German Village is a beautiful, historical section of Columbus Ohio, just south of downtown. Debating exactly where German Village ends and the Brewery District begins can be somewhat dicey, assuming you care about these designations. But for our purposes I’m going to say while anything in that region sitting on South High might be considered Brewery District property, then just east of that you are safely within German Village. And that it’s otherwise fenced in by I-70/71 to the north, maybe Thurman Ave or thereabouts to the south, and no further than S 9th St/Bruck St to the east. As a side note, somewhere there in the middle, I’m looking at Berger Alley and wondering how in this district nobody has ever opened a restaurant here with essentially the same name: Burger Alley. That one seems ripe for the pickin.’
But anyway. Here are some highlights I’ve stumbled upon in my travels, which hopefully you will enjoy too. One of those primitive maps you hold dear to your heart will probably follow at some point soon, to help organize the lay of the land a little better.
Many of the streets are still brick, and a surprising percentage of the homes date back to the early 20th century or even the 19th. Though this area suffered a downturn in the middle 1900s, leading city leaders to even demolish many of the rougher looking patches, by the 1960s a revival was in full swing. 1974 saw this neighborhood earning the official National Register of Historic Places watermark, making it what is apparently the “largest privately funded preservation district” in the country.
This is by no means anywhere close to a comprehensive list. I will keep chipping away at it as added information and/or inspiration lead me to. These days I’m more inclined to crank out bare bones of pages and then flesh them out over time – much work remains to be done and I can’t let myself get bogged down with perfection.
I. South 3rd Street
South 3rd Street is pretty much the backbone of German Village, and the following addresses are all found upon it. Here’s an alphabetical assessment of a few key highlights:
Cento
A somewhat newer offering in this precinct, Cento is yet another Cameron Mitchell restaurant (the 100th, actually, hence the name). This one serves Italian fare and, given the name behind it as well as the location, is maybe not quite as expensive as you might expect. The Garden Terrazza, which you can partially see off to the side, makes for an especially romantic and prime people watching dining option along 3rd.
There’s actually quite a bit going on behind Cento, too, in this L shaped building. Mount Water Well Drilling, some apparently unrelated attorneys named McClelland and Well, and a real estate consultant called Birch Homes are the other current residents. Prior tenants, including this Cento space, include Jimmy’s Too, G. Michael’s, Air Heritage Inc., Qwirk, something called simply Mt, a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and Lrc Limited.
Katzinger’s Deli
Well, you can’t hardly talk about German Village without mentioning Katzinger’s. If driving down 3rd Street toward German Village, this legendary deli basically acts as gatekeeper – a fitting status considering how it’s often rated among our city’s greatest eateries. Though an extremely popular carry out option, this New York style deli does have indoor dining as well, in a building which dates clear back to 1827. Opened in 1984 by Cbus natives Steve and Diane Warren, it was originally a much smaller operation, but over time they managed to absorb the remainder of this building as well as a smaller one beside it. Becker Belt ‘Em calls itself the best egg sandwich in all of Cbus.
Currently there’s a 2nd location in Dublin, and at one time they also had a satellite operation running over at North Market.
Stauf’s
And now we blessedly encounter the German Village outpost of my #1 coffee choice in town, Stauf’s. Though I’ve been to the original Grandview spot more times than I can count, you can’t go wrong with any of their locations. If in serious need of an eye opening jolt of pure deliciousness, look no further.
Stuart Little House
Chances are at first glance, this house at 717 S. 3rd appears vaguely old fashioned to you, though otherwise none too remarkable. If you take a closer look, however, you will see this popular mini-attraction down near the bottom right of its front wall. This is a nod to Stuart Little of book and film fame, a tiny fake entrance given the address 717 A/B:
I’m not sure what inspired it, but you have to love hidden little gems like this. It probably took, what, an hour to put together, but has brightened who knows how many days for those who happen to notice.
The Book Loft
Now that the Village Bookshop up in Linworth has closed, this is my favorite such operation in town. It was always cool, mind you, but these much championed 32 rooms can prove a tad overwhelming at times. This is definitely the kind of place you either want to visit a) with multiple spare hours at your disposal or b) with laser focus on specific items you are seeking, and an ability to block out everything else.
But yeah, it’s absolutely a destination everyone must visit at least once. Which for a certain type I know all too well, will likely turn into an obsession leading to many future visits.
It also figures predominantly in family lore now. My future brother-in-law Billy recently proposed to my sister Robin inside this here book store. He had brought along a fake book with the inside carved out to hold a ring.
Tiki Botanicals
Technically, they have just changed their name to 3rd & Sycamore. Same operation, however. Charming little shop featuring locally made products such as bath bombs, goat’s milk soap, and so on. This past Easter, they had awesome looking candles made to look as though they were sitting inside cracked open egg shells. Very cool.
Wunderbar
(739 S. 3rd Street) The original Max & Erma’s was opened down here in 1958, before becoming a franchise in 1972. Sadly this spot went belly up in 2017 and an operation known as Wunderbar currently calls this address home. But as a consolation prize, there’s no shortage of great restaurants and taverns both, mostly within walking distance of one another, down in this district.
II. Other points of interest
Barcelona
(263 E. Whittier Avenue) A consistently award winning Mediterranean restaurant, Barcelona has been in business since the mid 1990’s. They serve drinks on an oak bar which was built in 1907 and, owing to a wild array of previous incarnations, up to and including a Piggly Wiggly store, not to mention a sports center and various other taverns, there are apparently bowling lanes still intact underneath Barcelona’s current floor.
Big Red Rooster
(121 Thurman Avenue) A truly gorgeous brick building from the late 1800s is now the local branch of this commercial real estate agency. According to Lost Restaurants Of Columbus Ohio, this was originally a firehouse, and then from 1973 until the early 90s, an eatery named Engine House No. 5 flourished here.
Club 185
(185 E. Livingston Avenue) This charming pub grub enclave is open late and even has sidewalk seating, art murals and other Americana curios adoring its interior. Has been here since at least 2006 that I know of, probably a lot longer. Serves lowbrow but tasty fare such as Anchor Bar wings (whatever that means), pigs in a blanket, burgers and other sandwiches of course.
Lindey’s
(169 E. Beck Street) This fine dine establishment has been her since 1981. High end surf n’ turf type establishment known for their beef carpaccio, even at lunchtime, among many other signature dishes. And a phenomenal patio area for dining, it must be said.
Roosters
(897 City Park Ave) If you’ve never tried this locally originated chicken hotspot, then you simply must give it a whirl, whether either at this or one of the other 10 or so Columbus locations. If you’re already fan, then you know the drill, although this German Village edition is cozier and possibly their most gorgeous building, both inside and out.
The Old Mohawk
(819 Mohawk Street) I feel like this used to be called Mohawk Restaurant of even simply Mohawk, but if you look it up online now, The Old Mohawk is what it apparently goes by. Whatever name you speak, however, it amounts to the same thing, a classy old bar (formerly a speakeasy) with deceptively awesome food. They specifically tout their turtle soup nowadays, although if you step back in time to 2006, every Thursday was Meatloaf Night. I’m not sure if that’s still the case. Flying under the radar too are some burgers that could give Thurman Cafe (see below) a run for its money.
The Thurman Cafe
(183 Thurman Avenue) This legendary spot looks like a cheerful retro themed bar, but is mostly known for its killer, oversized hamburgers. Come for the Thurman Burger, which is positively gigantic, and topped with cheese, eggs, ham, mushrooms, who knows what else. Then stick around for a second beer while you play the Rolling Stones pinball machine and dig their alcohol marketing doodads covering virtually every wall.
III. Notes on the departed
Easy Street Cafe
Was at 197 Thurman Ave as of Mar ’06. A hybrid offering Greek/American cuisine. Brunch on the weekends, daily specials. South Village Grille now occupies this space, and while it too looks alluring enough, I haven’t had a chance to learn anything about this restaurant.
Juergen’s Bakery and Restaurant
They occupied 525 S. 4th Street for a relative eternity, up through at least 2006 also that I know of. European cuisine, heavy on the German. Traditional atmosphere, consider pastries among their specialties. Sauerbraten with red cabbage and dumplings is one specific signature dish. Alpine Restaurant & Bar is in this location now.
Shane’s Gourmet Market
447 E. Livingston as of Mar ’06. Dine or takeout food, a funky market with obscure offerings, imported beer, etc. It doesn’t appear that there’s anything here at present.
