Northstar Café has been a fixture on North High Street in the Short North for years, and it’s held its reputation well. The menu is built around fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients without making a performance out of it — burgers, grain bowls, wraps, and seasonal specials that rotate often enough to stay interesting. The coffee is good and the breakfast runs all day, which matters if you’re working to your own schedule.
It gets busy, particularly at weekend brunch. If you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday morning, expect a short wait at peak hours — it moves reasonably fast. Weekday lunches are a more relaxed experience. The Short North location is the original and arguably the best, though there are several others across Columbus if you’re based in a different part of the city.
For Rooms2Stay guests staying near the university district or Short North, it’s an easy walk. For those further out, it’s worth the drive and pairs well with an afternoon exploring the rest of High Street. Not the cheapest option in Columbus, but priced fairly for what you get. Takes card, has reliable WiFi, and is a solid choice if you need a place to work through lunch.
