Columbus Ohio
 

I will be in Columbus Ohio this weekend for the (don't laugh, please!) Major League Gaming Pro-Circuit Tournament at the convention center. A trip to this very special event was the ONLY thing my son wanted for his birthday so I begrudgingly acquiesced. I intend to spend most of time reading a book and swimming at the hotel pool. However, I could use restaurant recommendations for lunch and dinner.. something a 14 year old boy would enjoy too.

Where are you guys staying? Near the convention center?

Definitely check out the Arena District. This is probably your best bet to stay in the area, unless of course you want Spaghetti Warehouse. Cap City in Grandview is wonderful too. Other than that, maybe one of the restaurants at Easton Town Center? Too bad it's Nick's graduation weekend or I'd come down and sit by the pool with you!

They have a Coney Island place in the short north. BF and I go there for lunch a lot. There's also a really good Chinese place, Moy's. Eddie George's has pretty good food if you're into the sports/loud type place. Easton has a lot of good places, Cheesecake Factory, there's an Irish Pub that has great food (can't remember the name now though...)

German Village is a good place to go as well. I suggest Katzinger's Deli for lunch or a really casual dinner.

Oh and the Book Loft is close to there if you like to read. It's in an old house and it like a maze- you can get lost wandering through it. It's one of my favorite places in Columbus.

I wasn't laughing about the convention part... moreso the Michigander in Columbus part ;)

The Hyatt Regency Convention Center.. it's attached :) This way the 14 year old boy can go watch video gamers while I hang out at the pool.

I know, right? I have no U of M paraphernalia on my car. My license plate is an EMU one though. My son is worried about being in Ohio State country but he has been DYING to go to one of these. He watches them online (they live stream it) for about a year now.

I really can't believe I'm doing this. Thanks for the suggestions!

the arena district is worth walking around in, but it's more known for its nightlife. there are a few microbreweries and a few nice restaurants. I'm partial to COSI (Center of Science and Industry, pronounced CO-sigh), it's a great interactive science museum geared towards the younger generations, I bet your son would love it. I second the idea of going to the Short North, but I'm partial to Schmidt's and their giant bavarian cream puffs! I do NOT recommend the Spaghetti Warehouse (just west of dowtown). I have yet to have a good meal there.

I'm not at all a fan of it either, however my teen boys all seem to love the place.

We've been to the COSI in Toledo (which has a new name now.. ) because that's not that far from us! He's going to be into his gaming... I may have to drag him away for meals! Fun stuff..lol

There's also this really interesting ice cream place in Short North, Jenni's or something. They have some really different flavors. If you're in Short North I highly recommend taking a peak :)

If you want to get out the downtown area, I recommend Polaris which is about 15-20 minutes away.

There's lots of places to eat for a variety of budgets. From nice little restaurants/cafes to your chain restaurants like Dave & Busters (if you're child is into playing games) and Cheesecake Factory.

Also within that area is a mall, movie theater, slew of restaurants, comic book store, Magic Mountain and some other stuff that I'm just to sleepy to remember. :)

I ditto the Short North. It's just north of the Hyatt on High Street. Rigsby's is always a favorite up there. Also, in German Village is Lindey's

Both great choices. I absolutely love going to the Book Loft.

Are you nearby, Benz?

I have to say, I love the atmosphere right around the convention center! This seems like a great place to just have a get away weekend.