Whether it's a holiday party, a birthday shindig, an office celebration or a family reunion, you need a place that is going to set your party apart from the rest (and keep you from doing the dishes). So, if you want to leave the decorating, cooking and cleaning to someone else this year, we suggest booking a space at one of Columbus' best restaurants or banquet halls.
We rounded up a handful of our favorites to make the choice even easier.
The venues are listed in order by max capacity, but keep in mind that many of the venues—even the largest—offer special rooms and areas with capacities suited for small gatherings.
649 High St, Worthington | Facebook | Capacity: 14–20
Photo courtesy of The Worthington Inn
The story of The Worthington Inn begins in 1831 when Rensselear W. Cowles the oldest portion of the Inn as a private residence for himself and his wife. Over the years, the land and its buildings have changed hands and accumulated legends of all kinds. Today, the restaurant serves lunch, dinner and a weekend brunch and opens their two private event spaces for intimate dining experiences in historic surroundings. We especially love The Wine Room which accommodates 14 guests and offers a marble-topped bar and seating area away from the dining table.
1092 Bethel Rd, Columbus | Facebook | Capacity: 24–60
The Refectory is a stand-out dining and entertainment destination that offers a wine cellar of more than 600 selections, an ever-changing food menu created by Chef Richard Blondin, and the Dinner Music Series, a private, intimate concert experience where guests are front and center. Private dining opportunities at the restaurant include two private rooms which can accommodate groups of 6 or sixty for banquets, private lunches, hors-d'oeuvre receptions and even personalized wine tastings.
15 E Olentangy St, Powell | Facebook | Capacity: 32–70
Photo courtesy of Local Roots
Located just 20 minutes from the heart of Columbus, Local Roots is a locally-owned and operated restaurant driven by Ohio ingredients and produce from the family farm. If you haven't visited yet for lunch or dinner, we definitely recommend it. And once you do, you'll be set on hosting your next dinner party there. Their private banquet room shows off the country character of the whole restaurant and offers its own entrance, bar and restroom.
67 E Gay St, Columbus | Facebook | Capacity: 60–80
Located in a renovated, historic building in Downtown Columbus, Due Amici has been serving some of the community's best modern Italian fare since it opened in 2003. That food menu features classic Italian dishes as well as modern and creative twists on lunch, brunch and dinner items. And Privato, the team's private dining room, is the perfect place to enjoy it while surrounded by simple, sleek decor that merges rustic and modern.
1370 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna | Facebook | Capacity: 10–100
Photo courtesy of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
The Barn is just one of many Cameron Mitchell Restaurants in the Columbus area, and that alone should prove they can host a knock-out dinner party. But this venue stands out from the rest thanks to its location and its country charm. The food menu features hand-cut meats, the drink list includes America's top 100 whiskeys, and the specialized event spaces can accommodate 10 guests or 40. If you want the entire restaurant, it's available during morning and afternoon hours Monday through Saturday and can hold 100 guests.
For private event information on all Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, click here.
143 E Main St, Columbus | Facebook | Capacity: 100
This industrial haunt offers incredible burgers, clever bar bites, craft brews, a full bar and live music in an approachable and festive atmosphere. Private events can be hosted in the dining room and main bar or in the separate event space and game room which has its own entrance, dining area and restroom as well as flat-screen TVs, ping-pong tables, a pool table and dart boards.
544 S Front St, Columbus | Facebook | Capacity: 56–104
Inspired by the German immigrants who established the city's thriving brewery industry in the 1800s, Graystone Wine Cellar is nestled in the hand-hewn limestone vaults of the 1875 Schlee Bavarian Brewery. Whether you choose the Windows Room or the Vineyard Room, you'll be surrounded by history and decor that includes rustic exposed brick and arched ceilings.
520 S Front St, Columbus | Facebook | Capacity: 20–130
A popular choice for weddings and a unique option for events of all kinds, Brick is a great dinner or cocktail party option in the heart of the Brewery District. Their menu of American fare and handcrafted cocktails perfectly suits the historic, rustic character of the setting: a cozy restaurant nestled beneath one of the neighborhood's historic buildings. When you host your event here, you get to venture even further underground to The Cellar at Brick which dates back to the 1800s.
231 E Livingston Ave, Columbus | Facebook | Capacity: 40–150
Photo courtesy of Autumn Theodore via The Kitchen
The Kitchen is Columbus' destination for collaborative, hands-on dining experiences, and their own event calendar is already filled with Taco Tuesday classes, Behind the Bar cocktail courses and more. Booking an event with The Kitchen means you get the opportunity to add a participatory dining experience to your party! Your guests will learn and build a meal together then sit down for a memorable dinner. And even if participatory dining isn't on your party itinerary, The Kitchen's event spaces offer everything you need for the perfect gathering.
401 W Town St, Columbus | Facebook | Capacity: 50–160
Photo courtesy of Jessica Love Photography (@_jessicalovephotography) via Strongwater
Strongwater is a restaurant, bar and event space housed in an East Franklinton warehouse that has been standing for more than a century. And if you've visited the restaurant for some of the best eats and drinks in town, you probably haven't seen the event space because it's located in a separate part of the building with its own entrance. The venue consists of two rooms and an open courtyard on the former manufacturing floor and is characterized by stunning urban, industrial decor.
263 E Whittier St, Columbus | Facebook | Capacity: 30–200
Inspired by seaside sangria and a walk on the Ramblas, Barcelona is a fusion of chic, modern techniques and old world European sensibilities showcased in both the atmosphere and the food. As a whole, the restaurant hosts a bar, a dining room and one of the best garden patios in the city. When you host your private party here, you can choose an informal cocktail party with tapas or a formal sit down dinner. Either way, you're guaranteed an unforgettable gathering.
520 S High St, Columbus | Facebook | Capacity: 20–300
Whether you're stopping by Copious for a casual dinner, a hosted event or an evening of live music, you're making a fantastic choice. Booking a private here means you have the opportunity to combine all of that. On the second story, you'll find the McGowan Loft suitable for groups of up to 300, The Blenker Room can seat 20 for a private dinner, and the underground entertainment venue, Notes, can host 200.
Where will you be celebrating?
Let us know where you host your dinner parties in Columbus—even if the venue isn't on our list!