The Ringside Cafe has been a part of downtown Columbus since 1897. Inside the small, but cozy seating area you will find memorabilia scattered about; such as stained glass windows, authentic paintings, custom floors, along with an ambiance that makes you feel like kicking back and relaxing with a cold pint of beer.
For those who are not familiar with the downtown area, the Ringside Cafe is nestled back on 19N Pearl Street, right in the middle of the block between East Gay, East Broad, and North High. All the burgers are made with 100% Angus beef. The "Ali" is a three-quarter pounder and is ready to take on its next opponent.
For those who are not familiar with the downtown area, the Ringside Cafe is nestled back on 19N Pearl Street, right in the middle of the block between East Gay, East Broad, and North High. All the burgers are made with 100% Angus beef. The "Ali" is a three-quarter pounder and is ready to take on its next opponent.
Reviews (28)
Robert Eblin
Jan 07, 2022
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Tucked away in an alley, it's easy to miss Ringside Café but you shouldn't. The restaurant is a cozy nook with great burgers served with fresh-cut fries and chips. Lighter fare is available but the burgers are the main attraction. Sometimes busy for lunch but tables are easy to grab in the evening. Decidedly not fancy.
Ian Theis
Dec 25, 2021
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This is probably top 3 worst burgers I've ever had from a restaurant. This 28 dollar burger was ordered medium. Instead what I received was overcooked patties that were excessively charred to the point of being unbearably pungent. Also noteworthy is the cheeses and sauces that are supposed to be on the burgers that were hardly noticable. What was noticeable, however, was the obnoxious amount of slaw that they topped the burger with. And not that it's within the control of this restaurant, but the location of the establishment is hardly accessible. It is literally located in an alley. Unless you
Shane Clement
Dec 15, 2021
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Ryan R.
Dec 09, 2021
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Keenan T.
Oct 23, 2021
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David
Jun 23, 2021
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Adrian bought the Ringside Cafe twelve years or so ago, after having achieved decades of restaurant experience right here in Columbus.
And this is the Ringside Cafe, a small one story free standing brick built in 1897 on the intersection of two back alleys, a one minute walk from Broad and High, downtown Columbus.
The motif and menu are all about the history of professional boxing and the decor will intrigue and delight even the lightweight. I ordered the Ali, a 3/4 pound patty with lettuce, tomato, raw red onion and cheddar. Dill pickle slab and onion ring on top as garnish.
Adrian, what makes
And this is the Ringside Cafe, a small one story free standing brick built in 1897 on the intersection of two back alleys, a one minute walk from Broad and High, downtown Columbus.
The motif and menu are all about the history of professional boxing and the decor will intrigue and delight even the lightweight. I ordered the Ali, a 3/4 pound patty with lettuce, tomato, raw red onion and cheddar. Dill pickle slab and onion ring on top as garnish.
Adrian, what makes
Melissa B.
Apr 07, 2021
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While in Columbus Ohio today. Tony and I opted to have lunch at Ringside Cafe located in an alley off third street downtown near Capital building.
First of its kind style standing today,, built in 1895.
There was some construction going on that hinder us a bit. No parking lot but was able to find on street meter. There are some tables outside for dining [ in the underconstruction alley]
Or very nice wooden high back narrow boothes
Inside very tight,but you can definitely feel like you stepped back into time.
Stained glass windows, one of elephant and donkey (old political party symbols)
First of its kind style standing today,, built in 1895.
There was some construction going on that hinder us a bit. No parking lot but was able to find on street meter. There are some tables outside for dining [ in the underconstruction alley]
Or very nice wooden high back narrow boothes
Inside very tight,but you can definitely feel like you stepped back into time.
Stained glass windows, one of elephant and donkey (old political party symbols)
Fred B.
Nov 05, 2020
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D. H.
Oct 20, 2020
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Stuart Scott
Oct 14, 2020
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This is one of the best burger joints. Finding it is half the fun and you’ll find it tucked away in and alley. It’s very cozy and has a very old school vibe.
The burgers are the best and many cool boxing themed variations. I was told during prohibition there was an underground tunnel from the state house to the basement where the high rollers would sneak through for a forbidden drink.
The burgers are the best and many cool boxing themed variations. I was told during prohibition there was an underground tunnel from the state house to the basement where the high rollers would sneak through for a forbidden drink.
Jay B.
Sep 18, 2020
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Chad Harris
Sep 08, 2020
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Ken Davis
Jun 19, 2020
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Due to construction outside, the entry to Ringside can be a bit tough to negotiate. Well, it is worth the hassle. The Ohio TuesDayTrips Crew came here at the recommendation of our Statehouse Tour Guide.
We were able to be seated quickly even though the seating is limited. The service was outstanding! We never lacked for attention and it was given cheerfully. The decor is boxing related with some interesting stain glass windows.
Ringside is known for their burgers and they did not disappoint us. We ordered the half-pound burgers of various design with the house chips. The burgers were juicy and
We were able to be seated quickly even though the seating is limited. The service was outstanding! We never lacked for attention and it was given cheerfully. The decor is boxing related with some interesting stain glass windows.
Ringside is known for their burgers and they did not disappoint us. We ordered the half-pound burgers of various design with the house chips. The burgers were juicy and
Rj S.
Apr 17, 2020
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My roommate ordered the ALI burger through grubhub for dinner tonight. It arrives and he is greeted to a COMPLETELY RAW burger. We put it on a plate and cut it open to see if maybe it was just a portion. No the entire burger is uncooked.
We then contact grubhub and they call Ringside. Ringside then REFUSES TO REFUND US. So after a back and forth with Grubhub, we were finally able to get a refund directly through them.
This is completely unacceptable and disgusting. I don't know how this burger made it off the grill, let alone sent out to us. And the audacity of Ringside to refuse to refund
We then contact grubhub and they call Ringside. Ringside then REFUSES TO REFUND US. So after a back and forth with Grubhub, we were finally able to get a refund directly through them.
This is completely unacceptable and disgusting. I don't know how this burger made it off the grill, let alone sent out to us. And the audacity of Ringside to refuse to refund
Ragen C.
Mar 02, 2020
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The Building; eclectic, rustic, and the Ringside has so much personality. The Ringside has that old time charm about it, and it is an awesome place to sit in.
The food is fabulous. It is economical for a pub style atmosphere. A hamburger can be basic, but Ringsides packs a ton of flavor over and beyond being anything but basic. The hamburgers are huge, and have an abundance amount of flavor. I noticed a nice char on them, and mix that with an onion ring and the cheese on the hamburger; awesome. They are put together as the pictures show. The kettle fries are awesome. I couldn't stop
The food is fabulous. It is economical for a pub style atmosphere. A hamburger can be basic, but Ringsides packs a ton of flavor over and beyond being anything but basic. The hamburgers are huge, and have an abundance amount of flavor. I noticed a nice char on them, and mix that with an onion ring and the cheese on the hamburger; awesome. They are put together as the pictures show. The kettle fries are awesome. I couldn't stop
Sy C.
Feb 27, 2020
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This place is a great it's like walking back in time, it's small and cozy and there is more space in the basement but I didn't go down to check it out they just had a larger party seated down there.
The burger was good a little less cooked than I preferred so I would suggest well done. Nevertheless it was still delicious, I got the smokin joe. WARNING: This burger is very messy. So be sure to have extra napkins on hand. (The nice waitress had these ready for me so that was a plus)
I only gave them 4 stars because my house chips weren't warm but they still tasted great. And
The burger was good a little less cooked than I preferred so I would suggest well done. Nevertheless it was still delicious, I got the smokin joe. WARNING: This burger is very messy. So be sure to have extra napkins on hand. (The nice waitress had these ready for me so that was a plus)
I only gave them 4 stars because my house chips weren't warm but they still tasted great. And
Joe M.
Dec 22, 2019
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Adrienne and I came here the first weekend we came to columbus over two years ago. We were out on the town and we really wanted a great burger. I gently reminded her that we were only two blocks from Ring Side and we were on our way. This place is the very definition of a dive bar and it should never change! Only about 30 seats but that's why makes this place so great. Fresh cut fries and fresh beef, that's all you need for an awesome menu! Adrienne and I split the original burger and fries and it was huge! The photo is only half a burger and half an order of fries, they split it for
Adrienne M.
Dec 21, 2019
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This is my second time stopping in this place. Both times have been down right amazing. After having a disappointing dinner hubby and I popped in and we were so glad we did. Great beer and even better burgers. Atmosphere was very warm and inviting. But that burger hands down one of the best I have had. Cannot wait to go back.
Lj W.
Nov 12, 2019
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So I found out about this place via Groupon. I am the Burger Removal Specialist so it was only right I try them out. Found out that this place somehow is affiliated with Buster Douglas, so that made me more intrigued. So now for the GOOD, BAD & THE UGLY!
The Good: I had a Groupon! The fries were amazing, but you have an upcharge because all of the burgers only come with kettle chips.
Bad: This place is hidden, parking is terrible. Ending up wasting about 15 minutes trying to find a spot on the street. After searching and no success, we gave up and parked at a parking garage.
The Ugly: So
The Good: I had a Groupon! The fries were amazing, but you have an upcharge because all of the burgers only come with kettle chips.
Bad: This place is hidden, parking is terrible. Ending up wasting about 15 minutes trying to find a spot on the street. After searching and no success, we gave up and parked at a parking garage.
The Ugly: So
Kayla Flow Kayla FlowJam
Oct 24, 2019
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Absolutely spectacular. I called ahead earlier this week to coordinate a large group for a birthday. We had a great time and everyone loved their food. This place is by far the best burger in Columbus. Their onion rings are superb. The only couple downsides - small place so they sometimes turn tables away. Only two people working tonight-just hustled all night. We go back every opportunity we have! Highly recommend!
Karla F.
Oct 03, 2019
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I've been on a quest to find the best burger in Columbus and lemme just say, this one is tops. As you can see, their burgers are massive, cooked to order, and all named after some boxer (fighter? MMA? I don't know what you call those people). First, they're located in one of, if not the, oldest taverns in Columbus....1897 I believe. So, the ambience is small, vintage, hauntingly awesome. You'd think they'd keep late hours since they're also a bar but it looks like they're only open until 9 PM so get there early. This is going to be a regular go-to for me whenever
Kevin Davies
Aug 30, 2019
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Troy D.
Apr 21, 2019
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Jeremy R.
Nov 14, 2018
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If you look up the phrase "hole in the wall" in a dictionary, you'll find an unglamorous but irresistibly appealing photo of Ringside. I mean, it's a corner-of-a-building entrance, right in the middle of ongoing construction going on in an alleyway. Capacity is probably somewhere around 35, and the lights are low.
But to not step up to this place and take a peek inside would be a huge mistake: Ringside is salt-of-the-earth on the inside, with staff that'll greet you the second you walk in the door and a beer list scrawled on a charming chalkboard. I strolled up on a Monday
But to not step up to this place and take a peek inside would be a huge mistake: Ringside is salt-of-the-earth on the inside, with staff that'll greet you the second you walk in the door and a beer list scrawled on a charming chalkboard. I strolled up on a Monday
Jenilee C.
Sep 06, 2018
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Happened upon Ringside due to a recommendation from our hotel's valet. Columbus is set up uniquely, in that their alleyways are actually just smaller streets full of businesses. Our intent was to find a great burger and this place definitely fit the bill.
Nothing to look at on the inside, pretty dark and typical bar setting. We chose to sit outside and they have a great little patio set up with a cool mural taking up the whole side of the building. We went in the middle of the afternoon and barely had other people there to contend with, but the service was good!
Fun theme of naming the
Nothing to look at on the inside, pretty dark and typical bar setting. We chose to sit outside and they have a great little patio set up with a cool mural taking up the whole side of the building. We went in the middle of the afternoon and barely had other people there to contend with, but the service was good!
Fun theme of naming the
Jessica R.
Aug 16, 2018
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This place rocks. It is hidden right now due to construction and whatnot, but they have signs to help guide you find it. It's on a corner and when you walk in, you have the bar immediately to your right and seating right in front of you. It's a small joint, but that's part of the charm.
The menu is a bit larger than what you see on their website. They do have more than just burgers, but honestly, try a burger first. You HAVE to. It's what their known for (obviously). I have had 2 so far. The Oscar de la Hoya (jalapeño burger) and the Jack Dempsey (traditional) with fries
The menu is a bit larger than what you see on their website. They do have more than just burgers, but honestly, try a burger first. You HAVE to. It's what their known for (obviously). I have had 2 so far. The Oscar de la Hoya (jalapeño burger) and the Jack Dempsey (traditional) with fries
Lauren T.
Apr 19, 2018
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I'm so happy I found out about Ringside! Whether you're looking for a burger (hint: you're looking for a burger) or an equally delicious sandwich (no, get a burger what are you doing) you can't go wrong (unless you don't get a burger).
I had the jalapeño burger (the Haymaker) and devoured it. It was the right level of spice without feeling like death, which is good when you need to go back to work. If you're looking at their website, they don't have all of the menu items listed (like this burger for example).
It's super small, dark, and feels like a sophisticated
I had the jalapeño burger (the Haymaker) and devoured it. It was the right level of spice without feeling like death, which is good when you need to go back to work. If you're looking at their website, they don't have all of the menu items listed (like this burger for example).
It's super small, dark, and feels like a sophisticated
Victoria E.
Aug 24, 2017
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In the midwest people eat in dive bars, drink copious amount of Bud or Coors (which btw I always thought it was spelled Cools until an Iowa friend of mine told me how to spell it properly) to wash down their burgers. Am I stereotyping? Perhaps. But you know I'm right. In my life I'm surrounded by a few native Californian girlfriends and a couple of midwestern and east coast guy friends. You can take a guy out of the midwest but you cannot take midwest out of them which is to say we don't go out to eat very much because I can't really stand dive bars, sports TV and Coors. That
