Even though the new year did not kick off with a hoped-for Buckeye National Championship run, it did bring the requisite “year in review” and “top 10” lists to social media sites everywhere. Just as the Buckeye loss has kicked off lots of discussion, these lists can make for some fun fodder. We visited our friends at Columbus Underground to check in on their Best of CU lists. We were glad to see downtown well represented on their listicles. Where did downtown spots rank? Take a look, and let us know what you think.
In the Top Neighborhoods in Columbus listing, Downtown stole the blue ribbon prize, with adjacent Italian Village and Olde Towne East rounding out the top three. In discussing Downtown nabbing the top spot, Columbus Undergound noted “Now that several waves of condo and apartment construction have been completed, thousands of new residents are calling the area home, and the concept of ‘neighborhood’ has returned to the Downtown core of the city.”
Downtown aced the Top Ten New Bars category, making us the kid that blew the curve. PINS Mechanical Company (#1), Condado Downtown (#3), Hoof Hearted Brewery & Kitchen (#5), Hadley’s Bar + Kitchen (#7), plus two hot spots adjacent to Downtown, The Eagle in the Short North (#6) and Rockmill Tavern in the Brewery District (#2). Come have a drink with us.
And the Top 25 Restaurants list features many downtown favorites, including Salt + Pine (#2), Due Amici (#9), Wolf’s Ridge Brewing (#10), deNOVO Bistro & Bar (#17) and M (#21), not to mention those in nearby neighborhoods like G. Michael’s Bistro (#4), Basi Italia (#5), The Pearl (#6), The Rossi (#7), Harvest Pizzeria (#11), Forno (#20), The Sycamore (#22), Lindey’s (#24) and Barcelona (#25).
In the Top Ten Festivals category, downtown was well represented with the Columbus Arts Festival (#2), PromoWest Fest (#5) and the Food Truck Festival (#10). Number one festival, Independents’ Day, launched Downtown before moving to Franklinton, and the PRIDE Festival (#3) will be moving to the downtown riverfront in 2017. Without question, Downtown is home to many Columbus festival favorites.
Looking for a place to fulfill your New Year’s Resolution to get in shape? The Top Ten Gyms & Fitness Centers included several downtown area spots, including the YMCA Downtown (#2), the Arena District Athletic Club (#3) and The Athletic Club of Columbus (#5). Don’t forget about nearby Snap Fitness (#1, which has a Short North location) and The Fitness Loft near Children’s Hospital (#3). Get ready to get fit.
Columbus Underground covered a multitude of categories with many, many more downtown winners. Be sure to take a peek and let us know what CU got right and wrong.