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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We stopped in for lunch. It is a tiny restaurant. The onion rings were crisp and huge. The fried Ruben wrap was a work of art. The burger came with crisp chips. The waitress was attentive and super at her service. read more

Ringside Cafe - Beer Battered Onion Rings Reuben WrP - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I can't believe it's taken me 100+ years to dine at Ringside...!!! Burgers were delicious. Fries were crispy and tasty. Service was friendly and attentive. We enjoyed Ringside, and will be back soon. read more

Great atmosphere and an interesting history. We had the largest burger they serve split between the two of us. Tasty and good onion rings. Would return. read more

Ringside claims to be the oldest bar in Columbus and it feels like it when you walk inside. The interior is like taking a step back in time and exudes historical charm. The place has been very busy every single time I have been in for a visit. The burgers are consistently delicious! read more

Ringside Cafe - The Original Jack Dempsey. A really good standard cheeseburger. - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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My roommate ordered the ALI burger through grubhub for dinner tonight. It arrives and he is greeted to a COMPLETELY RAW burger. We put it on a plate and cut it open to see if maybe it was just a portion. No the entire burger is uncooked. We then contact grubhub and they call Ringside. Ringside then REFUSES TO REFUND US. So after a back and forth with Grubhub, we were finally able to get a refund directly through them. This is completely unacceptable and disgusting. I don't know how this burger made it off the grill, let alone sent out to us. And the audacity of Ringside to refuse to refund us is the icing on the cake. Do not eat here unless you're a fan of food poisoning. I've attached photos as proof. The owner of this restaurant should be ashamed this is just completely not okay. read more

Ringside Cafe - ALI Burger Completely RAW ALI burger we ordered from grubhub that the restaurant then refused to refund us for. - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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This is the 3rd time I've been to RingSide and I love it! The food is always amazingly delicious. The service is great. The staff is super personable, polite, and fun. The am since is fantastic as well. I highly recommend this place to everyone. read more

Went to Ringside Cafe last night. This place has some of the best burgers I've had in Columbus. Definitely a don't miss spot! I tried the Old school burger. It was a huge 3/4 lb cooked to order burger, loaded with the best fresh ingredients. It came with a side of some seasoned french fries. Highly recommend! read more

Ringside Cafe - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

In the midwest people eat in dive bars, drink copious amount of Bud or Coors (which btw I always thought it was spelled Cools until an Iowa friend of mine told me how to spell it properly) to wash down their burgers. Am I stereotyping? Perhaps. But you know I'm right. In my life I'm surrounded by a few native Californian girlfriends and a couple of midwestern and east coast guy friends. You can take a guy out of the midwest but you cannot take midwest out of them which is to say we don't go out to eat very much because I can't really stand dive bars, sports TV and Coors. That said, I am good at adapting - so when in Rome, do the Romans do. In Columbus Ohio today and I feel like Bill Murray in Lost in Translation. You see I ate at a dive bar watching sports on TV and drank beer. I followed Yelp to restaurants that rated four stars and everyone of them had sports on TV and every restaurant looked like a dive bar filled with tons of people. So it's a nice break when I stumbled onto a 4 star dive bar with relative quietness. Allegedly the oldest bar in Columbus Ohio and it served food. Not too crowded and super manly. I thought immediately a friend who is from this part of the world (he has been living in San Francisco since the early 90s, however), and how he would fit right in here. I ask the person if they served food also because I was tired of walking. Apparently they have burgers. All kinds of burgers. The one that arrived on a plate is humongous. And delicious. Oscar De la Hoya is the one to get, according to the bartender. The booth seating is rather comfortable and you can totally eat alone there. I inhaled the patty. Did not eat all the buns. I would if I didn't have to take a meeting right before 9. I arrived at 8:20 and I was done by 8:45. In and out in 20 and way better than In n' Out. A cool little hide away in the alleyway. I'd return tomorrow if it weren't for the fact that I might try one more burger joint on High street. I'm getting a hang of Ohio. I can see why the airport sign highlights "US" at the end of Columbus. This is as USA as it gets. read more

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So I found out about this place via Groupon. I am the Burger Removal Specialist so it was only right I try them out. Found out that this place somehow is affiliated with Buster Douglas, so that made me more intrigued. So now for the GOOD, BAD & THE UGLY! The Good: I had a Groupon! The fries were amazing, but you have an upcharge because all of the burgers only come with kettle chips. Bad: This place is hidden, parking is terrible. Ending up wasting about 15 minutes trying to find a spot on the street. After searching and no success, we gave up and parked at a parking garage. The Ugly: So I usually take my burgers well done. And never in all of my days in the burger eating business have I had a burger that had the life cooked out of it. I mean this thing was lifeless, I almost called the police because this was a burger homicide! I I ordered the Smokin Joe Frazier, I believe was the name. And Smokin Joe would be appalled at this weak (bleep) burger! I mean this burger was OUT FOR THE COUNT *see what I did there*... The house bbq sauce was too bitter for my liking. The bun had potential and the bacon was fakin! Couldn't really remember the cheddar cheese, so that's not too good. Our server was friendly and the fries were good, those are the only reasons I am rating this a 2 overall. Wifey ordered the Rocky Marciano melt. And it wasn't much better. The rye was too bready and wasn't even toasted or warm. Her onion rings were meh at best. She said as we walked out, we never have to return. The inside was much smaller than I anticipated but it was just the two of us and one other couple. Lastly, the prices were way too high in my opinion, given the quality of the food. I'd rather go to Five Guys and spend my moolah on a quality burger. Smokin Joe Burger 1-5=1. Fries 1-5=5! read more

Ringside Cafe - Smoking Joe Burger - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Happened upon Ringside due to a recommendation from our hotel's valet. Columbus is set up uniquely, in that their alleyways are actually just smaller streets full of businesses. Our intent was to find a great burger and this place definitely fit the bill. Nothing to look at on the inside, pretty dark and typical bar setting. We chose to sit outside and they have a great little patio set up with a cool mural taking up the whole side of the building. We went in the middle of the afternoon and barely had other people there to contend with, but the service was good! Fun theme of naming the burgers after boxers, it's the little things that catch your eye! I enjoyed the Smokin Joe burger which has bbq sauce and bacon. It was very filling at 1/2 lb of meat and was cooked exactly as I asked for. My husband stepped up to the plate and demolished the 3/4 lb Ali burger. He really enjoyed it, the flavors melded together nicely and he raved about it several times later. We both really liked their house chips, they had a really nice crunch and weren't too greasy! read more

Ringside Cafe - Cool alleyway seating - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Fantastic Burger and Homemade chips with reasonably fast friendly service. Typical local small bar vibe complete with a table of men shooting the breeze over their lunch. 10 out of 10 recommend!​ read more

If you look up the phrase "hole in the wall" in a dictionary, you'll find an unglamorous but irresistibly appealing photo of Ringside. I mean, it's a corner-of-a-building entrance, right in the middle of ongoing construction going on in an alleyway. Capacity is probably somewhere around 35, and the lights are low. But to not step up to this place and take a peek inside would be a huge mistake: Ringside is salt-of-the-earth on the inside, with staff that'll greet you the second you walk in the door and a beer list scrawled on a charming chalkboard. I strolled up on a Monday night solo, and sat at the bar, which immediately greeted me with views of boxing gloves and fight replays from decades ago. That chalkboard beer list isn't going to knock you over, but prices are good and there are a couple local craft favorites on tap - I picked the Red Ale from Elevator, which was the perfect complement to the basketball game in front of me. I'm not the first reviewer to say this, but the burger is the only option at a place like Ringside. The menu isn't too long, but you can tell there's not a bad order listed. I went with the Duran Cajun burger, which was just massive, and some house chips on the side. Every bite was delicious, although once I'd picked the sucker up it was impossible to put it down without toppings spilling everywhere. If you're around downtown Columbus before 9pm on a weekday (a little early of a close), definitely do not hesitate to peel back the wallpaper and take a look at this hole in the wall. Service will be friendly and quick, and your burger will keep you full until next week. read more

Ringside Cafe - Duran Cajun burger, house chips, and Elevator's Red Ale - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The place has great character and is somewhat hidden in an alley. I'm glad for the Yelp tips for the alley as I may not have found the place when exploring the city one night. I had a tough time picking which burger to have as there were so many interesting options. The beer selection was good too. Some downsides on my visit that prevented me from scoring a 5 star: - my chips were considerably over-cooked but I didn't say anything. I still ate them. - for how slow it was when I stopped in (about 9pm; only one other table with guests), I was surprised how long it took to get my food. - lastly, while the gentleman who sat me and got my beer was very nice, it was a turn off when he started cleaning the other tables with a super strong-smelling cleaner. With all of this, I would still go back to try another burger. Again, it has character and a nice burger & beer menu. read more

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

A great little bar with incredible burgers and super friendly service. Decent beer choice. Lively atmosphere where everyone seems friendly and happy. Was a great stop during our walk from hotel to Nationwide Arena. read more

I'm so happy I found out about Ringside! Whether you're looking for a burger (hint: you're looking for a burger) or an equally delicious sandwich (no, get a burger what are you doing) you can't go wrong (unless you don't get a burger). I had the jalapeño burger (the Haymaker) and devoured it. It was the right level of spice without feeling like death, which is good when you need to go back to work. If you're looking at their website, they don't have all of the menu items listed (like this burger for example). It's super small, dark, and feels like a sophisticated dive bar. It's perfect atmosphere. There aren't a lot of tables so best of luck if you try to get a table during rush times. By 1pm, the place had mostly cleared out so try and stop by for a late lunch or early dinner! read more

Ringside Cafe - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This place rocks. It is hidden right now due to construction and whatnot, but they have signs to help guide you find it. It's on a corner and when you walk in, you have the bar immediately to your right and seating right in front of you. It's a small joint, but that's part of the charm. The menu is a bit larger than what you see on their website. They do have more than just burgers, but honestly, try a burger first. You HAVE to. It's what their known for (obviously). I have had 2 so far. The Oscar de la Hoya (jalapeño burger) and the Jack Dempsey (traditional) with fries. My boyfriend had the smokin joe (bbq and bacon). Also, if you can't tell by the photos, the burgers are HUGE. They're perfect. They have a good selection of bottled and can beer. Only a couple drafts on hand but usually it's a local/craft. A bottle is about $4-$5. Not bad at all. Service is seat yourself and no frills but very friendly. I wish they were open on Sundays. I really love this place. read more

Ringside Cafe - Traditional Jack Dempsey with pepper jack cheese + fries - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Excellent burgers. Took two coworkers from Oregon and they had doubts, until they walked in. Full of young business people in skirts and ties. The Smoking Joe was likely the best burger I've ever had. Don't miss this place. read more

Ringside Cafe - Travelers from Oregon. - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The Building; eclectic, rustic, and the Ringside has so much personality. The Ringside has that old time charm about it, and it is an awesome place to sit in. The food is fabulous. It is economical for a pub style atmosphere. A hamburger can be basic, but Ringsides packs a ton of flavor over and beyond being anything but basic. The hamburgers are huge, and have an abundance amount of flavor. I noticed a nice char on them, and mix that with an onion ring and the cheese on the hamburger; awesome. They are put together as the pictures show. The kettle fries are awesome. I couldn't stop eating them. That also stands for the onion rings, and fries. Nom. Staff; superb. It is like an old time pub. They communicate with their patrons well, and know or research anything you have a question about. I Highly recommend The Ringside to just experience the atmosphere. I can't wait to go back later this year. It is also one of the oldest style pubs in Columbus. Food, personality, and many cheers. read more

This is my second time stopping in this place. Both times have been down right amazing. After having a disappointing dinner hubby and I popped in and we were so glad we did. Great beer and even better burgers. Atmosphere was very warm and inviting. But that burger hands down one of the best I have had. Cannot wait to go back. read more

Ringside Cafe - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This place is a great it's like walking back in time, it's small and cozy and there is more space in the basement but I didn't go down to check it out they just had a larger party seated down there. The burger was good a little less cooked than I preferred so I would suggest well done. Nevertheless it was still delicious, I got the smokin joe. WARNING: This burger is very messy. So be sure to have extra napkins on hand. (The nice waitress had these ready for me so that was a plus) I only gave them 4 stars because my house chips weren't warm but they still tasted great. And also for the slightly undercooked burger that I still devoured. read more

I've been on a quest to find the best burger in Columbus and lemme just say, this one is tops. As you can see, their burgers are massive, cooked to order, and all named after some boxer (fighter? MMA? I don't know what you call those people). First, they're located in one of, if not the, oldest taverns in Columbus....1897 I believe. So, the ambience is small, vintage, hauntingly awesome. You'd think they'd keep late hours since they're also a bar but it looks like they're only open until 9 PM so get there early. This is going to be a regular go-to for me whenever I'm craving red meat. Oh, and their side of fries is a $2 upcharge and totally worth it. Ask for a side of garlic aioli to go along with it and thank me later. read more

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Adrienne and I came here the first weekend we came to columbus over two years ago. We were out on the town and we really wanted a great burger. I gently reminded her that we were only two blocks from Ring Side and we were on our way. This place is the very definition of a dive bar and it should never change! Only about 30 seats but that's why makes this place so great. Fresh cut fries and fresh beef, that's all you need for an awesome menu! Adrienne and I split the original burger and fries and it was huge! The photo is only half a burger and half an order of fries, they split it for us after I asked them to cut the burger in half and that is my definition of customer service. If you sit at the bar you can see the chef preparing the burger so we got to talk to both the bartender and chef. Both were super nice! We noticed a couple of local cops come in to grab some dinner so you know it's good if you see the locals coming in. This is one of the best places to come for a burger in Columbus so it's always at the top of my list! Great job!!! read more

Ringside Cafe - Pretty entrance - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Great food in a small, but great old bar. Small treasure in Columbus, Ohio. Who knew this place existed in the alley. Give it a try! read more

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

Grabbed lunch here today with my beautiful wife. Came to Columbus for Red, White and Boom fireworks. Lots of ppl downtown but this place wasn't too busy. We sat outside which was nice with a cool breeze down the side street. Never been here before so wes intrigued since it is known as the oldest bar in Columbus and voted the #1 burger. I chose to not get the burger though and went with the club and onion rings. The club was very thick if meat. Not shy there and the onion rings were very tasty. My wife had the Caesar and added grilled chicken. Also very good. They have a nice selection of beer, cider, etc. we stepped inside just to see the old bar. Very cool looking with all the wood and back mirror. In all prices not bad. Out the door with tip for under $35. Waitress was attentive and got us everything we needed without bugging us too much. Good choice for lunch. read more

Omg! I love a good burger and this is one of the best I've EVER HAD! Juicy, flavorful, and the right ration of bun-burger-toppings!y bank account is going to take a hurting bc OMG I don't see how I'm going to stay away Oh and get the fries for $2 more. A proper burger needs a proper side! read more

It is hard to get better bang for your buck downtown than at Ringside Cafe. They know how to do sandwiches and burgers! Ringside Cafe is a quaint restaurant hidden in the back of Pearl Alley. In summertime, they put chairs outside and it is a wonderful outdoor dining location Their interior is a bit small so if you go during a popular time you could end up waiting a bit for a table but trust me, it is worth it. The service at Ringside is always excellent. I have probably dined here around 5 times in the 8 years I've lived in Columbus. It isn't as close to my work as other places so sometimes I forget about it but I stopped in recently and was reminded that Ringside is so very legit. I love it. The house chips are good but I recommend the fries because they are excellent! They also have a great drink menu which makes this a great place for dinner or happy hour after work. I usually just come here for lunch because that's when I am closest to the location because of my job but I have stopped in for dinner as well and was not disappointed. The building also has a lot of history which is awesome. Don't just take my word for it. Get yourself to Ringside right away! Warning: this is a downtown location so parking isn't always readily available so you will want to plan ahead if you're not walking there. read more

I came not sure what type of burger I wanted and ended up getting exactly what I wanted . Delicious burgers , onion rings , perfect drinks , great atmosphere . This will be my "go to " place from now on . Down a side street but not hard to find . read more

I absolutely loved this place. It was around the corner from my hotel. The place isn't very big however, I was able to find a seat at the bar. The bartender was very nice & recommended a great burger. I got the "Smokin Joe" BBQ bacon burger. The burger was cooked to perfection and came out fairly quickly. If you're looking for a great burger I would definitely recommend Ringside Cafe. read more

Ringside Cafe - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Picture it: the heart of downtown, down the gorgeous and secretive Pearl Alley, a beautiful old brick building that houses the most historic restaurant in the city. That's Ringside Cafe. I can't believe I waited 10 years to try this place! I loved everything about it. Now before you scurry downtown, I need to tell you a few things first: -It's down an alley, so parking is, umm... yeah. I freaking love that it's down Pearl, so this isn't a gripe from me. But seriously, park at the meters or the lot on Gay St and take a little stroll. Or catch the CBUS. -The building was built in 1897, so it's old. It's not shiny and new. I repeat: it's OLD. This is another plus in my book. -The interior is pretty tiny, so don't bring a group. 4 people max, y'all. -There will likely only be three people running the entire restaurant, so if you like service that is at your every beckon call, Ringside isn't for you. Don't get me wrong, everyone was really friendly and helpful; they just treat you more like you're friends at their house rather than traditional table service. -The menu is small, yet full of greasy deliciousness. Lots of tasty burger options. And these 1/2-pound burgers are DEE-licious too... some of the best in the city. They have some salads and other options too, but really--get a burger. -The prices are just right too. $9-10 for a massive, good-quality burger? Yes please. If it sounds like I'm trying to deter you a little bit from coming, that's because I am. Ringside isn't for everyone, so I'm trying to set expectations. But if you're an adventurer who loves hidden gems and delicious food, then this is the place for you. read more

Ringside Cafe - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I've been searching for a place to substitute for Thurman's since its profile on Man Versus Food has turned it into man versus queue-- beyond what was once expected. So being inspired by the first amazing afternoon of spring to scout OBX-ing opportunities (which in a town with rising value and knee-jerk property protection is basically zero--not like in the days gone by) I decide to try this place while out on my 10-mile walk. I wouldn't say it reaches the heavenly heights of Thurman's, but it did make my top-5. It certainly will satisfy my lust for grounded up bovine. Ringside sits in the shadows of Rhodes Tower, there after Pearl Street abuts at Gay, and then continues on as an off-road plaza until Broad; in that black areas between skyscrapers where from the street it seems nothing exist, but in reality holds independent eateries and watering holes to serve downtown offices and politicos from the statehouse. An establishment has been in its red brick building since the 1890s, becoming a speak easy during prohibition-- no doubt to serve the hypocrisies of machine politicians-- and continues today. Its old, red entrance door leads to a small, dark space that reminds my of a church or abbey. In dark wood the booths look like rustic pews in design; the wall are paneled the same; the restroom door seemed to lead to a confessional. Above, the only natural light glows through stain glass windows wrapping the space; they seem to show Tudor inspired scenes, save one with the image of a donkey and an elephant--the contestants of the boxing match theme of the place. No doubt this is the place where many deals were made in corrupting fumes of cigar smoke; one of many historical spaces that combine to be the real statehouse. The most impressive item sat above the door. A huge, portrait oriented painting of a boxing scene that I suspect--hope--is a original (or even copy) George Bellows. It looks like one of his boxing set. A point-of-view from a ringside seat, in an illegal boxing venue of the early 1900s, it shows a pugilist knocking his opponent across the ropes. Even if not a Bellow, it still connects the two themes of the place in its religiously conspicuous spot. I sat at the bar where the only server looked like a boxer just out from a spare. This is not a slam, as his torn clothing, five o'clock shadow, and punch- drunk demeanor seemed authentic for the pubs environment. He was helpful and gave great service. The menu here is small and focused on hamburgers named after famed boxers: The Ali, Jack Dempsey, Oscar De La Hoya. These are your usual choices: Bleu Cheese, Red Pepper, BBQ. They have a mammoth 1.5 lbs "TKO", but that was too much for me. I selected a 1/2 pound Brown Bomber, a portabella topped patty with Swiss. The ground beef was of great quality, though it wasn't spice rubbed, it did have a classic burger taste. The mushrooms come with a glaze that was tasty. I added fries for a buck-and-a-pop; they were decent.The on-tap choices were two crafts; A Columbus Brew IPA and Elevator's Brown Nut. I chose a pint of Guinness. They also sell the full set of domestics and imports, as well as several local crafts by bottle. They make other bar staple food as well. I ordered it well-done . . . sigh, there really needs to be a universal standard of what that means; here it means to 'charcoal' the outer shell. So take note if you want a step down. I think I will do that the next time. They have a nice patio out front, and a basement I didn't venture down. This place certainly makes a great bugger, and provides an awesome place enough to attract me on further visits. I am excited to sample more of their menu. read more

RINGSIDE CAFE won my loyalty on my second trip in. I accepted the invitation to burgers and beer with a friend for an early supper. Dang! I wrote a review 8/30/13 and slammed the Chicken Salad and Service. I was absolutely without reservation convinced with my burger and the high quality service that Ringside needs your visit and patronage. The burgers I learned are never frozen, made into a patty when ordered and this brings the freshness and flavor to where it needs to be. The hot chips were so good. I learned that the chips and fries are cut on site each day from fresh potatoes and never frozen. The server was so attentive, professional and engaging. I am convinced now that first impressions are often in need of re-evaluating to have a better opinion formed. Thanks RINGSIDE! I'll see you soon for sure. read more

THE best burger in Columbus. Hands down. Perfectly cooked, thick & juicy, full of flavor. This place truly is Columbus' finest hidden gem. And I mean hidden. This hole-in-the-wall bar can be difficult to find with all the alleys & construction in the area, but worth finding. Building is really old & full of so much character. Service is no frills & prices are great for what you get. 6 seats at the bar & just a few tables inside & out. read more

Showed up tonight with my colleagues for dinner while at a conference based on yelp reviews and walkability from the convention center. The owner was alone and let us know that the cook was a no show for the night. Despite all of that, he told us if we would be patient, he would take care of us. He had to turn everyone else away in order to accommodate our group and did an amazing job as server, cook and host. The burger was amazing we promised and I would 100% go back. read more

Oh Ringside. You are my new favorite burger place in Columbus. This place is WAY cool!! It's been open since the late 1800's, is situated in the corner of an alley, is boxing themed, and has amazing food! They have old black and white boxing fights on and their burgers are INCREDIBLE! I had the Oscar De La Hoya and it was a great choice. They also have an outdoor patio area and a really unique vegetarian burger (the impossible burger) that I'd love to try in the future. read more

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Great place to have a couple beers and burgers. The staff was great and beer selection was good. I had The smokin Joe BBQ burger and it was great. Recommend dropping read more

Ringside is a downtown fixture, and for good reason: with the Jury Room changing it's name, Ringside is now the oldest bar in town. As the site of countless political gatherings and deal makings, the small intimate space has seen plenty of Columbus and Ohio history. But the reason to visit is not the history, it's the hamburgers. An important notice before I begin: they're not small. Most clock in at at least 1/2 lb. Some are bigger. So if you have work to get done in the afternoon, caveat emptor. They are tasty though! There are several options with respect to toppings. None are super out there, sticking mostly to the traditional burger combinations. My usual go-to is the BBQ, cheddar, and bacon option. (Because why NOT add bacon to the already large burger?) The kitchen does a great job of cooking them to your desired temperature, or always has during my visits. This isn't a place where you end up with a well-done burger even though you asked for it to be medium. The burgers come with chips. Which are good. Fries and onion rings are both options as well. The fries probably stand out more than the rings, which are fine but not great. read more

Ringside Cafe - Smokin Joe burger - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Oldest bar in Columbus. Cool. Old, beautiful brick building in an alley adjacent to the state capitol? Cool. They serve Johnny Walker Black. Cool. Good burgers, made to order. Cool. Onion rings, a little over-oily but cooked all the way through. Cool. Old interior and classic bar? Cool. All of this adds up to Ringside Café being a very cool place. I can see myself returning here on subsequent business trips to Columbus. read more

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Hidden away in a downtown alley next to the state offices in the Rhodes Tower, this place used to be known as Clem's. Ringside has burgers, beer, and a cool little roped off outdoor area when the city lets them. An evening hang out for politicos and functionaries. Why? Because they know good food and good alcohol are required for people without expense accounts, too. Lunchtimes are crowded because that's what happens when you serve huge portions of tasty American grub at reasonable prices. Try it once, and you'll end up as a valued regular if your travels take you through Columbus often. read more