Local

From late-night bites to classic BBQ: Columbus restaurants you can check out now or soon

This collection of stories spotlights several options in the dining scene in Columbus, showcasing both new restaurant openings and classic favorites making a comeback. In Columbus, Skipper's Seafood collaborates with Chester's BBQ to create a unique menu experience, blending seafood with barbecue offerings. The Seed Coffee and Cafe expands its presence near the Chattahoochee River, providing locals with a new coffee and lunch option.

Additionally, Uptown Columbus anticipates the opening of Munchies, a late-night eatery catering to the nocturnal hunger cravings of its residents. The arrival of Gabagool brings Italian-American cuisine infused with pop culture references to the vibrant area of Uptown. Rounding out these exciting developments, Columbus welcomes a French-Asian bakery, Tous Les Jours. Meanwhile, Mizu Ramen Bar undergoes a transformation to become Red 8 Kitchen, offering a diverse menu with Chinese comfort foods. Read the stories below.

A new coffee spot is open in Columbus a stone’s throw away from the roaring waters of the Chattahoochee River. The Seed Coffee and Cafe located at The Rapids on Front Avenue is open for its first full week of serving coffee, sandwiches and more to the Columbus community. 01/02/2025

NO. 1: NEW COFFEE SHOP AND CAFE OPENS IN COLUMBUS A STONE’S THROW FROM THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

“This is a beautiful part of Columbus that’s just up and coming and there’s a lot of people that I think could use our service here.” | Published January 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison

The long awaited return of Clearview BBQ is finally here, and the Columbus community has come out in droves to again taste ​their barbecue. That includes Ledger-Enquirer reporter Kelby Hutchison.

NO. 2: WE ATE LUNCH AT THE REOPENED CLEARVIEW BBQ IN COLUMBUS. HERE’S OUR REVIEW

Having not had their sandwich for nearly a year and a half, I decided to be gluttonous and ordered four. | Published January 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison

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

NO. 3: 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

Tous Les Jours, a South Asian and French fusion bakery, has banners annoucing their arrival on Whittlesey Blvd. 02/07/25 By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 4: GAMES AND A NEW BAKERY: THESE TWO BUSINESSES ARE COMING TO COLUMBUS’ WHITTLESEY BLVD.

Two new businesses are setting up shop, bringing fresh entertainment and flavors to Columbus. Here’s what we know so far. | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Skipper’s Seafood has leased their restaurant to Chester’s BBQ. The restaurant still will keep the Skipper’s name but will have an expanded menu and be open for longer hours. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 5: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN 2 ICONIC COLUMBUS RESTAURANTS GET TOGETHER? THEY CREATE THIS NEW MENU

A favorite seafood restaurant has leased their space to a popular BBQ business, blending their dishes for a fresh eating experience in town. | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

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. 6: 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

Owners of Uptown Tap, 1024 Broadway, plan to open Munchies at 1020 Broadway. It will be a late-night eatery serving comfort foods like burgers and mac-and-cheese. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 7: LOOKING FOR LATE-NIGHT COMFORT FOOD IN COLUMBUS? THIS FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND EATERY IS COMING

“The only way we’ll strive as a small business is by working with the community,” co-owner Ryan Lake said. | Published March 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Opening soon is Gabagool, 1232 Broadway, a sister restaurant to The Animal Farm, 105 12th St., in Columbus. By Mark Rice

NO. 8: WHAT DO COLUMBUS AND ‘THE SOPRANOS’ HAVE IN COMMON? THIS NEW RESTAURANT OPENING SOON

“What we’re trying to do is high-quality, homemade pastas, Italian sandwiches and stuff in a casual environment,” the owner said. | Published March 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Red 8 Kitchen, 6073 Veterans Parkway, is replacing Mizu Ramen Bar with new management and an expanded menu. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 9: LOCAL COLUMBUS RAMEN SPOT TRANSFORMS WITH NEW OWNERSHIP AND MENU SURPRISES

The new restaurant will be expanding their menu to include more traditional and comfort Chinese food to the Columbus area. | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

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.