Columbus has a burger scene that offers much more than traditional cheeseburgers. From crispy-edged smashburgers and juicy tavern-style patties to creative combinations with bold sauces, the city has something for every kind of burger lover.
The best burger places in Columbus include Smash Buddies, Preston’s, Ringside Café, Flavor 91 Bistro, and Sexton’s Burger Bar. Each brings a different style, whether you want a classic double cheeseburger, an adventurous specialty burger, or a satisfying vegetarian option.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or exploring local favorites, these 10 restaurants are worth adding to your food list.
Quick Picks: Best Burgers in Columbus
- Best Smashburger: Smash Buddies
- Best Classic Cheeseburger: Preston’s
- Best Tavern-Style Burger: Ringside Café
- Best International Flavors: Flavor 91 Bistro
- Best Oklahoma-Style Burger: Sexton’s Burger Bar
- Best Vegetarian Burger: Northstar Café
10 Best Burger Places in Columbus, Ohio
1. Smash Buddies – Best for Smashburgers
Brewery District
Smash Buddies serves thin beef patties with crispy edges, melted cheese, and signature Yacht Sauce. Its setting suits a burger-and-sides meal. The sauce adds a tangy, savory finish.
- What to order: Jetpack Classic or Jetpack Royal.
- Best for: Crispy smashburgers and casual dining.
- Tip: Add seasoned tater tots, and check its limited weekly opening schedule before visiting.
2. Preston’s: A Burger Joint – Best Classic Smashburger
Clintonville
Preston’s is known for made-to-order smashburgers and house sauces. The Classic Burger has American cheese, special sauce, red onion, lettuce, and a house pickle. The Spicy Boi adds sambal jam and pimento cheese. The Spicy Boi brings a little heat.
- What to order: Spicy Boi or Classic Burger.
- Best for: Traditional smashburger fans.
- Tip: You can also find Preston’s at Little Grand Market in Grandview.
3. Ringside Café – Best Tavern-Style Burger
Downtown Columbus
Open since 1897, Ringside Café serves substantial, hand-pattied Angus beef burgers. Its boxing-inspired menu includes classic cheeseburgers and larger specialties. The old-school room suits an unhurried meal.
- What to order: Jack Dempsey or Smokin’ Joe BBQ Burger.
- Best for: Hearty burgers and historic dining.
- Tip: The Buster Douglas is a 1.5-pound challenge, so check its size before ordering.
4. Flavor 91 Bistro – Best for Bold Flavors
Whitehall
Flavor 91 Bistro blends American comfort food with Ethiopian-inspired seasoning. Its Flavor Burger pairs grass-fed beef with pepper jack, fresh toppings, and spicy house sauce. Its seasoning gives the beef extra character.
- What to order: Flavor Burger or Lamb Good Burger.
- Best for: Adventurous eaters and bold seasoning.
- Tip: Ask about spice levels first.
5. Sexton’s Burger Bar – Best Oklahoma Onion Burger
Gahanna
Sexton’s uses Ohio Proud beef and toasted Martin’s potato rolls. The Oklahoma Onion Burger combines a thin patty, caramelized onions, and melted cheese. The onions add sweetness to the crisp patty.
- What to order: Oklahoma Onion Burger or Not A Big Mac.
- Best for: Onion lovers and smashburger fans.
- Tip: Pair your burger with fresh-cut fries or loaded tots.
6. Ritzy’s – Best Retro Burger Experience
Clintonville
Ritzy’s serves American burger-shop fare: crispy-edged patties, customizable toppings, thin fries, and hand-dipped milkshakes. A milkshake makes lunch feel like a treat.
- What to order: The Ritz Double.
- Best for: Families and old-fashioned burger meals.
- Tip: Finish with a hand-dipped milkshake or ice cream.
7. Stacked Burger Co. – Best for Loaded Burgers
Worthington
Stacked Burger Co. builds substantial burgers with generous toppings. Its Stack Burger has a third-pound patty, caramelized onions, American cheese, pickles, romaine, and garlic aioli on brioche. The layered toppings make this a filling choice.
- What to order: Stack Burger or Beer Gut.
- Best for: Hearty burgers and loaded toppings.
- Tip: Choose the Beer Gut if you like house chili and crispy onion straws.
8. Northstar Café – Best Vegetarian Burger
Multiple Columbus locations
Northstar Café is known for its veggie burger, made with black beans, brown rice, and beets. Fresh toppings add crunch and make it a satisfying meat-free option. Beets add color and earthy flavor.
- What to order: Northstar Veggie Burger.
- Best for: Vegetarians.
- Tip: Check current toppings and sides before ordering.
9. Pat & Gracie’s – Best Specialty Burger
Downtown and Clintonville
Pat & Gracie’s pairs American comfort food with creative burgers. The Chimi Burger layers jack cheese, avocado, caramelized onions, bacon, and house-made chimichurri. Chimichurri adds a bright, herby contrast.
- What to order: Chimi Burger.
- Best for: Creative toppings.
- Tip: Check the menu at your preferred location.
10. Flip Side Easton – Best Gourmet-Style Burger
Easton Town Center
Flip Side goes beyond standard cheeseburgers, with combinations featuring bacon, pepper jack, fried eggs, and even peanut butter. A good choice for adventurous burger fans.
- What to order: Mikey or Uncle Jimmy.
- Best for: Gourmet-style burgers and relaxed sit-down dining.
- Tip: Visit while exploring Easton Town Center.
Where to Find the Best Burgers in Columbus
Burger spots are spread across Columbus. Find Smash Buddies and Ringside Café downtown, Preston’s and Ritzy’s in Clintonville, and specialty options in Gahanna, Whitehall, and Easton.
Group nearby restaurants if you plan to visit more than one. This saves time and lets you explore each neighborhood without unnecessary cross-city drives.
Tips for Visiting Columbus Burger Restaurants
- Check opening hours: Some independent burger restaurants have limited operating days.
- Review menus: Signature burgers and prices may change.
- Plan parking: Downtown and busy shopping districts can get crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends.
- Check dietary options: Northstar Café is an alternative if someone in your group prefers a vegetarian burger.
FAQs
1. What is the best burger place in Columbus, Ohio?
Smash Buddies and Preston’s are strong choices for smashburgers, while Ringside Café is a popular option for traditional, hearty tavern-style burgers.
2. Where can I find vegetarian burgers in Columbus?
Northstar Café is one of the city’s best-known vegetarian burger destinations. Its house-made patty combines black beans, brown rice, and beets with fresh toppings.
3. Which Columbus burger restaurants are good for families?
Ritzy’s is a good family-friendly choice, offering customizable burgers, fries, hot dogs, and milkshakes in a relaxed setting.
Conclusion
The best burger places in Columbus offer something for every craving, from crispy smashburgers and classic cheeseburgers to creative specialty combinations. Whether you choose Smash Buddies, Preston’s, or Ringside Café, these local favorites make exploring Columbus’s burger scene worthwhile.
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Joe Yogerst is an experienced American travel writer and author who writes for elvorixx, sharing insights on America’s most beautiful places and travel destinations. With decades of experience exploring and writing about destinations, he brings real knowledge to every story.
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