We asked, you answered: Here are the closed Columbus restaurants you want to bring back

Chelsea Madden
·3 min read
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A couple weeks ago, we asked you which closed Columbus restaurant you missed and would bring back if you could.

You know, the restaurant where you had your first milkshake, first date or where you and your family would go every Sunday.

Well, we’ve got your top answers. Here are the most missed Columbus restaurants.

Chili Thai in Uptown Columbus

Rachanee Dyer, owner of Chili Thai in downtown Columbus, received Valentine’s Day flowers from her husband, Glenn, in 2020. Dyer battled COVID-19 only months later and closed the restaurant after the passing of her husband last August.
Rachanee Dyer, owner of Chili Thai in downtown Columbus, received Valentine’s Day flowers from her husband, Glenn, in 2020. Dyer battled COVID-19 only months later and closed the restaurant after the passing of her husband last August.

We received more than 40 votes for this restaurant and here’s why:

“Best Thai food in town. Great atmosphere, super service and excellent location,” said Mark.

Joshua Newbend echoed Mark’s praise and wrote, “The food was incredible, the atmosphere was unique and the service was lovely.”

Chili Thai first opened on Veterans Parkway in May 2003. The Dyers moved the restaurant downtown to 10th Street in September 2013.

Unfortunately, the owner Rachanee Dyer, had to permanently close the restaurant in December due to a series of personal struggles. Rachanee had a severe COVID-19 case in June 2020 that left her in a month-long coma and near death. Her husband, Glenn, died following a stroke in August 2020. She planned to sell the restaurant and move back to Thailand.

Pritchett’s - Hamilton Road

This missed Columbus restaurant also received more than 40 votes.

Pritchett’s was a favorite from the day it opened in 1946 because there was endless fried catfish, fries and hushpuppies, according to those who responded to our survey.

This restaurant also had some interesting, intimate dining areas with doors.

“There were individual rooms for each party of guests, each with its own mini-jukebox and light over the door to signal the waitstaff; just iconic,” said Elsbeth.

Deorio’s Pizza in the Cross Country Plaza

“I went there as a kid through my 30’s and I took my kids there,” said Justin. “Great memories, great food and great service.”

Mary Casey Stone said “their crust recipe and general ambiance,” were always on point.

Others noted the delicious pizza, pasta and wings, as well as the great prices. The restaurant ended its 55-year run in June 2017.

Shoney’s - Airport Thruway

We all know Shoney’s for their incredible buffet of all the eggs, bacon and sausage you can dream up. Columbus and Phenix City each lost branches of the chain restaurant at the same time, in December, 2010.

“Down home cooked breakfast, where you and your family are guaranteed great hospitality,” said Tiffany.

Spano’s in Downtown Columbus

Founded in 1893, Spano’s was the oldest restaurant in Columbus. But in 1979, the restaurant had to close due to financial problems.

“Waiters with starched white jackets with long service, kid’s treasure chest, ice cream cones and marble tables with white tablecloths” made this Columbus classic special, said R. Straus.

Some favorite Spano’s foods were the lobster, bread pudding and shrimp cocktails.

Top Hat Chicken in Downtown Columbus

Eula Reese serves up chicken from Top Hat Cafe in 1983.
Eula Reese serves up chicken from Top Hat Cafe in 1983.

Two words: fried chicken.

“Best spicy hot chicken in the world. Fried gizzards were to die for,” said Ricky in our survey.

This Columbus favorite closed in 1989, but fond memories of the restaurant don’t stop there.

Several of you wrote praises for the chicken restaurant, saying “best chicken ever” and “magnificent hot chicken.”

This one will surely be missed for years to come.

Didn’t get to take the survey? Comment here and let us know which Columbus restaurant you would bring back if you could.