UPDATED MAR 2020. As I said in my Aruba posts, I wasn’t traveling for a blog trip and had zero intention of writing about this. I was actually on a break from work, but I just loved so much of the food in Columbus that I wanted to share (and possibly just re-live all these delicious meals because my at-home cooking is not up to par!) The photos are just from my own little collection from my phone because I always take photos of food before I eat. They really aren’t ‘blog-worthy’ so I apologize for that and, poor photography aside, I hope that you can still find some inspiration on restaurants in Columbus, Georgia through this post nonetheless.
Restaurants In Columbus Georgia That You Don’t Want To Miss
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
Where to stay in Columbus
I stayed at the Staybridge Suites in Colombus and recommend it highly.
Value for money was fantastic as it had breakfast, free laundry, a pool and a kitchenette in the room that had a big fridge, cooking facilities, and a coffee maker.
The location was convenient with downtown Columbus only 10 minutes drive away and lots of great restaurants and shops located close by.
Depending on your plans for your visit though, if you don’t have a rental car, it may be a better idea to stay downtown. Overall, for comfort and convenience, it met all my needs and I would absolutely stay there again.
Bluewater Grill
Restaurants in Columbus Georgia for lunch or dinner
1. Bluewater Grill and Bar
This was a random restaurant next to a gas station that exceeded any and all expectations.
I actually loved it so much that I went there twice.
It’s definitely worth going here if you like seafood because they have a lot of great options for seafood lovers from Alligator Bites, to Cajun Shrimp, to raw or cooked Oysters, and specialty platters.
It was a real hidden gem with delicious food and wonderful service.
Note: Only open for dinner and closed on Sundays.
For more information: Bluewater Grill and Bar website
Bluewater Grill
2. Smokey Bones
Smokey Bones had a cool sports bar feel with lots of TV’s and a casual setting.
I especially liked the ‘Crowd Pleaser’ starter platter because it had so many delicious starters to try, but make sure you have someone to share it with.
I had a main meal of Brisket and it was the best Brisket I tried while in Columbus, though the sides were a little less than the best.
The cocktails were a treat, especially the Bourbon Mule and Smooth Bourbon Blackberry Lemonade – and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t usually like bourbon, but they were delicious!
For more information: Smokey Bones website
Smokey Bones
3. Smoke Bourbon and BBQ
Smoke had some of the traditional BBQ favorites and some that were ‘BBQ with a twist’ – like Brisket Gnocchi.
I chose a traditional option and the Brisket I had was a little on the dry side, but the sides were delicious and overall the food was great. I especially loved the pulled pork nachos and devoured them quickly.
You have to try the cocktails here and I recommend the Smoked Peach Cobbler which was sweet, smokey and as delicious as it was unique.
For more information: Smoke Bourbon and BBQ website
Smoke Bourbon and BBQ
4. Zombie Pig
Zombie Pig is a takeaway style ‘mom and pops’ BBQ place.
There are tables for you to sit at but it had more of a quick stop feel. Here you can grab a sandwich or plate with a couple of sides and dig in while chilling out in the casual setting.
I went here for a quick lunch and thought the food was delicious. I tried Brisket and Pulled Pork with Mac & Cheese and Slaw sides and it was all tasty, flavorful, and very filling.
The service was top-notch, and it was great value for money so overall I recommend stopping in for a bite to eat.
[I had a face full off Brisket and didn’t get a photo at Zombie Pig, sorry]
For more information: Zombie Pig website
Cocktails at Smokey Bones
5. The Black Cow
It’s called The Black Cow and the tag line is ‘Amazin Grazin’ – I don’t know what more you need.
Even though it’s got the word cow in the name, it’s more than just beef. They do have burgers, but you’ll also be able to choose from things like salads, Chicken and Waffles, and Fried Green Tomatoes from the menu filled with lots of hearty southern options.
I tried the Fried Basket with Lobster Tots and it was PDG (pretty darn good). The only thing it missing was a unique cocktail or drinks selection or specials – perhaps they offer this but we weren’t told about them or given a drinks list and had regular drinks instead.
It was a small, intimate venue so there might be a wait if you visit at a peak time but it’s certainly worth a visit.
For more information: The Black Cow website
The Black Cow
6. Longhorn Steakhouse
This one isn’t unique to Georgia or anything, but I wanted to mention it because it was a great spot for dinner, especially if you are visiting from outside of America or if you just like steakhouses.
I definitely recommend adding a Lobster tail to your Steak to make it a surf & turf (and feel a little bit fancy). The stuffed mushrooms were also divine.
Overall, good food, reasonable prices, and you know what? That’s pretty darn good to me!
[I also didn’t get a photo at Longhorn either because my eyes turned to Lobster love hearts & I started digging in too quickly!]
For more information: Longhorn Steakhouse website
Restaurants in Columbus Georgia for breakfast & brunch
Metro Diner
Metro is a smaller chain diner that was a nice, quiet spot for breakfast or brunch.
They have a lot of options to choose from, and I’d say there’s something to suit everyone, but I can definitely recommend the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.
In fact, can you just have some for me and tell me about it so I can live through you?
For more information: Metro Diner website
Metro Diner
Ruth Ann’s
The waitress said “what can I get for you baby?” and just like that, I was in love with Ruth Ann’s!
It’s a popular local spot that serves up hearty Southern food with a smile. The Corned Beef Hash and Reuben Sandwich were a hit at our table, but you probably can’t go wrong when you’re picking what to eat.
Also, everyone raves about them and I will add myself to that list of people. You just have to try the Red Velvet Pancakes that come with cream cheese topping because they’re divine!
Note: Expect to see a line waiting here because this is a popular spot, but it’s worth the wait.
For more information: Ruth Ann’s TripAdvisor
Ruth Ann’s
Thanks for visiting my post on my favorite restaurants in Columbus, Georgia.
If you have a favorite that didn’t make the list, feel free to share it in a comment below (if you don’t see your comment show up straight away sometimes they go to the spam folder, but I will move it across).
Otherwise, I hope this has been able to help you plan out some meals when you visit.
The Black Cow
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