Ringside Cafe…defining Hole-in-the-Wall
I have not posted a lot of restaurants/bars in the FINE DINING category of my blog. Because, its just not that easy. First, the building needs to be interesting. And, the ambiance needs to be unique. Also, the food needs to be great, but not pricey. Lastly, the restaurant just needs to have that indescribable “je ne sais pas.” Well, I really do not know what “je ne sais pas” means. But, with a nod to Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, FINE DINING is like obscenity…”I know it when I see it.” And, I have seen it. Allow me to tell you about the Ringside Cafe…defining Hole-in-the-Wall.
The picture says it all 
Ringside Cafe, oldest bar in Columbus, circa 1897
So, we start with the building. Let the pictures above speak for themselves. The Ringside Cafe is an interesting building in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The backside of graffiti scarred buildings completely surround the Ringside. I was there at noon…no sunshine ever reaches the facade. Even if light ever hit this place, the windows are all boarded up anyway (likely due to the recent peaceful protests). Beyond the alley/scaffolding decor, I would be remiss if I did not mention the outdoor art..
Douglas defeats Tyson in the Tokyo Dome
Yes, if you step past the scaffolding, you will see the greatest (non-Buckeye football) moment in Columbus sports history. Of course, the day was February 11, 1990. Columbus native son, James “Buster” Douglas, pulled off the greatest upset in boxing history when he defeated Iron Mike Tyson to win boxing’s heavyweight title. Buster then spent the next year eating and drinking for free around Columbus restaurants…gained 100 pounds…and never won again. But, that great night on February 11 will be forever be commemorated on the side of the Ringside Cafe. The Ringside is not the oldest bar in the state, but the Ringside Cafe is the oldest bar in Columbus, circa 1897.
Boxing theme that typically shows reruns of classic boxing matches 
There were only 2 bar stools. Mine was right…homeless guy left
As for the interior, the ambiance is a dimly lit, boxing theme. The dimly lit part probably has something to do with the boarded up stained glass windows. The furniture and bar are classic, old dark wood with interesting hand craftsmanship. Due to Covid reasons, there were only 2 stools at the bar. The bartender told me not to sit at the stool on the end. As I found out, the end stool is reserved for one of their regulars at lunch. “Regular” is one term…apparent homeless guy is another. Be that as it may, as I left, I paid his lunch tab to that point which included 2 Budweisers and a tequila accompaniment. Long story short, this place checks all the boxes in the ambiance category.
That’s pretty much the whole place 
I liked it so much, I returned a second time with my bride.
As for the food, the Ringside Cafe can make a great burger. The burgers are large and delicious. A hand-packed, half pound patty is the standard fare from the “chef.” However, you can get the “ALI” which upgrades the patty size to three-fourths pound. Or, you can get the “Buster Douglas.” The “Buster Douglas” is a whopping 1.5 pounds of ground up cow flesh. No, I did not order the “Buster Douglas.” But, I was very happy with my Roberto Duran Cajun burger. The other side of the menu had some lightweight options. But, you are at the Ringside Cafe…eat like a Heavyweight.
The Ringside Cafe is FINE DINING. Its the classic hole-in-the-wall tavern…hidden in alley…that serves excellent burgers. I do not think I would recommend it for Date Night. But, with the right crowd, the Ringside Cafe is worth visiting. I will find more opportunities to make a return trip to the Ringside Cafe…defining Hole-in-the-Wall. PT
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Thank you to http://ringsidecolumbus.com/index.html
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