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  • 🍴 Columbus 2025 Dining Recap: The Restaurants, Bars, And Cafés That Opened Last Year

🍴 Columbus 2025 Dining Recap: The Restaurants, Bars, And Cafés That Opened Last Year

Plus: 😎 The Best Things To Do This January In Columbus

Author

Chelsea Wiley
January 05, 2026

In partnership with

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
Explore Columbus through a new lens by checking out the arts-focused event calendar from Art Makes Columbus. Discover the events that bring our community together and experience art made authentically. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com.

Hello, 2026! Chelsea, here.

Happy New Year, my friends! I’m so excited to be back here with you all. Last year gave us plenty of reasons to get out and eat, from cozy cafés and classic diners to bold new restaurants and lively bars, and it’s worth taking a moment to look back at all the spots that made 2025 taste so good. Some of these openings became instant favorites, others flew under the radar, and a few are still waiting for you to try them. I hope you’re hungry, Columbus!

😎 The Best Things To Do This January In Columbus
A new year is here and Columbus is already buzzing with things to see and do. From hockey and volleyball to winter hikes, ice festivals, musicals, and late-night science raves, there’s something for every kind of winter adventurer. Check out our guide to make the most of January and start 2026 with a little excitement.

🖼️ 7 Free Museums You Should Definitely Visit Around Ohio
The best things in life don’t have a price tag and that definitely includes Ohio’s museums. From Cleveland to Lancaster, there are tons of spots to explore for free, so grab some snacks, hop in the car, and go see something new.

🦌 Worthington Is Moving Forward With a Deer Removal Program. Here’s What That Actually Means
Worthington is taking aim at a growing problem…literally. The city is rolling out a professional deer removal program this month to tackle overpopulation, reduce collisions, and donate the venison to local food pantries.

Headlines 📰 

🚨 Columbus police are investigating the deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe, found shot in their home last week, and are asking the public for any photos or video from the area. Their two young children are safe, and the circumstances remain unclear. (NBC4)

👏 Kids are taking history into their own hands at the Hubbard House in Ashtabula County, Ohio. Through the museum’s junior docent program, students lead tours of the 1840s home that sheltered people escaping slavery, keeping the story of the Underground Railroad alive for the next generation. (WOSU)

🐝 Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds do a lot more for our world than most of us realize. At The Wilds, they’re planting native flowers and caring for prairies to give these creatures what they need, and there are simple ways you can help right in your own backyard. (Columbus Zoo)

🌤️ Weather: 47 and mostly sunny

Sponsored by North Market 🍴
North Market is calling your name! Whether you're exploring the original downtown location for its classic market charm or the Bridge Park spot in Dublin for a modern twist, there's no better place to eat, shop, and discover the best of Columbus. For more info, head over to northmarket.org.

Coming Up This Week 📆

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❤️ Have a wonderful week, Columbus. You deserve to kick this year off with positivity and joy.

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- Chelsea