In Columbus’s lively Short North Arts District, Arch City Tavern has earned a loyal following by pairing a history-minded identity with a menu built for easygoing, memorable meals.
The restaurant takes its name from Columbus’s former High Street arches, then gives that hometown story a modern setting of exposed brick, finished wood, craft beer, and American favorites.
From weeknight burger specials to brunch and late-night hours, it has become an inviting stop for neighbors, visitors, and anyone craving a flavorful break on North High Street.
How Arch City Tavern won locals’ hearts
Arch City Tavern makes local history part of the experience, borrowing its name from the wooden arches that once illuminated High Street at the turn of the 20th century.
Its Short North address puts diners in the middle of one of Columbus’s most energetic districts, giving the tavern natural appeal before the first plate reaches the table.
The dining room leans into a relaxed upscale atmosphere with exposed brick, finished wood, and a towering pencil mural depicting old Columbus and its famous arches.
That setting gives the restaurant more personality than a standard neighborhood bar, creating a backdrop where a quick lunch can easily stretch into a leisurely evening.
The menu moves confidently through burgers, stone-baked pizzas, shareables, sandwiches, soups, salads, and seafood, so groups do not have to settle for one narrow kind of meal.
Locally sourced ingredients and Ohio-raised options help connect the menu to the state, while familiar dishes arrive with more elaborate combinations of cheese, sauces, toppings, and seasoning.
The Arch City Burger brings together a house blend of short rib, sirloin, chuck, and brisket with peppered bacon, avocado, Muenster, grilled onion, cilantro, and chile aioli.
For guests wanting a different take on a classic burger, the Bison Burger pairs hand-ground bison with goat cheese, arugula, crispy prosciutto, and grilled onions.
Lamb Sliders earn attention through braised shank, goat cheese, arugula, chile aioli, pretzel buns, and a side of hand-cut truffle fries.
The Fig & Arugula Pizza makes a strong case for pizza night with Black Mission figs, prosciutto, pine nuts, goat cheese, roasted garlic spread, and truffle-dressed arugula.
Lobster Mac ’N Cheese turns a familiar comfort-food favorite into a richer plate, layering Atlantic lobster, smoked Gouda, Mornay sauce, chives, and cavatappi pasta.
Regular programming also gives people reasons to return, including $10 Burger Mondays, weekday happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM, weekend brunch, and dinner specials that change weekly.
Long hours keep the tavern in play from lunch through late night, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, when it stays open until 1 AM.
Food Highlights
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Lamb Sliders: Braised lamb shank, goat cheese, arugula, and chile aioli arrive on pretzel buns with hand-cut truffle fries, making this a layered, shareable specialty for diners who want something beyond the usual bar bite. 🐑
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Lobster Mac ’N Cheese: Atlantic lobster, smoked Gouda, Mornay sauce, chives, and cavatappi transform a familiar comfort dish into a rich, seafood-forward favorite. 🦞
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Arch City Burger: A house blend of short rib, sirloin, chuck, and brisket comes topped with peppered bacon, avocado, Muenster, grilled onion, cilantro, and chile aioli for a fully loaded house signature. 🍔
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Bison Burger: Hand-ground bison gets a bold supporting cast of goat cheese, arugula, crispy prosciutto, and grilled onions, offering a distinctive choice for burger fans.
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Fish & Chips: Beer-battered fried cod is served with house-cut fries and tartar sauce, delivering a straightforward seafood plate that fits the tavern’s casual spirit. 🐟
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Grilled Cheese: Smoked Gouda, Swiss, Muenster, bacon, tomato, and red onion are served with charred tomato soup, giving this comfort-food pairing a more substantial personality. 🧀
- Fig & Arugula Pizza: Black Mission figs, prosciutto, pine nuts, goat cheese, roasted garlic spread, and truffle-dressed arugula create a sweet, salty, and savory pizza with plenty of contrast. 🍕
Atmosphere
Arch City Tavern balances the energy of Short North with a comfortable, history-minded interior.
Exposed brick, finished wood, and the large Old Columbus pencil mural give the room a warm, distinctive identity.
It feels suited to casual lunches, social happy hours, weekend brunches, and late-night meals without losing its polished edge.
Bottom Line
Visit for Columbus history, creative burgers, specialty shareables, stone-baked pizza, and a setting that reflects the Short North’s upbeat character.
Burger Mondays, weekday happy hour, weekend brunch, and late Friday and Saturday hours add practical reasons to make Arch City Tavern part of a Columbus outing.
Address: 862 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
📞 (614) 725-5620
🕔 Open Sun–Thu, 11 AM–11 PM | Fri–Sat, 11 AM–1 AM