Red Door Tavern — Restaurant in Columbus

I ate a very pleasant meal yesterday [8-18-2022] at Red Door Tavern.

As a "Google Maps Local Guide," I have been focusing a lot lately on restaurants in the 43212 Zip Code. Red Door Tavern is the furthest-west of the many restaurants in that Zip Code [a portion of which is known as the "Fifth by Northwest" neighborhood of Columbus] of which I am currently aware.

I had arrived at Red Door Tavern during the middle of the afternoon while no one else had been there [except for one staff member]. Their "OPEN" sign had not been illuminated and it had been quite dark inside but I pulled on the door handle [wondering if it would open]; the door opened and I was immediately escorted to a table.

I had been the only customer at that restaurant for the first half an hour or so; eventually, another customer [who I assume is a "regular"] arrived and sat at the bar so there had been two customers.

I had studied the Red Door Tavern menu -- on-line -- in advance of my visit [which I always appreciate being able to do before arriving at a restaurant].

My food choice [that I had made in advance and then had confirmed by looking at the printed menu before actually ordering] had been Buffalo Chicken: a six-ounce chicken breast, grilled or fried, dipped in Buffalo sauce, served with lettuce and tomato, on a Kaiser bun, topped with crumbled bleu cheese.

Also served with my Buffalo Chicken sandwich had been an absolutely huge order of fries that had been cooked perfectly. Rounding out my meal had been two large glasses of ice water that had been absolutely essential given the hot weather outside.

Red Door Tavern has been in business since 1964 so they have a long history in that neighborhood. Since they are located on a narrow strip of Columbus between Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights, their "Burger" menu includes an "Arlington Burger" [named for Upper Arlington] and a "Bobcat Burger" [named for the Grandview Heights High School mascot].

I have driven or ridden past Red Door Tavern many times, since they had opened in 1964, without ever having visited there; I am glad that I actually ate there yesterday.

If you are looking for a delicious meal at a restaurant that has a long history in the "Fifth by Northwest" neighborhood of Columbus, I strongly recommend Red...

We have been exploring locations that are new to us. On Tuesday, the 31st of May, we went to the Red Door Tavern. The Red Door is more a neighborhood place than a classic dive bar. Parking is at the rear of the building, as is a really nice patio. On the back of the building is the "Red Door ."The menu is pretty extensive, and they have a daily special. Tuesdays, the special was a meatloaf dinner. We ordered a French Dip and a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. The sandwiches came with the chips, but I substituted onion rings. The shredded beef in the French dip was moist and favorable. The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich was not overly spicy or messy and came with crumbled blue cheese. The onion rings were a suitable porion. The rings were crisp on the outside and moist and favorable on the inside; in other words, just right.

We were experiencing our first trip to the Red Door Tavern, but this is on our return to list. Service was fast, and the server was attentive without hovering. They had a good selection of pies, but by then, we were stuffed.

We went to the Red Door again on Tuesday, October 1. We were surprised that they were busy this early in the week, but the service was very fast. We seated ourselves, and our server was right there with menus and tool drink orders. I ordered a medium-rare cheeseburger, and my wife asked for Italian beef without peppers. We shared an order of sweet potato fries. Our dinner was out quickly and was exactly like what we ordered. My Burger was substantial and delicious. My wife felt the same way I did. This is a neighborhood place with great food and an extensive menu. They also have a nightly special. A little on the dive bar side pulse, they have an oversized patio...

Rediscovering Red Door Tavern after a long while was a decision that left us absolutely delighted. Starving and in search of a satisfying meal, this tavern was a reminder of how a spontaneous dining choice can turn into a wonderfully memorable experience.

The ambiance of Red Door Tavern immediately enveloped us in its cozy and inviting atmosphere. It's the kind of place that feels both familiar and exciting, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

Our server was a standout aspect of our visit. With their attentive and kind approach, they ensured our dining experience was exceptional. It's a rare joy to encounter service that makes you feel genuinely cared for, and our server at Red Door Tavern did just that.

As for the meal, the burger and beer were simply fantastic. The burger was a masterclass in flavor and juiciness, satisfying our hunger beyond expectations. Paired with a perfectly chilled beer from their impressive selection, it was the epitome of a classic, comforting tavern meal.

Though I noticed the iconic red door was no longer part of the entrance, the essence of what makes Red Door Tavern a special place still shines through in its warm hospitality and delicious food.

In sum, our visit to Red Door Tavern was a wonderful experience. It's a place where great food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere come together to create a dining experience that's hard to beat. Whether you're a regular or just passing through, Red Door Tavern is sure to impress. I'm eagerly looking forward...