We were in town for the night, looking for American bar food near our hotel. The Blue Danube came up, so we decided to give it a try. The place doesn't look like much on the outside, and the inside is decorated pretty funky. Still, it had a great vibe and we were happy to have a seat at the bar and take it all in. The bartender, Kaitlyn, was incredibly friendly and hospitable. She gave great suggestions, and was gracious enough to answer all my questions. I ordered the small Greek salad, and Blueberry Pomegranite Hard Cider from Madmoon Craft Cidery. My husband ordered a sausage, mushroom and onion pizza (tidbit: SMO is a classic, favored Milwaukee, WI style pizza). I learned the cider was made a couple blocks away by a local man named Peter (hats off to you Peter for one hell of a good cider!). The olive oil, used in the Greek salad dressing (which is made to order) is imported from Greece. To top it off, the pizza crust is also made to order. The salad and pizza were incredibly delicious, although I'd have liked a little more feta and olives mixed into the salad. The Danube has been around for a long time, and after talking with Kaitlyn and mingling with some of the other patrons, it was clear why this is such a great spot to hang out. Great people, great food and great history! read more

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The waitress was great the food not so much. Ordered the Cod Fish and Chips . First they sent out a fried perch dinner. No big deal. Took it back and came back with the Cod. One piece cooked correctly, the other piece fried till it was almost black. Can't believe they even sent it out. Could not eat the burnt one the other was tasteless. Fries had a freezer burn taste and the coleslaw was even worse. Used to frequent the place in the 70's and 80's but probably won't return. Again the waitress was great and only charged use 1/2 price for the dinner. Even she knew it was pathetic. Too bad after reading all the positive reviews. read more

I can't believe they are back! I saw online they were open and rushed over for lunch. Since it's a soft opening, I came back at 4pm when the kitchen opened (they'll return to 11am hours once they're up to speed). Inside looks just like I remember with the same dive bar vibe but much cleaner. Staff was super friendly. I had the Prime Rib Sandwich ($12.50), added fries for $2, and washed it down with a Diet Coke. Food was great. I'm really hoping they bring back the Dom Perignon and grilled cheese. That would make my day. I was a little upset I never made it in before they closed back in 2018, so now that they're open again, I didn't waste any time getting here. read more

I stopped in here for some food and a beer before heading over to Dick's to catch a show. Since the Dube just recently opened, I don't think they're running on all cylinders yet. They were out of most of their beers and food supply was short. I was still able to order a pizza though, which was on point. The sauce was delicious and all of the ingredients were fresh. I'm definitely looking forward to making another trip when they get their footing. It's such a great space with so much potential. read more

The Blue is back! Everything I've eaten has been delicious! The specials are great and reasonably priced!

Last week I called in a take out order and spoke with Mickey. She was sweet, kind, and very helpful. She made sure I was looking at the correct online menu and when I asked for recommendations she didn't hesitate to tell me her favorites! I like knowing that the staff enjoy the food they prepare or serve! My food arrived home nice and hot and was absolutely delicious! Mickey suggested the Key Lime pie for dessert and it tasted like I bought it from the Key Lime Pie Company in Key West! The onion rings were perfectly cooked, crunchy, and yummy! Thank you for this recommendation, Mickey! The cheeseburger surprised me! It was thick, juicy, and unbelievably flavorful! Cooked to perfection and with the perfect toppings, it will be my go-to burger from now on! Now, I'm looking forward to trying the hummus, pita, and veggies! Try the "new" Dube! You won't be disappointed!! read more

The Dube is back! I practically lived in the old Dube in the late ' 60s-early '70s. Left Columbus in '73 and was delighted to hear about the reopening. Visited Columbus recently and managed to squeeze in two dinners. It was great! The decor recalls the old dive bar while still being clean and comfy. Better than the Tiffany lamps look when I visited in 2006. I particularly appreciated a map of Greece and the Aegean on the wall. The olive and feta cheese appetizer is excellent for all you Greek foodies. The onion rings were a little crispy. The pizza is excellent. Different from the old Dube pizza, but really good. Had pizza twice, we liked it so much. The sausage sandwich is highly recommended as is the fried cod dinner my wife had, which she said was exceptional. We had the chocolate cheesecake for dessert, which was quite good. It was a wonderful and emotional experience to return to a place that meant a lot back in the day. Really hope they make it. Highly recommended. read more

You go for the nostalgia-- not for the food. This place is a legacy and I realize that they've only been open a few days after a many years hiatus with new owners, but that being said-- you kept the name and none of the menu. I was expecting a slightly different food experience than GFS chicken tenders and krinkle fries. Half the "limited menu" was not available which is totally understandable with a soft opening that expectedly garnered ALOT of hype but with the cheap bar food it begs the question will anyone come back after the novelty wears off? Service was incredibly slow, over an hour for said food but the staff was incredibly friendly. My house salad was truly just a side salad in a bigger bowl. Lettuce, some random spinach, 2 tomato wedges, 3 thinly sliced cucumbers and a "housemade" ranch that was definitely Hidden Valley or a knockoff. Which I personally abhor. It's also worth noting its not a gluten-free friendly menu. I certainly hope they work out the kinks because as it stands you go for the nostalgia, vibes, and enough drinks to forget the food. read more

The Blue Danube - Limited Menu - Sports Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I want to love the Dube again, I really do. However, every time I go in and order food, it's mediocre, with little flavor, and I'm really not hard to please. I'm expecting diner food, and still disappointed. I had a gyro that was big tough chunks of meat with no flavor. We had a steak with potatoes that were dry and overcooked. Fish and chips that were overcooked, hard, and very small portion for the price. My partner ordered a prime rib sandwich and it was the best thing we had. My daughter ordered wings and they were barely cooked, we had to send them back. The olive and feta appetizer was tiny. I'm still holding out hope, and will still keep trying, because I have always loved the Dube, and just want it to be great! Service has been fine, although seems like some very inexperienced servers-no problems though, everyone has been sweet. The ambiance is close enough to the original, and will do-although I miss the old booths. I will update when I have a different experience! read more

Just had a great dinner. The menu is a big improvement over the original Dube menu. I had blackened mahi-mahi and it was spicy and actually blackened, unlike that served by some restaurants. The teriyaki wings were great, too. Glad the Dube is back! read more

Good new vibe. Very nice. If you've had a night of drinking and need a place to crash and eat some food: highly recommend.

Louie has done ig again! The retrofit of the Blue Dube is classy yet retsins a good vibe. Bravo!

great food, great service, awesome experience! also the magic show was super awsome for the kids.

I have come to Blue Danube because it's a great place to get a cheap beer or cocktail. It also has a good menu including many healthier options. The main attraction though is the bar. It's the best bar for watching the Buckeyes or other sports. They are not fancy but still are a lot classier than many of the other shitty bars around. I think it has great character, and it's wonderful place to hang out when visiting Columbus or OSU. It has a good selection on its menu. There are a few vegetarian options. It has the very good and popular black bean burger. This is about $6 so it's not so bad. Also known as the Dube, it was originally a Hungarian restaurant, hence the name. They on special occasions will celebrate this history by expanding their menu to include items like borscht and eastern European cuisine. It's really good and wish they always would have it. They also have of course many beverages including a margarita and many local beers. Another cool thing is the ceiling. There are lots of cool artwork on it from local artists and it's fun to look at when you're buzzed. I recommend Blue Danube for anyone visiting the campus. It has been one of the best bars in the area for a long time. This is the best bar on campus on gameday or to get a cocktail and hang out. read more

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Not really my style of place, strange characters but I do love me some people watching. Our waitress was nice and cute, the other one that stopped by our table for a minute brusque and just somehow turned me off. We came for sunday "brunch" which did actually have some good stuff. I was tempted by the breakfast pizza and after seeing it at a table on the way to the bathroom (The bathroom where the door doesn't close so you are peeing behind a shower curtain...classy) They have a great, huge menu and had it been dinner I would have been tempted by the oodles of fried food like the green beans or fried mac n cheese morsels. (Yes, I eat bad when it gets dark out, it seems safer and more acceptable- don't judge me) I went with the vegetarian chef salad adding spinach and onions and it was pretty tasty, The sprouts and sunflowers added a nice crunch, everything was fresh, yum. The man had the breakfast burrito which was also pretty darn good. Fast and tasty lunch for $15 including a tip, not bad at all. Maybe not for date night or a classy girls night out, I'd save coming here for a bad hangover hiding behind oversized shades and in front of a greasy bacon breakfast pizza. read more

The Blue Danube - Sports Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Dube, I drove past you today. And while I know you're closed now, I just wanted to thank you for all the unbelievable memories you gave me. I will miss your fried green beans, chicken gyros, hummus made to look like a mouse... it's the people I had fun with here that make the best memories. My best of friends from all over the US would visit, and we always went to the dube. California, Chicago, Florida... my two best friends who passed away, my friend's daughter after the funeral of one. My parents, cousins... I guess I just have to be thankful for all the happiness and crazy ceiling tile-viewing you brought into my life. So thank you, Dube. Hopefully someone will buy you and Dube II will be born. read more

Dear Dube, I love you. I have always loved you. You are like a special secret cave that's always full of passively pleasant hipsters and happiness. You get me drunk and then make me grilled cheese, and if I want bacon on it, you'll do that for me because friends give each other bacon. You never care how loud I get, and your wait staff is always nice to me, even when I'm yelling and gesturing wildly and trying my best to knock things out of their hands. Your bathroom is kind of gross, but that's ok--it just makes me feel better about my own bathroom, and sometimes you like to play practical jokes on me, like putting the papers into the plastic sleeves of the menus in a different order on each one so that I get all stupid and confused and can't find anything. The best part is that you are within walking distance of my house, so if I need to visit you to blow off some steam, I can totally let loose and not have to worry about who is going to drive me home later. read more

The Blue Danube - Mister hummus face was delicious. - Sports Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I have to give The Dube 5 stars just for being a faithful home base that comes through in times of indecision or dragging-of-feet. They have a huge menu that caters to whatever mood you're in. The prices are fair, the staff are laid back, friendly, and fun to chat with, and the bar is full. I repeat, they have a full bar. My friends and I have been coming here for years mostly for the atmosphere and the company, and we are die hard fans. It's been long enough that I can say some of the food may be a little high for what you get, but taking into account how large the menu is, the quality of the food is generally very good. The vegetarian chef salad is heaping with vegetables and toppings and pre being vegetarian, the BLT was my go-to belly-filler-upper. The fan favorite item is definitely their zesty curly fries - think you can handle the zest?! Bet you can't. They have an old-school jukebox that has really gone by the wayside with the addition of the now-found-everywhere TouchTunes box machine thing. The ceililng tiles are decked out with custom artwork - all you have to do to become a part of this fascinating art show is buy your own tile and bring it in and they'll hang it up. The Dube doesn't come off as the cleanest of restaurants but I've never seen anything shady or alarming. Pinky promise. The women's bathroom has come a long way from a shower curtain and is now complete with a working lock! Here are some examples in which The Dube has come through in times of need: "Hey, my family is in town, including my little siblings! Where do we go that is affordable where everyone will find something they like?" THE DUBE. They have mac n' cheese, spaghetti, AND hot dogs. "Hey, it's Sunday and I want brunch but don't want to wait for an hour!" THE DUBE. Seat yourself all days of the week, brunch on Sundays, always somewhere to sit! "Hey, I have a big group of people, where is there a not tiny restaurant in this city where we can all sit together? And quickly?" THE DUBE. Put tables together or grab one of the two Big Booths, perfect for you and 5 of your friends. If character, convenience, and casual is what you want, to The Dube I say! read more

The Dube is closing and I'm sorry, but I'm glad I got there before it did. I didn't grow up in Columbus or go to OSU, so I don't have memories of spending my younger years there like so many people do, but I can understand why people love it. The Dube is shitty. It's kinda dirty and poorly lit. The service wasn't great. I had to wait for a beer because they were out of glasses. But none of that really matters in a place like this. It's a charming old place filled with the warmth of memories. The ceiling tiles are all decorated by customers. There are quirky touches like that everywhere and those can't be replaced when some new owner remodels. They come organically over time. Aside from the charm, it's actually a pretty good place to have some drinks. For a dive, they have a great liquor selection, including a lot of higher end stuff (I didn't expect to see a bottle of Blue Label, but there it is). And when I got my bill, I saw that it is some of the cheapest good booze in town. Under five bucks for a pour of Four Roses Single Barrel made my day. Whether you grew up going to the Dube or have never been and are just curious like I was, head over there this month before it closes. As long as you like dive bars and diners, you'll appreciate it. read more

Blue dube you have always been there for me thru thick & sub par. You have sobered me up with your sweet potatoe fries & super YUM onion rings. You have cheered me up with the super strong pour of your top shelf G&T's. I have yearned for your giant cob salad that has the big pile of sprouts in it and I have shuvelled a few club sandwiches down my pie hole that has always left me with a smile on my face :) Yes, there is some weird crap on your menu and has anyone ever ordered the grilled cheese with the $175 bottle of French champagne, anyone? I think not. But your still cool blue dube! your like a good close friend that always has a cold beer waiting for you in the summer and a hot cup of soup in winter. Your dependable & consistent. And yes, your ceiling tiles are cool and so is the atmosphere. Your prices rock and I'm very happy to say I am a fan blue dube! Your old school cool! Rock on! read more

Came in on a cold Saturday night, lots of booths and nice and toasty inside. Got green bean fries with ranch and inferno berry sauce (which is not at all spicy, but very delicious). The green bean fries were by far the best app we got! Also got pickle fries which I love but geeze these just could not hold on to their breading. Also got sweet potato fries which were great. I got the Greek salad with gyro meat, it's a great portion and the dressing is interestingly sweet but very good- I really enjoyed it. Did come with an excessive amount of pepperocini and the gyro meat was nearly burned- but I still liked my salad. Boyfriend got the hummus sandwich and loved it. read more

Yet another Columbus/Campus institution that I had never tried. Actually, it was more like I avoided the place for years because I didn't want to pander to hipster tastes. Yes, I avoid things labeled "hipster" in hopes of not being labeled one myself. And for that, I missed out on what could have possibly been a great hang out spot during my early years in college. I can see where the appeal is in a place like the Blue Danube. It's oddly eclectic in terms of clientèle. I ate during a normal dinner time during a weekday and noticed a mix of families with children, old trucker types, hip college cyclists, and brooding arty types. Regulars lined the bar and the 'Dube seems to offer up just enough irony to appeal to hipsters. The Blue Danube has something unique to offer. Just look up. I think you'll be able to spot any new diner at The 'Dube by the heads looking up to the ceiling. Each tile on the ceiling is decorated by a different artist, arguably over different eras based on content and smoke damage (seriously you can see the yellowing from pre-smoking ban). I wonder how an artist gets the honor to decorate a tile? Inquiring minds need to know! The service was average, our waitress was attentive but not really warm. The food was average as well. I got a burger with tangy blue cheese and bacon. For two dollars and some change you can add two sides to your burger. I chose fries (forgettable) and mac and cheese (a pleasant surprise). Kudos to the Blue Danube for offering up Strongbow. All my rambling aside, The 'Dube was a place I probably would have gone to more often in my early twenties, especially around the age of 21. I would recommend this place to college kids new to the area and am sad I didn't try it earlier, but I feel like I've moved on in my tastes. read more

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Anyone who writes a bad review here doesn't get it. Do you care about people who don't get it? If yes - go to your favorite yuppie joint. If no - you're welcome to club. TL;DR If you write a bad review for The Dube, the only person who loves you is Satan. And not in a rad Ozzy kind of way. Like... you just suck that bad. read more

Low expectations, high reward! It's a dive...all the way around. Fun divey atmosphere, service is fine but not overly attentive, food is unhealthy and cheap, and they have a fully stocked bar-- everything I love about a dive. I got the Dube Fries and a gyro. The Dube fries were chili cheese fries and standard. I wouldn't get the gyro again. Also got sweet potato fries and they came with this weird sauce that spilled on the bottom on the fry basket, which sucked. Aside from that, if I'm craving a cheap burger & beer, I'll be back. Wish they had a pool table! read more

The Blue Danube - Fun ceiling tiles! - Sports Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I have no outstanding problem with the Dube, but i just never feel compelled to go there. I've sat in the booths and had some nice times with friends, but the food never puts the hooks into me enough to make me think of the place as an option. Plus, on at least one occasion, the server had her head up her ass. By that i mean the young lady spent too much time visiting with friends at other tables and acting distracted and preoccupied. Most of my times at the Blue Danube, though, the servers have been fine. I'm glad that this place exists and hope that it will keep its strong core clientele, but it's just not a place where i could go regularly. But if you are in Columbus and haven't been there, you ought to try it at least once because it is very much part of the Columbus old guard. read more

The Blue Danube - Sports Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I give this place a 5 star rating because I loved the environment, the food and the service. I went for the first time tonight and sat in the back by the expo window. I had one issue tonight and I feel it is worth mentioning. It really upset me, but I'm not going to rate this restaurant poorly because of one extremely rude person. I honestly didn't see the sign by our table that instructed male patrons to go around the restaurant to go to the restroom. Had I seen the sign, I would've happily followed instructions. It was an honest mistake. The expo area is right by the restroom and kind of in an awkward spot- and after I was very rudely instructed by a server to "go around next time" I realized that I had made a mistake by cutting through the area. I can't remember exactly what she said, but it was NOT AT ALL kind. So, I responded by saying that she could have spoken to me in a more polite manner. She proceeded to antagonize me the rest of the night. She went by our table carrying a ton of food on a tray directly over my head, shouting something with an intentionally nasty tone. After that, she also came back by my table, purposefully on my side of the table and shouted at me to "push in my chair" because me being that far in the aisle was a "fire hazard." My friends all agreed that she was purposefully targeting me and being unprofessional and rude. I have never experienced anything like this at a restaurant. After this last incident, we engaged in shouting at each other across the restaurant. I was not happy at the way she was acting and definitely let her know it. I was informed by our server, who was incredibly attentive and very nice, that "she is always like that" and that "she's always looking for an argument" with guests. She told me this all when the rude server went out to smoke to cool off from the situation. I apologized to our server because I was shouting at the other server, and looking back, I should've just ignored her. Nonetheless, I really hope that someone from this establishment reaches out to me so I can discuss this further. I don't want anything. As I said, our server was great and I am not about to give a poor score based on one terrible aspect, but I would like to talk to an owner/manager if anyone would like to reach out. I don't think you want someone like this working for you based on my experience and based on what the other staff members said. BUT I will say I loved my cheesy chicken pasta and the pretzel sticks app was delicious! I will be back for sure. read more

I've been patronizing the 'dube since the early 2000s, and it's been steady and dependable the entire time. You need to know what you're getting yourself into- cramped and kind of dark, an extensive menu of fried foods, sandwiches, platters, and, well, really everything. Seriously- this menu kills me with how many varied options they have. Honestly, I stick to the fried stuff nowadays when I come. The juke box is the best in town- awesome selection. And you get an extra shot of tequila with your margarita. Not the best or freshest, but a good deal. read more

Bang for your buck: 8/10 Quality: 10/10 Service: 9/10 Ambiance/Location: 9/10 Overall: 8.5/10 GET THE BREAKFAST PIZZA!!!!!!!! read more

I'm slightly biased, but I definitely think this is one of the most perfect restaurants for me in the entire city. Sure, it's kinda like a dive bar, sure it's a little goofy and the menu definitely has just a few too many things on it, but I've had a lot hear. And not just food and drink. I've had relationships bloom, fall apart, recover again. I've met people I will cherish for the rest of my life. And I've had hot dogs so god damn big it took me 24 hours before I could stand to look at either another meal or a toilet at all. Let me put it to you this way: you know that tavern your unimaginative DM always starts your party in on the first adventure? You don't? You're too cool for that analogy? Then how'd you get past that poop joke? Stop interrupting. That tavern is the Blue Danube. But not in a bad way, in the way that makes you feel like your'e kinda at home every time you're there. The servers are always very attentive, especially Sean, and the music is almost always on god damn point. If you're alone at the bar, there's either going to be someone to talk to, something to listen to or something awesome on the TVs to watch. And if you're there on a good night, you might see a hairy footed fella dancing on the bar. Actually you won't, it's pretty tame. The food is great. I already told you about my favorite Philly Dog, but they've got everything from salmon sandwiches to fried cheese curds that you dip in raspberry compote. There too early? Have a bloody mary and their addictive breakfast burrito. Not a burrito person? Their fish and chips is phenomenal. You're gonna find something on this menu to make you happy. This tiny place has been a part of my life for the better part of a decade. I love it, I will always love it. I still plan on coming here on my wedding night and getting the $195 grilled cheese sandwich and bottle of Dom Perignon. That's a menu item, no joke. There's just something nice about a place that can have a sense of humor about itself and also still seem genuine. That's the main thing to sell you on the place. It's got heart. Which is good, cause after the dube nuggets, you might need a spare. read more

Don't get the burgers here. They are nearly as thin as Wendy's discount burgers and they are served with a handful of potato chips. For nearly $4.00 extra, you can get 10 or so edible french fries. read more

I've lived and walked by The Blue Danube for years, but I never really felt the need to stop in even though I had it bookmarked. I figured I'd eventually wind up here one day, and that happened to be last weekend with a few friends. It's a pretty divey spot which I'm totally down with, and they have a pretty large menu like many diners. I usually forgo brunch, so I skipped right to the lunch menu, but I did try the bloody mary, and it was actually pretty tasty! The service was a little slow even though there wasn't a whole lot of people in there, but our server was still very nice and helpful. I decided to get the sampler platter for the table along with the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. I'm not sure if you can substitute anything on the platter, but it's your basic fried foods of cheesesticks, onion rings, and potato and cheese bites. It was pretty standard fare, but they fried everything right, and everyone enjoyed it. The cheesesteak was pretty great if not a little overpiled with veggies and not as much meat. It was tasty nonetheless and incredibly filling. I could barely finish it, and I didn't even think I had ate much of our appetizer. The fries that came with it were solid as well! There's not a whole lot I can say about the place other than it's actually a pretty solid diner, so don't let the outside fool you. They have a full bar, but I'm not sure I'd be here drinking at night. As for brunch and lunch though, it seems like a pretty popular spot, and they have a lot of options on the menu to keep everyone satisfied. read more

This place is by far the best place to get over a hangover. They refill your water very quickly and will even give you the pitcher if you ask. Their bathroom is also always in close proximity if needed. As far as their food, get the smothered breakfast burrito. It is heavenly. It is a straight up orgasm in your mouth. Everything else on the menu is just extra space. Get the burrito. read more

The Dube is one of those terrible restaurants that tries to do everything. The menu is all over the place: American, Greek, Mexican, Mediterranean, maybe even a little Italian and a couple of French items just for fun. As one could expect, as a result, they don't do anything very well. It caters to the campus crowd, hangers-on (those who live on campus, but never went/will go), and hipster types. Well, it caters to anyone, but that's who goes there. The beer selection is crap and overpriced to boot. Service is very iffy and they've effed up my takeout on a handful of occasions and handled it horribly. Basically the "sorry, what are we supposed to do about it?" attitude. It isn't without its few saving graces. The ceiling is one of them, with it's decorated tiles featuring local and national cultural references that date back at least twenty years, but you can see those for free just by walking in. It has late hours and the kitchen is open for all of them, which is kinda awesome. Not all of the food is bad either. Their sweet potato fries are good, but likely just out of a frozen box, and the black bean burger is quite good for $5. But now with Graffiti Burger selling a vastly superior black bean for the same price just down the street, I never need to come here again. read more

The Dube. For years friends and I have argued whether the name should be pronounced "DAN-ube" or "Duh-NOOB". For years friends and I have happily gathered here for eclectic diner food, to admire the avant garde ceiling art, and to enjoy some cheap drinks. I've been on bad dates here. (The Dom Perignon and grilled cheese special is a joke. No, I mean it. And you're not going to score for thinking it's legit.) I've been on some really good dates here. (Cheese fries for two, please?) And then there were those nights when 10 of us piled into an over-sized booth staying hours past our welcome, drinking and devouring everything in sight while rocking out to Dylan on the jukebox. The Dube is a diner. The Dube is a bar. The Dube is an institution for artists/ students/ drinkers/ and other such colorful folk, and it's one of those under-appreciated gems that makes me fondly think back to Columbus as "home". Skip their breakfast but definitely try the veal parmesan. read more

Oh the dube. What are you? I'm beginning to frequent you regularly on Sunday mornings and I honestly, cannot figure out why. Let's take a moment and process what exactly our relationship is. Upon first glance, I think you are ugly. Zero part of my well-being is attracted to you. That sky-blue, hole in the wall exterior, I just can't say that you give me that tingly feeling. But hey, I give you a shot (I'm desperate and hungover with misguided judgement). We visit together and I realize, hey! Dube's got personality. He appeals to my artsy, hipster side (one most people wouldn't think I possess). And I like that. I can let my hair down, enjoy your painting ceiling tiles and appreciate the strange warmth you exude. And then I start to feel trapped. That moment in our relationship when I just feel...oh yeah, I just need to visit the bathroom. And then HALT! Dube! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME? A women's bathroom that has a door that won't close and a shower curtain to cover the toilet? Oh dube....whatever did I see in you? I just can't.....oh wait....you have $1.50 blue moons during happy hour and $4.00 blood mary's during brunch? Okay... I forgive you... but next time, Dube, we gotta' talk. So, we've been going steady for quite some time now, Dube. But I just, I can't commit. You are too inconsistent. One bloody mary is twice the size as the former at the same price? C'mon now....I appreciate being generous with the second one, but which is standard?! Which is worth my $4.00?! Not to mention, your service can be damn slow. I have needs, Dube....needs. Dube, I feel like I say that a lot...but just say it...it's fun. Anyway, I know our relationship isn't 5-star material - but you're like that one restaurant I've put in the "friend zone." I would never commit and date you exclusively, and would probably not make out with you when I was drunk - but I keep you around. You're that guy I can go everywhere with and drag around without having to give it up. It's effortless, easy, and it's not like you are a one night stand I'm ashamed to tell my girl friend's about - in fact, they love you just the same. read more

The Dube is a C-bus institution. I've spent many a night here, post hipster dance event (think Clampdown, Ladies 80s, etc.), enjoying some deliciously greasy food in the hopes it will absorb my inevitable hangover. Their menu is a bit ridiculously diverse but there are a few things I highly recommend. Eat greasy appetizers here for your meal. My favorite include the potato skins (NOM), fried zucchini, and the fried green beans. They used to have this amazing spicy sauce for the green beans called "Berries Inferno," which was basically grape jelly and hot sauce, and it was strangely delicious. They sadly no longer make this sauce-- the end of an era. The fish and chips I had once were decent (most likely frozen) and the burgers and gyros are edible: not great, not bad. If you want to drink here, get a simple cocktail or a brew for cheapsies, but don't come for the alcohol. Come for the potato skins. And one of the most bad ass jukeboxes this side of Lane Avenue. There is nothing better than eating potato skins while listening to James Brown. read more

There is a quote I remember in paraphrase from Eddie and The Cruisers II I seen x-many years ago; the lead is with a fellow musician out scoping talent in clubs when a guitarist hits the stage with hair metal, 1980s virtuosity. Eddie says something to the effect "He's enjoyable enough when you are listening to him, but once you leave you forget about him. His music has no soul." This is how I feel about the food of the Danube. It's a greasy spoon/bar institution that hugs High Street in North Campus, making it a noticeable landmark while driving, especially the mural of Vienna, blue on its north wall. But forget about it as a possible Austrian or Hungry ethnic restaurant;it is not. Its claim to fame is as a late night grub hang-out for students to escape their flat pads, shared houses, and dank dorms deep in the darker hours. That's how I used it, slouching at its booths into the earliest hours with textbooks and papers cluttering the tables, munching on forgetable appetizers, sucking on bottles of Icehouse. Today it has changed a bit. The food is pricier, and that's considering inflation. It seems to have become more dive bar than greasy spoon--which is kind of a shame, but it does keep the teenagers away--the townies, the skater dudes, the jailbate boppers--that once ran amuck in the mid-90s. The food here had never been good, and that has not changed. They focus on too many things and so don't have a real specialty. My first trip back in a decade I decided to try the ruben. The sauerkraut was runny, lacking taste, and did not mesh with the corned beef. The corned beef was stringy--like Lady and the Tramp--and had little taste that I am accustomed too. I would not order that again. It was plain and not worth the price. Burgers here are decent, (or they were 10-years ago) ;go with that. The fries were standard out-of-the-box deal. Beer choices were much improved and local, examples are Landgrant and a Barley's ale that they switch out often. I had a flavorful wheat ale. Of course the ceiling tiles are cool. Andy Warhol shout-out, Brutus the Buckeye, cartoonish, abstract, derivative, graffiti like, and impressionistic chalked characters and scenes hang above your head; they are like attractive doodles on class note pages and black pen inked designs from backs of notebooks. It could qualify as two stars but the service is good, it's a campus mainstay, it's not meant to be tops in the city. It is a Van Halen copycat guitar soloist, fun but not rememberable. read more

Oh, the Dube. What can I even say? I've gone here Numerous times over the years and yet never felt compelled to review it. I am now because Yelp has suggested it a bunch of times due to my check-ins. As the boy says, the Dube smells like dirty mop water. But they make a mean margarita. And the ceiling tiles - oh the ceiling tiles! This is usually our fallback when we can't wrack our brains for anything else cheap and nearby - it's basically the local-er version of TeeJaye's for all intents and purposes. I usually end up getting some sort of mashed potatoes or other equally mushy food that can't really be done wrong. The last two times I was here, I had the mac n cheese (recommended by my friend who I was dining with - and it was capital-D Decent!), and then the breakfast burrito (also decent, yet nothing tantilizing). The boy does love their burger, and I know other friends of mine have their own favourites as well. I am not a fan of their breakfast combos - sort of tasteless. Service is fine, and the crowd seems to be more Clintonville/dirty North Campus than Hipster (this will make sense if you live in Clintonville...). But if you're going to go to a Clintonville/NoCa bar, either hit up Dick's Den (WHY NOT?!?!) or walk north up the street to our lovely O'Reilly's. I've been to the Dube for drinks, and it was the company that made the occasion sweet - I would have preferred to be in an awesome location as well (which the Dube isn't really). And if you want food... well, O'Reilly's is awesome and most things are better than the Dube. I'm just never compelled to go here like I am with even other medicore places (Dirty Franks?!). It's always sort of our last resort... but some how I feel like this lil restau-bar is one of the last remaining bastions of the old days... which makes me sad and somewhat nostalgic for a time in Columbus I clearly missed. They do say it's better to burn out than the fade away... *shrug* read more

UPDATE: The CD jukebox has returned! With Iron Butterfly? It's like they're taunting me. Dear Dube: Long ago you may have been something more, but now you are a dive. It's time you came to terms with that identity. Once, your grandiose gestures were unique and charming. The Dube Deluxe meal at $135, for example. Hilariously incongruous with the rest of the menu, yet tantalizing. I have always liked the Guiness ads, as well. The last few years have seen you make some poor choices, however, and I am writing in hopes of bringing you to your senses. Why push the limits of your cooks' talents by adding more and more "international" items? If your servers cannot explain what "a souvlaki" is, perhaps it does not belong on the menu. What, may I ask, are you trying to accomplish with that hideous digital jukebox? You once had a lovely CD jukebox full of a good variety of songs. Do you hope to impress me through sheer breadth of options? When I have to sit through an entire Iron Butterfly song (any Iron Butterfly song), I am distinctly not impressed. I beseech you: please rethink the direction you are headed. Stick to burgers, breakfast food, and miscellaneous fried things. Keep it cheap by dispensing with this other nonsense. You are dangerously close to becoming an overpriced dive, which nobody likes. You have had a long life of reliable service to the OSU campus area. Here's hoping you have many good years to come. Sincerely, Kenley read more

I guess Im pretty biased here about the Blue Danube, because while some seem to be critical of their service and knock it down a few stars or four, I absolutely love it regardless of the good or bad. Ive been here closer to fourteen times to date, and Ive had a mix of slow/moderate/good service to ridiculously fast service. Recent example, went there after a Badfish concert at the Newport, showed up around 11:45pm to a semi packed Friday evening and almost as fast as we could order my bacon blue cheese burger and fries along my hot date's loaded omelet, it was sitting down in front of us. Cooked wonderfully and beyond delicious. My post concert famished belly could not have been more pleased with the delivery here. To the point I come here for the atmosphere - the ceiling tiles are decorated and will keep you busy for awhile. The setup is a darker soft light glow style ambiance with a touch of diner home and familiarity that makes me feel comfortable and relaxed. I also come here for the food - the menu offers a unique variety to which I have tried 12 different items and found success with all but maybe one item (didnt care for the value of chicken and waffles, meaning I would have paid more to get more food on that one). The drink and beer specials are good as well and change up often. If your from out of town Id recommend it if your looking to avoid commercial chains, want to hide out among the locals then Id say stop in. P.S. they usually give out awesome calendars at the beginning of the year, and have a great selection of the local magazines and local news items of the free variety, so a great read if your a local columbusonian, regular Dube visitor, or new to town. read more