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    Parable Cafe

    4.3 (208 reviews)

    Parable Cafe Photos

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    PARABLE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Parable Cafe

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    Sweet Lattes and Pesto Croissant
    Julia G.

    Another really lovely dinner at Parable! Caesar salad is a little heavy on anchovy but I love it that way- just a warning in case you don't prefer that. Best time to come for dinner is during happy hour for $10 wine pours, super generous and interesting wines. We had the Burger, fried chicken sandwich, and the cauliflower Reuben. All were delicious but actually the cauliflower Reuben really stuck out to me- super delicious and flavorful, not something I would have ordered initially but after tasting my friend's I would definitely order. I've been loving coming here for meals, service is always friendly and fast, food exceeds expectations, and I always have great drinks! Yay parable!

    Nafisa H.

    Really inventive and creative drinks at Parable. This downtown gem is a bit hard to get to. We only found paid parking right next to it but from other reviews saw you could get a parking voucher from a garage nearby. What I noticed right away were the locals working, reading, and others at the bar enjoying a drink. It was a very lively space which is always a good sign. Pretty simple decor and had a cool minimalist style. The person helping us was great and so friendly. They helped us with our drinks and we ended up getting the Amma's Chai and the Koyo. They asked us if we were visiting and we had a short chat about Sey Coffee in Brooklyn. I was so intrigued by the Koyo as it had gochuang listed in the ingredients. The spice kick was appreciated and delicious. Parable Cafe is a must visit spot for me, if you're staying downtown.

    Brendan H.

    This place seems to be a higher end cafe. I went on Sunday at 10:00am and every seat was filled. Great unique pastry options and nice lattes. I like that the sesame miso latte was not too sweet and has subtle flavors that hit just right. The prices were high but the quality matched. $40 for a cappuccino, latte, 2 pastries. I loved it and would go back. Must note the men's room being Overtly progressive, the only time I have actually seen female sanitary pads in a bathroom marked "men's". Just an interesting side note.

    Jon N.

    Super cool vibe and a very friendly staff highlight this spot. I dropped in for a macha latte and it was good, but at $10, I wouldn't do it again.

    Miso caramel latte
    Christina C.

    I loved Parable overall. I would definitely go back, however I do think the breakfast sandwich was overpriced. $15 is a lot for a breakfast sandwich with bacon I feel. The coffee was so good!

    Pastries
    Kudakwashe T.

    The pastries were mouthwateringly good. They were soft, sweet, and creamy. The service is fast, friendly, and warm. They pick pastries to fit the flavors and pallet you've got at the time. They also give amazing recommendations and are very kind. The matcha is also tasty. It's creamy and well blended. The ambiance is warm, airy, and pleasant. There's lots of greenery inside and a nice open layout with big windows and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.

    Sally L.

    I was here twice during my trip in Columbus. The first time I went there at 10 something. There was already a long line and a lot of pastries was already sold out. They have a lot of different unique lattes. I got the onion and mushroom danish and wham bam thank you yam to go. All of the tables were filled. The mushroom danish cheese was very good. The outside is flaky and rich like a croissant. The latte was very good just the right amount of sweetness of the yam. The second time, I went there extra early I ordered the pistachio croissant and the sesame miso caramel latte. This time there was a lot of empty tables. I got to sat down and enjoy. The staff is super nice and if you are eating there,they would bring the drinks to your table. The cafe is beautiful and clean. It have lots of plants all over the cafe. It is not too loud in there to sit down and enjoy your drinks. The coffee and pastries are a little on the expensive side, but it is worth to try it if you are in Columbus.

    Carla F.

    Parable Cafe is a must try if you're in the area! I was excited to see they have the croissants that have been on social media! It is on the pricier side for a coffee shop though - a pour over was $8! - it's worth it if you want to treat yourself. When we came, they had a line out the door! I had a strawberry croissant and it was worth the wait. The inside was a mix of customers - some were working (they have WiFi), some couples were on dates/outings, and others were enjoying a drink with their books.

    Angela D.

    I have friend who has been doing the marketing for cafe and bakeries around Columbus lately. Decided to give this place a try aside from my regular spots... you guys this place is so cute!! Really loved it from the moment I walked in. From the ceiling design to the lighting fixtures and to the full length windows this place has all the vibes! When I got there, I was greeted promptly and nicely. The coffees took a little longer than usual for a cafe but the presentation was super cute. I had a cheesy scone and a cortado, not much left for baked goods at 3:30 on the afternoon so I will definitely be back. Lots of options for types of seating; lounge, high bar top, table and chairs, and of course the bar top. Others were either working on their computers, meeting with friends or co-working. It's pretty open space so sound does bounce, but I didn't think it was too loud or disruptive. They had a cute glass fireplace in the center. Lots of plants hanging around. For the short while I was there I loved the entire experience!!

    oh snap! ginger cap!
    Shubha A.

    Absolutely love Parable!! My friend and I came in on a Saturday morning and the place was decently packed but were able to find a table. When you walk in you can order and then find a table to sit and they will bring your drinks to the table. There is a good amount of indoor seating, as well as bar seating! I got a drink from their winter seasonal menu and if you like ginger I highly recommend it! It was called oh snap! ginger cap! And was so yummy. They have oatmilk as their only non dairy milk. My friend got their masala chai latte and really enjoyed it as well. We also got a pistachio croissant that was so delicious!! it was a bit on the sweet side so just keep that in mind, but I'd suggest it if you're looking for a pastry! Overall a phenomenal experience, just think it was a tad expensive but would come again :)

    Maigen R.

    First time visiting and can't wait to go back! The salted Carmel miso latte was incredible! The chocolate croissant was as big as my head and soooo flakey and delicious. Not pictured but you must get the egg sandwich! The service was great - the gentleman taking orders was so fun. Ambiance = amazing. Can't wait to visit again.

    Prosciutto (and brie?) croissant
    Yushi N.

    I have returned from my hiatus to speak on behalf of parable (again). Pastries just wake me up like nothing else. I say that but every time I try to get to parable "early" (i.e., before 10am), I fail to do so ;'( But it's ok! These days there are still goodie pastries available for the sleepy birbs (hurrah) Unfortunately, my gastrointestinal system did not hunger at that hour of the morn, so the spinach artichoke danish was a bit of an underwhelming experience, even though the danish was freshly toasted ;'( I liked the chip though (cronch). Otherwise, it kind of gave artichoke dip but served in a pastry vessel instead of a plastic container. I enjoyed the honey grapefruit brûlée circle croissant and guava cream cheese pastelito more. Neither were too sweet and both had nice crispity crunchities! Service was very thoughtful as well! Whenever staff brought pastries to someone's table, they'd always ask if the person would like a fork and would then go run and grab one. I personally prefer to go feral on my food with my fingers but the gesture seemed very kind. Also, I'm pretty sure the entire album of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess was played. We stan queer icons

    Monday Morning Madness helps with some local coffee and pastries
    Moe A.

    Decided to try the nearest cafe next to my hotel and was not disappointed. Good selection of pastries and drinks. Decent seating. Helpful staff. I got the iced vanilla latte it was really good and well balanced between espresso flavor and their house made vanilla syrup. I also ordered their leek cheese croissant. That one was ok but nothing too special. Overall would come again for sure at least for their coffee!

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    Ask the Community - Parable Cafe

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    Antiques On High - Cocktails

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    I've been a couple more times and now I have to agree with Mark D. (I'm not their typical…read moredemographic). I went again for a Book Bar event held upstairs and the bartender was not nice to me. I used my one drink ticket and chose not to see her again. I stopped in recently because I had time to kill in the area. I sat at the bar and another female bartender took my order. We had to duck down to talk under the taps. Since it wasn't a weeknight happy hour, I paid $12 for a glass of a wine. I was going to tip her but she walked away and I didn't see her again before I left. I did see grumpy bartender, but I didn't order again.

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    Stories on High - YAKITORI SKEWERS

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    One of my go to rooftop spots in the short north is Stories On High! It's perfect for a date night,…read moredrink with friends or a night out, and has some of the best Columbus skyline views in the city! The atmosphere is chic & you're bound to have a great time when you visit! Every drink I've had here is well thought out & carefully crafted. They update their menu to keep things fresh, so there's tons of opportunity to try something new! The food is fire too! There are tons of delicious small plates & shareables with Asian flair. The seafood is incredibly fresh & they have some awesome sweet treats! Be sure to give them a try!

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    We had such a nice experience at Chouette celebrating my friend's birthday! The service was really…read moregood, and they were kind enough to give us a champagne toast to help celebrate, which was such a thoughtful touch, we also got to sit outside on the patio and it was beautiful. The flowers added a nice touch and made for a really good place to make pictures. We did have a little mix-up with one of the drinks we ordered. We were expecting something closer to a mimosa, but the drink ended up being much more herbal than we anticipated. We explained what we were looking for, but it was a pretty big switch from what we originally expected. We still ended up drinking it, though! For my entrée, I ordered the steak frites. I was pleasantly surprised by how large the steak was. I requested medium rare, and it came out closer to medium, but it was still flavorful and tasty. Overall, we enjoyed our visit, and the birthday champagne toast and attentive service definitely made the experience feel special. I would come back and give Chouette another try!

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    Parable Cafe - cafes - Updated September 2026

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