Post-graduation restaurant guide: Here's where to eat after Ohio State's commencement
Cap and gown? Donned.
Diploma? In hand.
Family's pride and joy? Secured.
All that's left to do is pick a place to eat!
When Ohio State's spring commencement ends this Sunday, thousands of students will officially become Buckeye alumni.
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Graduation ceremonies begin at noon and typically last about three hours. Although food and drinks are available for purchase at Ohio Stadium, most graduates and their entourage will likely be pretty hungry by the time they leave the stadium.
There are plenty of campus bars and eateries to chose from, but if you haven't made dinner plans for your post-graduation festivities, here are five Greater Columbus restaurants to consider.
The Classy: Milestone 229
Looking to avoid campus crowds after commencement? Visit Milestone 229.
This airy and modern restaurant along the Scioto Mile at 229 S. Civic Center Drive offers delicious cuisine, as well as some of the city's best views. Graduates can walk along the Main Street and Rich Street bridges after dinner and snap a few celebratory pictures with the Columbus skyline.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Casual: Ethyl & Tank
Located across from the Ohio Union at 19 E. 13th Ave., Ethyl & Tank is a great option for groups looking for a more laid back way to celebrate their graduate.
Ethyl & Tank is known for American fare and craft beers in this relaxed, two-story space. There's also a video game arcade, great for kids who just patiently sat through graduation. Happy hour runs from 4-7 p.m., and Sunday customers can order $20 bottomless mimosas.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Cameron Mitchell: Hudson 29
With 21 restaurant locations across Columbus, there's bound to be a Cameron Mitchell concept that excites everyone in your party. For graduation day, perhaps try Hudson 29.
Just a six-minute drive away from Ohio Stadium in nearby Upper Arlington at 1600 W. Lane Ave., Hudson 29 offers an eclectic menu and an extensive wine selection. From flatbread and sushi rolls to sandwiches and steakhouse classics, there's hope that everyone will leave happy.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Cantina: Cazuelas Mexican Grill
If tacos and margaritas is what you're craving after commencement, Cazuelas is your best bet. This Mexican restaurant has two campus locations, in Old North Columbus at 2321 N. High St. and near the Gateway Film Center at 1542 N. High St., doubling your chances of getting a table. You'll also definitely still be able to make Cazuelas' happy hour, which runs every day from 2-6 p.m.
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight at both locations
The Campus Classic: Adriatico's
Parents looking to reminisce about their own time at Ohio State and students hoping to get one more New York-style pizza should visit Adriatico's, a campus anchor for nearly 40 years.
Adriatico's original building near West 11th and Neil avenues was torn down by the university in 2018, but pizza lovers rejoiced when it relocated to a bigger location at 1618 Neil Ave. The menu offers a variety of pizza options – including the behemoth 18-by-24-inch Buckeye pizza – and other Italian fare.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter at the Columbus Dispatch. You can reach her at shendrix@dispatch.com. You can follow her on Twitter at @sheridan120. Sign up for her Mobile Newsroom newsletter here and her education newsletter here.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Need a place to eat near OSU? Here's where to go after graduation
