Loops — Restaurant in Columbus

I ate a pleasant meal yesterday [7-1-2022] at LOOPS Chicago Style Eatery [at 1629 Northwest Blvd.] in the "Fifth by Northwest" neighborhood of Columbus.

I have ridden past LOOPS many times, during the past several years, on the #3 COTA bus, but I had never been able to figure out if they are indeed open when I pass because of the consistently-low level of lighting in their dining room.

Before leaving my apartment yesterday, I visited their website and made my food choices; I then took a #3 COTA bus to travel there. Had they been closed, I would have eaten at one of the many other restaurants in the "Fifth by Northwest" neighborhood.

My food choices [that I had made in advance of my visit] had been a "Chicago Fire Dog" [served with "fire slaw" and "sport peppers" on a poppy seed bun] and Spanakopita [fresh spinach, feta cheese, and onions wrapped and baked in filo dough]. I also ordered a small container of Tzatziki sauce [for a small additional charge] to eat alternately with my spanakopita.

The spanakopita had been quite difficult to eat because it had been served in an aluminum-foil-lined basket and the only available eating utensils had been plastic.

It had been nearly impossible for me to successfully cut the spanakopita into bite-size pieces without also cutting into the foil [and thereby risk touching my knife to the table immediately below my basket]. I had to be exceedingly careful to make sure that each bite of spanakopita did not contain a piece of aluminum foil.

Exacerbating the difficulty of eating the spanakopita had been that the filo dough had been microwaved [rather than heated in a regular oven] with the result that it had been nearly impossible for me to separate the cut pieces of spanakopita from the remainder of the spanakopita without inadvertently picking up the entire piece, burning myself on a hanging-down-and-still-partially-connected piece, and/or tearing the aluminum foil further.

I am quite interested that much of the food that LOOPS sells is Greek yet one would never guess that based on their name.

The next time I visit LOOPS, I plan to order something besides spanakopita; I definitely plan to order and eat something that is specifically Greek, for example, a gyro...

The guy was not exactly honest about the pricing. I was only expecting to pay about 11-12 bucks, then my total came to $14.99. I ordered the Titan which is priced at $7.95 and the combo which is $3.35 and comes with a choice side and 16 oz. drink. The menu showed for a side salad or falafel, it is an additional $1.25.

After glancing over the sides list, I asked if the combo included the chili fries; which were on sides menu, he said, yes, and asked if I wanted mustard,onions, and cheese; not specifying any extra charge neither the menu, to which I said, yes, and in the end never handed or even offered me a receipt.

The guy was a fast talker; which I project had slight undertones of impatience masked with friendliness, in turn made me feel I couldn't ask why my total came to what it was. I acknowledge that's my own fault, but at the time I didn't really care enough anyway to ask, until I tasted the food.

I think they really bank on Guy Fieri visiting them 3 years ago to help with their business pull; as they have posters of he and his visit all over the wall; funny enough while eating, I overheard his visit mentioned; rolls eyes. The food? Meat was chewy, greasy and bland, and my pita broke half way through the course. The fries were crisp and fresh, but the chili was luke warm at best.

I've been there once before and it was fine, but this time around, I found was over priced for the food I was served. Never again for me. I don't like unclear pricing and paying for poorly prepared, cold,unhealthy,...

RUN! Don't walk, to Loops! We loved this place. Saw it featured on Diner's Drive-Ins, and Dives, and knew we needed to go. We love Chicago Dogs and beef dip sammies, and I personally love gyros, so we immediately agreed that the next time we were in Cbus we'd go. IT. DID. NOT. Disappoint! Everything was made to order, and was hot, fresh, and delicious. We had the chicken Gyro, Italian beef (mild), Loops dog, chili cheese dog, and fries. OMG was everything so good. The hot dog was so tasty, and the toppings were plentiful (my personal fav dish that we tried). Beef dip was huge, and again, plentiful. Gyro, not to sound repetitive, but it was yummy, and plentiful! I mean everything was a more than adequate serving, with meat/bread/topping ratios being perfect. Fries were so good we went back for a second order to eat on the way home. And all of this for a mere $25!!! I seriously love Chicago, and the food, and I actually felt like I was eating in Chicago, if only for a moment. All of the staff were friendly and engaging, and the place just had a nice chill vibe to it. It was clean, and had seating for maybe 30? Do yourself a favor and make a point to visit Loops, the next time you are anywhere neat the Short North. You...