Understory — Restaurant in Columbus

I ate a very pleasant early-afternoon luncheon meal yesterday [9-14-2022] with five or six of my friends on the patio of a recently-opened [1-21-2022] restaurant, Understory, that is located inside of -- and outside of -- a historic building at 2571 Neil Ave. in the "Old North Columbus" neighborhood of Columbus.

The building at 2571 Neil Ave. had been built in 1927 to house the Open Air School for students at risk of catching tuberculosis. Later [1956-1971], the building had housed the former Neil Avenue Elementary School; even later, the building had housed Columbus City Schools administrative offices and then had sat vacant for many years. In 2019, the building was renovated and then re-opened for its current use.

I have passed that building many times while traveling on Neil Ave. near Hudson St. but I had never known any of that history until doing some research while preparing to write this review.

My friends and I sat at an outdoor table only a few feet from a tall cliff; at the bottom of which is the north end of Tuttle Park. It is possible to walk from Understory to the west end of W. Hudson St. [about a block to the south] and then to walk down a tall flight of concrete steps to reach Tuttle Park and then to walk around Tuttle Park if one so wishes.

My food choice for yesterday's luncheon meal with my friends at Understory had been Grilled Cheese [cave-aged cheddar cheese on brioche bread; served with a cup of tomato bisque soup]. My soup and sandwich had been delicious; one of my friends later decided to order the same food item.

My one surprise while eating at Understory is that the "fill-your-own-water-glass" spout had sprayed so intensely -- as soon as I had pressed my water glass against the control mechanism -- that it had sprayed water all over the nearby area while I had been filling my water glass.

I want to mention here that opening the front door of Understory requires rotating an oval-shaped brass door knob that may not immediately be visible to all users. If one merely pushes in on the front door, the door will not open which will cause some people to assume that Understory is closed or that they need to be using a different door to enter.

An Understory staff member, in response to my comment about the brass doorknob, told me that, because the building is historic, that doorknob cannot be replaced.

If you are looking for some delicious food served in an extremely pleasant "outdoor" environment, I strongly...

Understory is a delightful culinary gem nestled in a repurposed old school building, offering a unique dining experience that blends exceptional food with a vibrant atmosphere. Despite slightly higher prices, the overall experience makes it well worth it.

The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the charming ambiance of a beautifully transformed historical space. The restaurant spans three levels, each offering its own distinct vibe, including outdoor seating for those perfect weather days. Whether you're seeking a cozy corner or a lively atmosphere, Understory has it all.

Now, let's talk about the food. It's simply phenomenal. Every dish is a work of art, carefully crafted with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. From appetizers to desserts, each bite is a culinary journey that leaves a lasting impression. The menu caters to various palates, with options ranging from classic favorites to innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste.

What truly sets Understory apart is its impeccable service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about ensuring your dining experience exceeds expectations. They're happy to provide recommendations, answer questions, and make sure every aspect of your visit is enjoyable.

While the prices may be on the higher side, the quality of the food, coupled with the fantastic atmosphere and top-notch service, makes Understory a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and anyone looking to indulge in a memorable dining experience. Highly recommended! What we had: (Drinks) Espresso Martini, Gimlet, Old Fashioned, & Highball; (Appetizers/Shareables) Bread & Spread & Bang Bang Shrimp; (Main Course) Understory Burger & Farro Salad; (Dessert) Caramel Apple Panna Cotta &...

I am writing to express my disappointment with the service at the Fieldhouse in Understory, as it was a huge disappointment. The room was to be set up and ready at our arrival time, it was not! The one staff member was just starting to wash the floor when we got there. With one additional staff starting more than 20 minutes late, OUR group had to actually set up the entire room, yes, set up the tables, the chairs, the tablecloths!!! It was a joke! The room was excessively hot when we arrived (it was hot outside) we found out the heater was running! Even after we set up most of the room, the bar still wasn’t ready on time, they finished setting it up 20 MINUTES after the event start time, affecting the event’s flow throughout the entire event. There were food quality issues, dry beef sandwiches, the gougeres were terrible (dry and cold), the menu was incorrect, appetizers were improperly served along with the desserts being served improperly; this all added to a great deal of frustration. Additionally, valet service was understaffed (1 valet attendant for 50+ people), causing long wait times for guests. Although the final bill was slightly adjusted because they knew they did a terrible job, it didn’t adequately address the numerous problems we encountered. I want to warn others to make sure they are aware of the terrible service this venue provided. We trusted the event planner, we were really let down. The building and room are lovely, but that is the only thing the venue has going for it. I would suggest...