Bodega

UPDATE: We decided to give Bodega another try after seeing a sign outside promoting a new brunch menu. When we arrived, we got the menus… but honestly didn’t notice much of a change. We asked the staff what was new, but no one seemed to know. We ordered a Mimosa and a Bloody Mary, two of the easiest brunch drinks out there, but it was clear the bartender wasn’t familiar with how to make them. He figured it out eventually. Another server seemed completely lost and even asked, “What do I do with that?” while holding a tray of celery, unsure how to garnish the drinks. She didn’t even know how to place the garnish on the glass. While we were still trying to decide what to order, the couple next to us sent back one of their appetizers, which didn’t help our confidence. We ended up deciding to leave and go somewhere else. I tried reaching out to the manager to share our experience, but never heard back. Hopefully they’re just busy training the team. _____ Bodega is a really solid brunch spot, and the prices are fair for what you get. We went on a Saturday around 10:15 a.m. (they open at 10), and while our black coffee took a little longer than expected — they had just run out of filters — the staff fixed it pretty quickly. Everything else was great. The chicken and waffles were amazing, and the biscuits and gravy were full of flavor. Definitely a tasty spot for brunch.

A Short North Gem for Beer Lovers and Foodies Alike Nestled in the vibrant Short North Arts District, Bodega truly stands out as a neighborhood staple. It's the kind of place that effortlessly blends a lively bar atmosphere with seriously good food, making it a perfect spot whether you're looking for a casual happy hour or a delicious brunch. What immediately catches your eye are the 47 taps and 150+ beers on offer. If you're a craft beer enthusiast, you'll be in heaven, with a constantly rotating selection that encourages discovery. Even if you're not a beer geek, their carefully crafted cocktails are sure to please. The daily happy hour is a fantastic deal, offering half-off drafts, which is a great way to try something new. Beyond the impressive drink menu, Bodega surprises with its inventive American pub fare. Don't expect just your average bar food here. Their brunch, in particular, gets rave reviews, with options like the "Bodega 'Big Mic'" and Steak & Egg Tacos often highlighted. Even their "bar snacks" are elevated, and while the tables can be a bit small for a full spread, the quality makes up for it. For dinner, you'll find everything from a classic burger to Thai Peanut Bowls and Shrimp 'N Cheddar Grits, showcasing a diverse and appealing menu. The atmosphere is consistently described as lively and fun, with an intimate setting that's great for celebrations or just catching up with friends. On Saturdays, they even have "Toast and Jams" with a live DJ during brunch, adding to the energetic vibe. The outdoor patio is perfect for people-watching on High Street when the weather is nice. While some have noted that portions can sometimes feel a bit small for the price, the overall consensus is that the food is amazing and the service is often impeccable. The staff is known for being friendly and attentive, contributing to a memorable visit. In a neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques, and diverse dining, Bodega holds its own as a must-visit. It's a testament to the Short North's revitalization, offering a welcoming and enjoyable experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're craving a unique brew or a satisfying meal, Bodega delivers.

We went there to try out the new brunch and my friend and I both got the $12 grilled cheese, she got hers with fries, I did mine with tomato soup. The grilled cheese came out and it only had cheese in between the white bread. It didn’t have any basil, aioli, or tomato basil bread as the menu mentioned. (I included pictures). The soup given was also in a mini container, much smaller than their $3 deal. When we told our waitress about the grilled cheeses missing the ingredients, she went back to the chef and when she came back she had two aiolis in the side for us to use. She said that the chef insisted they were made right, when clearly they weren’t. We paid $24 plus tax and tip for a basic grilled cheese when we ordered ‘their bodega specialty’. The waitress even stated that we were in the right and that the food was wrong. Not sure what can be done, but really unfortunate as we were trying to celebrate my bday. There were also a ton of flies everywhere and one even landed on my bowl which really sucked. I included pictures to see if anything could be done, because we clearly didn’t get what we ordered.

I visited Bodega on a Saturday night with friends. The staff were friendly and attentive. They assisted us with finding a table when we booked a reservation incorrectly.The restaurant decor was nice. The food was good as well. The Buffalo Chicken Dip was an 8/10. I would give the Cripsy Chicken Sandwich (Nashville Hot Chicken Style) a 7/10. I liked the sauce but the chicken itself wasn’t very well seasoned, though it was nicely cooked. The fries were an 8/10 with a good balance of crispiness and flavor. The Moscow Mule was also an 8/10. The taste was good. I didn’t feel as much of a buzz as I usually do with a mule, but that could have been due to me drinking my cocktail a little slower than usual. I would order the drink again. A few critiques are that they were out of white wine and therefore couldn’t make a drink one of my friends was interested in. They also switched the vibe of the restaurant around 10 o’clock. It took on more of a bar/club scene. Staff stationed themselves at the door and began checking people’s I.D.’s prior to entry and a DJ started playing really loud music that made it difficult to hear one another as we talked at our table. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. The DJ sounded good. It just wasn’t the setting we were looking for. It would have been nice if the staff would have communicated this switch to us a few minutes prior or when we arrived, so we’d have a heads up. Overall, I enjoyed my visit and I would return.

Great location in the short north for people watching. Oh do not forget to make a reservation beforehand otherwise you'll have to wait as the restaurant is quite cozy with limited tables and seats.

I liked the vibe of this place and the food was so good, too. We came on a Saturday when brunch was being served and I thought it was a wide range of options, so anyone could find something they like. The service was quick and the staff was friendly. It did feel a tiny bit pricey for what we got, but I think everything in Columbus is that way. We would definitely come back again when we are in the area!

The food here is great! I love Sunday brunch best chicken and waffles I have ever had (imo). Just make sure to arrive before 2pm as the kitchen closes for one hour from 3-4pm. Also in my opinion they do get short staffed when they get busy. There has been a few times it’s taken quit a long time to wait for the food and also the server may not check back after delivery of the food and I have had to flag them down for the check on more than one occasion. I don’t fault them as it’s a small place and gets full really fast at brunch.

My girlfriend and I went during the brunch and I got the chicken and waffles, which were decent. My girlfriend chose the biscuits and gravy, not the greatest. The flavor was slightly taken over by the spice. She ended up taking a few bites and didn’t want the rest. Our waiter noticed and I thought she would remove it from the check/ask if we wanted anything else but instead she threw it away and still charged us. In addition we never got our waters refilled for 20 minutes. Overall not an ideal experience.