Bodega — Restaurant in Columbus

A Short North Gem for Beer Lovers and Foodies Alike Nestled in the vibrant Short North Arts District, Bodega truly stands out as a neighborhood staple. It's the kind of place that effortlessly blends a lively bar atmosphere with seriously good food, making it a perfect spot whether you're looking for a casual happy hour or a delicious brunch. What immediately catches your eye are the 47 taps and 150+ beers on offer. If you're a craft beer enthusiast, you'll be in heaven, with a constantly rotating selection that encourages discovery. Even if you're not a beer geek, their carefully crafted cocktails are sure to please. The daily happy hour is a fantastic deal, offering half-off drafts, which is a great way to try something new. Beyond the impressive drink menu, Bodega surprises with its inventive American pub fare. Don't expect just your average bar food here. Their brunch, in particular, gets rave reviews, with options like the "Bodega 'Big Mic'" and Steak & Egg Tacos often highlighted. Even their "bar snacks" are elevated, and while the tables can be a bit small for a full spread, the quality makes up for it. For dinner, you'll find everything from a classic burger to Thai Peanut Bowls and Shrimp 'N Cheddar Grits, showcasing a diverse and appealing menu. The atmosphere is consistently described as lively and fun, with an intimate setting that's great for celebrations or just catching up with friends. On Saturdays, they even have "Toast and Jams" with a live DJ during brunch, adding to the energetic vibe. The outdoor patio is perfect for people-watching on High Street when the weather is nice. While some have noted that portions can sometimes feel a bit small for the price, the overall consensus is that the food is amazing and the service is often impeccable. The staff is known for being friendly and attentive, contributing to a memorable visit. In a neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques, and diverse dining, Bodega holds its own as a must-visit. It's a testament to the Short North's revitalization, offering a welcoming and enjoyable experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're craving a unique brew or a satisfying meal,...

Originally written in 2008, two owners ago.

This place is not as great as other reviewers are saying. First of all, I know some bike messengers, and I've never seen a one of them here. Have I seen well-to-do hipster/wannabes with their $1k single speeds here? Yes. That's quite different. Paying that much for a bike is entirely contradictory to the ethical reasons behind riding a bike in the first place.

Secondly, the beer selection at Mad Mex is just as good, they had (and still do) the same happy hour special before Bodega even opened (plus 1/2 price wings), plus they rotate new beers in more frequently (at least once, often twice, per week). Oh, and you never have to deal with the crowd of trendy numbnuts at Mad Mex.

The food at Bodega is mediocre at best. Every time I ride by there I ask myself what in the hell those people see in the place. The answer is they see it as a place to see and be seen. People go here because it's a "hot spot" at the moment. It's nearly impossible to get a seat, and the fact of the matter is there just isn't anything here worth standing for. There ain't a damn thing special about it.

Once the scenesters have moved on to the next trendy locale this place will be far less crowded and people will start wondering why they went there in the first place when they actually have to base their decision on the quality of food they are getting for the price they are paying.

Trendy junk. Steer clear if you want a real dining experience, or a real atmosphere in which to drink a...

I visited Bodega on a Saturday night with friends. The staff were friendly and attentive. They assisted us with finding a table when we booked a reservation incorrectly.The restaurant decor was nice. The food was good as well. The Buffalo Chicken Dip was an 8/10. I would give the Cripsy Chicken Sandwich (Nashville Hot Chicken Style) a 7/10. I liked the sauce but the chicken itself wasn’t very well seasoned, though it was nicely cooked. The fries were an 8/10 with a good balance of crispiness and flavor. The Moscow Mule was also an 8/10. The taste was good. I didn’t feel as much of a buzz as I usually do with a mule, but that could have been due to me drinking my cocktail a little slower than usual. I would order the drink again.

A few critiques are that they were out of white wine and therefore couldn’t make a drink one of my friends was interested in. They also switched the vibe of the restaurant around 10 o’clock. It took on more of a bar/club scene. Staff stationed themselves at the door and began checking people’s I.D.’s prior to entry and a DJ started playing really loud music that made it difficult to hear one another as we talked at our table. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. The DJ sounded good. It just wasn’t the setting we were looking for. It would have been nice if the staff would have communicated this switch to us a few minutes prior or when we arrived, so we’d have a heads up.

Overall, I enjoyed my visit and I...