My Columbus, GA Favorites

Columbus, GA has become a popular destination in Georgia. It gets many visitors from being close to Fort Benning and Atlanta. In a way I consider myself a Columbus local. I do not live in Columbus, but I have lived in the area my whole life. I enjoy exploring Columbus' hidden gems and have found many that I felt the need to share.

Let me know your favorites and if there are any that I'm missing that you think are worth trying. I hope you can use this list as inspiration if you ever visit Columbus. Here's to supporting local business.

Coffee Shops

Midtown Coffee House

A great place to grab coffee, meet up with friends, and grab bakery items and sandwiches. The atmosphere is very welcoming and its a family oriented business. Not to mention the aesthetic is just as cute and inviting. One thing that I have yet to take advantage of is the Friday Night Trivia that they host. They offer different themes and I have heard its a ton of fun and worth checking out.

Iron Bank Coffee Company

You cannot miss this one when in downtown Columbus. Its huge and very beautiful. Before it was a coffee shop, it was a functioning bank, hence the name. They have great coffee, smoothies, and sandwiches. They have two floors of seating inside and a great outdoor seating area.

My Boulange

I am including this one here, but it has so much more than just great coffee. My Boulange has great iced coffee and lattes, yummy bakery type items, breakfast sandwiches, and even pizza. I recommend the french vanilla latte and their cannolis. When you visit you will have a hard time deciding what to get because everything looks so delicious, and there are so many options.

Breweries/Bars

Chattabrewchee

This one may be my husband's favorite. They have many beer options and some seltzer options. On weekends they have game nights and food trucks. Nice indoor and outdoor seating options are available. Andrew and I went here once on a Friday and played Bingo and had a blast.

Up at Smoke

I like this spot for the vibes and aesthetic as well as the drinks. This is a rooftop bar with a restaurant downstairs. In the cooler months they have heated Igloos on the roof that are nice to sit in and have a drink.

Hotel Indigo

I do not go here much because it is a little pricy, but if you want somewhere to have a drink with a nice view, this is the spot. The bar here is at the top floor of the hotel and open to a great view of the Chattahoochee River/River Walk. You can see a nice sunset here.

Restaurants

Saltcellar

Andrew and I went here on our 1 year wedding anniversary dinner and the food was excellent. This restaurant is perfect for a nice date night or special occasion dinner. When we went I ordered the Ribeye steak with green beans and mashed potatoes. It was all delicious and filling. Andrew and I split a piece of cake for dessert and it was fantastic. Their cake slices are huge!

Black Cow

We have celebrated many birthday dinners here. The food here is so good. I would classify Black Cow as a great place to get Southern style cooking. I always get their meatloaf and it is the best I've ever had.

Agave Bar and Grill (not 100% local; 2 other locations)

This one is new to our area. It opened in December of 2021. I would describe it as a more upscale Mexican restaurant. When we went I ordered the Arroz con Pollo and it was so delicious. Their queso dip is also great. I love a good queso dip.

Uptown Vietnam Cuisine

Your typical hole in the wall type restaurant that you try and find out is great. I tried Pho for the first time here and thought it was amazing. They also have Bubble tea and Bubble smoothies. Andrew and I tried the Bubble smoothies and liked them. Definitely worth a try.

Plucked Up

One of Andrew and I's favorite places for breakfast on the weekends. A small but delicious place for chicken and biscuits, and other breakfast items. Each time I have went I have tried something different on the menu and they have all been delicious. A popular spot for outdoor and indoor breakfast.

**Other restaurant options I have yet to try, but have heard are great: Stock Market Dueling Kitchens, Animal Farm, Morten's, 11th and Bay Southern Table, Ruth Ann's Restaurant, Hudson's At Main Street, and Wicked Hen.

Sweet Treats

Southern Roots Country Store Uptown

A fun spot in Columbus for huge, wacky milkshakes! Unrelated to sweet treats, but they also have great chicken tenders and other great food options.

The Icey Girl & Co

The best place to grab shaved ice in the spring and summer time. They have so many flavors and add ons to choose from. Their outdoor seating area is so cute and fun, and perfect for families.

Freeze Frame

A great place for frozen yogurt. They have a ton of flavors and so many toppings for you to choose from. Price is determined by weight.

Boutiques

Lula & Mae Boutique

The Blushing Brunette Boutique

The Posh Peach Boutique

River Oak Boutique

The Southern Pearl Boutique

Most of these are located in downtown Columbus. Each of these have super cute women's clothing.