North Market in Columbus

Out running errands today in the capital city, Natalie and I were looking for a lunchtime distraction. North Market in Columbus is a quick stop just north of downtown and offers a little bit of everything under one roof.

The North Market, a Columbus Tradition

The public market, with roots in Columbus back to 1876, features a variety of shops and eateries with a focus towards the local and fresh. Parking is available onsite and a sharp discount is offered with parking validation. Our visit was just under an hour and the fee was just one dollar.

The outdoor and porch area of the North Market. — From the parking lot, the North Market offers outdoor seating and during the warmer months a covered farmer’s market takes place on weekends.

Just there for lunch, we do a few laps around eyeing fresh produce, meats and seafood, baked goods, and a variety of freshly prepared foods. There are fresh flowers and vendors selling beer, spices and hot sauces. We consider the beautiful donuts at Destination Donuts, but decide to save that stop for another time.

Lemons, limes, oranges and more fruits are available at the North Market in Columbus. — Fresh fruits and vegetables offered at one North Market vendor.

A trip upstairs gives us a vantage point to view the entire market. Hot Chicken Takeover, which is my brother’s favorite North Market vendor, is upstairs and there is plenty of seating.

A view of North Market vendors from the upstairs balcony. — The view from the upstairs balcony at the North Market provides an overview of vendors. Seating is available on both sides.

Back downstairs, we purchase a French loaf from Omega Artisan Baking and nearly purchase some salmon from Coastal Local Seafood. But alas we are not going straight home so save it for our next visit to North Market.

Vendors at the North Market in Columbus' downtown area. — There are so many choices at North Market. These are just a few of the vendors.

Lunchtime at North Market

Natalie finally settles on a California roll and an Alaskan roll from Nida’s Sushi + Thai. Though the Alaskan roll was not quite her favorite, she loved the California roll. Everything was prepared fresh to her order as we waited.

While I wanted to be adventurous and sample some of the offerings, I settled on a slice of New York style pizza from Sarefino’s because I was famished and it looked amazing. It didn’t disappoint.

An assortment of hot sauces and salsa at a local North Market vendor. — Need a little spice in your life? This vendor has got what you crave!

If you have an hour or so to kill, plan a visit to the North Market in Columbus. It’s open all year. You can check out their website for events, including the farmers market on weekends in the summer.

Looking for more Ohio fun? Check out our day trips. Or maybe you have a taste for something special? We have a number of restaurant reviews.

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