North High Street in Columbus, Ohio, is more than just a road; it’s a vibrant artery pulsating with history, culture, and countless stories. From its bustling intersections to its quieter stretches, North High Street offers a diverse tapestry of experiences, reflecting the evolving character of the city itself. Let’s embark on a journey through this iconic thoroughfare, exploring some of its notable landmarks and hidden gems, particularly focusing on the stretch of north high street that holds so much local lore.
Our exploration begins with a dive into the memories associated with specific addresses along north high street, starting with the legendary Hounddog’s Three Degree Pizza at 2657 N. High Street. For many Columbus residents, Hounddog’s is synonymous with late-night cravings and a unique slice of local flavor. The anecdote of a New Year’s Eve pizza run in the late 90s perfectly captures the establishment’s after-hours appeal. The description of the “intense dude” behind the counter, later identified as Matt Miner from Teeth Of The Hydra, adds a layer of Columbus music scene history to the pizza joint’s mystique. The slightly suspicious service only enhances the memorable experience, culminating in the ultimate reward: delicious, late-night pizza that cemented Hounddog’s as a post-clubbing staple for many. This location on north high street became a savior for late-night hunger pangs, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Moving down north high street to 2619 N. High Street, we encounter Ace Of Cups, a contemporary live music venue. While the author admits to not having personally visited, its reputation as a trendy spot is undeniable. The building’s history as a former bank, and subsequent iterations as Counterfeit Heist and Miani’s, reveal the constant evolution of businesses along north high street. The mention of Ray Ray’s Hog Pit also residing here adds to the location’s current appeal as a destination for both music and food enthusiasts.
Continuing our southward journey on north high street, at 2573 N. High Street, we find a space that once housed Garcia’s bar, a fixture at least until 2001. This highlights the transient nature of some businesses along north high street, with establishments coming and going, leaving traces of their existence in local memory.
Next, we arrive at a true north high street institution: Jack & Benny’s at 2563 N. High Street. Nestled at the corner of Hudson and High, this diner stands as a testament to enduring local businesses amidst the encroachment of national chains. The description of the surrounding area in 1997, dominated by fast food and video rental giants, emphasizes Jack & Benny’s resilience as a “mom and pop café.” Its origins further down on Broad and High in 1954 and subsequent relocation add a fascinating layer to its history. Serving breakfast all day in a cozy setting, Jack & Benny’s offers classic American diner fare, a comforting contrast to the “ridiculously extravagant patio” of the Taj Mahal across the street.
Jack & Benny's Diner on North High Street in Columbus, Ohio
The author’s personal preference for the familiar ham and cheese omelet over venturing into “Middle Eastern fare” at Taj Mahal, despite the latter’s alluring patio, reveals a relatable hesitation towards the unknown, juxtaposed with the comfortable familiarity of a classic diner on north high street. The detailed description of Taj Mahal’s elaborate patio, with its white brick wall, iron railings, and potted vegetation, paints a vivid picture of this contrasting establishment.
Further down north high street at 2465 N. High Street, we encounter North Campus Video, another location associated with memorable, if slightly unnerving, customer service. The anecdote of renting Brewster’s Millions and the “intense glares” from the clerk echoes the Hounddog’s experience, establishing a theme of quirky encounters along north high street. The detailed description of the clerk – bald, pierced, tattooed, and “hardcore” – adds to the humorous recollection of a seemingly over-dramatic video rental experience. The clerk’s pronouncements about store policies, each punctuated with a “meaningful glare,” highlight the memorable, if slightly absurd, interactions that contribute to the unique character of north high street businesses.
At 2439 N. High Street, we find the former location of Blue Danube, a unique establishment described as a “hippie” take on a 1950s diner with a Hungarian twist. Opened in 1940, Blue Danube’s menu was a mix of Hungarian specialties and American diner staples, catering to diverse tastes. The “vaguely European looking giant mural” and blue exterior lights added to its distinctive ambiance. Popular dishes like the “Dube Dip” and accolades like “Best Restaurant on Campus” and “Best Cheap Eats” in 2000 underscore Blue Danube’s popularity and significance on north high street. Its late-night hours (until 2 am) further contributed to its appeal.
Continuing our exploration of north high street nightlife, Dick’s Den at 2417 N. High Street is highlighted as a “live jazz sanctuary.” While jazz is its primary genre, other music styles occasionally grace its stage. The mention of a pool table and an annual 5-mile marathon starting with shots at Dick’s Den further illustrates its role as a local hangout. Being named “best place for live jazz” in 2000 solidifies its reputation as a key venue on north high street for music lovers.
Moving to 2361 N. High Street, we find a culinary crossroads: New Taj Mahal (Indian) and Halal Zaika (Halal). The location’s history as Blue Nile (Ethiopian) in 2006 showcases the diverse culinary landscape of north high street. The mention of a lunch buffet and vegetarian options at Blue Nile highlights the variety of dining experiences available in this area.
Trillium Kitchen & Patio at 2333 N. High Street represents the trendier side of north high street dining, with its focus on “trendy” food presentation. This contrast with the more casual and long-standing establishments further illustrates the diverse offerings along north high street.
At 2247 N. High Street, a now residential address, the memory of a former Taj Mahal location surfaces. Its co-winner status for “Best Indian Restaurant” in 2000 (with Indian Oven) underscores the prevalence of Indian cuisine on north high street and its recognition within the local food scene.
2195 N. High Street tells a story of transition, from Lee’s Market, a Chinese grocery known for its sake selection (up until at least 1999), to The Little Bar, which lasted for over two decades. The Little Bar’s potential closure marks another shift in the north high street business landscape.
The Library at 2169 N. High Street holds the title of the “longest running pun of a business name on campus.” For decades, it has been a student haven, not for books, but for “endless mugs of suds.” The anecdote of seeking advice from “Bruce,” a backpacking expert, on where to take underage drinkers, leading to The Library’s recommendation, reveals its long-standing reputation as a less-strict establishment. The description of The Library’s “dingy” interior, “battle scarred wooden booths,” and “crusty, asphalted back patio” paints a picture of a classic, no-frills college bar on north high street.
Moving to the east side of north high street, 2608 N. High Street is home to Ledo’s Lounge. Despite facing challenges, including a city council vote to strip its liquor license in 2006 due to concerns about north campus becoming “too rowdy,” Ledo’s has persevered. Its occasional visits by patrons of Oldfield’s during Hoo Doo Soul Band breaks suggest its role as a secondary nightlife option on north high street.
Bossy Grrl’s Pin Up Joint at 2598 N. High Street, established by at least 2014, adds a unique, niche business to the north high street mix.
2590 N. High Street is currently The Spacebar, but holds memories of Oldfield’s, a popular venue for Hoo Doo Soul Band performances. The packed Sunday nights at Oldfield’s for the band highlight its past significance as a north high street entertainment destination.
Dirty Dungarees at 2586 N. High Street, a bar-laundromat hybrid, represents a more recent, “hipster” trend on north high street. Its live music offerings further enhance its appeal as a unique social space.
The north campus Goodwill store at 2550 N. High Street is described as a “required” element in a collegiate area, highlighting the practical needs and budget-conscious culture associated with the north high street vicinity near Ohio State University.
Gold Mine Records at 2446 N. High Street, tucked away and lacking prominent signage, offered classic albums from the 60s and 70s. Despite sharing space with Used Kids, its “cramped aisles,” “pitiful selection,” and “pathetic aura” hinted at its likely demise. The author’s feeling of obligation to support the “small, bearded sage” behind the counter, leading to a Pink Floyd LP purchase, adds a touch of melancholy to the memory of this north high street record store. Its lifespan from 1994 to approximately a decade later underscores the challenges faced by independent businesses.
At 2404 N. High Street, we remember Stache’s, a “treasured campus live music institution” that closed in 1997. Its current address as Gumby’s suggests a relocation, although the author admits to never having dined there.
2402 N. High Street was formerly Gumby’s Pizza, once a go-to for late-night deliveries until around 4 am. While Ohio State Pizza was preferred during normal hours, Gumby’s dominated the late-night pizza scene until rumors of unsanitary conditions and the discovery of Hounddog’s led to its decline. The ironic presence of Pizza Fresca (“fresh pizza”) at this location now adds a humorous postscript to Gumby’s story.
Indian Kitchen at 2346 N. High Street, formerly Indian Oven, raises questions about rebranding or a completely new establishment. The continued presence of the striped canopy and distinctive stairwell suggests a connection to its Indian Oven past. Indian Oven’s “bargain priced lunch buffet” and co-winner status for “Best Indian Restaurant” in 2000 highlight its former prominence on north high street.
The author’s trepidation about entering Neo Tokyo (anime store) and an “adorable organic grocery shop,” viewing them with the same apprehension as “follicle trimming establishments,” reveals a sense of self-consciousness and fear of judgment when exploring new places on north high street.
Finally, 2194 N. High Street is the current location of Waterbeds ‘N’ Stuff, a relocated campus institution. And 2188 N. High Street, as of 2006, was a residential apartment for rent, and remains so today, showcasing the mix of residential and commercial spaces that define north high street.
This journey down north high street reveals a street rich in history, filled with diverse businesses, quirky anecdotes, and a constantly evolving landscape. From legendary pizza joints and music venues to unique shops and long-standing institutions, north high street continues to be a vital and fascinating part of Columbus, Ohio.
