These are the 6 best restaurants for lunch in Columbus, according to Tripadvisor

Chelsea Madden
·4 min read

Columbus has a unique and growing food scene, and there are dozens of options for good lunch.

Whether you like fried chicken, barbecue or southern cooking, this list will get your mouth watering.

Here are the six best places to grab lunch in Columbus, according to travel website Tripadvisor ratings.

Plucked Up Chicken & Biscuits

ROBIN TRIMARCHI/rtrimarchi@ledger-enquirer.comMark Jones talks with Ledger-Enquirer senior reporter Chuck Williams at his downtown restaurant Plucked Up for the Sunday Interview.
ROBIN TRIMARCHI/rtrimarchi@ledger-enquirer.comMark Jones talks with Ledger-Enquirer senior reporter Chuck Williams at his downtown restaurant Plucked Up for the Sunday Interview.

Plucked Up received 4.5/5 stars on Tripadvisor and this is no surprise.

“Quiet and quaint with a cool vibe. Friendly staff and good service. I had the chicken and grits–wow! The Cajun gravy was really wonderful. I will be back,” said Chris on Tripadvisor.

Just like they say on their website, Plucked Up will make you “feel like you’re in your grandma’s kitchen,” because of its home-cooked, fresh dishes and quality service.

Favorites include their entire breakfast menu (trust us, nothing is bad on there), the chicken pot pie and the biscuit sandwiches.

Minnie’s Uptown

Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant is branching out with The Chicken Lady’s Coop, an eatery that be attached to the new Falcon convenience store that is preparing to open soon at Columbus Park Crossing. --
Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant is branching out with The Chicken Lady’s Coop, an eatery that be attached to the new Falcon convenience store that is preparing to open soon at Columbus Park Crossing. --

With more than 250 reviews, Minnie’s scored a 4.5/5 stars on Tripadvisor.

Minnie’s has been known as a Columbus classic for more than 30 years; with its delicious southern cuisine and made-from-scratch hoe cakes, this was only to be expected.

“We came for lunch and had a delightful, home-style meal. The fried chicken was perfect, the vegetables were delicious. Very friendly faces to welcome you,” said Ron C. on Tripadvisor.

Minnie’s is known for its fried chicken, but other favorites consist of their veggie plate, grouper and cornbread.

The Loft

Tripadvisor.com’s contributors say The Loft on Broadway is their favorite local restaurant.
Tripadvisor.com’s contributors say The Loft on Broadway is their favorite local restaurant.

With more than 500 reviews, The Loft got a 4.5/5 stars on Tripadvisor.

“We’ve been coming over to Columbus from Opelika over the last few months and more often than not we end up at The Loft. The food has been great, the drinks are delicious, but what we really come for are the desserts. Those huge pieces of homemade chocolate, coconut, and strawberry cake are the best desserts in town,” wrote Stacie.

The Loft has been proudly serving Columbus for more than 30 years and is an upscale bar, restaurant and venue. The Loft is known for its live entertainment, cool atmosphere and perfectly prepared dishes.

Some dishes to try: the grilled filet medallions, the unstuffed chicken or the goat cheeseburger. The burger may have been named for the goat cheese it features, but the name could have just as easily stood for the “Greatest Of All Time.”

Zombie Pig BBQ

Zombie Pig scored 4.5/5 stars on Tripadvisor. Wondering why? Barbecue, mac and cheese and ribs. That’s why.

“Just one bite and I was hooked. Man, was it good,” said Naya.

Similar to Naya, Chester said, “My wife and I were heading home from a concert in Atlanta and decided to stop in for some barbecue - it was great. We had the best fall-off-the-bone ribs and brisket ever. Wow.”

As it is written on Zombie Pig’s website, the owners are “brothers from other mothers who were destined to meet and open this mom and pop BBQ joint.”

In addition to barbecue, Zombie Pig serves smoked sausage, chicken and sampler platters if you can’t choose just one.

The Black Cow

The chicken and waffles at Black Cow. For restaurant week, Black Cow will serve a grilled chicken breast entree.
The chicken and waffles at Black Cow. For restaurant week, Black Cow will serve a grilled chicken breast entree.

This restaurant received 4.5/5 stars on Tripadvisor and some really great reviews.

“Food was delicious. I would highly recommend this place to anyone that hasn’t tried it before. Large portions and friendly staff. We are New Yorkers and would come back again. Thanks for a great meal,” wrote Kimberly.

Most reviews noted the amazing burgers and sides, but The Black Cow has several vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.

For something out-of-the-box, try the chicken and waffles or the fried bacon with honey Tabasco.

Ruth Ann’s Restaurant

Ruth Ann’s Restaurant at 941 Veterans Pkwy in Columbus, Ga. on April 21, 2021.
Ruth Ann’s Restaurant at 941 Veterans Pkwy in Columbus, Ga. on April 21, 2021.

Did someone say diner food?

Ruth Ann’s scored 4/5 stars on Tripadvisor and several reviews noted the amazing service and delicious pancake breakfast.

“The crowning jewel of the meal was ordered by my daughter. She got red velvet pancakes, which were fluffy, tender, chocolatey divine. All the good food was served by Betty, a friendly and attentive waitress. We will be back,” said Jennifer.

Ruth Ann’s was founded in 1959 and is a full service family diner; as it is noted on their website, Ruth Ann’s is “your neighborhood’s favorite family diner,” and we can all agree that’s true.

Is your favorite Columbus lunch spot not listed here? Email cmadden@mcclatchy.com to give the scoop on your favorite restaurant.