Scotty's Cafe — Restaurant in Columbus

‘Scotty's, you have given me another reason to look forward to a weekday off work.’ Please humor my inner voice.

Bookmarked forever, we finally committed to a vacation day visit. Parking is not plentiful, but neither is the dining room. Immediately seated, we explained it was our first visit. They told us a bit about the catering and specialties. Could not have been more friendly. Every staff member that walked past our table refilled our drink, said hello, or removed the smallest of debris(empty sugar packet). I was then impressed with their environmental commitment to paper straws(see pic). It’s a good thing we came today, because they would have been closed(see pic) next week for Christmas Eve thru New Years. If it’s near a principle holiday, I advise calling first.

After ordering some breakfast, I show a staffer a picture on Yelp. “That’s the Schmoozer. You want me to get you one?” My inner voice screamed inside, like Ralphie in Christmas Story. ‘It’s the most scrumptious looking breakfast I’ve ever seen.’ “I didn't see that on the menu”, I rationalized. She pointed to the lunch items on the menu. ‘How long will it be before I can get back here to sample this delicacy. I could burn a vacation day when they reopen, I plotted. The 3 potato Latka’s looked so golden brown and crisp. The corned beef was pink, and lean, piled high, like the Carnegie Deli. Two golden globes of yolk were perched high above that silky white ring of egg. Like a King at the head of the table, I will cast aside my mediocre breakfast order and demand to BRING ME THE SCHMOOZER!’ “Would you like me to change your order? It’s no problem at all.” This voice of an angel, snapped me from my trance. “Yes please.” But in my head I heard ‘Run woman run! Like a gazelle. Do not make haste.’

It may have been the twinkling lights from the nearby Christmas tree, but I swear my Schmoozer was placed before me, under a bevy of flash photography from jealous diners. A bright orange garnish slice, like a bright beacon rode atop.(see video)

Stand back! With a knife in one hand, and a fork in the other, I began. It may have sounded like a sword fight as silverware clashed off one another. Words could not be conversed, nor coffee to be consunsumed. Every bite was a festival of flavor. The corned beef melting in my mouth. The yolk marrying into that crispy, potato, onion bite.

“How is everything,” she kindly asked. I do not recall if I did answer, but I must have looked up with a grin of sheer ecstasy. She filled my cup, and strolled on.

As if my elation was not enough. Someone comes strolling by with a pan of hot cookies out of the oven. Scooping a couple onto a small plate on our table. She kept right on strolling, to share her treats with the masses. ‘Warm cookies? What kind of madness is this? Uh Oh. Did I just moan delightfully out loud?’

‘I don’t want to go.’ I’m stuffed. I want to be hungry to order more love. The staff is family. I don’t want to leave this warm comfortable feeling. ‘There’s a special coming up in a couple hours that they will announce, and write on the chalkboard. I should be here for that.’ Alas, many others wait by the door for the same feeling I have. I relinquish, and leave.

‘I will be back Scotty’s. Mark my words! I...

If you only have one diner to hit in Columbus, this HAS to be the one to go to. I’ve heard of Scotty’s before and it’s on the other side of town for me. After hearing about it from three different people in a week I decided I needed to make the cross-town drive to check it out. Wow was it worth the trip!!

The atmosphere was comfortable and friendly and Scotty himself is a genuinely good guy with a jovial and fun loving personality. The vibe was like going to your goofy grandfathers and hearing his funny stories as he cooks up some great grub. Scotty took his time to greet the customers - both regulars and first timers. You can tell he cares about people and wants his customers to feel welcome.

I went in wondering if the food could really stand out compared to some of the other great diners in Columbus. No doubt, this food is DELICIOUS!! I got an omelette. It was fluffy and gooey with perfectly melted cheese - think of cheese strings hanging from your lips (maybe not the best selection if you’re on a first date!). The onions and peppers were perfectly sautéed and the chicken was tender.

My friend got the meatloaf. He said the meatloaf is probably the best he’s had in Columbus. It made me wonder why Columbus doesn’t have a Best Meatloaf in the City Award - maybe 614 magazine could take that one on and give the winner a huge plaque emblazoned with a hearty loaf of ummmmmm..meat! Anyway I digress, the food was delish and filling.

The hours are a little limited (Monday - Friday only) so you’ll need to make special arrangements to get there during the week. But when you’re this good, you can set whatever hours you’d like.

I know I’ll be returning soon to get one of those waffles that people were raving about!! I’ll take mine with a couple of strawberries and lots of...

Absolutely the BEST RESTAURANT I have found since moving to Ohio. I'm a southern girl at Heart grew up in NC and I always heard southerners are so polite and this and that. But my experience in Ohio has been just as warm and as welcoming as the South if not better. This restaurant invites you in like you came over for breakfast/Lunch... they make you feel welcome the owner Scotty was so warm with my son. He is 3 and isn't very verbal and he Mr. Scott spoke with him like he knew everything he was saying. Lord bless I can't remember the kind ladies name but her Face and smile is engraved in my mind and heart. She came over told us a the specials and when she found out it was our first time oh now that's when we were in for a treat cause after telling us about the chimmi churi steak, their famous French toast, and their Reuben and the potato Latkes we had to try it all. So my husband ordered the reuben and pasta salad I got the chimmi churi special it came with potatoes and corn Obrien. I also order us a half size of French toast and the potatoes Latkes with sour cream and apple sauce on the side. We didn't leave with Ohio's famous Buckeye dessert plus 2 cookies the size of my head. Yall have to try this place the food is great but what makes this place over the top is the service. By the way anyone and everyone can take your order and anyone and everyone can check you out and that's how it should be that helps you get in and out. Oh by the way they give the kids things to color and a little bag of goldfish I thought that was sweet and she gave my sweet baby a cupcake on the house.... what a great great place... we will be going back with our whole family.... see you guys again...