Bodega - I love brunch & chicken n' waffels

Bodega

As I mentioned, I LOVE a good brunch spot! And I often crave Chicken n' Waffles. Per my earlier post, I talked about dreaming of Hang Over Easy's delightful dish. Well, Bodega in Short North almost gives the beloved OSU's staple a run for their money!

While my sister was in town, we decided to check out a brunch place and headed down to the Short North to locate the right spot. Bodega caught our eye with a chalk board sign out front that indicated "Bloody Mary's $5 11am - 4pm on Saturday and Sunday." We love those spicy things (I'm a little strange and like to substitute vodka for rum though). Anyways, it was a done deal, Bodega it was and I am happy to report back that it was a worthwhile stop.

We were told that the restaurant has recently been remolded. The inside had a modern, yet rustic feel to it with the wood tables and clean lines. There's a liquor wall with 47 craft beers on draft too. I would like for it to be a full service place, but it was not a big deal to walk over to the window and place an order, while my sister grabbed us drinks. When the food was ready, they brought it to our skinny wood table where we were sipping on our Bloody Marys.

We both got the Chicken n' Waffles (which this along with the rest of brunch is only served Friday to Sunday 11am to 4pm). As you can see below, there's also delicious fresh fruit along with a good size piece of chicken on top. On the side was a tangy hot sauce and maple syrup for dipping.

TIPS: Enjoy window shopping in the area before or after, but be warned, the cutesy shops in this area aren't for those with a small wallet. Good thing the daily deals at Bodega will help keep you on budget.

SCORE CARD 
5= I love it! I am changing my address to this location since I'd live here if I could.

4= I really like it! 

3= Good enough for me!

2= May give it another chance if I have to, but rather not.

1= Not for me, next!

Bodega
Atmosphere: 4 - recently renovated sleek wood decor, wish it would have been warmer inside though
Service: 2 - friendly, attentive, a little slower than we'd have liked, but will give it another shot
Food: 4 - I love it!
Price - Wallet friendly

Overall: 3 - This place is good enough for me! Bodega has a super cute vibe, great alcohol selection, and a good brunch. I look forward to going back, using their patio and trying other food on their menu.

Check out their website: http://www.columbusbodega.com/

"My life at home gives me absolute joy. There are some days when, as soon as you've finished cooking breakfast and cleaning up the kitchen, it's time to start lunch, and by the time you've done that, you're doing dinner and thinking, 'There has to be a menu we can order from."
-Julia Roberts

Source: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/breakfast.html#dygjZt8FbJhxfQbD.99

My lovely sister Robyn's breakfast

Have you been to Bodega? What is your favorite meal there? Have you tried one of their bourbon special cocktails (and does anyone know what it's called?)

Mac's Cafe - Hometown kind of place

Mac's Cafe

We stopped in here for a few drinks before a concert one night before Christmas. We were walking around the Short North and decided to stop at Mac's simply because we had a guy named "Max" with us, so we thought "Max/Mac...it just makes sense!"ha!

Walking in reminded me of bars back home, with brighter lights, bar lights on the wall, oak everywhere and lots of frames on the wall. It made me feel at home. My friends and I claimed one of the old school round oak tables and pulled up a chair for our group of 5. The server quickly came over and told us the happy hour specials (including a super cheap draft list! Cheap like $1.50 cheap!). The server even told us when happy hour was about to end so we could grab another round before the price went up. Now that's a server and a place that deserves a good tip and another try!

Overall, Mac's was a laid back, dive-vibe type of place that set the stage for a fun filled few rounds of drinks before our concert. We had a great time toasting to random things and laughing the entire time we were there. And although we didn't have food, from what others' looked like, I will give it a try next time (I've heard their fish and chips are great). With the right group of friends, I'll go back for sure! Especially during their cheap happy hour!   

SCORE CARD 
5= I love it! I am changing my address to this location since I'd live here if I could.

4= I really like it! 

3= Good enough for me!

2= May give it another chance if I have to, but rather not.

1= Not for me, next!

Mac's Cafe
Atmosphere: 3 - simple, brighter lights, old school tables - good enough for me!
Service: 4 - friendly, fast, detailed
Food: will need to update after trying it
Price - 5 - Wallet friendly (great happy hour specials!)

Overall: 3.5 - Good enough for me! It reminds me of bars back in my hometown. I look forward to coming back again soon. 


"In Wales it's brilliant. I go to the pub and see everybody who I went to school with. And everybody goes 'So what you doing now?' And I go, 'Oh, I'm doing a film with Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins.' And they go, 'Ooh, good.' And that's it."

- Catherine Zeta-Jones 

Source: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/pub.html 

Source: Yelp

What bars reminds YOU of your hometown? Comment below with the bar's name, your home town, and why it feels like home. :)

Local Cantina - Grandview has tacos

Local Cantina
I went on a Tuesday night aka $2 taco night! While we waited & admired the cool decor & lighting, we grabbed chips & salsa which had just enough zest & flavor for my liking. The server suggested the blood orange margarita add jalapenos...I love jalapenos & this drink didn't disappoint on flavor. It was hot, yet sweet. Kinda weird, but in a good way.

The guacamole was also really good, but I wish they had a bigger serving for the price. The tacos were pretty yummy! I ordered 3 and it was the right amount of food for me (and let's be real, I liked having 3 different options to satisfy all of my taste-buds). I really liked the shrimp tempura one with a delicious sauce on it.  The menu's content is really funny and creative too. I'll go back again,  especially on taco Tuesday nights and when the patio is open!

TIP:  This place gets busy, so while you wait, grab chips and salsa. Also go on Tuesday nights closer to 9:00pm. That way if the parking lot is full (good chance it will be) you can park on the street and only use a few quarters until the meters are up at 10:00pm.

SCORE CARD 
5= I love it! I am changing my address to this location since I'd live here if I could.

4= I really like it! 

3= Good enough for me!

2= May give it another chance if I have to, but rather not.

1= Not for me, next!

Local Cantina
Atmosphere: 4  - loud music, great vibe and pretty decor
Service: 4 - friendly, fast
Food: 4 - I love it!
Price - Wallet friendly (on Tuesday nights, other nights it could get pricey depending on how many tacos you order)
Overall: 4 - I really like it! This place knows how to bring on the heat!

Blood Orange with Jalapenos on the left & house marg on the right. ©LindsayLu 

Who makes your favorite a la carte style of mexican food places in Columbus? Who makes the best margaritas in Columbus? 

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