Things to do (and eat!!!) at the SMWC2021
For most of the competitors at the Static Monsters World Championships for 2021 it will be a significant trek to get there. So why not make something more of the getaway? Below are a few sightseeing and dining options for you to experience while there:
Centre of Science and Industry – https://cosi.org/ – a great day out and very itneresting especially for families. A lot of really cool science stuff.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – https://www.columbuszoo.org/ – One of the better Zoo’s in the USA.
Chris Vachios Food and Dining guide for Columbus Ohio:
Note: I am not a vegetarian and I also hate sushi, so I have no input on anything of that variety.
Pizza (guidelines) – Go for the mom & pop places or the small chains over the large chains. Donatos (regional chain) is OK, but they have a super thin crust meaning you need way more pizza to get full. They have a thicker crust available but it tastes like rhino scrotums. Giordano’s (of Chicago deep dish pizza fame) has a couple of stores in Columbus now. A few good local places: Stadz in Blacklick, Tommy’s in the campus area, Rotolo’s in Grandview, Cardo’s on the south end, Tammy’s pizza in Grove City.
Chinese Buffet: Asian Star on Sawmill Rd or Eastern Bay on Dublin Rd
Chinese (take out/dine in): Eastern Palace on Livingston Rd
Mexican Food: El Portal in Reynoldsburg (#2), El Vaquero (couple of locations – distant 3rd), La Casita on Bethel Rd (#1)
Short Walk From Convention Center
North Market – right across the street from the Arnold Statue. Can’t go wrong with anything in there. Of special note – Hot Chicken Takeover.
Max & Erma’s – Chain restaurant with burgers and fries, etc. Moderately priced and consistent, but not great.
Barley’s Brewing Company – Bar & Grill type fare, usually pretty good.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse – Expensive, but excellent
Martini’s – Solid Italian food, on the pricey side, portions kinda small.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – They are splendid indeed.
Arena District (not far, slightly longer walk)
Buca Di Beppo – Italian, massive portions. Not great quality, but lots of it.
Rodizio Grill – Brazilian BBQ. They bring meat to your table. Pricey, but worth it.
BD’s Mongolian Grill – Made to order stir fry. Good stuff.
Ted’s Montana Grill – Bar & Grill stuff. Good bison burger.
Little further out… (Probably need a car or Uber)
Thurman’s Cafe – Iconic Columbus burger place
Mitchell’s Steakhouse – Probably the best steaks in Columbus
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus – Another Columbus Icon. Put it on the do not miss list.
Lavash Cafe – Best Shawarma in Columbus
Off the beaten path but worth it:
Way Down Yonder (South High Street) – Awesome Cajun food. Closed on Monday’s.
Alladeen Grill & BBQ (Hilliard Area) – Pakistani place. Beef Nihari is to die for.
Roadhouse Wings & Grill (Hilliard Area) – Best meatball sub in Columbus…or anywhere else I have been.
Brew Brothers – In Scioto Downs Racino. Good food and good prices.
Lombardi’s – Down route 23 from Scioto Downs. Excellent ice cream.
Portside Cafe – Even further south on 23 from Scioto Downs. Mom & Pop place specializing in breakfast and HUGE pies.
Gyro City Grill – On South High slight north of 270. Great Greek Food.
Places to avoid:
Park Street Cantina. Might cook your food completely if you’re lucky. Possibly the worst dining experience ever.
Melt Bar and Grilled. Not horrible, but VERY overrated and portion sizes are underwhelming
