkColumbus App. I’m a huge fan of finding street parking. It’s often only about $3-$4 to park for the evening.
- Always give yourself extra time. If you’re new to Downtown Columbus and finding parking, give yourself at least an extra 30 minutes of wiggle room.
1. Pat & Gracies
- Address: 121 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Walking distance from Ohio Theatre: 0.1 miles
It’s hard to beat Pat & Gracies when it comes to walking distance between the restaurant and the Ohio Theatre! Clocking in at 0.1 miles away and a 2-minute walk, the convenience is unmatched. Here’s how convenient it is: during the big snowstorm in January of 2026, friends and I had dinner plans at a different downtown restaurant before seeing Les Misérables, but after the snow, we moved our reservation here so we didn’t have far to walk!
Luckily, the food is good, too! The burgers are my go-to at Pat & Gracies! I’m a classic burger girl and I think theirs are well-seasoned and delicious.
Another fun pre-show treat is that Pat & Gracies will have themed drinks such as these Les Misérables-inspired cocktails pictured below!
2. Sidebar
- Address: 122 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Walking distance from Ohio Theatre: 0.4 miles
Sidebar is probably our #1 go-to restaurant when it comes to dinner before a show in Downtown Columbus! I hate to pick favorites, but the Happy Hour here is incredible!
The best way to experience Sidebar is with a group of people. The restaurant specializes in tapas, or small plates that are made for sharing. If everyone picks two or three dishes, it’s enough to feed the table.
At the time of writing, the Happy Hour is Monday – Friday, 4:00 – 6:00 pm, dine-in only and it features $9, $10 and $11 tapas and $16 pizzas. There is also a selection of drinks, cocktails and desserts on the Happy Hour Menu.
The ambience in the restaurant feels special, yet it’s not pretentious, and you can dress anywhere from casual to formal and fit right in. (This restaurant is also 0.2 miles from the Southern Theatre, so it’s a great option if you’re seeing a concert with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra or another performance there!)
3. Butcher & Rose
- Address: 155 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Walking distance from Ohio Theatre: 0.3 miles
Butcher & Rose is in a league of its own when it comes to dining in Downtown Columbus. This is more than just eating; it’s an experience. This restaurant has all the vibes you’re looking for in a special night out.
Butcher & Rose is a steakhouse and a Cameron Mitchell Restaurant. There is a dress code here, and the word they use to describe it is “polished”. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or want to make your dinner-and-a-show an experience to remember from start to finish, make your reservation at Butcher & Rose.
Check out this list of 60 date ideas in Columbus for more inspiration!
4. House Taco
- Address: 79 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Walking distance from Ohio Theatre: 0.2 miles
House Taco is another great casual spot to have dinner in Downtown Columbus! The menu is inventive and the vibe is super friendly.
Our whole family ate here after seeing The Nutcracker at the Ohio Theatre on a Sunday afternoon! It’s kid-friendly and they have a Kids Menu for kids age 12 and under.
Don’t let the name fool you, there’s more on the menu here than tacos! (Though you can never go wrong with tacos!) One of my favorite things I’ve had here is the Crispy Rice pictured above! These rice balls were delicious! They also have bowls, nachos and queso mac on the menu. YUM! My stomach is growling just writing this.
Here are some more great taco spots in Columbus!
5. Tiger + Lily
- Address: 19 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Walking distance from Ohio Theatre: 0.3 miles
Tiger + Lily offers a great Asian comfort food experience. If you consider noodles and bone broth comfort food, and I certainly do! Their meals are made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also pretty to look at!
I’ve had several meals at Tiger + Lily and I haven’t been disappointed! A friend and I went recently and just ordered a slew of appetizers from the menu – that was super fun! They also have an interesting selection of bubble teas on the menu.
Tiger + Lily is about a 7-minute walk from the Ohio Theatre, and it’s a great spot for a light dinner before a show.
6. Aracri Pizzeria
- Address: 51 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Walking distance from Ohio Theatre: 0.4 miles
We love the pizza at Aracri Pizzeria on Gay St. In addition to pizza, they also have Italian dishes like calzones, subs, and pasta dishes, including lasagna, rigatoni, and chicken parmigiana with spaghetti. We usually just get pizza and garlic knots! But I have no doubt the other dishes are just as good.
This is a really great option for kid-friendly dining in downtown Columbus if you’re going to see a show with the whole family. (P.S. this restaurant is even closer to the Palace Theatre if you happen to be seeing a show there!) You can also check out my list of things to do with kids in Downtown Columbus to plan an outing!
There are a few tables to sit at towards the back of the restaurant, and in front, the area is lined with bar seating. The space is small, but the vibe is cozy and relaxed. There’s definitely a neighborhood feel here with regulars constantly coming in to pick up takeout. But even if it’s your first time, you’ll feel welcomed and comfortable!
7. The Spaghetti Warehouse
- Address: 150 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Walking distance from Ohio Theatre: 0.1 miles
The new location of The Spaghetti Warehouse on S. High Street is just a 3-minute walk to the Ohio Theatre! It’s a great location for families or large groups to have a meal before a show. The restaurant is super family-friendly, and the menu is filled with comfort food (15-layer lasagna, anyone?!)
If the weather is nice, they have a large windows that open out onto Columbus Commons (which also makes this a really fun place to take in a concert during the summer).
Many people are nostalgic for the previous location of The Spaghetti Warehouse, and we all miss eating in the train car, but the atmosphere of the new location is elevated and feels special in its own new way. Plus, it’s a great destination for a group if you have kids or picky eaters!
Where do you like to eat before a show in Downtown Columbus? Leave a suggestion in the comments!
Follow Us on Social Media!
Save this post on Pinterest!
