THE RACCOON DIARIES MAY 28 > THE COLUMBUS WEEKLY FOODIE NEWSLETTER

WHAZZZUPPPP Foodies!!!
It's Jamie the Raccoon, fresh out of a Short North dumpster and absolutely LOADED with food intel for you this week! CBUS is one of the fastest-growing food cities in the whole country right now and Jamie has been running up and down High Street sniffing out every deal, every opening, every chef move, and every event worth showing up for. Let's get into it — deals first, always deals first!

DEALS AND STEALS — BEST GRABS IN COLUMBUS

The Eagle Short North — Happy Hour That Hits Different

The Eagle at 790 N. High Street in the Short North runs happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., and the deals are real: $5 shot of the day, $5 High Life Chalice, $8 cocktails, $2 drumsticks, plus half-price hush puppies, spicy chicken dip, and fried chicken sandwich. Yes, that is a lot of food for very little money. Yes, you should absolutely be there. 614-745-3397.

Forno Kitchen and Bar — Half-Price Everything at Happy Hour

Forno at 721 N. High Street runs happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. with half-price draft beer, house cocktails, wine by the glass, bar snacks, shared items, and pizza. They also do a late-night happy hour on Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. with half-priced bottles. If you want brunch, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is highly recommended by everyone who has ever been there. 614-469-0053.

Wolf's Ridge Brewing — Happy Hour and Monthly Charity Night

Wolf's Ridge Brewing at 215 N. 4th Street downtown runs happy hour every day before 6 p.m. Check their website at wolfsridgebrewing.com for the current specials as they update them. Every month, they host a fundraising happy hour through their Brewing Hope program, partnering with a different local non-profit. Good beer, good food, good cause. Every Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., they also host Music Trivia. Closed Mondays. 614-429-3936.

Condado Tacos — Happy Hour Taco and Marg Deals

Condado runs a taco happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. with $1 off tacos at multiple Columbus locations, including Short North. Cheap tacos plus craft margaritas is a formula Jamie the Raccoon fully endorses.

High Bank Distillery Co. — Daily 3 to 6 p.m. Deals

High Bank has locations in both Grandview and Gahanna and runs happy hour Monday through Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. Deals include $3 cocktails, $2 off shareables, and $1 off draft beers and glasses of wine. A distillery that makes you feel good about your bank account. highbankdistillery.com.

Local Roots — Daily Half-Price Apps, 3 to 6 p.m.

Every single day from 3 to 6 p.m., Local Roots offers half-price apps, including the salsa trio and pretzel rolls, plus $7 cocktails, $4 house wines, and Ohio drafts. Daily deals, multiple days a week — this one is a consistent winner.

Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers Market — FREE to Attend, Starts This Week

The Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers Market is back for summer, starting Wednesday, June 3, running every Wednesday through September 16 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Wells Barn parking lot at 1777 E. Broad St. Locally grown produce, food trucks, plenty of vendors, and the Produce Perks Columbus program gives extra dollars to EBT users for fresh produce. Free to attend. Parking is free.

Farmers Markets Running Right Now All Over Columbus

Columbus has one of the best farmers' market networks in Ohio. Here is what is running this week and where to find it:

Clintonville Farmers Market — Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, through November 21. North High Street and West Dunedin Road. German Village Farmers Market — Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through November 21. 588 S. Third St. Worthington Farmers Market — Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, through October. 7227 N. High St. at The Shops at Worthington Place. Dublin Market at Bridge Park — Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, through September 26. 6741 Longshore St., Dublin. Upper Arlington Farmers Market — Wednesdays, 3 to 6:30 p.m., through October 21. Littleton's parking lot, 2140 Tremont Center. Bexley Farmers Market Thursdays, 4 to 7 p.m., through October 22. E. Main and Dawson Ave., Bexley. Hilliard Farm Market Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m., through September 22. 5445 Scioto Darby Rd., Hilliard. EBT and SNAP accepted.

Note: The North Market Downtown outdoor farmers market is temporarily suspended for 2026 due to construction. North Market itself remains open indoors at 59 Spruce St., Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday and Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pop-up vendors continue — check northmarket.org for the current pop-up schedule.

EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES

Columbus Taco Fest — June 6 and 7 at Goodale Park

This is the big one for taco fanatics this weekend. Columbus Taco Fest returns to Goodale Park on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, with the best tacos, tequila, and Mexican beer in the city, all in one place. Jamie the Raccoon is already warming up his jaw. Check experiencecolumbus.com for tickets and details.

Columbus Summer Wine Festival — Saturday June 6 at McFerson Commons

Same weekend, different vibe. The Columbus Summer Wine Festival lands at McFerson Commons on June 6 with wine sampling, arts and crafts, and live music. Yes, you can do the Taco Fest Saturday afternoon and the Wine Festival Saturday evening. Yes, Jamie has done the math. It works.

Cordial Cocktail Club — Opening June 8

Formerly known as The Bottle Shop, the Cordial Cocktail Club is reopening on June 8 with an elevated experience. New name, new concept, same beloved downtown Columbus location. Mark your calendars.

Wolf's Ridge Music Trivia — Every Sunday, 4 to 6 p.m.

Free to play, teams of any size, and the beer is outstanding. 215 N. 4th Street downtown Columbus. No reservations needed — it's first-come, first-served.

Moser's Farm Market and Barn — OPENS June 4

Moser's Family Farm Market in Powell opens its 100-year-old restored barn for the 2026 season on Thursday, June 4. Fresh local produce sourced from Delaware County and Central Ohio farms, seasonal specialities, and family-friendly fun from June through October. Check their Facebook page for weekly produce and vendor updates.

North Market Downtown — Open Year-Round, Pop-Ups All Summer

North Market at 59 Spruce St. is open for business while the outdoor farmers market is suspended. Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pop-up vendors rotate all summer. Follow northmarket.org for the schedule. One of Columbus's great food institutions — local meats, baked goods, prepared foods, and some of the best small food businesses in the city under one roof.

NEW OPENINGS — FRESH
SPOTS AND WHAT'S COMING

Wolf's Ridge at Worthington Inn — Already Open and Worth the Drive

After years of anticipation, Wolf's Ridge Brewing has officially opened inside the historic Worthington Inn at 649 High St. in Worthington. The Inn dates back to 1831 and sat empty for years until the Wolf's Ridge team took it on. The menu is approachable, chef-driven tavern fare, comforting lunch staples, and refined dinner dishes — all in a setting that honours the building's history while bringing fresh energy. This is one of the most exciting openings in Central Ohio this year. wolfsridgebrewing.com.

Amara — Josh Dalton's Mediterranean Restaurant on the Scioto Mile

Chef Josh Dalton (Veritas, Speck Italian Eatery, Rosalita's) was selected by Columbus city leaders to take over the high-profile space at 229 Civic Center Drive on the Scioto Mile — the former home of Milestone 229 which, closed at the end of 2024. Amara is a modern Mediterranean concept drawing influences from southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East. Small plates, dips and spreads, coastal entrees, handhelds, and desserts. Dalton says he wants the patio to rival anything in Columbus and plans to make it accessible and affordable for everyone at Bicentennial Park. The restaurant also participates in Columbus's DORA rules so you can take drinks out to the riverfront. Targeted opening was spring 2026 opening imminently if not already open. Check @dispatchdining on Instagram for updates.

Rosalita — Josh Dalton's Mexican Restaurant, Gay and High Street

The same chef, another concept. Josh Dalton is bringing Rosalita's Mexican restaurant to the Gay and High Street district downtown. He described the location in a podcast as a perfect fit for the neighborhood's energy. No confirmed opening date yet for 2026. Follow his restaurants on social media for the announcement.

Spice Restaurant and Bar — Back After 16 Years

Spice Restaurant and Bar, which was a downtown Columbus staple before closing in 2010, is reopening on Park Street at the same address where it first opened in 2005 — the building that later became Park Street Cantina. The reopening was targeted for spring 2026. Check their social media for their current status.

Soul 2 Go — New Express Location in Gahanna

Soul 2 Go is expanding with a new express location in Gahanna, bringing its elevated soul food — bourbon chicken, jerk chicken, and classic sides in a streamlined carryout and quick dine-in format.

Umi Hotpot Sushi and Seafood Buffet — First Ohio Location in Upper Arlington

Umi Hotpot Sushi and Seafood Buffet has opened its first Ohio location at 1841 W. Henderson Rd. in Upper Arlington. All-you-can-eat with more than 200 dishes daily, including snow crab legs, lobster, sashimi, hot pot, ramen, and butter-baked whole crab. Fast-casual setup, massive variety, great for groups and families. umibuffet.com.

Viva Mexican Kitchen — Arena District

Viva Mexican Kitchen is taking over the Arena District space, most recently home to Nada, which closed after 10 years. Targeted spring 2026 opening. Check their socials for updates.

ON JAMIE'S RADAR — COMING SOON

Rosalita by Josh Dalton — Gay and High Street

Already mentioned above, but worth repeating: this Mexican restaurant from one of Columbus's most respected chef-restaurateurs is coming to the heart of downtown. Watch Josh Dalton's social media closely.

Mikey's Late Night Slice — Coming to Polaris

The beloved Columbus late-night pizza institution is opening a location at The Galaxy at Polaris, the new mixed-use development. No firm date yet, but it's in the pipeline for 2026. Night owls on the north side rejoice.

Wolf's Ridge Biergarten — Understory Continues to Expand

The Understory location along the Olentangy River trail is already one of the best outdoor dining experiences in Columbus. Watch for further seasonal expansion as summer heats up.

June 6 and 7 — Columbus Taco Fest at Goodale Park

Put it in your phone right now. Best tacos in Columbus, all weekend, in one park. See you there.

That's a wrap from Jamie the Raccoon!

CBUS is cooking right now — new concepts, big chef moves, a riverfront transformation, and deals on every corner. Support your local spots, tip your servers, bring your EBT to the farmers' markets, and go eat something spectacular this week.

Got a tip? A deal worth screaming about? A new opening nobody knows about yet? Send it to the alley. Jamie finds everything eventually.

Got a tip? A deal? A new opening? A chef making moves? Send it in, and Jamie will dig it up.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only. The racoon diaries makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information published herein. Pricing, hours, deals, and event details are subject to change without notice. The racoon diaries is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any business, brand, or venue mentioned herein. Readers should independently verify all information before acting upon it. All content is the property of The racoon diaries and may not be reproduced without written permission. © The racoon diaries 2026. All rights reserved.

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