Great food, cooked in a diner style. The prices are not too high. You can get a decent meal for under $10.

We've been to Portside a lot. To be honest we've been really happy with the food and service until today. The eggs are always done right which is important to me. They had an off day today No big deal. My husband's corned beef hash was soupy, my home fries came with sausage gravy (I can't eat pork), and my steak was really veiny, parts of it were medium rare and parts were very raw. To be frank, it's not the quality of steak that I would eat that raw. We looked for our waitress so I could have them cook the steak some more, but we didn't see her for a while, so we decided just to eat what we could and take the rest home for the pups. Again, no big deal. When we went to check out our waitress asked us how the food was, and we told her. We had our money out ready to pay, but since we didn't see her during our meal, and we eat there often, we thought she would want to know it was an off day for the kitchen. She became really upset, argued with me about what medium rare is, and what the quality of the steak was. She said she came to the table several times to check on us, when in reality we TRIED to look for her so I could get the steak put back on the grill. She was emotional about what was just a "heads up" complaint, and acted like we were trying to scam then out of the cost of the meal. The kitchen was having a bad day, so what? The waitress treating us like crap? THAT'S why we'll never be back. read more

Calling Portside a greasy spoon is being unfair. The food is humble, but good - not greasy. They'll bring you a massive amount of whatever you want, for a very reasonable price, and enough coffee to float you through your day. The space is large and clean, with plenty of windows. We always get great service here as well...they treat everyone like regulars. We met up with family at Portside for Easter breakfast for some down-home cooking. Most of us had GIGANTIC omelets - I think they must use ostrich eggs - with hash browns and toast. Serious, full-plate, 2" high omelets stuffed with goodies. If you're looking for gourmet or artisanal - yeah, they don't do that here. Make plans to workout later. The spouse did get a traditional turkey dinner and it was delicious - carved turkey, real mashed potatoes and stuffing. I ended up taking 2/3 of my ham and cheese omelet and half of my hashbrowns home. Great place to try along the road out of town! read more

Every order has been carryout. The parking lot is gravel or crumbled asphalt. Hard to tell. The exterior roadsign is terrible to non-exsistant. If not using GPS, you will pass it. They still have truck parking in the lower back lot. They spent some money on the inside re-furbishing it, from what I remember back in '95. It's standard diner fare with reasonable prices. I've seen many of the menu options from what I pick up for other co-workers. How they eat fries from carryout, I will never know. I find the Southern Omelette to be one I have ordered more than once. 2 big styrofoam boxes for one meal. I call the hashbrowns and toast, the carb box. I always give it away. One co-worker now knows I do, and only orders gravy to top it. That means the Omelette must be big to get a box to itself. It's HUGE! I still only eat half of it. I have also had the daily special. Which on that day was chopped steak with 2 sides and roll for $8 or $9. It was a very brown meal that did not make me wish that that is todays special. The restroom is in the small lobby foyer, and a bit sketchy. They do accept credit cards, but have no WiFi. There are several TVs hanging in corners. OK, so we have had some items missing or slightly incorrect. I do not fault them. This is not a drive-thru pushing a car every 50 seconds. This is a diner accommodating a carry-out order from 4 to 14 people. Any significant mistake, worthy of a phone call, has been met with a friendly apology & offer to replace. I once went back a month later to get a replacement club sandwich platter, without hassel. They exclaim that they are known for their pie. Usually only 2 choices at lunch hour. They look like they might be from yesterday. 1 piece left. Cream fallen. etc. I've had great pie. At $4 a slice, this is not it. Maybe they bake after lunch, and it's all good for dinner. Heading south, I would get outside 270, and stop here. But for dessert, I would wait for the bakery in Round Town. Heading north, this is a great place to wait out rush hour traffic, or stop as a truck driver waiting to get a meal & deliver inside the loop in the morning. The staff is friendly. The prices are fair. The food is decent diner. #UpCloseSavor XP read more

Portside Cafe - Carryout Chopped steak daily special. "Not so special!" #UpCloseSavor XP - New American Near Me - Lockbourne, Ohio

Really good food, really great prices, super friendly staff....several home made deserts

Since Grove City doesn't have many hometown mom and pop restaurants we drove a couple miles out of town and I am so happy we did. The food was delicious. We got a western omelette (which is huge!), French toast, and basic eggs and hash browns. Four stars only because the interior is slightly out dated but it did appear they were going through renovations. We will definitely be back and likely for lunch so it's acceptable to dig into their delectable pie selection! read more

Headed south on Rte 23? Well.. chances are you'll be passing Portside Cafe. A little hole in wall restaurant that has beaten the odds of it's predecessors and kept it's doors open for at least a couple of years. It's a run down little greasy spoon across from the large Catholic Cemetery just a half a mile away from Scioto Downs. It's run down, there's holes and knooks... missing ceiling tiles, worn seating, and creepy Maw and Paw dolls, so ambiance seekers turn away. Locals keep this place packed, and when I say locals... I mean a lot of older, white haired clientele, but as I had expected.. they come here mostly for the breakfast a brunch. For a Sunday though, this place was extremely hopping and already had a waiting list just shortly into noon. I was not feeling very adventurous, so I kept it simple with a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich, which was average. HOWEVER.. don't write them off yet.... My husband ordered pancakes and they were GINORMOUS. Probably some of the larger pancakes I have seen in my existence. The man ordered two, and could only eat one. They were tasty looking and he said they soaked up all the nice flavors from the grill, too. So, yes, breakfast is the way to go if you're interested in stopping by Portside. They have a pie case full of delicious sugar coma inducing confections. The pies were average. I have had better at other greasy spoons, but it was still delicious none-the-less. This places deserves another stop from me and perhaps my rating might increase, but for now.. it's A-OK, Yelpers! read more

Great diner style food! Been there several times and service is great! I am pleasantly surprised by the generous portions of food.

Visited this little dive with some locals from the area and it was delicious! The servers were very friendly and recognized some of our group. The food was delicious and we all got our plates at the same time (17 orders!!) I got the French Toast with bacon and eggs and it was spectacular. Everything tastes homemade and like comfort food. Definitely stop by here when you're in the area. read more

Lunch/dinner offering wasn't as impressive as breakfast, but still ok and still a good deal. I had a very good fish tail sandwich, nice crispy not too thick cornmeal breading, but the fries didn't appear to be prepped in house. Also, I ordered the platter which should have came with coleslaw, but I didn't realize it was even missing until the end of the meal. As I mentioned in my earlier post, they don't have a kid's menu, so my 7 y.o. had to order a 1/3rd lb cheeseburger and my 3 y.o. ate a la carte from the breakfast menu. There was obviously plenty of burger left for me to try. Tasted like it was just a slightly over-cooked frozen patty. It was big enough, but thinner, and in a near perfect circle. This surprised me because on my last visit I had a chopped steak breakfast which was essentially just a hamburger patty too. That burger was juicy, fresh, and on the thicker side with a slight irregular shape and thickness that made it seem hand formed. I'd gladly pay and extra buck or two for this patty on a cheeseburger. read more

Great little spot! They would definitely benefit by putting some sort of signage out front. Had I not been with a friend I would have driven right past it. Took my 6 y/o son who is a b&g(biscuts&gravy)aficionado and theirs passed the test. Came around 11am and the place was packed with I'm assuming regulars. Can't beat the prices. Brunch for 3 w/ three drinks and plenty to take home came in around $25.00. They also had a hand written specials list which led me to believe it's a legit special. Also word on the street is all the baked goods are made from scratch. read more

Portside Cafe - 1/2 order B&G w/hash browns. - New American Near Me - Lockbourne, Ohio

Good service but food not up to good diner what it could be. Had the pork chops which were kinda dry. Fake mash potatoes and canned gravy and canned corn. The place itself is clean and friendly. Didn't try the pie but looks homemade. read more

great food, great location. super hot waitress/asst mgr (?) , blonde (owner's dgtr i found out)- No b.s. food, truck stop portions, i had brkfst they HAD raisin toast!!!! w had johnny marzetti (took 1/2 to go, huge portion!) glad this location open again and by these folks ( this rest. used to be on SR 317) if you're tired of nouvelle cusine (or detest it like i do) this restaurant does it right. They need wi-fi, and better access for handicapped though, but all in all this old vet got around the hc glitches eat there! that's an order!! read more

Awesome grub and authentic dinner atmosphere. This dinner is legit, nor a corporate knock off! read more

Portside Cafe - New American Near Me - Lockbourne, Ohio

The food that restaurant is amazing! We go here as often as we possibly can the service is great. And the staff are always on point. This is an old truck stop don't let the outside folia the place is amazing. read more

This place is amazing for large groups. You have to look out for it as you're driving we might go on by. Definitely should not judge the book by its cover. Breakfast was amazing and you get a lot of great food for the price. read more

I've been here a couple times. I believe it is nothing more than a senior citizen poor quality cheaper prices diner. Great hours....5 a.m. -- 10:30 p.m. There is plenty of parking. Ambiance, beauty, sophistication....NONE EXISTS HERE. Food quality very poor. Example: pies are to be homemade but they use instant pudding and fake cool whip....Not any good. Servers are great...hard workers and pleasant. She told us Salmon Patties are homemade but I'm cautious. They have Liver & Onions and because I really Like L & O I'M way too cautious to order them. I can open cans and boil 'stuff' at home. MAYBE IF I WERE ORDERING ONLY BREAKFAST FOODS IT WOULD BE DIFFERENT. They're on Facebook. read more

If your not looking for it you will miss it. It's right past the shed dealer going south on s. High st. Its not much on curb appeal, but the staff, food, interior is worth it! read more

I and my Mom and sister have gone here several times in the past years. It had been awhile, so we decided to go this past Sunday for breakfast. Although we previously had decent food and service, this trip was a nightmare. Yes, it was busy and we understand that. We did get a seat and shortly thereafter got our coffee and ordered. After close to 45 minutes without our food, I asked another server to check on our order. Was told "the cook was working on the second half" (???) -- after another good five minutes or more, I asked yet another server to check on our food. This entire time our own server never came back nor was she easy to track down. We all decided this was enough time to wait; as I got up to leave, server (not our original one) had a tray of food for our table. Before setting any food on the table she said "I don't appreciate you being rude and/or calling my daughter names); What??? Apparently the younger server is her daughter -- I told her she was wrong; a second server standing nearby said "I heard you" -- that did it -- I got up and she's lucky I didn't punch her. I said "This is not acceptable -- we're leaving". Her comment was something to the effect that okay, she would just throw all of this food away. I told her to "go for it" -- We are out of here." This woman's only comment was that she was not a liar -- What kind of customer service is this? None of us in my party called anyone any name -- and the name we were accused of calling this server is stupid -- if I were going to call someone a name, I could have thought of a better one. Very disappointing experience, needless to say -- we just left and will never go back, and highly recommend to anyone NOT to visit this establishment. It really sucks. read more

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. However, the food was less than mediocre. The omelet with cheese tasted like carton eggs and the cheese was a slice of American cheese slapped on top of the omelet to melt slightly before it was served. I've never had a cheese omelet prepared like that before. Overall this was a small town truck stop diner with nothing special to offer. The real issue I took with this place is that they allowed a dog in the restaurant and to sit in a high chair at the table and the customers were feeding it from the table. It was not wearing a service vest. This is unsanitary and uncalled for and frankly just gross. read more

The outside isn't appealing but the food is good. The coffee was hot and strong , perfect. The pancakes are good and plate size , huge. Ham was real good. The fried potatoes just like I like them , crispy. However they were a little greasy. It was clean and waitress kept my coffee hot and full. Prices were maybe slightly above avg but only because the servings were huge. read more

Friendly staff and great service even when extremely busy! Portions are huge so come hungry or plan to take some home! read more

There weren't that many choices for diners in the area so we decided to try this one. The entrance could probably use some updating and cleaning. We didn't know if it was sit or wait for a table, a sign would of been nice but it looks like people that go there were regulars. Our food was delivered promptly and the food was good. However no server checked back with us after since our tab was given with the food. My fiance wanted a box for leftovers and it took a while to get our server's attention to get it. They had pies so I asked what the choices were. Haha instead of finding them our and coming back to us she yelled them across a few tables of what they were. I was excited to eat them but apparently they didn't want us to eat them there as they came in to go boxes. I also found that each slice was almost 5 bucks! And they weren't that big to justify their price tag. Ok place, but a few minor improvements would of pushed my rating higher. read more

Favorite breakfast place. I will always go very early in the morning when I meet my grandfather here. I've been going here for years. Amazing food and great prices. read more

Nice country diner. Could use a little cleaning. they have specials which is nice. Wait staff was nice. Desserts are good but very high-priced for what I thought I got and where I got it. read more

A little mom and pop shop located on St Rt 23. Great food great service! Stop everytime we go to Columbus. Ps U got to try the pie

I've eaten here since they first opened. Sometimes eat here 4 or 5 times a week. This is a nice local diner, that has the feel of diners "back in the day". There's a family atmosphere, especially if you go there frequently, and get to know the staff, and the regulars. Food has that "down home" taste, and the portions are surprisingly large. You'll also find items on the menu that you won't find anywhere else, too. This is "home-cooked" food, not commercial, "by-the-book" corporate meals. Then, save room for dessert! Their pies and pastries are fresh-made, and totally delicious. They're made on site, in limited quantities. So, depending on the time of day, and demand, there may not be a big selection. Overall, Portside Café is a fun place, and a great place to get a generous diner-style meal. For you truckers, there's plenty of truck parking in the back, and on the side of the building. Truckers are appreciated at Portside Café. read more

Portside Cafe - One of my favorites at Portside Café, the Coney Platter. Simple, but delicious. - New American Near Me - Lockbourne, Ohio

I love this place for breakfast. Big portions, hot coffee and reasonable prices. Keep up the good work.

I don't live here but I grew up in Chillicothe so I know of this place from friends and the Bass Bros. I stopped in one afternoon hoping for some pie. Unfortunately they had sold out of many pies; they must be really good. I decided to get pancakes. Good decision on my part. They are made from scratch, not a food service just add water mix. Nuff said. read more

If you're looking for excellent service and excellent food, Portside is the place to be :-)

Without a doubt, hands down, the best cream puffs and pie in Columbus! The staff is wonderful and attentive, and coffee is bottomless. Fresh, made to order breakfasts at reasonable prices make it tough not to become a regular. read more

Love a classic diner. Love a deal. Love good food. This place is the trifecta and, as a bonus, with great pie, sweet and helpful servers, and open until 10:30 in the evenings. Seriously- you'll live with a great comfort food dinner and not break the bank. Worth the drive a bit south of Columbus - we'll be back and bring our friends! read more

I've been now for breakfast and lunch, it has been great both times. Do not let the exterior turn you off. Check out the pie selection when you walk in! The lunch was really good, it was a big hamburger with onion rings. read more