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5 restaurants showing lively dining scene in Columbus

Columbus' dining scene has seen several new additions recently.

Dave’s Hot Chicken adds bold flavors and lively decor, serving spicy chicken sliders with crispy fries and distinctive kale slaw. Over on Broadway, Me Encanta Modern Mexican Cuisine gives traditional favorites a fresh spin, delighting guests with ribeye al pastor, churro cheesecake, and vibrant murals. For those who love sweets, Chilango Pride Bakery offers Mexican pastries like conchas and mantecada, winning fans with generous portions and affordable prices.

Soon, the New York Butcher Shoppe will combine a full butcher, restaurant, and grocery, promising custom steaks and a casual shopping experience. The newly remodeled Harvest Coffee Co. also stands out, doubling as a community hub, boutique, and gathering space for locals.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has officially opened in Columbus, Georgia. It’s located at 5279 Whittlesey Blvd. 01/28/2025 By Mike Haskey

NO. 1: WE ATE AT DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN. HERE’S OUR REVIEW OF THE RESTAURANT’S NEW COLUMBUS LOCATION

As I walked into the restaurant the smell of spices hit me, and I couldn’t help but say, “This smells good.” | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison

Me Encanta, translating to “I love it” in English, aims to bring an elevated twist on Mexican cuisine as a new restaurant in Columbus, offering an upscale dining experience for a reasonable price. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 2: RAVE REVIEWS FOR THIS NEW COLUMBUS RESTAURANT, BRINGING MODERN TWISTS TO LOVED CLASSICS

“We tell the kitchen to cook like you’re doing it for your family members,” the general manager said. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Harvest Coffee Co., located at 2910 2nd Ave. in Columbus, Georgia, has undergone a complete renovation of their coffee shop and worship center. The space includes a renovated dining space, worship center and a women’s boutique housed in one building. 03/06/2025 By Mike Haskey

NO. 3: LOCAL COLUMBUS COFFEE SHOP TRANSFORMS TO BETTER SERVE COMMUNITY NEEDS. SEE INSIDE.

This renovation aims to foster community connections and provide essential support to those in need, owners say. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

New York Butcher Shoppe is coming this summer to Maple Village, 8186 Veterans Parkway in Columbus. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 4: AN ALL-IN-ONE BUTCHER SHOP, RESTAURANT AND GROCERY STORE IS COMING TO COLUMBUS

“I’m grateful for the way Columbus has embraced my wife and my family and has taken care of us,” franchise owner Michael Harrell said. “I pray to God they enjoy this next venture here.” | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Chilango Pride Bakery on Hamilton Road in Columbus bakes Mexican bread and a variety of pastries and desserts. Ledger-Enquirer reporters taste-tested several different items on the menu. By Mike Haskey

NO. 5: HAVE A SWEET TOOTH? HERE’S OUR REVIEW OF THIS HIDDEN GEM OF A BAKERY IN COLUMBUS

Ledger-Enquirer photo chief Mike Haskey treated colleagues to these sweet treats. Between mouthfuls and during mouthfuls, they told him what they thought. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mike Haskey

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.