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SoCal Kitchen + Bar

4.1 (383 reviews)
Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 2 months ago

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SOCAL KITCHEN + BAR ATMOSPHERE

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Recommended Reviews - SoCal Kitchen + Bar

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Ashton E.

My fiancé and I wanted a nicer dinner before heading to a sporting event at Ohio State, so we decided on SoCal Kitchen! The vibes are amazing. Whoever decorated this restaurant knows what's trendy. The clientele was younger and very, very well dressed. I got an espresso martini and it was excellent but wow... it was strong with both espresso and vodka! For appetizers we got the sushi with shrimp (I forget what it was exactly called) and it was super tasty and the we got the edamame dumplings, those were okay, probably wouldn't get again. For dinner I had the chopped salad. It was incredible except for their being tomatoes and the menu didn't say there were I picked around them, so I was fine, but would have enjoyed the salad even more if I could worry less about picking them out! My fiancé got the Thai peanut bowl (or something like that). He said it was good but the peanut was rather overpowering... but it was good! Overall, we do highly recommend! Our "negatives" were personal preference things! The food was great!

- Crispy Rice - Oysters - Taquitos
Nick S.

SoCal dropped a new menu this past April, and it is fantastic! SoCal is already my favorite seafood restaurant in Columbus, and these new menu items only make it better!! The Crispy Rice is awesome and perfect for sharing! The Wok Fried Shrimp is soooo yummy! They have delicious sushi & the Yuzu Avocado Roll is a great switch up from other items I've had in the past! Stop on by!

Menu
Sravani D.

SoCal has a great vibe--perfect for an after-work get-together. I went with colleagues, and we thoroughly enjoyed the lively atmosphere, the food, drinks and the service. The portion size was a little tricky--I ordered a salad expecting a full entrée, but it came more like a side. That said, both the salad and the chicken were absolutely delicious. My colleagues loved their dishes as well, and the bread was a big hit--so fresh and tasty. Overall, SoCal is a great spot for an after-work dinner in downtown Columbus.

Stuffed Garlic Bread
Nick M.

Great time here. Stopped in for dinner a few weeks back. Easy to get a reservation and the ambiance in the interior was very upbeat. Strongly recommend the stuffed garlic bread it has Asiago and spinach inside of it, one of the best breads that I've ever had at a restaurant. It's fresh-baked by their in house baker per our waitress. I have the crispy rockfish for dinner, which was delicious as well, highly recommend. Our server MJ was very friendly and knew the menu well. Overall another perfect experience for a Cameron Mitchell establishment!

The French rose-nice and dry
Donnelly N.

This was a really cute restaurant in a charming part of Columbus. We had a large group and our server was very friendly, attentive, and made great recommendations. All of the food was very tasty and our entire group was pleased. I would definitely recommend and go back next time I'm in Columbus.

Katy W.

If I was writing this review on the oysters alone I would have given it a 2, but the service and atmosphere would have been a 4. I came here specially for the Monday oyster deal and was incredibly disappointed. The presentation was great but the oysters were so bad. They were unbelievably small, grainy, and did not taste super fresh. I would definitely give this place another chance if I was in the area because the bartenders were great and the atmosphere is fun and based on the reviews I'm sure the other food is much better but if I'm ever craving oysters again, I won't be coming here.

Bar area
Juliana S.

Tried SoCal Kitchen for the first time on a Monday during their happy hour, and wow, what a hidden gem. We ordered two rolls and the shrimp dish, and all three were absolutely delicious. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. The cocktails were also a standout. Balanced, well-made, and just the right strength. The space itself is stunning. The interior design is modern yet warm, with thoughtful details that make it feel both upscale and inviting. You can tell care was put into creating an experience, not just a meal. Service was seamless. Friendly, fast, and attentive without feeling rushed. Our drinks came out quickly, followed by our food at a perfect pace. I'm honestly surprised I don't hear more buzz about this place, it's the kind of spot you want to keep in your back pocket but can't help recommending. We'll definitely be back.

French Dip Grilled Cheese
Xenia M.

Recently came here for dinner with a friend. There's nice indoor outdoor seating options. While our server was friendly and the vibe was cool, I wasn't blown away with the food. Perhaps it was what I ordered or the kitchen had a bad day. Would probably come here again for just drinks.

Simone W.

A Southern California style restaurant in Ohio? Sign me up! I went with a party of 4 on a Thursday night and we made reservations ahead of time so I'm not sure their walk in policy. Our server Ethan was super kind, attentive and knowledgeable on the menu. We shared the stuffed garlic bread which I highly recommend as well as some sushi. We each got a different entree which were all yummy, fresh ingredients and perfect portions. I won't lie when I first saw my pasta portion I was nervous it wouldn't be enough food but it definitely got the job done as I was stuffed. The lychee martini was soooooo good. It was a great place to unwind and catch a good meal with friends. Some food tastes good but doesn't leave you feeling good after. Not the case here! At SoCal the food was good and I felt good after eating it. I would definitely return if I'm ever in the area.

Saphace A.

I made a reservation for brunch but they weren't super packed. I liked the vibe. Great decor and furniture with mirrors on one side of the wall, interesting light fixtures, and beautiful tiles on the floor and at the bar. It's got a classy feel without feeling too formal. My friend and I shared a couple entrees: the burger (we added an egg to it) and the smoked chicken hash. The burger was good. Seasoned and paired well with the truffle fries. The chicken hash was okay. Underwhelming and had a similar flavor to something else I've had before. My friend got a Bloody Mary while I tried the For the Win cocktail as recommended by our server. It's a cute place! I'd come back again as the menu had a whole mix of different things to try.

Guacamole, chicken taquitos, roll
Tatianna S.

SoCal has an unbeatable happy hour. They redid the menu for it so now it's all apps, sushi, and cocktails. Before it was select items on a special menu. Happy hour is throughout the whole restaurant, which is hard to find but is great for large groups. It also is on Sunday 3-5. We did their chips and guac, a roll, and taquitos. All were so good. Their guacamole is amazing. I would come back just for that. I didn't eat the sushi but my boyfriend loved it. The taquitos were good, but on the smaller side. We sat and the bar and had friendly, quick service. We will definitely be back

Chicken Taquitos
Deena S.

Went for a Birthday dinner Saturday and the service was so good, our waiter Ethan was super kind & understanding. We came a little bit late and we stayed over a little over 10 & we still able to enjoy our dinner. The food was also really good!

MaDonna W.

Yum! We made a reservation, early. This restaurant is very popular. They're very diverse on their menu. Hi energy , great music. It has a super fun weekend vibe. Casual dress . Street parking. Great food and a super delicious decadent, dark chocolate cake Thank you SoCal. We will be back .

Emerald Greens

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Ask the Community - SoCal Kitchen + Bar

Is there a rooftop bar?

There is not, but there is a rooftop bar next door called Lincoln Social. Very fun especially for a summer evening while the sun is setting!

Just curious if they have vegan options? If so, what are they?

Since their focus is seafood, there are limited vegan options. The chips and guacamole would be a good appetizer. The roasted shishito peppers, kale and roasted vegetables, and the black bean burger without the cheese would be good choices.

Is happy hour at the bar only?

No.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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