Headed to a concert downtown. Needed a quick bite before we went in so used Yell to find a good spot. Ringside Cafe popped up. Always heard good things about it so I dragged my wife there. Could not have been better. Not really a dive bar but pretty dang close. Known for burgers and cold beer. They were right. The Duran was spot on. Blue cheese and bacon. Nuf said. I could have used more Cajun flavor. Kick it up a bit. The onion rings were really really good. I hate when you bite in and the onion comes out entirely. These were different. Crunchy exterior. Great onion flavor. Get here early because there aren't many seats. So get in, eat, and get the hell out. read more

Ringside Cafe - The "Thr Duran Cajun Burger - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

We kept hearing about this place so we decided to stop on in and try "Columbus's best burger". We were quickly sat and our waitress was friendly and efficient. The food (a burger and the patty melt) arrived quickly. Ok, I'll be honest here - the grilled onions on both plates were blue-grey. It took me a few minutes to remember these are pickled onions that are grilled. But it was completely unappetizing to me. I slid them off and was left with a burger with blue cheese (which is my favorite topping on a burger for all time). It was good! It was cooked perfectly to my liking and the fries were delicious. Not sure this is one I'll need to go back to next time I visit? It's a unique experience in a very old bar. The setting is a gorgeous wood paneled room, maybe 10 tables total. It's worth a visit if you're in the area. read more

A hidden gem in the alleys of Downtown Columbus, a must visit spot. It a corner spot not far from the main street. I walked from my regular workday parking spot which was a little bit of a walk, and happened during a very cold day. The temperature inside the restaurant was a bit cold, but did not effect the rating as the food was very good. Food; ordered the Haymaker Burger with onion rings, and have to say one of the bests hamburgers I have had. The Haymaker has the perfect spice, and cooked to perfect. Delicious. Adult Beverage, the cocktail was perfect and well poured. Service; was helpful and very friendly. read more

Ringside Cafe - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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If youre looking for a good burger, then you should definitely visit. It was cooked perfectly and had wonderful flavor. I love all the old wood in the restaurant and the vibe is nice and relaxed. Drinks and food are all reasonably priced and the service is always great. read more

Ringside Cafe - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The burgers were absolutely amazing! Cozy yet fun ambiance with the historic touch of being one of the oldest restaurants in Ohio and the oldest in Columbus. Service was outstanding. Thank you Kim! read more

This place has been on our list for awhile since my bf is a big burger guy. We stumbled in around 4pm on a Saturday. We were lucky to get a table immediately. The place is pretty small & a lot of people started to show up after we were seated. Service was great, everyone who worked there was friendly. Our food took a little time to come out but it was hot when it did. I got the old school burger which was pretty tasty! I believe the fries were an extra cost as well so keep that in mind. Overall I'd recommend trying this place if you haven't yet! read more

Ringside Cafe - Old School Burger - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I went to Ringside as part of a Columbus Ghost Tours walking tour. Yes, this little hidden gem is haunted! It's also cool as hell and the OLDEST bar in Columbus. About half a dozen people told me to get their burger, calling it the best in the city, but I only got a drink. I will definitely go back for the burger! There are so many cool, quaint historic details like the 1897 stained glass windows, cool wood carvings and custom unique tiles in the floor - including a mermaid. I love finding places like this and hearing about its history - like the secret tunnel to/from the statehouse so early lawmakers didn't get seen going for a drink! read more

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Listen, if you like burgers. Do not go here, go to Wendy's or some run of the mill smash burger place for your happy cute little meal. But, if you love burgers, and are hungry for the meat sweats.. if you desire to be full from the burger. Then I urge you brother, go here. Your cup will overflow, your heart and stomach will be satisfied. Thank you Ringside for knocking me out in the best way possible. Great service from the waitstaff. Personal opinion the chips that come with the burger slap real good. The fries are also good, but whoever was manning the fryers that night, I hope our paths cross again soon. read more

I hadn't been here in several years because I no longer work downtown. Had grown accustomed to a burger at a locally owned fast casual place that is better known for its fish--but that has a great burger. Decided to return to Ringside to see what I'd been missing. Oh my goodness, perfect char and perfect seasoning. I think I had the Cajun spice burger. The spice was great and the added jalapeños really gave it a kick. The grilled onions were also perfect. As others have said-the fries could serve at least two people, and maybe be an appetizer for a table of four. Forget chains-local or otherwise. Going back to the place that couldn't have lasted over 100 years unless they knew exactly how to make an outstanding burger. read more

Came last year to have dinner before starting our Columbus Ghost tour of Boos & Booze! Great burgers and a nice dive bar with a haunted vibe in the basement. Apparently there's a tunnel that connects to the statehouse from prohibition days! Love its location in the alley. We are due for a revisit soon! And if you are doing Boos & Booze definitely get dinner there before! Quick fast service too! read more

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Let's face it - many good burger spots in town. a handful with great burgers. However, Ringside Café has the best. After a visit several months ago, with my second cousin, I returned with my girlfriend and her good friend, so they could experience a great ringside burger. Having preciously eaten a Jack Dempsey, a traditional burger, I ordered the Duran, which had spicy cheese. My friend ordered the Jack Dempsey, a traditional style, while my girlfriend went with the smoking Joe Frazier that had a barbecue sauce and bacon from the boxing inspired menu. We added one order of fries and onion rings. The Ringside burgers are generous eight or 9 ounces minimum of quality tasting beef. What makes the Ringside great are the char on each side from flames that I could be seen shooting up from the kitchen grill. And each burger was cooked to the temperature ordered. All three styles I've had (I had half my girlfriend's Frazier the next day as it was more than she could eat) were tops. The fries?.... One order is easily enough for two or three people. And like the burger, they're excellent. They're well cooked well seasoned. The onion rings will also be a repeat order. The man at the grill knows what he's stole in our server was a really nice lady. Being on Pearl Street- or what I've always known as Pearl Alley- is certainly the road less traveled except maybe at downtown lunchtime. The ringside is a small venue adorned with boxing pictures and small wooden booths, a cozy place that has been open in three centuries - Yes centuries. It looks like a spot out of the 40s movie, making it a cool hangout unlike any. While they have a few sandwiches other than burgers, the burger is King here. All four of us who ate here during my two visits completed our scorecard initiated an anonymous decision: the Ringside burger is the winner, the Central Ohio champion. read more

I'm probably going to say this wrong, but this place is the longest operating restaurant in Columbus, established in 1897! I was frantically looking for a place to eat yesterday evening, not realizing most places close around 7pm. I wandered into Ringside around 7:45pm and they close at 8. The waitress and cook were both great, I ordered, ate, talked with both of them, and left. I ordered the Smokin' Joe BBQ Burger with house-made chips. Both were delicious and the burger came with a generous amount of lettuce and tomato. There is also a nice selection of beers available. The ambiance was what you may expect from a joint having opened in 1897. Beautiful wooden booths and tables, stained glass windows, brass highlights, I could imagine myself taking part in history! read more

Ringside Cafe - Smokin' Joe BBQ Burger and hazy IPA. - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Stopped in for bite after an all day meeting. The smoking Joe bbq burger was tasty and juicy. Our server was attentive and fast. Inside it has a good amount of booths and tables for the size that it is. The outdoor patio has cool mural outside and a few tables. Great burgers and a great place for a small happy hour group. read more

Ringside Cafe - Smoking Joe BBQ Burger no bacon - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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This is the ultimate hole in the wall bar, restaurants that you must get to! Based in an alleyway and boxer themed! The burgers are delicious and the drinks are strong! Price is very reasonable and service is great! Adrain the owner makes you feel like family! Will definitely be back! read more

Ringside Cafe - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Great of the path Restraunt. The burgers range from 1/2 pound to 3/4 pounds. Cooked perfect. We also had the deep Fried Rueben. It was crazy good. I could have just ordered the Potatoe chips as a meal. read more

Finally made it into the oldest bar in Columbus Ringside. I have heard many thing over the years about this place and was excited to try it out. It was a quick in and out day as my afternoon was full. Started off with the Smokin Joe BBQ burger this was really good and was seasoned and cooked just as I requested. It was a half pound patty with applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese, and their house made BBQ sauce. This was served with House made potato chips, ok let stop here these stole the show. These chips are fried perfectly and salted I could eat them all day. Also wanted to try the onion rings that so many had went on about. Again tasty light batter just wish there were more ordered a large just not that many. The kitchen is just to the right of the bar, so small but food was good. Definitely stop back when I have more time. read more

Ringside Cafe - Smoking Joe BBQ burger - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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The oldest continuing restaurant in Columbus, I'm glad I finally made it over to Ringside to check it out. The space inside is very very small, so if you're wanting to bring a group here, be aware; I'm not sure if they take reservations, so plan accordingly. Inside there's a few side booths and maybe 4-5 tables, and bar seating; obviously there's patio seating, weather permitting. I met a friend for lunch on a Tuesday, we were able to get one of their small two-person booths with no wait. One guy running front of house, he made his table rounds efficiently. Their menu isn't huge, but a decent selection; vegetarians may find the options lacking. I've always heard about Ringside's burgers, seems to be the star of this establishment. I got the Brown Bomber Portobello burger ($14) which comes with kettle chips and a pickle spear. The beef patty was tasty, nicely seasoned; however, my Swiss cheese was cool (not melted at all) and the sauteed shrooms were also cold (literally) - this made the fungus flavor less obvious being cold. The house made kettle chips were decent, a bit too brown for my liking (Sat in the frying oil a tad too long), but I did like the thinness of them. All in all, I was happy with the service and my burger. RSC is open for lunch, closes at 2, then open from 4-8 for the dinner crowd. A solid burger-bar stop if you're downtown and in the mood. read more

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It was nothing special it was just like a pub..................... The ambiance of the place was a pub. It's also very small inside. Nothing really special read more

Ringside Cafe - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Best burgers in Columbus BY FAR. No frills hole in the wall in the heart of downtown Columbus- you know the food is going to be good. The owner is such a nice guy as well. Stop by if you can! read more

Ringside Cafe - Oscar de la Hoya Burger - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Ring side definitely a hidden gem in the city. I was able to stop in with a colleague and grab some lunch. He highly recommended this place. The service was fast and easy. The burger that I got was the Duran Cajun Bleu Burger 1/2 lb patty with bleu cheese crumbles, grilled red onions & smoked bacon with a side of fries. I must say that the burger was very flavorful and very tasty! If you are ever in the area I highly recommend you stopping in and checking this place out. The place is a little tight so get there early to grab a table. The lunch vibe was cool, we ate , talked and got out! So again I recommend this place overall experience was definitely a 9/10. Looking forward to coming back and trying more menu options! I love good hamburgers !! read more

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Small place but GREAT BURGERS! A little hidden gem in downtown Columbus you have to try!

Haven't been recently but when I did go for lunch it was one of the best places for a hamburger and a cold beer. Place was always crowded but wait staff was very efficient. read more

I have lived in Columbus since 1991, and I just finally walked into Columbus' oldest bar! Let me tell you, it is exactly what a bar should be. Dim lights, classic rock music (Tom Petty,Aerosmith,Elton John) playing..., true built- in tiny booths, wood paneling. Great guy working the entire floor, keeping everyone's food and beers comin'. You can see the cook in her small kitchen in the corner working hard. Every seat but a tiny two topped booth was full by the time we got our food. We ordered two Haymaker burgers... huge. Cooked over an open flame. The jalapeños had a nice aftertaste. Being a person that eats 80% vegetarian...I ordered the portobello sandwich, fully realizing this IS a burger place. The bun was so fresh. The mozzarella was amazing and the grilled red pepper was great. The portobello was seasoned great however...I am so picky about them...i felt it was a bit either too roasted or old. I opted to pull it off the sandwich. read more

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Food was amazing like amazing and the history is so cool and service is also so good my family and I were their when they just opened and the fresh chips and fry's and onion rings were also good 10/10 recommend I will be returning read more

I've lived in Columbus for 35 years but just never made it down here. Not on my way anywhere, and downtown, which I avoided anyway, plus parking is nuts. But I have some free time now, and am downtown often, and I keep hearing how good it is. And I like a good burger, so I came down here on a weekday afternoon. They close at 2 PM at least a few days a week, so get there early enough to eat before then. It is down an alley, in an old old building that used to be the rathskeller. There is outdoor seating for nice days. Darn small inside. It is dark and woody and cozy. I'm sure when it's busy it gets loud and hectic. But when I went, there were only one or two other customers. Service was excellent. The menu is interesting. Mostly sandwiches, a lot of burgers. I got the de la Hoya, since I liked what it had on it, and I didn't want to go too big or over the top. It was still big, a half pound burger, and not over the top but almost too big to pick up and a little messy, so come prepared. The bun was fluffy and perfectly baked. The burger was perfectly cooked. Also has provolone, aioli, and roasted peppers. A nice flavor combination. Is it the best burger in town? No. It's good. It's up there in the top 5 or 10 let's say. But we have some other pretty darn good burgers too. Still, they have a variety of choices of toppings and sizes of burgers. Plus a few other sandwiches. It's tasty, and very filling. I also got onion rings, and they were very good. Women's restroom is a small door right off the dining room. The men's restroom is down a pretty steep flight of stairs for an old guy, and is very basic. There's also another overflow/party/storage room down there. That would almost double the capacity at busy times. I would gladly come back. Plus, the overall experience was excellent. The building is cool inside and out. Service, choices, pricing, just the ambience and experience were great. I parked in the state house lot, really just a few steps away across the street. There's otherwise very very limited parking in the area. If you are down here for something else, definitely stop by. Is it worth a special trip? Well, maybe from the burbs. Certainly not from out of town. But a very good burger in a cool setting. I should not have waited this long to try it. read more

Old school vibe in cool, out of the way Downtown location. I need to stop back sometime soon.

Have worked downtown for decades and finally stopped in for a great burger. One of the better burgers in Columbus in the oldest Barr in Columbus. Great lunch service. The building shows in age but makes up for it with its charm, character, service and food quality. A must stop for a burger and beer downtown. read more

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WOW!!! My hotel recommended this place and I just had the BEST buffalo chicken sandwich of my life. The onion rings were fantastic also. It is an awesome spot with great service and a cool atmosphere. The burgers looked amazing too. This is my first stop next time that I am in town. read more

Found this gem of a restaurant and my goodness it was amazing. This restaurant and bar, has an amazing atmosphere feels like you are taking step back in time. You could get lost looking at every inch of this place. Definitely enjoyed the location. There was 4 of us in our party. We got two salads, a patty melt and a fish sandwich. The salads are large and fresh, they definitely don't skimp on the food or the presentation. The patty melt was served on a marble rye and it was amazing. The patty was well seasoned and the chips were by far the best in town. The fish sandwich was large and was scrumptious. The table decided on an order of fries and onion rings. The fries are fresh and the onion rings were good. The beer menu was full of options. If you are in the area do your self a favor and stop in. The burgers are definitely best in town. Our whole group will be back again. read more

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I just don't get it Mediocre food and drinks Served by one poor chick* *literally one girl running the whole place, and her foot was in a boot. The chicken sandwiches were bland and the mixed drinks came in different sized glasses. Skip it unless desperate read more

I've been there a few times, service is very personable, and the BBQ burger is my favorite.

Everything was great. The burgers, the onion rings were awesome too. Bbq bacon yes please

I had read all the great reviews! Was pretty excited about tasting one of Columbus's best burgers. I had th Cajun burger with onion rings. Onion rings I would give a 1 for being food, they were frozen onion rings that were lackluster for sure. The burger I asked for medium rare, and was well well done, with no life left in the meat, the Cajun spices were not special by any means! A dismal disappointment for a lunch I was so hyped for trying the best burger in Columbus! My friend had the same order, which was just the same in quality! Definitely will not being a repeat customer. read more

While in Columbus Ohio today. Tony and I opted to have lunch at Ringside Cafe located in an alley off third street downtown near Capital building. First of its kind style standing today,, built in 1895. There was some construction going on that hinder us a bit. No parking lot but was able to find on street meter. There are some tables outside for dining [ in the underconstruction alley] Or very nice wooden high back narrow boothes Inside very tight,but you can definitely feel like you stepped back into time. Stained glass windows, one of elephant and donkey (old political party symbols) Tony ordered " the brown bomber" burger well done with Swiss cheese and mushrooms and fries. I went with Cajun Chicken Sandwich with deep fried homemade chips. The food was wonderful. Tony enjoyed 2 PBR beers and I had a Coca Cola. It came to $35 with tips, taxes but I had snagged a Groupon Coupon for $20 off for only $9. So, my final payment at restaurant was only $15. Great food, great service, great historical experience definitely recommend and will definitely go back again!!!! read more

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Phenomenal service and food. Had the Ali burger and it was hands down top 3 burgers I have ever had. The staff were super friendly and the environment was very relaxing. We look forward to going back. read more

I wanted to try the oldest restaurant in Columbus and well, there's a reason it's been around for so long. Just wow! Great service, fantastic one pound burger cooked to perfection and fantastic kettle chips with a lovely char flavor. Best onion rings I've had in forever with an aioli I actually enjoyed (I usually hate mayo based dips). Give this place a shot if you're downtown for some reason, especially of you're by the capitol. Absolutely stellar. read more

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Best burger in Columbus without a doubt. Add in the hand cut fries and this place is hard to beat. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

Food was amazing as always. Server was great as always. Bartender yelling "fuck" every 5 seconds and making fun of people who eat the buster douglas and calling them gluttons is completely disgusting and disrespectful for your paying customers. You hired him in December, please fire him before April, or I will never come back again. read more

I wanted to like this place SO bad. One star for the really cool vibe and location--small, intimate, great theme and atmosphere. One star for our server who was amazing and working really hard all alone on Thursday night. Ordered two mid rare burgers and they came out basically well done. Why even ask what temp we want? They were nothing special either--kinda bland and tasted like average home cooking. Up charged for the fries and they were pretty cold and soft. No crunch. No salt. I wonder if the oil is too cold? Caesar salad was mediocre and overpriced. Maybe it's better at lunchtime? Maybe it wasn't the cook's best night? This place is so cool but has incredibly overrated food. I can't understand why it's rated so highly. Don't really need to go back here. Still had fun and it was a good experience. I just can't spend my dollar on this product again. read more

This place was hard to find, but so worth the trip! My Uber got lost, so tip #1... this place is downtown, not on campus!! N. Pearl ST. has multiple locations!! LOVE the environment, it's the Oldest bar in Columbus!! And hidden in a little alley way with cute lights strung outside. Inside is rustic you can definitely tell it's an old place, but it was so neat! I ordered the Cajun burger, one of many solid options on the "Heavyweights" menu, and it was absolutely delicious!! House made chips, onion rings, and French fries were all to die for, too. They do have a few "lighter" options if you don't want a burger, but I would definitely recommend this place to anyone!! It's delicious and the service was great. Warning for the weak, the alcoholic beverages are STRONG. read more

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