The pot roast sandwich on a pretzel bun is a definite must have! The sweet potato fries are a nice compliment to the sandwich, and come with a bit of a spicy dipping sauce. The atmosphere is snug and cozy, but doesn't have a lot of tables. If you are coming for lunch on a weekday, arrive early. A line forms quickly. The beer selection isn't extensive, but good enough I found a drink to have with the pot roast sandwich. Apparently, they have an extensive whiskey bar, so I plan to go back sometime for cocktails. A great casual place if you are looking for good food.
(4)
Andrew M.
We were here the other day and had an unpleasant situation happen involving a rodent. I don't want to go into much more detail than that.
(1)
Rich S.
I love Tip Top. Great atmosphere and great (predominantly whiskey based) cocktails at a bargain price. The food is all good, but don't expect anything spectacular.
(5)
Karlie H.
One of my favorite restaurants in Columbus! The sweet potato fries are AMAZING and I also love the Avocado-Honey-Shallot Chicken Salad sandwich. The Ohio Nachos are a great appetizer and the Tip Top Pot Roast sandwich is also delicious. They have a good selection of draft beers and their cocktails are yummy too!
(5)
M C.
Love the ohio nachos!! And bells two hearted on tap. Solid place for a weeknight cool down.
(4)
Sagan S.
Ridiculously good comfort food - Nuff' said.
(5)
Edy D.
Our group of 16 had a great time last night. Nice place, friendly staff, great food, good company...hard to have a bad time! There was an awesome variety of draft beers to choose from and I think we tried them all. There were many Baskets of Eggplant Fries going around. Everyone had their taste buds satisfied by Smoked Salmon Fritters, Av...ocado Honey-Shallot Chicken Salad, Blue Ribbon Pot Roast, Bratwurst Dinner, House Salmon...just to name a few. All was yummy. We had wonder service by Craig! Our evening was topped off with a visit from Chuck Hootman, the owner, himself! He wanted to say 'Hi' and make sure we were being taken care of. We shook our heads as our mouths were stuffed. LOL :-)
(5)
Meghann T.
I love the bar and the general atmosphere of this place. We started the meal with the red bean hummus dip, which was so delicious. It was served cold with warm pita bread, carrots, celery, tomato halves and cucumber slices. I should have ordered two of those, it was so delicious. I really wanted the Monte Cristo sandwich, but I chose to settle for a chicken caesar salad, so my friend let me sample her plate of the sammy that included fried green beans. Very, very, good. I think they battered the bread of the sandwich in pancake batter, which blew my mind! Nothing to write home about on the salad, but it satisfied my lust for something semi-healthy. They have a pretty extensive bar menu, as far as beer and drinks go. I was so happy that they had my favorite Abita Purple Haze (bottle, not draft)! Service was friendly, no complaints there. Friendly tip to the ladies of the restaurant using the restroom - it has two stalls. You have to use some UMPH! when you push the door open to enter. I saw this 5'2" gal give up after barely pushing the door. She thought someone was in there, so she waited outside of the door. I got some giggles out of it. Especially when she went back to her table to complain to her friends, and then came back about a minute later. She had some UMPH! that time. Tip Top also plays some great music, which is a huge plus for me. I love hearing Radiohead in any place, but I give big kudos when it happens in a bar/restaurant. It makes the food and the atmosphere that much more enjoyable. The next time I go back, I am probably going to try the Mac & Cheese under the "Ohio Comfort Food" selections. Also, I heard they serve a delicious brunch, and I couldn't be more thrilled about that.
(3)
Jane K.
At 3:30pm on a weekday, I was shocked to find the bar at this kitschy Columbus dive full to the brim. I was also surprised to find a woman using the toilet in the back, whistling a song with the door wide open. But that's Tip Top on Gay Street, and it's Ohio, and I've come to learn that I don't know much about what's normal in the Midwest. I mean, clearly by half by the street names here they didn't plan for double entendres. Passing the abandoned outdoor seating during a summer heat wave we walked into the cool, dim dark wood interior breathing a sigh of relief. The drink menu is chock full of drinks named for puns or lesser known actors and politicians. The bartender wears a "Dumb" and "Dumber" Bush shirt that I can't help but appreciate. My pink lemonade cocktail comes out fully iced and if I hadn't been watching them mix it, I wouldn't have known there was (a healthy helping of) booze in it. And since it's some sort of happy hour it only runs me $3. Not bad Columbus, not bad at all.
(4)
Jenni D.
Great service, amazing monte cristo, and the eggplant fries & bloody mary sauce are to die for... run, don't walk! yum!
(5)
Rhonda V.
I'm here in Columbus for a wedding and we stopped here shortly after our arrival. Our meal was delish!! My sister & I both ordered the special of the night which was fried cod. The menu said they're made to order & they weren't kidding! The fish came out pippin hot & the portions were HUGE!!! I will definitely try this place again the next time I visit.
(4)
Brian C.
Food was great. Cozy.
(4)
Miriam W.
Do not be put off by the divey look of this place...the food is very good. Columbus seems to excel at this type of bar/restaurant hybrid, where you'll feel equally at home hanging out drinking one of their many micro brews or enjoying a single malt scotch as you would ordering a meal. The menu features lots of comfort food, with pot roast, meatloaf and mac and cheese among the favorites. Doug went for the veggie sandwich and said it was the best vegetarian sandwich he's ever had. Our other friends had the meatloaf and the pot roast sandwich on pretzel bread and were very happy. My choices were the house salad, which was an interesting mix of greens tossed with kidney beans, green beans, feta and sunflower seeds in a light lemon viniagrette, plus the chicken and rice soup....a bowl of love, right there. We liked everything we ate, and the service was relaxed and fun.
(4)
Tiffany S.
Tip Top is one of those places that I want to blow me away, but it just doesn't. I love the ambience - it's cozy and inviting while maintaining its trendy, yet historic charm. Still, I am always left wishing for a little more. The food is good, not great. I have had the veggie wrap, salmon hoagie, salmon fritters and mac & cheese. My favorite dish was the veggie wrap, but I feel as though I could make it at home instead of spending $10. If I were a big fan of sweet potato fries I would say Tip Top's are the best, but I am not. My friends who do enjoy the orangey root swear by Tip Top fries. The thing that keeps me coming back to Tip Top is its authenticity and uniqueness. It's a great place to bring out-of-towners for those reasons. It's too bad I can't be more impressed with the food.
(3)
Jenny S.
This is one of my favorite places in Columbus to come with friends for drinks, food and fun times. The food is awesome and homey (pot roast sammich hmmmm) and the dive-bar ambience is so cool and inviting- it makes you want to stay and hang out after finishing your meal. I'd also come here just for drinks with friends-great bar staff and always a decent crowd :) (fyi re: parking - be prepared to walk a short distance if the meters in front are filled up)
(4)
Ryan L.
We stopped at the Tip Top Kitchen before going to Blue Man Group at the Palace Theatre. A close walk and an interesting, intimate place. The place is pretty small but has a unique atmosphere. I ordered their flagship sandwich - pot roast sandwich on a pretzel roll. She got the chipotle turkey sandwich with sweet potato fries. My sandwich was okay... pretty good, but nothing extremely spectacular. I'm not huge on sweet potato fries, so I got regular fries, which were also okay. Her sandwich, on the other hand, was delicious. Had a great aioli on it and was very tasty. I even thought the sweet potato fries were pretty good. Prices were reasonable. Overall a pretty good restaurant.
(4)
Juliana H.
I *like* Tip Top, I really do. I love the decor with all the Victorian photographs, I love how it's dark in a classy-not-dive-y way, I love the craft beer selection and, of course, I love the sweet potato fries. I'm also a giant fan that the restaurant supports other local businesses by offering Cafe Brioso coffee and desserts from the Angry Baker. They feature Candles with a Cause on all of the tables and participate in community days where a percentage of sales goes to a local nonprofit organization. {wave of Catholic guilt sweeps over me} As much as I like some aspects of this place, I am completely frustrated by others. Sometimes the staff are friendly but several other times, not so much. I was here once where we turned around and walked out, not because of the wait but because of the grumpiness of the host who took our names. Ugh. Another time, we literally had to shove our credit cards at the server because - after over an hour-and-a-half dinner on a Monday night - we had to, you know, go home at some point. Ugh. There are other places that have sweet potato fries and good beer. So, eh, I'm conflicted and hence three stars.
(3)
Trixie B.
The chicken with risotto here is such a nice dish. They have decently priced ($5) whiskey cocktails, which are really strong! I also really like the pot roast sandwich with sweet potato fries; a bit pricey for the portion but overall a delicious meal (especially the sauce with the fries!). I also enjoyed the Ohio nachos during happy hour, very tasty. It is a rather small restaurant, so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you go during popular times.
(4)
Allie L.
Oh Tip Top, you would have gotten 5 stars had our waiter not been such a twerp/semi rude. My pot roast sandwich on a pretzel roll/sweet potato fries will bring me back, though. Until then...
(4)
Maureen O.
my meal was mediocre with nothing notable. the caesar salad was romaine dressed with ceaser and the steamed veggies were equally uncreative. the grilled tilapia was pretty good. the best thing about this visit was the company of good friends and our server who was super cute and attentive without being annoying, thanks Mitch!
(3)
Katie C.
I had a good time here, but it was just kinda meh. The food was super average and the beer list was pretty good (draft and bottles) but they were out of several that we wanted. Our waitress seemed grumpy, but she still provided ok service (nothing to write home about though). There were some hilarious really wasted girls dancing and being silly that made my night and I loved the music all night long!
(3)
Mindy R.
Oh my gosh... Tip Top is great! I recommend the eggplant fries and corn fritters. They also have some great vegetarian options, so you can fit in with your carnivore friends!
(5)
Jason S.
Liz, look...I think we should talk. There are so many positive things I hear about you and your restaurants, and I really want to feel the same way, but...well, I just don't get it. I just don't. Let start by talking about Tip Top, and maybe you'll understand. My first impression of the restaurant was discussing with the surly (not girl), emaciated gnome seating people about having a group of six to eight for dinner. I tend to care little about service and more about food, but a put off reaction at the abject horror of seating a not-too-large party isn't the best start to any meal. My second visit was at least with a smaller group, and scrawny was off chatting with a coworker instead of doing his actual job. Annoyance averted. Starting with a restaurant's signature item is a good way to understand where they are and what can be expected of the remaining menu. Often the identity of this dish is understood by word of mouth, but Tip Top unabashedly prints it right on the menu -- the Blue Ribbon Pot Roast, and its sandwich variety. With lines like "our specialty!" and "best in town!" printed on the menu, I had every reason to believe the slow cooked once-cow would deliver. It didn't. As a home meal, pot roast is a standby for the lazy crockpot cook. I expect better than that level of quality at any restaurant. Tip Top's "specialty" didn't in any way eclipse standard issue pot roast, with absently seasoned, chewy meat. The pretzel roll was perhaps the best thing about the sandwich, yet it was half drowned in the bland juice, the Swiss cheese making no real impression. Regroup, retry. A bad night in the kitchen, I hoped. Next time around I went with the avocado-honey-shallot chicken salad sandwich. This was a step up from the pot roast, certainly, as licking the sidewalk is a step up from licking the gutter. The flavors were passable but didn't sing, the chicken lacking much identifiable taste at all. Sweet potato fries? No complaints there anyway. So where does that leave us? We're not at three strikes yet, and you know I'm a forgiver. Finally on my third attempt I had a decent meal. The Monte Cristo, while a bit on the salty side, had the right flavor and the accompanying eggplant fries hit the spot. But when the menu mentioned Smucker's jam, that apparently meant the little packet they throw at you with your toast at work, and only one of them for a sizable sandwich. Still, a step up overall, and for a while there I was worried it wouldn't happen. My large party heard my woes regarding the pot roast sandwich, which somehow increased the number of people who ordered it. All were satisfied with their meal, which at least heartened me that my experience was anomalous. Of course, our waitress heaped our checks in the middle of the table instead of bothering to remember who ordered what. Oh, Tip Top. I want to think you're better than this, that I've just had copious bad luck, and that the other Betty's restaurants (shamelessly advertised next to select "courtesy of" dishes, just to make sure you're always on our minds) better Tip Top in terms of quality and consistency. A good meal has to stare deeply into your eyes like a new lover, not look away with ambivalence. Tip Top has the feel of a restaurant counting the ceiling tiles. Suffice to say this has been a rocky start to our relationship.
(2)
Travis Z.
Love the food. Love the atmosphere. Love the drinks. Fun place to go. Sweet potato fries are great and all their sandwiches are good.
(5)
Marianne C.
We were here twice (maybe thrice?) during the day and evening, so this review is a review of more than one visit. I recommend this place and would seek it out again when I'm in Columbus. Had lunch and drinks, so we sat at a table once and a bar the other time. The staff here is excellent. I really appreciate that people seemed friendly all over Columbus. It was noticeable although I'm not sure if Columbus is known for that - maybe everyone was in a good mood that weekend? As others have noted, the decor is pretty nifty. They had Breckenridge Vanilla Porter on draught, and that was awesome, awesome, awesome. I also had the famous pot roast sandwich, which although Jem R. doesn't like (see her review), I did. Go here. Have fun. Meet new people. Make a friend. Drink beer. Eat a pot roast sandwich. Feel the love.
(4)
Jem R.
Sometimes I think being a good cook can ruin a good restaurant for me. Pot Roast is what they are known for and it's one of my favorite things to eat and make. Because of that, it's hard for me to get excited about paying for something made so easily. I can prep a pot roast in about 30 seconds. That's how long it takes to make a bowl of cereal and who orders cereal at a restaurant? I've tried a lot of other things on the menu and everything has been ok, but just ok. I'm used to proposing marriage to the meals I eat at Liz Lessner restuarants so I was shocked to be so underwhelmed. That being said, I do go there pretty often. The vibe there is great. They have a great bar. They have a great staff. (Thank you forever for reserving the "gangsta booth" for me and letting us watch the mad men season finale there. It was a blast.) I do lke the Ohio Nachos and sweet potato fries. If Tip Top were just a bar, it would get a 4 or a 5. However, it is a restaurant and the rest of the menu is pretty meh to me and so I have to give it a 3.
(3)
Donna D.
I love Tip Top! Unfortunately, the only time I frequent the place is during the week on my lunch hour... it's super convenient since I work right across the street! As far as the food, every single thing I have ordered I have loved! Everything is always fresh and even better since it's locally produced. My fave is the philly steak sub! The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Being a beer lover, I have never had a beverage (although a lunchtime fizzy treat is sometimes tempting) - I would love to stop in after work hours and I also want to try their brunch.
(5)
stephen s.
I didn't expect to taste any good food in this pub but I was wrong. The pot roast in Tip-Top is really good, the meat is tender, juicy and flavorful. Often time when I eat pot roast what I get is overcooked meat, however that is not the case in Tip-Top because their beef is cook into perfection, tender yet juicy. I didn't like the sweet potato fries, but my girlfriend went head over heels for these fries. Their sandwiches also good and they use french toast for their sandwiches. Overall I would like to go back here again.
(4)
David E.
Rubbery chicken and wilted greens on my last few salads ive ordered from here. Side note they are open late which is great, but just lackluster food. atmosphere is okay, but avoid this place during the winter...it is freezing inside every time i go...like absurdly cold.
(3)
Scott G.
I've been to Tip Top a number of times and I generally have good memories of the quality of the food. I was out with my girl for lunch and we figured we'd give it another go. I don't come here often at all and this decision today was more because the place next door ran out of outdoor seating (Plantain Cafe which is very good). Perhaps my fond memories of Tip Top center around starting my meal off with a cocktail which might have colored the entire experience.... Another difference is today I decided to order a sandwich even though I quit wheat / gluten. I was prepared to do the sandwich open-face with a fork and knife. I ordered the Ruben with sweet potato fries. When it came out I was impressed by how hearty looking the bread was. Here at Tip Top they seem to have raised the bar on the art of "the filler". Removing the bread exposed what must have been the thinnest Ruben I've ever encountered. Kraut and sauce covered the size of the bread underneath, but the pastrami did not. The fries were good, tho... Tip Top has just dropped a notch on my lunch options. Next time I want a Ruben I'll hit Danny's Deli, and the next time I want to sit outside, I'll keep walking the block a while longer.
(2)
Christiana C.
I like this place! It took me until now to investigate what everyone has been talking about and my verdict is in. I like this space perhaps best of all Liz's ventures. It doesn't feel as crowded and full as the other places, even when there's a bunch of people here. Our waitress was real with us, but still was helpful in favorite menu options and was super helpful. I really like the drink options and we had really good service on this trip. I ordered a drink and before I even had time to figure out that it wasn't what I ordered, the waitress came back over with the real drink I ordered. It's a twofer, guys! You bet your girl slurped both of those right up. Sweet potato fries were sweet potato fries. I know this might get me tarred and feather, but I didn't think there was anything super special about them. Maybe because so many places now have them or something, but I just don't think they're all that special. I thought it would be hard to love this restaurant as much as the others, but I do AND it's easier to find parking. Thanks, Liz!
(4)
Nick G.
Tip Top was a great find and my traveling companions agreed. Thanks Yelpers! A hole in the wall looking bar, nice and cozy with great comfort food. The sweet potato fries were fantastic as many have mentioned. The pot roast dinner was good, like mom used to make. My stomach was very happy and full after dinner. Next time in Columbus I'm making it a point to come back, a good value and great food. Service was friendly, although busy as the place seems like its always packed. That's a good thing.
(5)
Justin K.
Tip Top is an OK lunch destination. I am extremely familiar with the menu as I work downtown and have been several times, and my opinion is that there are only a few exceptionally desirable items on it. Now this is just my opinion folks, I think the menu could use some re-work. The service during lunchtime is typically average. Waits can sometimes be long if you come right at noon. I do not like that they brazenly let people smoke on the patio when it is clearly with 25 feet of the door. They were not receptive to constructive criticism regarding this issue. Go for lunch one day, you'll probably like it, and it will be an average experience.
(3)
Jess G.
Tip Top is our go-to. Too cold outside, but want something close-by and delicious? Tip Top. Want to introduce someone to the Liz Lessner restaurant series, but can't find a table at Betty's? Tip Top. That being said, we don't just come here because it's convenient or less crowded. Despite the strange part about it not having any windows, it's a great bar and restaurant. In the nicer months, sitting outside is wonderful; now that it's colder, the wood and tapestries inside make it really cozy. Brunch: I'm also recently on a big biscuits and gravy kick, and Sal's Big Mess is definitely satisfying. Crunchy, delicious hash browns covered with biscuits, scrambled eggs, and sausage gravy, dotted with chives and piping hot. (Yes, please!) I also love that their breakfast sandwich is served on a pretzel roll. What else do I like about Tip Top? - The bar is expansive and there are plenty of good deals; my boyfriend occasionally likes the $3 Old Crow and RC Cola one - The sweet potato fries are out of this world - Love their muffaletta sandwich, and their Philly cheesesteak is excellent (not too greasy but with the right amount of flavor) - They're very vegetarian/vegan substitution friendly, if you're looking for that If you're ever in the downtown area looking for a late night (or next morning) meal, be sure to check out Tip Top. They're open late, and you can get up late and still make it to brunch (until 4 p.m. on weekends).
(5)
Kevin S.
I read the yelp reviews so I went with the pot roast sandwich with sweet potato fries. I was skeptical because I grew up on the best pot roast ever. Well, I think these bastards stole my mothers recipe! It was frickin great. Expect a wait but worth it. Small place but cool atmosphere.
(4)
Amy S.
This is a great lunch or drinks location Downtown, especially if you need to hit something up on the weekends when a lot of the area isn't open (except for its neighbor Due Amici of course). It's very famous for its sweet potato fries, but after ordering them everytime I visited I was curious to try their regular fries... and those are the bomb too (Yes, I just said "the bomb". Don't judge me.) They always have a good scene but not toooo bad. You can usually get a table within at least 10 minutes. Their help is also really cool, fun, and easy. I really enjoy having this place close to home.
(4)
Diana U.
Most likely won't be back. Food is mediocre. Parking can be difficult. Service is slow. For a place that probably gets most of its customers from downtown employees, the happy hour specials are pretty lame. We tried their popular nachos (Ohio Nachos) and wasn't impressed.
(2)
Don B.
The Pot Roast was out of this world. Will be dining with the folks at Tip Top again this evening.
(4)
Jen U.
One of my favorite places in Columbus. Part of the Betty's/Surly Girl/Dirty Franks group of restaurants. Best sweet potato fries in town. Fun drinks (try the Commit to be Lit) and good beer selection. Also, the best soy beef substitute I've ever tasted. Seriously, try the Italian Beef sub w/ soy beef. Also all around veg/vegan friendly - when I ordered the soy beef & sweet potato fries, they warned me that the dip that comes with the fries contains dairy (lucky I'm not vegan, because the dip is delicious). Also, the Ohio Nachos are terrific - and made with house-made chips. Since it is a popular place, you may be forced to wait a bit for a table. Tip: go around the corner to the left and wait by the jukebox & pinball machine - much more comfortable than standing behind people sitting at the bar. Just make sure your name is on the list first!
(4)
Brent T.
Love this place. Locally sourced, fresh ingredients and emphasis on Ohio comfort food style, but with some edgy twists. I love the Hell Salad: mixed greens, spicy Giardinara (best I've had anywhere), shredded mozzarella and housemade buttermilk ranch. Pair a 1/2 of that salad with their Spicy Vegetarian Corn Chowder, and the slice of dark brown bread and butter that they throw in for free, and you have lunch heaven for $10 even if you carry out (which I do, since my office is across the street). Note that owner Elizabeth Lessner has employees of her restaurants sign up to indicate if they want to work Christmas Day, and if (and only if) enough employees sign up, they are open on Christmas Day. Class act.
(5)
Jessica K.
Went here for dinner tonight with Keith, and really enjoyed myself! This was my first time, and the place was great! Our waitress was on top of it! She was very friendly and prompt. I love the low lighting and the candle on the table :) it makes it a little more intimate which is nice. I did try the sweet potato fries and they were really good! Anyone who doesnt like sweet potatoes try them anyways! Trust me ;)
(4)
Valissa W.
Awesome ambiance. Kick ass food. Great service. I loooooove this place!!! The honey avocado chicken salad sandwiches on the pretzel buns are the best!!! I crave them. The eggplant fries are another fave. The only thing I've ever ordered here and been disappointed with was the mac & cheese (really guys? for $10 that's all ya get?) It's also a COMPLETELY different atmosphere from lunch to dinner. Lunchtime is full of corporate yuppies, dinner is lots of scenesters and other colorful folk. Great drink menu, won't disappoint.
(5)
Sarah S.
Tip Top is perfect for those hungover, sweatpants and big sunglasses, afternoon brunch days that may also involve a little hair-of-the-dog. I can walk there, which is good because parking is a bee-yotch. They have an amazing breakfast sandwich served on a huge pretzel roll. The hash browns are a little too greasy/overdone but I should try to remember some bbq sauce to deal with that. The service is quick and friendly, and they have a patio that's perfect for people watching since it's right on the street. I caught one of my professors biking by last weekend. All around awesome.
(4)
John B.
From the outside, Tip Top looks like it might be good. Maybe there's a guy upstairs in that pent roof who's been playing Keno there continuously since 1978. Nope. Just kind of a bland place with standouts of the wrong sort. There was a creepy older dude with flowing gray hair and board shorts telling his co-ed girlfriend, "I AM a musician, but just not for career reasons." And, for some reason, a lot of parents either chaperoning their adult childrens' dates, or just tagging along. Also, a lot of people with geometrical pattern tattoos. And a couple of vodka snobs whose directions on "proper" martini making were officious and annoying to overhear. The staff demonstrates its progressivism by bopping around behind the bar to Bill Withers jams (keep the music, lose the singalongs). And by giving free to-go beer to a Pride parade straggler who looked like he'd just gotten into a fight with a mongoose and a box of beer. "They're on the house. Be careful!" Not quite as dumb as selling a shifty guy some PETN because he tells you he's going to use it to cure his heart condition. But annoying enough that I notice. Where's my free beer? I'm careful, too! And I tip!
(2)
Peter D.
I can't say if they are a bar first and a restaurant second, or vice versa. I can say that the pot roast is the best i've had in Columbus, that the interior is well done, and the glasses are large requiring infrequent refills. The place gets packed easy, but I think it can still accommodate large groups easily. Fish dishes are also very good. All the guy bartenders and servers are great, the brunette woman however is a lowgrade and is a consistent obstacle.
(4)
Kylie F.
Cool Columbus veggie sammmyyyyy. Man, so this is a simple veggie sammy but to me it's so good. Crusty wheat bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs, lettuce, and herb cream cheese simple eh. But so so good
(5)
Lauren R.
Delicious! Make sure you try the "Flytown Pick Me Up" if you're a whiskey fan...that drink is PHENOMENAL!!!! Also the Smoked Salmon Fritters are to DIE for.
(4)
Jessica I.
Five stars for the quality of the bar. We did not eat on our recent visit, but we had a heck of a good time drinking. Stopping in on a rainy afternoon for an afternoon tipple (would that be a daycap?) before a party, we were treated like royalty by the friendly bartenders. There was good beer on tap, and we were given a sample of a couple without asking. We also had to sample a local vodka, OYO, of which we were also given a splash before we ordered a shot. The music was just right and the ambiance was comfortable. It was a nice grown-up bar.
(5)
Greenbean O.
I really enjoyed tip top's food and drink selection. If I am ever in town again, I will be back.
(4)
Joel C.
Not bad food and nice staff. This is one of our "go-to" places during the weekend.
(4)
Jackie C.
Hello eggplant fries!! First time trying the dish and it was delicious. I have dined here many times and cannot believe I have yet to write a review! My latest visit was with my parents, they too loved the food, my Dad especially loved the tender pot roast and after tasting his I think it is what I will order the next time in. Tip Top is also home to one of my favorite whiskey drinks in town, "The Bottoms Up", old crow whiskey and RC cola, always only $3, my little piece of heaven. My only disappointment with my last visit is I did not see the country fried steak on the menu anymore, probably better for my health, but if you see it as a special, I highly recommend it. It is close to the best country fried steak dinner I have ever eaten. Bottom line if you haven't tried out this Lessner creation yet, please do soon, you're missing out!
(4)
Amy G.
I can remember when I first arrived at Ohio State University in 2006. By day, downtown Columbus was filled with tall, shimmering buildings and a lively riverfront, an alarmingly gorgeous skyline for a truly underrated city. By evening? Everything went quiet. And then Tip Top arrived, followed in rapid succession by Dirty Franks, the Cuban cafe, more and more events at Skylab, Sugardaddy's, the Pearl Street festival, etc. Yes, the wait sucks. Yes, it's dark and small. Yes, the parking situation in downtown Columbus is horrendous. But this Liz Lessner gem truly brought a breath of fresh air to the downtown dining and nightlife scene. With its long hours, it also gives life to a stale downtown lunch scene, rife with Potbelly's, Subway, Einstein Brothers' Bagels, and other chain fare clustered around the statehouse. The libations? Creative and fantastic. Although your mileage may vary on those mixed drinks. Sometimes the bartender makes 'em heavy and strong. Other times? The lightest pourer ever. Like other Lessner establishments, the food really, really shines, especially for a bar. Fantastic creamy, rich macaroni and cheese with a kick (in this case, big chunks of roasted poblanos) just like that available at Betty's. Dishes more unique to this restaurant include the pot roast (amazing-- some of the best I've had) on a perfectly chewy, salted pretzel roll, roast beef sandwich, and corn chowder. Most of all, forget the diet, bail on the mediocre salads served with wheat toast points that taste like Wonder Bread (albeit a time-honored Columbus tradition), and get the fabulous sweet potato fries, deep fried green beans, and eggplant fries. Oh, and I mourn the loss of the chocolate-macadamia nut pie. Bring it back, y'all.
(4)
D H.
Love this place, another regular stop in Columbus. Great food, great service and a great patio.
(4)
Marie E.
Went here because Elevator's kitchen had closed at 11 and we were pushing midnight. We were hungry and tired from a full day in the sun. We had to wait for someone to seat us but it didn't take too long even with a wedding reception that had just let out taking up most of the place. Our waiter was there pretty quick and had no issues with us all ordering waters which was all any of us wanted. We had the sweet potato fries a Caesar salad and my husband had the Philly cheese steak which was what it needed to be and no more. Would certainly go back for late night snacks. The beer taps looked impressive but we didn't try anything this time.
(4)
Shelby M.
Dark decor is daring & delightful for Tip Top! On an off-night, after searching for a new place for my taste buds to explore, I ventured out on the town in search of Tip Top. Mouth-watering, I scrambled to try as much in one sitting as I could stomach. But again, I had my husband to help me out. Just a few of my faves: -Basket of Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Mayo $5 - Da' bomb. Thin-cut & crunchy. -Basked of Eggplant Fries $7 - Deep-fried vegetable! Need I say more? Yummy. -Ohio Nachos $8 - Tasty fair-style-food (much like the Brazenhead potato chips) -Smoked Salmon Fritters $9 - Outstanding! Not much for your money serving-size-wise, but tasty (substitute: salmon fritter pita) -Blue Ribbon Pot Roast $10 - Meaty enough for a big man! Mac 'n Cheese $10 - Gourmet (not for the 'kiddies') House Salmon $11 - Hit-up with a side of parmesan risotto (creamy & filling) Roast Beef and Onion Marmalade $8 - Order it with horseradish! The best part about Tip Top (besides the food)? The service! Go to have celebrity look-alikes & humble-hipsters serve you a comfort-food meal & sit on the patio (even if it looks like rain...it'll wait for you)!
(5)
Melanie B.
I can't believe I haven't written a review for Tip Top yet! FAIL! Second best sweet potato fried in town, mf'ers! My favourite Liz Lessner restaurant, ftw! Atmosphere akin to East Coast gloriousness - I'm sold. I took my cousin and my mom, visiting from the Great State of Maine, here tonight - this is always a good place to take out of towners if you casually yet classily want to impress them with the culinary wonders of urban central Ohio. The wait was a bit long - I spent 15 minutes looking for parking while my mom and cousin waited in line, and we waited about 25 more minutes before we were seated - however, this wouldn't have been bad, except that my dear mother is hypoglycemic, so she had to consume saltines and coke while we waited. Whatevs, we're used to that routine. My cousin was dually impressed with the craft beer list (however, while they advertised Maudite on the website, Tip Top did not deliver. Psssh), and she and I enjoyed microbrews while we waited. (Note: the whiskey drinks here are also amazing). The waiter ended up putting a leaf in the table we sat at because it was really a set of two tables at the round booth in the front of the restaurant - so we ended up sharing a table with two other people, but there was definitely plenty of space to have our parties not squished together. I actually liked the communal nature of this whole situation (go figure). Anyway, dinner ruled. We ordered sweet potato fries for the table (duh TO DIE FOR), which were amazing. I had the meatloaf, my cousin had the brats, and my mom had the chicken salad/shallot sandwich. Everything was excellent, and I am a big fan of the meatloaf - it's pan seared (I'm guessing), so it's crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle - it's also slightly spicey. YUM. Also, a big draw for me is the atmosphere at Tip Top - adore the exposed brick, dark drapery, and Victorian feel. I like that the servers are cool but they're not exactly hipsters (they're a little too nice), thus not offending my anti-hipster senses (just a heads up if you feel the same way). I think Tip Top is a good representation of the way I personally view urban Columbus - it's comfy, classy in a completely un-snobby way, friendly, aesthetically-inclined, and alternative. I definitely recommend stopping in here for either kitchen or cocktails - but preferably both! PS: It is hard to stop eating their sweet potato fries, even if you are already full. Juss saying.
(4)
Mike B.
Tip Top could quite possibly be the best "bang for the buck" dining experience in the 43215 zip code. It couples a great beer selection (including rogue and a dozen other microbrews, and even a fruit lambic, on tap) with great food. While this was my first time eating here, I went for one specific purpose, the monte cristo sandwich. Long have I gone without this succulent delight of sandwich art, since there is no other place that I know of in Columbus that serves it. They did not fail to deliver at Tip Top. The overly stuffed sandwich was contained by the best eggy crusty bread that could grace the name monte cristo. Served on the side were some great thick-cut chips, and a fairly ordinary pickle. At $10, it's right on the edge of taking the review down a star for price, but considering the rest of the menu selection, it was one of the higher priced items. The ambiance was also great, although we couldn't enjoy it too much since the place was packed to the gills. All in all, two dinners, a beer and a mixed drink rang up for ~$35 (including a $5 tip), you can be the judge as to if this is pricey or not, however remember the close proximity to other more expensive restaurants (due amici, mitchells, f451, etc...) makes this a good choice in the gay street district.
(5)
Ron B.
2nd visit to the Tip Top. Service was excellent and they have a good draft beer selection. Ordered the smoked salmon fritters and they were okay. Kind of heavy on the Risotto and light on the smoked salmon. The pot roast sandwich, recommended by the waiter, was awesome! Ordered it with horseradish and mustard and was impressed. Sweet potato fries were good.
(4)
Lily C.
Tip Top has the best roast beef I have ever had! I have not been able to try anything else on the menu because I'm loyal to the roast beef onion marmalade sammich!
(5)
Matt V.
I wish I got our servers name...he was GREAT! Bean salad was yummy Sweet Potato fries were to DIE for! This place was a great bargain for the amount of food too. I would happily return for some good ol' home cookin!
(5)
Josette B.
I really enjoy the food whenever I come here. I've gotten a couple of different sandwiches that were all good. My favorite item on their menu is the sweet potato fries... DELICIOUS!! The service is usually pretty good, but they are always packed. The tables are really tightly spaced and there is usually a wait for seating. Seriously, it's hard to get in the front door every time we come here. But the food is great and is about $8-$12 per person.
(4)
Clint H.
Cool looking bar with great beers, but if you want to go somewhere to eat I recommend passing on the tip top "comfort food." Apparently, if you have waiters with tattoos' that wear straight billed retro hats and lip rings it means that your food automatically gets a 4 star rating on yelp. All that comfort food means is "greasy, overly simplistic" food that a high school aged kid could cook before he failed home economics. O yea; and it's expensive.. Drink but don't eat..
(2)
Liz G.
On a recent visit to Columbus, I went to dinner at Tip Top with my college roommates. The contrast of no windows to the neighbouring Due Amici gave a stark impression. Once inside that impression was shattered. The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere and homey feel. After a short wait, and a Great Lake Christmas Ale at the bar, we were seated. At the recommendation of my friend I ordered the pot roast sandwich. Another pot roast sandwich was ordered at the table as well as the corn chowder and the mac and cheese with sausage. The food arrived within 15 minutes and the beers were refilled as needed. First, the sandwich. The combination of the mustard, pretzel roll, Swiss cheese and pot roast was amazing. Everything complimented each other amazingly. It was hearty, flavorful, filling and satisfying. Second, the eggplant fries. Yep you read that correctly. Possibly the best installment of fried veggies yet. Battered in a flavorful, light coating, the warmth, flavor, and texture of the eggplant was perfect. I also sampled the corn chowder and the mac and cheese that my friend ordered. Both flavorful and top notch. I am not even that big of a mac and cheese fan, but the creamy Tip Top sampling is worth an order. After a food induced coma, some sleep and a day of work, I had one thing on my mind. Pot roast from Tip Top. Yep, that's right I went back the next day. Hey I was in from out of town, and it was close to my hotel, and it was amazing. I even ordered the exact same thing, and loved it all over again. It would be nice to end this review here, but I have to confess, I went back the next night. 3 dinners in a row. I travel a lot for work and a quality, affordable, delicious dinner is something you don't take for granted. So if you have something thing great going, why chance that? Overall if you are visiting Columbus, or have lived there for years, go to Tip Top, you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Hannah D.
We were here again over the weekend. It's not somewhere we visit often but the food is always good when we're there. Definitely order the sweet potato fries (as others have recommended). I like a lot of the featured mix drinks on the menu. I'm a sucker for the ones with cute, local names. Service was slow when we were there but everyone was very friendly.
(4)
Melanie M.
I dig this place! I have only ever eaten on the patio or at the bar, but that's pretty irrelevant. Excellent sweet potato fries, and all of the vegan sandwiches I've had were also fantastic. Why do I always write reviews when I'm hungry?? ANYWAY, it's yummy! Oh, the last time we were there the waiter informed us that A-1 Steak Sauce is vegan. And it really is!! So weird!
(4)
Mike K.
Great sandwich (ham & slaw on a pretzel bun) and atmosphere. Good brews. Highly recommend.
(4)
Jeff H.
Tip Top has great food in a hole-in-the-wall feel. The beer is great and the food is great too! Don't miss out on the Ohio Monte Christo sandwich, my favorite. Within walking distance from the Palace theater for dinner and a show. Had a great time playing the No Fear pinball machine next to the juke box.
(5)
Lisa S.
It pains me to give a Liz Lessner joint only 3 stars. I feel like I'm betraying a family member with this review! I'm going to be afraid to show my face in Columbus after writing this, but let it be known now that my reviews are real! Or else I would give 4 stars and not think twice of what I'm about to write. Okay, so enough apologies, let me give it to you straight. I came to Tip Top while the weather was still nice enough for the patio. Something about eating outside on a nice day in the middle of downtown makes my heart swell with pride for Columbus. I caught a brief glimpse of the inside and thought it was a little dark and dingy. The patio is very nice with enough room for 6 or 7 tables. It was lunch time and I ordered the Cheese Steak with Sweet Potato Fries while my mom ordered the Veggie Muffuletta. Here is where the disappointment started to set in. I hear that the Ohio Comfort Entrees are where it's at, but this was lunch time and I wasn't looking for that much food. The sandwiches really lacked the creativity that I've come to expect from Lessner. The food wasn't terrible, but nothing stood out or had that extra kick to it. The Cheese Steak was mostly rubbery bread and my mom stated that her Veggie Muffuletta just wasn't very flavorful. Our server was friendly when taking our order and bring us our food, but after that we didn't see her. I mean, I know we were on the patio, but I don't think there were many patrons on the inside at the time we dined. Just cause we're dining on a lazy afternoon doesn't mean we want our service to be lazy. This review doesn't sit right with me. I want to give Tip Top a better review, which is why I'll be back. But overall Tip Top sits at the bottom of Lessner restaurants for me. For now.
(3)
Sean S.
I really wanted to like Tip Top because I've become quite fond of the two Short North restaurants that are run by the same person--Betty's and Surly Girl-- but it's just not quite up to that level yet. The biggest problems I've had seem to revolve around the service. On a few occasions the server had forgotten that my party was sitting there (on slow nights, no less), and on another couple occasions the wrong food was brought to us. The verdict is still out on the interior space/design of the restaurant. To me it feels like Betty's and Surly Girl were put into a blender and the outcome was Tip Top--an indecisive mish-mash of kitsch I've never had a horrible meal at Tip Top--in fact, there are a couple things on the menu I really enjoy. The biggest problem with the food itself is that it never LOOKS appetizing, which isn't a good thing in a restaurant. A good example of this would be the meatloaf: It looked like "mystery meat" that was gray, and looked as though it had sat around for a while. Having said that, the flavor was decent, but a bit on the bland side. While Tip Top isn't awful, I'd still recommend either Surly Girl Saloon or Betty's over it.
(3)
Alexa A.
This place is so overrated. I guess I should have realized that "Ohio-themed" means "mediocre." Same high prices as Surly Girl, without the interesting ambiance or food. Very very few healthy options for the gluten-intolerant, not a lot for vegetarians either. It is a very welcome addition to the area, and I'm glad it has so much seating, such late hours (relatively), the patio, and decent beer. But I wish it had something to make it a destination, rather than a last resort.
(3)
Matthew M.
I've only eaten at Tip Top twice, but both times I was impressed and satisfied by the meal. Looking through the other reviews, I haven't seen anybody mention the blackened tilapia with steamed vegetables. It was so good as to qualify as archetypal. The drinks are stiff and not too expensive. I found out last week that the bathroom is frigid in the winter. The decor is similar to Surly Girl and Betty's, if a little more geared toward the urban professionals of downtown. I noticed last time that i liked the music on Tip Top's jukebox: I noticed Fleet Foxes and pre-suck Modest Mouse. Liz Lessner and her crew know how to put together restaurants to attract and hold a loyal local following, and Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails is no exception.
(4)
Kim S.
Went here with my husband and 13 year old daughter. No wait on a Saturday evening at 6:30, which was nice. I can't say the waitress was friendly, but she was fairly efficient. I got the pot roast and my daughter got the pot roast sandwich on a pretzel roll, both which were good. DH got the Italian beef sandwich, which was ok, but not great. I've read several reviews about Tip Tops prices being high-I don't know where these people usually go, but I thought the prices were quite reasonable. My pot roast, with roasted carrots, potatoes, onions, etc., was $11, and my daughter's sandwich, which came with kettle chips was $8. No, it's not gourmet, but I'd say it's better than the average bar food.
(3)
barb s.
Use your SBB card here.Shout out to Julie, an attentive, friendly bartender! The service was lovely! Love the Columbus Ohio memorabilia lining the bar. The bar is a wonderful old mirrored wooden affair whose layout reminded me faintly of a great bar I used to frequent in Stuttgart Germany. Good crowd, good vibe here. I love that our downtown has some great places to eat and drink. I usually will ask what the server recommends and use that info to make my choice. It was a toss up between pot roast and a chicken dish with goat cheese. I settled on the pot roast after Julie said it would taste better than my mothers. Ah, well, I certainly hope so!. My mother kills her food, cooks it to a cinder, makes mush out of the stoutest veggies and burns whatever she can :) I didn't get my culinary skills from her lol. Back to the roast: it was flippin awesome!! OMG!! It tasted like I had made it, it was that good! The meat was still a bit pink, the veggies were done perfectly, with just the right amount of potatoes to carrots to celery to onions!! Tender and juicy, served with a dark piece of bread on the side, oh yeah, yum yum. Trusty (as in side-kick) had the chicken with goat cheese and offered me a taste which I declined cuz I wasn't gonna part with one crumb of said roast, oh no, it was mine, all mine. He said the chicken was very good. I magnanimously gave up a piece of roast (cuz I was getting stuffed) and he said that was what he would get next time.Well yeah, it was that good. We both topped off with apple pie with a crumb topping, again, very very good. I also had an old fashioned and a whiskey sour of sorts as I can't recall their names. Strong pours, good value. Trusty agreed. So, great atmosphere, good service, good ole fashioned comfy food and strong drinks for not too mucho dinero and SBB discount. Yep, I'll be back and soon! Hells yeah!
(4)
Tori W.
Out of all of Liz's restaurants this would have to be my least favorite. The menu is fairly small and limited and just did not wow me. The items that I did have were fine -smoked salmon croquettes on a pita (which was dry and I did not bother to eat) with shredded lettuce, a smattering of ranch dressing, and tiny diced tomatoes. The sweet potato fries were quite good, but there were way more on the plate than needed. A friend ordered the Ohio nachos- homemade potato chips with cheese, peppers, tomato, black olive, onion. sour cream. The chips were delicious, but a bit of overkill with the sour cream. The service was where I had the most problem. The female bartender definitely showed that she did not want to be there almost to the point of being rude. There was a male bartender that checked on us near the end of our visit who was much more friendly and acted like he actually gave a damn. I don't plan on re-visiting this restaurant again, but Betty's and Surly Girl are both worth repeated stops.
(3)
Alison M.
Even though my story is essentially identical to Liz G's, I can't resist leaving a good review - I just liked this place that much! I was drawn in by the name and the Yelp rating, and walked over from a nearby hotel on a Monday night. The stark club-style exterior looks intimidating, but it is in direct contrast to the cozy welcoming interior. There's quite a range of clientele (for Ohio) and somehow everyone seemed to fit in, plus I was surprised to find it was decently packed. When I went back on Tuesday, it was legitimately packed, with a wait for a table - glad I didn't attempt it on a weekend! The service was friendly, the decor inviting, but what brought me back was the food. I had the house salad (better than expected for a house salad!) and sweet potato fries (stellar!) one night, and went back for the famous pot roast sandwich. With the exception of the pretzel roll, I'm generally not a fan any of the listed ingredients, but together they were fabulous!! What's more, my whiskey cocktail (which did involve muddling) was only $4 - which just blew my San Francisco-price-based mind.
(5)
Maple Q.
My future brother-in-law recommended this place to us. It was awesome. Food: I had the best breakfast burrito of my life here - and that's saying a lot - and the Ohio Nachos are a revelation. I had never had them before. Wowzers. Service: The waitstaff was super nice. The maitre'd (?) - who might've just been a guy rolling silverware into napkins - was sort of a dick. As he lead us to our table, I experienced what I imagine it might be liked to get turned down at a gay bar. But, whatever. The other dudes were great. Sort of like they were out of Singles, if Singles had taken place in the Midwest. Drinks: The beer selection was great. The soft drinks come in huge plastic cups. The wedding party that rolled in late: Pretty fucking lame, duh.
(4)
Greg S.
Tip Top is fantastic. There is a wide variety of food and a wonderful atmosphere, at great prices. A couple of items I recommend are: the Pot Roast sandwich (served on a pretzel bun) and the Goat Cheese and Turkey Sandwich. All sandwiches are served with fantastic, freshly made potato chips or you can upgrade to either sweet potato fries or better yet eggplant fries (my personal favorite.) Check out Tip Top, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Nicole B.
I feel like I'm right in the same boat as Sean S. and Lisa S.....I really really wanted to like Tip Top, but there is just something about this place that makes it entirely forgettable to me. I'm not saying that the food or service was bad, that isn't the case at all. I can't even really pinpoint my issue with Tip Top. Maybe my biggest issue was that almost the entire menu is sandwiches. Now granted, this isn't a bad thing, just not my kind of thing. They have the typical appetizers, including the Red Bean Hummus. Its was hard for me to look through the menu though, because nothing jumped out at me. Nothing said "Wow! I HAVE to try that!" I ended up getting the Reuben with sweet potato fries. Now, the food wasn't bad. Honestly, the reuben was a little greasy but it reminded me of the Bistro at my undergrad college. But, then again, I wouldn't go back to my undergrad just to eat another Reuben. I didn't get the pretzel roll, which is supposedly the best thing ever. But I don't think I'd go back JUST to try that. Happy Hour was okay, and when we were there they had a special on any Ohio Brewed beer. But, when I looked at the drinks, nothing jumped out at me. I went with something boring and familiar, something I usually never do when trying a restaurant for the first time. Honestly, if I was going to be in this area of Columbus anyways, I'd just travel a little further to Dirty Frank's!
(3)
Jared T.
Tip Top is my once a week casual, beer and food go to place. The cozy booths and soft lighting are a nice break from Ohio's grey winter skies. The pot roast sandwich rocks with its pretzel roll and mustard - especially with a cold Bell's.
(5)
zahra b.
Great food selection and service. After several disappointments on the same block, Tip Top blew us away!
(5)
Jim G.
This is a nice place to go and sample a wide variety of beers. The setting is casual and relaxed. The booths are a bit worn so don't over dress. The menu is not your usual bar grub. Special note: the sweet potato fries are GREAT. For dinner I had salmon which was a bit dry even with the topping sauce, parmesan risotto which was a bit thick and lumpy, veggies that were a bit al dente, hard, or under-cooked to my liking. I knew going in that this was an aggressive order for a beer joint and even though the dinner didn't blow me away all-in-all it was not bad. The dinner plus two beers came to $21, well worth it and yes I would come back to try a few more beers and another "I can't believe they have this item on the menu" dinner.
(3)
Jeff P.
Awesome pot roast. Funky and tasty cocktails. Interesting beer selection. Hipsters galore. Quirky, dark, rustic decor. Unassuming location and exterior. Cozy place for dinner and some cocktails.
(4)
John D.
The sweet potato fries are delicious. I had the pot roast sandwich and it was delicious and warm in the belly. I ate lunch there but the bar looked so inviting I imagined a long night with a string of beers and a good book or my wife. It doesn't look like much from the outside but inside the atmosphere is warm and lovely.
(4)
baby l.
Okay..........seriously? 5 garbage bins greet you at the front of the restaurant? What is up with that? Not a great way to start your dining experience! Next, you have to shimmy past the patrons sitting at the bar to get to the hostess station.....very akward! When greeted, it didn't seem that the hostess was really glad to see me.......moreso just another customer to seat. Got seated at a table that wobbled back and forth so much that my full beer spilled several times until I took several quick drinks to make it stop! Waiter was quick and transactional not really all that engaged and acted put out that I would ask questions about menu items. Got the Italian beef sandwich. Bread was tough, meat over salted but the zuchini fries were out of this world but not enough to salvage this dining experience! Ambiance was okay. I don't think the place is that old but it feels like everything needs a good cleaning. Everything felt dusty and old from the pictures on the wall to the bizarre drapes hanging randomly on the wall! Kind of sad 'cause I live in the area and would love a great casual restuarant to frequent. My quest continues!
(2)
Jose R.
I was visiting Columbus for the evening and the hotel concierge recommended TipTop for a quick bite. The two colleagues I walked in with took a table. I waited at the bar because I wasn't planning on staying - just wanted some food to go. I completely understand the bartender being weeded / overwhelmed because he was alone at the bar. However, when you say something you better follow up. As I waited he said "hey, be with you shortly". Two other girls arrived a few minutes later and he said the same to her. Later on (add a few more minutes), I see the stereotypical hipster walk in and stand at the side of the bar near the entrance. Says hello to bartender and walks over to where myself and the girls are standing -- right in front of the well! After the bartender paused a couple of times to have a quick conversation with him he turned around and continued preparing cocktails. Two cocktails for his friend! BIG NO-NO. I have waited tables, bartended, and I am still in the service industry. If I say something to my customer he or she can expect me to follow up. After I exclaimed to the bartender that we had been waiting here his only response was "ok...well, what do you want to drink?" The word "sorry" never escaped his mouth. Meanwhile, my two colleagues sitting at the table had already been taken care of. They were shocked that I still was waiting and had not placed an order. When their waitress approached I inquired if there was a manager - there wasn't one present. I explained to her what just happened. She could have cared less. Although she did offer an apology it was what I would consider a half-assed one. She did offer to take my order, but it was clear she did not see the principle behind my frustration and the bartender's poor professionalism and favoritism when serving his friend instead of a new patron. I see the glowing reviews they receive here... most perhaps by Tip Top regulars. And if anyone in charge at this establishment has any interest in knowing who the bartender was: short guy with red hair.
(2)
Danielle F.
On sort of an impulse move my boyfriend and I decided to head downtown for brunch on a perfectly sunny Saturday in August. We were debating between several restaurants in the area and ultimately decided to try Tip Top for the first time. We scored the last table on the patio and unlike so many patios in town where you often wonder if you've been forgotten, our server showed up at our table almost immediately. Our mixed drinks arrived in record time and went down a little too easily. ;) Also unlike many other locations around town, the brunch buffet is not actually a buffet at all. Thanks goodness! Who wants to pay an insane amount for food that has been sitting out for who knows how long over a Bunsen burner? I ordered Sal's Big Mess and it was a scrumptious mess. I have to say it was the best sausage gravy I've ever had. I do wish it came with more hash browns (which by the way were really fried potatoes...not what I think of as hash browns though I love as equally as much), but I had plenty of leftovers to parlay into a second breakfast the next morning with some fresh eggs. My boyfriend opted for the Blue Ribbon Breakfast Skillet. It was equally yummy. I had contemplated ordering it myself but was afraid it might be too spicy for me. I tried a bite and it was actually really well done, just enough pepper for good flavor but not so much that your mouth is on fire. (Don't worry I let him try a bite of mine too!) Tip Top is one of those places that we can't believe it took us so long to visit and will definitely go back again and again.
(4)
Angela Z.
Tip Top is a really dark bar that has some great food and some items that are just okay. Most of the servers are very nice, but I've been in there a few times when I felt like I wasn't part of the 'in' crowd. Friday and Saturday nights definitely have the regulars and long waits for tables or bar spots. The corn chowder is absolutely delicious and working downtown allows me to satisfy my craving often. The sweet potato fries are also a decadent treat. Some items have been just okay--the roast beef sandwich is a hit with most of my friends.
(4)
Laura C.
I love this place just as much as the next person. If I ever move out of Columbus, this is one of the places that when you come back to visit you just have to make sure you eat at. The only thing I've ordered that I didn't really like was the Veggie Muffuletta but I think that has to do with the olive spread used and I don't like olives unless they're heavily ground up and disguised in really unhealthy things like MAYO. But it's my fault for not reading the description thoroughly. I always like trying something new each time. I would say the best bang for the buck is with the salads (spinach salad in particular) - the $5 HALF sized salads are ridiculous in size and absolutely delicious. My favorite sammies have been the Avocado-Honey-Shallot Chicken Salad and Salmon Fritter Pita. Obviously, you MUST pay the $1 extra to get sweet potato fries (SPF). Forget ordering the SPF as a starter (as for the $5 they charge you is a rip off considering they give you the same amount for $1). You will have plenty of leftover SPF to take home and reheat in your toaster oven and enjoy the next day. As for entrees, I like the tilapia. It's pretty difficult to seat more than 4 people together here, so keep that in mind.
(5)
Luan N.
Tip Top is a whiskey lounge with the most random decor. Lately, I've been trying whiskey cocktails and I felt this was place to go in Columbus. However, I shall elucidate the level of professionalism here. I ordered the Bus town julep and Amish ordered the Route 40 Shorty. The bartender was referring to the menu back and forth between the 4 ingredients. So he poured the whiskey, looked at the recipe.. poured the vermouth, looked at the menu... poured the grenadine, looked at the menu... poured the club soda, looked at the menu.. stirred the cocktail, looked at the menu... added the cherry garnish and presto, shazam, sim sala bim, alakazam! That was some build up, he should have got his own commercial breaks. C'mon Mr. Bartender, anything off the menu should be your bread and butter. Even if you have to refer to the recipe, one glance should suffice! Here are the positives. I think the beer list was well thought out. And the whiskey cocktails set us back only $4 each. I don't think you can even get a simple Manhattan in all of Chicago for that price.
(3)
Crystal O.
I dine out in big groups quite often, and appreciate when I can take 14 chatty women out and have a great experience. At Tip Top on a Thurs. nite, they didn't throw a fit about our size, splitting up the bill or waiting on a large group of chatty women. Though they don't take reservations, I called ahead to warn them and they promptly had a few tables set aside in the same area for us. Our food for all 14 people was served all together, no plates were misprepared or forgotten and everything was warm. Everyone's checks were perfectly divided, by seat and with the right drinks on them. If I remembered the name of our waitress, I'd give her five stars for her patience and efficiency. The food was solid, well-priced and tasty. Great work, TipTop. You deserve your reputation.
(5)
Frank L.
This place is grossly overrated and really just gross. The first (and only) time I had a full meal here, I got a serving of green beans that tasted like it had been stored in someone's scuba diving boot for a week after they'd been swimming in both a local pond and a heavily chlorinated pool. Or something like that. It was awful, and I hate to think about what I was, in fact, consuming. The apology was I received was minimal, and nothing was taken off the bill. I'd be willing to think that maybe this was just an isolated incident, but then I look at all the three-star reviews on here that mention at least one disgusting food experience at Tip Top, and this verifies that the standards in the kitchen here are less than tip-top.
(2)
Kati K.
Tip Top is a good place to hang out, get some appetizers and drinks with some friends in a relaxed environment while still having some fun. That being said, this place didn't wow me away like I was expecting it to. The food was OK, but if I want that kind of quality I can head on over to the 'dube for cheaper. Speaking of, no drink specials? At least not when I was there - sad, because I think I would come here more otherwise. Worth checking out at least once, especially if you have more than a few people you're going with (going back tonight since the original plan was Betty's but we soon had way more people than they could ever hold!) but don't expect anything fantastic.
(3)
Shawnie K.
Have you ever dreamed of pot roast? Well, you will after you try the potroast sandwich at Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails. As the third restaurant in the Lessner-family empire of Columbus eateries, expect consistantly delicious food in a laid back ambiance. The menu consists of a broad selection of stick-to-the-ribs comfort food, such as homemade mac & cheese, meatloaf and Rueben sandwiches, as well as lighter fare for those lunch-goers who may not have the luxury of napping after such a feast. Tip Top draws a professional crowd during regular business hours, which is natural, given its downtown location. The evenings and weekends attract a more mixed crowd, falling anywhere between Hipster and Hippie. Young and old alike will feel right at home at Tip Top. In fact, the folks who grew up in Columbus might even recognize the name's allusion to the local 1950's kiddie show-- "Tip Top Bandwagon," featuring Columbus's very own Flippo the Clown. The Columbus theme runs thoughout the restaurant. Once your eyes adjust to the dim lighting, you'll notice walls full of historic photos and other art and paraphanelia related to the city's history. Be assured, the decor is not a shrine to the Buckeyes, but rather a celebration of all things Columbus. Including its "Ohio Comfort Food" menu, as well as the cleverly named libations. Don't come here expecting the cliche, mile-long menu of martinis... this-tini or that-tini ...but Tip Top does have an eyebrow raising list of "whisky concoctions" - some strong enough to put hair on your chest and others that even the fru-fru drinkers will enjoy. Tip Top doesn't just celebrate the city 'in word', but they do in 'deed,' giving back in a variety of ways, both obvious and subtle. They use locally grown produce when possible, carry Columbus-made coffee from Cafe Brioso, and feature a wide range of mid-western breweries. The old-school jukebox plays tunes hand picked by our favorite Columbus musicians (who by the way, tend to frequent the restaurant). Tip Top even gives food discounts to those who choose to leave their cars at home and ride bikes or scooters. Across the board, Tip Top maintains a great philosophy of supporting the locally owned businesses and promoting Columbus, all the while keeping us well fed! Patronizing Tip Top will fill you up- both belly & soul.
(5)
Michael C.
Really good sandwiches and great fries. My favorite is the Tip Top Pot Roast Sandwich with the fries. You should also get the fried green beans appetizer, it is delicious.
(5)
Daniel E.
There are not many places to eat in downtown Columbus so I went to Tip Top a couple of times while staying there for a week. They have some pretty decent choices on their menu and the service is pretty good. The flavors are run into together but in a pinch, Tip Top is the place to go.
(3)
Seth D.
I was brought here by a friend after we found out the Mexican place around the corner was closed, so I walked in a little dissapointed. I thought it was kind of a cool, old looking place inside though. I ordered the potroast sandwich on the pretzel bun, and my son got the roast beef. The roast beef was pretty good, it seemed to be made of real roast beef, and not some reconstituted beef/salt/water product. My son wasn't too impressed, but I'm sure he was expecting something reconstituted like Arby's. The potroast sandwich was awesome! It probably had a lot to do with the pretzel roll it was on, but I've been craving it for about a month now. I will definitely be back soon for another. As far as the service goes, I found it quite adequate, but this was my first visit.
(4)
Elizabeth D.
All I'm going to say is pot roast sandwich with sweet potato fries. Now you will all want it.
(5)
Dorn B.
I love the people I love the food and I love the whiskey selection. The location is a little hard to get to as there is always a limit to the available parking. Thought the last few times I have been there I have parked right in front. The food is what I let to call "Meat & Potatoes". My favorite dish is the pot roast sandwich. It is (as the name states) a pot roast on a pretzel bun with cheese and some type of yummy mustard. I absolutely love the thing. It comes with a heaping helping of fries on the side. You will not be hungry after this meal. I should mention that if you ride your bicycle to the bar and you mention it to your server or bartender you will get the "two wheel" discount. Go! check it out. It is good.
(5)
Chris L.
Somehow Tip Top has turned in to my favorite food place in town. It's very close to where I work, so I guess I naturally gravitate there for happy-hour-priced Ohio nachos (1/2 off) and drinks. The drinks you need to try are the $3 RC cola and whiskey, the Lion's Den, and the Ohio wines. They also have an impressive beer selection, but that speaks for itself. The food selections you need to try are: Pot Roast in any of its incarnations, sweet potato fries, fried green beans, mac and cheese, Philly cheese steak done veggie style, and the tilapia. There are some hit or miss items on the menu, so I'd stick to these. Tip Top is a great place to meet up with people. Unlike Short North places, I never feel crammed into a table there. And you can always wait for a booth. The service is always good. I've never had a complaint, bar or table. Sometimes there is a wait, but that's standard at most popular eateries. So go to Tip Top, relax, drink yummy drinks and hang out with your friends.
(5)
Sammy T.
I decided to give more stars, because I have had a change of heart. The pot roast sandwich and Original Sin cider on tap have won me over. Plus they made me a tuna melt , which I'm pretty sure wasn't even on the menu and it was muy sabroso.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
I had the sweet potato black eyed peas hash. It was good, but what really impressed me was the deconstructed piña colada. It earns five stars.
(5)
Zack F.
I didn't want to give it two stars. It has potential. Unfortunately it falls behind Betty's which falls behind Surly Girl in my mind. The food just isn't as good and the service wasn't that great. For some reason I wasn't that happy with the beer selection either. Of the three I will always go for Surly.
(3)
Tom M.
Sweet tater fries were much touted by others and they were good. However the eggplant fries are a MUST especially with the bloody Mary dipping sauce. That was brilliant and novel. Any samich served on a pretzel roll has to be good. I had the potroast sandwich and it was fantastic. If you want desert get the Foxy Roxy drink as it was the perfect ending.
(4)
M. D.
When you're needing delicious comfort food- this is the place! I love the corn chowder when I'm getting a cold especially. There isn't anything on the menu I don't like, but the pot roast sandwich is to die for. The sweet potato fries are Columbus' best AND the "tip top bottoms up" is a tasty whiskey and coke for just three dollars. Love it, love tip top!
(4)
Bree P.
Wow. I love it here. I mean, please do make sure you use a restroom elsewhere, it seems that the bathroom (the women's, anyway) was designed for a 6 year old girl with no kneecaps. I'm not fat, and I'm not too tall, but this bathroom isn't for a woman at all. So, onward to the food...I like to eat vegan/vegetarian and hellllooo vegan cheesesteak on a pretzel bun! This is a nice prep for the belly before a night of binge-drinking and not caring about peeing in bathooms made for toddlers. Once I had a horrible, cranky waitress, I can only remember her menacing bangs and impatient scowl. She was not nice, but if that bathoom is the only one available to her during the workday...then I understand. Another time I had a jolly nice boy for a waiter who was very accomodating and easy-going (their bathooms must be fabulous in there). So, all in all, the waitstaff (and the toilet in the women's restroom) are hit- or- miss. The FOOD is special and the beer is frosty.
(4)
Jody D.
Went to Tip Top with a friend during Friday Lunch and though the line was back to the door, they got people seated and served very fast. We ordered our sandwiches, I had grilled cheese, tomato and sweet potato fries. Yum. The order arrived in less than 10 minutes and Sarah was a joy as a server. I will be back. Kudos!
(5)
Kevin M.
I went to Tip Top tonight with my boyfriend and some friends following the opening of an art show. Though the service was a bit lacking here and there (how hard is it to understand that when everyone at a six person table wants water, that's six glasses of water?), our waitress was friendly and we were seated relatively quickly despite there being six of us on a Saturday night. Great beer selection, and a very fun selection of mixed drinks, especially for the whiskey enthusiasts. I had a "Commit to be Lit," which consists of three types of flavored vodka, cranberry juice, and lemon-lime soda. It tastes like Kool-Aid. Delicious, highly alcoholic, blackout-inducing Kool-Aid. Everyone enjoyed their food. I had a basket of sweet potato fries (which are exactly what sweet potato fries should be) and a bowl of corn chowder (very satisfying); others really enjoyed their Ohio Nachos, country fried steak, pot roast, and herbed goat cheese salads. Overall, very pleasant - good to see somewhere worth going appear downtown. Finally, some company for the intrepid gay bars that have been there for a decade and the smattering of other restaurants.
(4)
Chase S.
Great beer selection! Very strong mixed drinks as well. Food was pretty tasty, they overcooked the salmon (typical of Ohio), but overall everything was A-OK. We ate at the bar and the the bartender was very nice and efficient.
(4)
Ann S.
Split a trio of mini potroast sandwiches at the Independents Day festival. Very simple. Pot roast on white buns with 2 pickles. They offered yellow mustard to put on it but that kind of grossed us out. Offer us ketchup or A1 then yeah. It didn't need condiments though. Moist, flavorful and the pickle was a perfect compliment even if my Mr didn't think so. I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever had. It's average but if you don't make pot roast on your own (which I do) then it might just hit the spot and feel just like mama used to make. Will be trying more from them in the future when we can choose more than what they had to offer there.
(3)
michael c.
I've been holding off on this review a while. Tip Top had a strong start and they were my place to go in the summer. I lived on that patio (after 6pm mostly). They kept a good run through the summer. Good comfort food and great cocktails and beer. As we've nosed into winter i was wondering how they'd hold up.. The verdict is... they're great.. winter and summer, Tip Top is the place. It's a restaurant i can take anyone in my family, carnivores and vegetarians. The drinks can't be beat. They're open late (kitchen too) and they're nice people to boot. Standout menu items include: Pot Roast Sandwich - bring your hunger, but wow is this good. Mom's been in the Garden Salad - again, bring your hunger. vegetarian, but good for hungry omnivores. Tuna Salad Sandwich - good for when you're not as hungry but want something late Check out the soups as they are often good. On top of all this, I have to say that the service is good, the special events are fun and the jukebox is good. The food here is very good, but very much "Comfort Food". Most (but not all) items are on the heavy side. I wish the fries weren't as good as i want to eat them all every time I order them. I wouldn't mind a few more "light" menu items for evening meals out during the week. While Tip Top isn't perfect, they're pretty damn close... I give them 5 stars.
(5)
Caroline C.
I've had this bookmarked for a while, and decided to check it out over the weekend. Despite a throng of people sitting/hanging around outside, getting seated inside was surprisingly easy. I have to agree that it is pretty dark and chilly inside, but when it's as eye-squintingly bright and muggy like it has been of late, this was definitely a bonus. We both had the corn chowder soup ($5). It was a little bit spicy for me (and maybe not the best choice on a hot day) but it was very good - great flavor, nice and thick, decent-sized portion. I opted for the Reuben ($8) but asked for wheat instead of rye. The server looked at me like I had three heads, and said, "Uh, wheat? Really??" Um, yeah, really... Anyway, the sandwich was big, and stuffed with decent corned beef. The dressing was a tad sweet for my taste but otherwise, I really enjoyed it. The fries were good too - hot and fresh. He went for the Roast Beef sandwich ($8) but chose horseradish dressing instead of onion marmalade. I gotta say, the roast beef was better than the Reuben - soooo tender and flavorful, and the bun was super soft and buttery. Sweet potato fries aren't my thing, but he wolfed them down. All in all, this was a great place for lunch. Shame I've recently quit drinking because the beer selection looked fantastic. Service was lacking, and parking sucks nuts, but the food definitely made up for it. Recommended!!
(4)
Gene X.
Well you gotta love Tip Top for serving food late into the night. After arriving and getting settled into my hotel room, I realized I had barely eaten during my travel and flights since the airlines give you NOTHING to eat without charging for crappy food, so I found myself looking at what was around and open and of course Tip Top showed up and since it's also a bar it was the perfect choice! They have a pretty good selection of beers on tap and in bottles so I tried the Bell's Two Hearted Ale which was a really nice ale that I hadn't had before. I also ordered the spinach salad which was tasty but maybe a bit over dressing-ing (if that's a word). Overall though this place is nice and unpretentious and felt like some place locals might actually go (although in this part of town I don't know if locals actually hang out or not.) A solid choice if you are looking for something low key but good and especially since it's a real local business - avoid chains!!!!
(4)
John R.
Decided to go to Tip Top on a slow Saturday in downtown Columbus. Had heard they had good food but since it looks like a bar from the outside, I hadn't tried it til today. What a pleasant surprise. Inside is more restaurant like although they definitely have an extensive bar. On weekends they have a brunch menu. I tried the Blue Ribbon Skillet. Two scrambled eggs over home fries mixed with shredded pot roast topped with some cheese and green onions. Exceptionally good. The only knock on this place was the service. The staff, although very nice, was a little too involved with each other as opposed to serving me.
(4)
doreen w.
Tip Top is the over sized sibling of local favorites, Surly Girl and Betty's. My first experience here was a few months back after an all you can drink Drambuie event at Due Amici and I was in serious need of carbs. Tip Top is hit the spot. Everything you love about it's siblings is bigger here, the space, the menu, and of course the drinks-both on tap and cocktails. On my first visit I tried the Ohio Nachos a nice twist on the equally delicious Steve's Afternoon delight. Both feature homemade chips with sour cream at Tip Top they go a little spicy with jalapenos and black olives. I sampled these along with the shoe string fries and sweet potato wedges with a group of friends and despite the circumstances we couldn't eat it all among the three of us! I recently went back to sample an entree and was very pleased with my veggie burrito again HUGE portion, I ate half and the rest for lunch next day. I will return to Tip Top but most likely for drinks and snacks since there is not much on the menu that is out of the box from this family of comfort food restaurants.
(3)
lizette r.
had some late night-post beers-post ween eats at tip top on saturday night. the line was out the door and since we were staying at the renaissance hotel right across the street we opted for take out. fantastic!! we enjoyed two beers at the bar while we waited which wasn't long at all. we split the sweet potato fries and the spicy mayo was killer! he ordered the chipotle turkey sandwich and i got the grilled cheese. we ordered beers at out hotel and stuffed our faces up in our hotel room. it was marvelous!! it was a really cool bar which i would've enjoyed hanging out at if we hadn't been pooped and drunk already. the food was really, really good - much better than typical "bar food." a winner!!
(4)
Elise F.
This may just be my favorite restaurant in Columbus. Their midwest comfort food is unbeatable, and their specialty whisky drinks are amazing. Everything in the restaurant is local (except the bar itself). It's fun to walk around and see Columbus' history from the pictures on the walls. Great place to chill! They're veggie- and vegan-friendly, too.
(5)
Allison G.
In April 2009, my organization hosted a conference at the Renaissance Columbus Hotel that is just a block away. Three of my coworkers and I discovered Tip Top on our second night, and we went back every day that we were in Columbus. We STILL talk about Tip Top. For instance, someone might randomly say, "You know what DC needs?" And someone else will say, "Yes. Tip Top." We keep trying to convince our members that we need to have another meeting in Columbus so that we can go back to Tip Top!
(4)
Anthony C.
The atmosphere was crap, the food was OK, for the the price I guess it was descent. The service was poor. I would not go there again. I went on a Wednesday night so maybe that had something to do with it and I was just looking for a place that was open late and served food. I sat inside and I think sitting outside would have been a better choice just because it seemed to be more lively outside when I left.
(2)
Lauren A.
I've been to Tip Tip quite a few times for lunch with work friends. From what I hear, it is owned by the same people that own Surly Girl and Betty's. Tip Top has a lot of vegetarian offerings, including a really good roasted vegetables dish. It's a great little place.
(4)
Amanda D.
Tip Top is one of the Columbus Food League places that still exist... I had to put a lot of thought into doing a new review because I still have mixed feelings about it. I am really upset about the closing of the Jury Room, Betty's and especially Surly Girl. But I digress. Tip Top is a great place to just hang out and have some dinner or a beer. They always have good list of local/craft beers on tap that fit the season. The list of "specialty" cocktails are fun too even though I rarely order one. The food is really good here too. My favorite thing are the sandwiches. The pot roast is one of the best things ever. I highly recommend getting the sweet potato fries with anything you order. They have some dipping sauce.. can't remember what they call it right now... but it's really good! This could have been the beer talking, but the food was memorable. All in all I really like Tip Top. It's too bad that it's such long drive for me otherwise we would go more often.
(4)
Lisa P.
So, I've been to Tip Top a few times. The first time for lunch and the most recent was for brunch. I loved the Pot Roast sandwich for lunch. Flavorful, juicy, good. Sweet potato fries were on point. I have been underwhelmed by brunch, however. This weekend I went and got the Western omelette. It has ham, cheese, peppers, onions....and a pound of eggs wrapped around it. Seriously, there was too much egg and I was about to barf. The problem was, the egg didn't even taste good and I'm not sure that it wasn't pre-made. Kinda gross. I did enjoy their breakfast potatoes when I could get around the egg monster on my plate. Just, too much egg. I enjoyed my Bloody Mary. The service was pretty good. The space itself seemed kinda dirty. Then again, it seems that all Columbus Food League restaurants aspire to be a little divey. That's fine, whatever. Prices are average. Maybe a little over priced for the quality. I may come back but right now, I'm not feeling it for brunch. We may be seeing a trend in Columbus Food League quality here....which is a real shame. I miss Surly Girl.
(3)
Norma F.
Amazing Veggy wrap. Was very surprised for a bar. Customer service was mediocre. Nobody was in the place, and the gal bar tending was chatty with the barman but not unaware of customers waiting. I was there to get an order to go, not to hugh out so it was kind of annoying. But service was fast, and inexpensive. I paid $11 for a beer and an amazing vegan wrap.
(4)
Ian M.
I love the ambiance here, and it's a place to come get a great lunch. GET HERE EARLY. The place fills up quickly, every day, and for a good reason. The food quality is top notch for the area, and I don't mind voting with my dollars here. They have a nice variety of items to try, and a hell of a bar. Whomever is stocking the bourbon and scotch selection, I'm impressed... keep up the great job everyone!
(4)
Malcolm K.
A good friend of mine made me the most amazing birthday gift: a custom 'Lord of the Rings' themed birthday bar crawl map, printed life-size with every detail accounted for. The name "Tip Top" will forever haunt this map, a prominent scar among a pantheon of established downtown watering holes that would otherwise brilliantly shine without it. I've never stepped foot into an identity crisis quite like Tip Top's. It's not a bar. It's not a restaurant. It's nothing -- a void that covers itself up by throwing the kitchen sink at its customers. Yelp wants specifics. Well then, let's get specific. Tip Top is the only 'place' (remember, not a bar or restaurant) that mixes every atmospheric element in the book. Dive bar christmas lights. Gaudy chandeliers. 90s house music (including the theme song to 'Night at the Roxbury' -- Baby Don't Hurt Me). It feels like some rich kid stole his father's Amex, went to Spencer's Gifts, and turned his basement lair into what he thinks a night club is. I didn't dare peek around our booth, but I bet there's a lava lamp tucked away in at least one of Tip Top's crevices. The food disappoints as well. I'm not sure who came up with the ruse to swap nacho chips for potato chips in Tip Top's 'nachos' dish, but the net result is pure sadness. Nachos should be nachos; don't mess with what works. I'm certain that absolutely no one goes to Tip Top for potato chips covered in watery cheese, and they're absolutely justified in their thinking not to do so. The chips are just one example of where Tip Top's food falls short. The most disappointing element of Tip Top, though, is the service, particularly at the front door. A word to management: if you want to be a bar, be a bar. Get rid of the host/hostess position. Let people sit where they want to sit, then serve them. You're paying someone to do a job that does little more than frustrate your customers. In the end, Tip Top mainly survives because of location, which won't always be the case. If you happen to be in the area, fire up your Yelp app and go anywhere, everywhere else. You'll thank me.
(1)
Maurice H.
Frequent lunch location. The meatloaf is to die for here. Get here early especially on a Friday as lunch groups quickly fill the place. I would have given it a minimum 4 stars but a few times my food was uncharged for picking some side items over others without being advised. $2 for sweet fries over regular fries. Do sweet potatoes walk over there all the way from Idaho?!. No complaints, would just be nice to advise the customer of potential up-charge for different sides rather than questioning the bill when it arrives.
(3)
Megan V.
Interesting vibe with decent food After reading the many reviews, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I'm happy to say Tip Top exceeded my expectations in a variety of ways. On my visit, we had good service. We were seated promptly. We both ordered a few beers and sandwiches. The drinks and food came out fairly quickly. And, the sandwiches were yummy. The atmosphere is fairly dark with old adornments. It's a unique and intimate feel. I wouldn't say it is exceptional, but I'd be happy to go back again. It's a nice option downtown.
Fantastic "Ohio comfort food" as they call it on the menu at Tip Top. The Pot Roast was deliciously seasoned and served with potatoes, carrots. Celery, and tasty turnips all presented in a sizzling skillet. Just what we needed during a recent late-night dinner. The sweet potato fries with their accompanying spicy mayo were also thoughtfully seasoned. Just enough starch to help soak the specialty cocktails my party of 4 ordered. Since it was late, the slow greet by the hostess can be forgiven. She also turned out to be our server, and qas really on the ball in that role. What I cannot abide, though, is the sour odor that greeted us instead. The wait area, such as it is, is directly behind the barstools. Either a yeasty beer drain or fermented soda syrup was likely to blame. This is what prevents me from awarding the 5th star. The drinks we enjoyed were the "Bottoms Up" - Always$3.00 - with Old Crow Bourbon, RC Cola, and a cherry; a "Jungle Jack Hanna" with orange vodka, pineapple, cranberry, and 7-up, and a drink with citrus vodka and St. Germain elderflower liqueur; plus a regular Cosmo for a loyalist - all were reported to be quite tasty. I'd go again for sure, but maybe sit out on the patio...far from that smell.
(4)
Michelle F.
We went here for dinner. I got the open faced roast beef- delicious! My husband got the reaper Mac n cheese- not good at all. The service was good. Overall mediocre.
(3)
Marie M.
Remember that time my friends and I went to the Columbus Food Truck Festival, got really overwhelmed by people and long lines and ended up at Tip Top for dinner instead? Well worth it!! I had never been there before last night. It has a great atmosphere, staff was attentive and our waiter Mitch was a gem. Will go back again! Get the green beans and feta spread apps. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Caitlin E.
I have been to Tip Top a few times, and each experience has been wonderful! The outside may look misleading with the black wooden façade, but I absolutely love the atmosphere inside. It's casual yet classy with a vintage Ohio vibe. I'm all about the Columbus pride, and this restaurant gives it off in a very subtle way with Victorian Ohio artifacts. The food is also excellent and well priced. I usually have great difficulty deciding what to order because many things on the menu are appealing. There are quite a few options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, though I've stuck with the vegetarian meals. The service is great. I've never had to wait long to be seated, and the staff is very accommodating. On my latest visit, I mentioned my interest in sitting outside, though the patio was full. Once we were seated inside for a few minutes, the host made a point to let me know when there was a space available outside. The servers were very quick to fulfill our requests, and our food came out very quickly with no problems. I highly recommend this restaurant to downtown visitors that want a cheap, quality meal in a comfortable atmosphere.
The place is spectacular. Food is so flavorful. The wait staff are all super kind, welcoming and attentive. The atmosphere is cool to look at as the owner also owns an antique store. Come on in and have a try, you won't be disappointed. The pot roast is ridiculous. The club sandwich was moist and flavorful. The Italian beef can hold its own vs any Chicago style sandwich.
(5)
ian c.
good late night bar / pub food. pot roast sandwich is worth a try. Lots of great rotating beers on tap.
(4)
Jessica L.
Not far from the apartment, so it's a quick walk on the night's we're not sure what to have for dinner and don't want to put too much effort into the process. The pot roast sandwich + sweet potato fries is a no-brainer for me and my default order. I've tried other things, but that is comfort food at it's finest!
(4)
Aklilu A.
Tip Top owner sure knows how to decorate, the interior definitely stands out. Plenty of interesting conversation topics when you look around the walls. The atmosphere is pretty divey and hipster. The service is nice, laid back folks. A bit cramp though, not the most spacious of restaurants. I ordered the meatloaf, I'm a big fan of meatloaf and saw someone going to town on as I walked in so my mind was set. We ordered sweet potato fries as a side to share until our entrees came out. When the meatloaf arrived, it was still sizzling. It was probably the best meatloaf I've ever had, I can honestly not think the last time I had a better one. Savory with each bite as I mixed in the mashed potatoes. It wasn't a small portion either, they definitely make sure you don't leave hungry. I'll be back for seconds!
(5)
Morgan B.
This place has personality--a bit on the divy side, but I liked the atmosphere and the eclectic decor. I chose to come here mainly because of their menu--it's a pretty good size, many different options, and the prices were very reasonable. They also have a nice drink selection, plenty of beers to choose from as well as a number of whiskey cocktails if that's more your style. The open faced roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and corn was what I was anticipating, and I left full and satisfied. I wish I had tried the sweet potato fries though since I just read so many of you raving about them!
(4)
Ahmad J.
I stumbled upon Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails while looking for a place to eat in downtown Columbus as it is just around the corner from the Renaissance downtown. At around 10 p.m. on Friday the entire patio was full of youngsters having a beer. I was hesitant to enter as this looked more like a pub rather than a restaurant but after a long day I was too tired so just walked in. As usual the greeter tried to stick me to the bar but I refused and asked for a table which got me an eye roll that I proceeded to ignore. After getting a table I was pounced upon by a hurried server who wanted to start me off on some drinks so I went with iced tea ($2.65). As soon as it was served I was interrogated for my order. I asked for a recommendation and it seemed that I just laid the weight of the world on my servers shoulders. Anyway in a very non-committal way she responded that people like their pot roast ($11) and shrugged her shoulders to drive her point home. Anyway, not knowing anything better I decided to go with that. In less than 5 minutes I had the pot roast in front of me. Taste wise it was pretty good. Not the best that I'd had but was pretty good none the less. The beef seemed to have been cooked separately and then put on top of the stew as it seemed dry even though it was fork tender. It just lacked the juiciness that you get when it is pot roasted over a period of time. Quantity was not huge but was good enough for one person. Prices are pretty cheap and being a small place it is packed till late in the night. When I left at 11 p.m. there was a huge line at the door with people waiting for a table. Overall it was a pretty enjoyable meal. My take is that Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails is more of a pub which also does food. It caters to a young demographic that likes to hang around chatting and drinking. It is not well suited for solo diners so I may not repeat in the future, but am happy that I tried it out.
(4)
Angela H.
FYI this place does not take reservations. If you have a group larger than 4, expect to wait. Around 11:30am on a workday, the place isn't too crowded. Since my group of 9 had to wait so long, we all decided to get sandwiches, faster than getting a comfort food type entree. Didn't have any problems with service. Wait time from ordering to get food seemed pretty average (maybe 10-15 minutes?). The sandwiches are really good. I definitely recommend the Chipotle Turkey ($9) with sweet potato fries for $2 extra. The sandwiches come with a good amount of meat, and other reviewers aren't kidding about their sweet potato fries. They are definitely fanfastic. Everyone has a different preference for crispiness but I thought these sweet potato fries were spot on. This is a good choice for lunch. I'd consider coming back for happy hour and/or dinner.
(4)
Gina M.
The food here is SO good, the drinks are even better, and they have a great old school bar feel. It's a great casual place to go before seeing a show at the Ohio Theatre! They lose one star just because there are very few tables for groups, so you typically have to wait a while, and because it's so dark inside the restaurant. Other than that it's a wonderful option!
(4)
Brian R.
The decor and concept are cool, but the food is "meh" at best. Overall, I don't understand the hype about this place. Then again, that's historically my experience with most (but not all) of the Columbus Food League restaurants. I love local restaurants and actually avoid chains when I can, but I can't get on the hype train for a local business when the business can't justify it. To me, Tip Top falls into that "just doesn't quite justify the hype" category. First, the good about my visit. The decor is one part kitsch done right and another part old world charm. Our server was on the ball, had a great sense of humor on top of it, and stayed on top of keeping the drinks coming. The prices are very affordable. The appetizer was the creamy cheese and bacon dip, which I highly recommend. Now, for the not so good: the pot roast sandwich that many here have raved about. I think my taste buds must have been broken, as I was neither impressed nor disgusted but was instead perplexed. The pot roast on the sandwich seemed slightly sweet. I'm pretty sure pot roast isn't sweet, or at least the pot roast I like and prefer isn't sweet. Between that and the fact that the bun the pot roast was served on couldn't stand up to the substantial drippings, and the result was that I was asking myself, "People are crazy about THIS?!?" My buddy was equally unimpressed with the dish he ordered: the meatloaf. Once again, he wasn't put off his meal, but I think we both were led to believe that Tip Top was this awesome place and were a victim of moderate-to-high expectations. Maybe, if I go back, I'll end up amending this review, but with so many new restaurants to try in Columbus and my first visit being so completely underwhelming, I'm not certain I'll be back anytime soon. I know I wouldn't go out of my way to visit (or avoid) the place again, but I wouldn't advise avoiding the place either, thus the 3 stars (2.5 if I could rate it more accurately).
(3)
Karen D.
Stopped in after the Columbus Arts festival last weekend around 10pm and the place was hopping, had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. We were hungry after checking out art nearby ordered a few beers at the bar while waiting. Once we were seated, our table was almost in a back break room area as we saw several staff coming in & out from outside for break, smoke, we tried to move to another table, but nothing was available, we were hungry so we stayed. My friend went with the Salmon Hoagie with chips and I went with Chipotle turkey and green bean fries. I went to order another beer and several of the beers on the menu on tap were out, must have been a busy Saturday to have several taps out & not have or offer replacements not on the menu. The food arrived about 20 minutes later, my friend enjoyed her salmon hoagie and my chipotle turkey was okay, the bacon aioli was missing from the sandwich, so had to ask, I enjoyed the green bean fries, but they tasted as they were sitting for a while ready to be served rather than hot & fresh out of fryer. Tip Top is a convenient location open late when you're in downtown and looking for a good craft beer & bite to eat.
(3)
Maria P.
This was my first time at Top Top. I got the Flytown Pick-Me Up cocktail which has whiskey, ginger ale and Ohio maple syrup. It was one of the best whiskey cocktails I have had. It was smooth and had lots of flavor. For dinner I had the Blackened Catfish with skillet green beans and the parmesan orzo. The Parmesan Orzo was amazing! Our waiter was super friendly and provided some good recommendations on meal choices. The service overall was slower than I was expecting. However, our waiter acknowledged the delay and slow service. He apologized for our long wait to get our bill and even took off a few bucks. It was very nice of him! The atmosphere is great and the prices are reasonable. I would recommend checking it out.
(4)
Margaret D.
Dive bar atmosphere with great food! On business, I walked in to try for decent food after a long day. The special soup (spicy Vietnamese, basically a chicken pho) was phenomenal! Spicy, as advertised, but with amazing subtle undernotes in the broth. The pot roast sandwich, advertised as the house special, was really tasty! With green beans (excellent) on the side, the meal nearly healthy, as well as being healthful! Ruthie, my server, was very attentive, and provided great advice on menu choices. Plus, she didn't discriminate with a single diner.
(5)
Katherine M.
Great casual drop-in any time of the day or weekend. Cozy yet cool, it has a darkish tavern feel without putting you to sleep. The eggplant fries I think beat out the sweet potato fries my friends :) but they're both definitely great. And the rest of the comfort food menu easily compliments the array of drink variety. I also personally love the Hell salad and Salmon Fritters. It's a cool but not too cool getaway from uppity short north when you want relaxation from the wild buzz. Both wallet and hangover friendly. Parking can be a pain on expectedly busy weekends downtown. The lot across the street is always fair game but do expect to pay - at least at a meter.
(4)
Trish S.
After a Yelper Party, after 27 degrees, after the snow and after standing (happily) on a concrete floor all day-A girl needs some good old fashioned comfort food. I'm talking carbs people, and a relaxing booth to boot. I got both, in a big way, at Tip Top with local CM Bryant. (He's the Columbus expert so if he says go, you go.) The company was unmatched obviously ;) But let's talk about Ohio Nachos! First of all, if you name something after a state it better be good, and oh boy, it was! Homemade potato chips topped with melted cheese, freshly diced tomatoes, green onion, black olives, jalapeños, and sour cream. We added crumbled Ohio sausage for $1 making the grand total for this pile of food that fed 3 of us easily only 10 bucks. I couldn't stop eating them-the cheese was like a super melty white cheddar maybe? No matter what it was, addicting. Next I went for the Chicken Fried Chicken (again, only 10 dollars) it was breaded, a but too much so for my tastes, with an a-ok country gravy, mashed potatoes and corn in herb butter. The potatoes were average too, but this really hit the spot overall as I just needed some country food goodness after a long day. Service was pleasant and you know what was even better? My hotel was just across the street, so after all that bar food glory, I could stumble up to my bed in a rapid manner. I was in such a food coma that I stumbled back (okay, not stumbled, but drove across town) the next day cause I had left my credit card behind! Thanks for keeping it safe!
(4)
Greg W.
Sweet potato fries, sweet potato fries, sweet potato fries! Everyone has their vices, and this is one of mine. I love this stuff, and they get them out to you quickly and the basket of fries is BIG! The other food is really good; and the sandwiches are ample in size. I've been here a half dozen or so times now and try to order something different each time. They also have eggplant fries, or deep fried green beans if you'd rather try something slightly different. The eggplant fries weren't exactly my cup of tea, but the fried green beans were really good. Parking here sucks! There is a lot across the street, and a few spots along the street, but be careful. These are almost always full. If you park too far west on Gay Street, the spots are only 30 minute spots and you'll have to run out to feed the meter during your visit.
(4)
Nichole M.
Can I just start out by saying that we had the absolute best server and I feel like a big jerk for not remembering his name. I'm sorry, John Doe. We were staying at the Renaissance Marriott across the street for a wedding and needed somewhere for food and and drinks between ceremony and reception, the concierge suggested Tip Top. Thank you, concierge person. (I'm great with names). So we sit down and we want to try a bunch of apps and I want soup because it's cold. We ordered the cheesy bacon business (again, names) and it was so amazingly tasty and super healthy, I'm sure. I had chicken and rice soup which hit the spot on this chilly day. We also had the hummus with veggies and pita, the hummus was just not good, but I dipped all those veggies in the large amounts of tasty ranch we ordered. The fried green beans were also delightfully delicious. Our server, John Doe, kept the drinks coming and even took a picture of our group for us, along with a selfie of John Doe for the memories! We had a great time and good food. We also ended up back here after the wedding, don't ask me about the details of that trip.
(5)
K D.
Great late night eats! Pot roast sandwich and cheesy bacon dip with pita bread totally hit the spot after a night of mild but steady drinks. Highly recommend!
(5)
Rachel W.
The good: Catfish with orzo and broccoli. I could not create this meal and have it be worth the effort for the savings, and I will order it every time. So good. The hours. They serve pretty late, so if I stay late at work it is a good place to get carryout. The patio is also nice. The mediocre: I had dessert here once. Don't bother. I also had "Brioso" coffee here once. It was burnt. Breakfast is hit or miss. I had a good breakfast burrito but the potatoes were flavorless and not hot. I had a really really good egg in a basket but it was a special, not on the regular menu. The ugly: I have never had a good cocktail here. They all taste like a straight shot of liquor, which I could pour for myself obviously.
(3)
Glenn B.
Not great, just ok. One server with a really poor attitude. Didn't do it for me.
(2)
Bob B.
Great dive bar vibe. The really rough looking exterior actually should not deter you from stepping past the outdoor patio - c'mon in. Interior has almost a perfect ambiance. The red and gold are a little reminiscent of a vintage Vegas brothel. Not in a bad way mind you. I totally dig the "warm in the winter; cool in the summer" feel. Solid music, and what appears to be a fun food menu will get me back with my Chocolate Lab for a pot roast lunch tomorrow. But for tonight, we will indulge a friendly pour of Maker's Mark in the Manhattan Up formation. I had to resist my inner-NJ impatience to allow the good-natured barkeep time to perform some multi-tasking before he got my drink order. But, seriously: what's the rush?
(3)
Holly C.
It's solid home-cooked style food. Everything is a little heavy since it's meant to be. The sweet potato fries are awesome. The meatloaf was not bad. The pot roast was ok. I don't remember what my friend got, but overall, everything was mostly just ok. Parking is quite annoying, so I can only imagine peak times for food are rough. I'd go during off times then. The service is a little hit or miss. We waited a long time on multiple occasions. I think I prefer Surly Girl, not sure if I'd come back.
(3)
Fred B.
Cool old bar with great ambiance, really awesome comfort food, strong drinks, comfortable booths, a nice outdoor patio, friendly servers and really fair prices. Love, love, love Tip Top...!!!
(5)
Andrew B.
Came here with friends for a late brunch but was unimpressed. Food isn't bad but it's nothing special either. The cocktails are just standard mixes too. Whatever. Not worth the traffic to get here and park. House music sucks too. Recommend: 1 PBR 1 Cigarette after
(3)
Ryan M.
Stopped here for lunch and got a Monte Cristo. Damn, that was a fine sandwich! Potato chips were made on site, as well. The beer selection is pretty good, with a good dozen microbrews available. Service was quick, laid back, and extremely kind, at least in comparison to most places I go to. Would definitely visit again.
(5)
Cloud L.
I left a nasty review, but I contacted the owner and was explained the situation. Due to their website pictures being outdated, I had the wrong idea of what Sal's big mess was. This was because they changed the gravy and ingredients used since they posted pictures of the dish. Red-eye gravy is actually a very strong coffee gravy. That flavor was unbearable to my taste buds as I do not drink coffee, but I'm not going to give a bad review because of it. Aside from the confusion, the restaurant is pretty nice, with great staff and great food. Wish they would explain what red eye sausage gravy was on the menu. I wouldn't connect red-eye to coffee. Maybe, something hot.
(4)
Rebecca B.
It was okay. There was not a ton that I could eat - but that is pretty normal. I got hummus that came with veggies. The cucumber was a little limp but the other veggies were pretty good. The hummus itself wasn't terrific. I think it was a lot of hype that I got from Yelp that got my hopes up. So I had really high expectations and it just wasn't awesome. If you are just going for a drink or to sit on the patio, it is a great little spot. But maybe eat first.
(3)
Cameron R.
We wanted to pick an easy place to eat for our first night in Columbus, since after driving for 5 hours, walking to a closeby place seems the best option. This place was literally right across from our hotel, so we checked it out. Great beer selection with lots of Ohio beer, which is great for an out-of-towner like myself. Foodwise, I was a little underwhelmed. I ordered the Tip Top Pot Roast Sandwich. It was good, but nothing spectacular. The sweet potato fries were pretty pedestrian, but still tasty. I was hungry and the food was good enough to clean the whole plate, but I just was not wowed. Also, the server who sat us and took our order was not the person who took our plates or gave us the check. Without consistent servers/waiters, it's hard to give basis for a strong tip. I'd come back for the beer or maybe a few apps since those sounded very tasty, but probably not for a full dinner.
(3)
Kirstin J.
Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails...dive bar to meet friends for beers after work. Staff was average, music was loud. Sweet potato fries and pot roast dinner were good. Beef stroganoff noodles were over cooked mush, vegetables were ice cold, salmon tasted like it was canned. We usually enjoy neighboor places but the comfort food at Tip Top was not very "Tip Top" in our opinion!
(1)
Mary S.
Went there with my Aunt & Uncle before a Blue Jackets game. It has a divey/bar atmosphere and good music selection (they were playing classic rock/pop when we were there). There is a parking lot across the street which you have to pay for, which was unfortunate, but it is in the middle of the city. The food was excellent and the service was on-point, the drinks were pretty good as well and the men-folk were pleased with the beer selection. My Aunt was especially excited because they had a dish with turnips, which is apparently pretty uncommon and she loved it. They also had vegan/vegetarian options, which is convenient because it means I can take my parents there in the future. Would recommend.
(4)
Rami M.
Tip Top is A-OK. I went for a friend's birthday, and we ordered sweet potato fries (which were awesome) and fried green beans (the star of the night- I seriously underrated these) for the table. For the mains, I split a catfish sandwich and their Mac & Cheese. The catfish sandwich was good (my friend said it tasted "fishy"- duh), but it did not blow me away. Their Mac & Cheese is a completely different rendition than the classic mac & cheese we know and love (translation = much less cheesy), and let's just say I prefer the classic mac & cheese we know and love.
(3)
jason s.
If you don't like this place, you are basically not a member of homo-erectus or at least a not fan of pot roast and good beer. No slouches on this menu. Even have stuff for vegans that is awesome for us meat eaters too. My #1 place in Columbus.
(5)
Daniel L.
Was seated right away, drinks order and delivered very quickly. Food was good, but service was excellant. Donald our server was excellant, he was prompt, friendly and sexy as hell. I will be back.
(5)
Mackenzie F.
Dive bar with pretty good food and standard full bar offerings. Delicious french fries.
(3)
Glenda G.
The food was excellent. We had beef stroganoff and the pot roast sandwich. We also had corn fritters for an appetizer. We received a lot of food for the price. The only downside is that this restaurant doesn't take reservations and it's not very big. We did wait for about 15 minutes. After we were seated, the line was out the door. We would definitely go back.
(5)
Ben F.
I friggin' love this place. Over 20 beers on tap, solid food, generous hours, nice-hip crowd, great music.... I wish it was closer to home, but I feel at home when I am here! Great for lunch, dinner, late night, and really late night!
(5)
Matt L.
Nowhere better to eat on a cold winterish evening. If their famous pot roast doesn't warm you up, then you don't know how pot roast works. Why am I here on a business trip? Because I can drink some local beers and get a great value out of my per diem. Super laid back and comfy. I dig it!
(5)
David M.
Cozy place where I got the beef stroganoff (one of my favorite meals). If you love mushrooms this is the place for you!! If you just like mushrooms for the taste it was over powering. However, the brisket on top was phenomenal! Beer list was pretty good, and I early found something I was interested in on draft. Service was fine for such a small restaurant and food came out fast. Overall cool place, would consider coming back.
(3)
Erica R.
I have been going to Tip Top pretty regularly since about 2008. I LOVE the pot roast. Tip Top always has really friendly servers and I have always had a good time there. If I were to change one thing about Tip Top, it would be the patio. Gay Street is a nice area of Columbus and I wish that the patio at Tip Top were bigger but honestly, you can't go wrong at Tip Top and they take care of their gluten free people!
(5)
John S.
Nice cozy bar / restaurant. This is a place you actually want to be at. The layout is comfortable, cocktails are cheap (Get the fly town pick me up cocktail trust me on this) and there is food. I had the Caesar salad - it had the lettuce and was pretty basic, and the pot roast special which tastes as it should. Not a bad place to be at all.
(3)
Haleigh W.
We came on a Saturday morning for some bloody Mary's and brunch. Ordered the strawberry French toast, came with perfectly seasoned and cooked scrambled eggs and crispy, thick bacon. To my surprise the strawberries on the French toast were not fresh, but a mashed up glob, maybe frozen at some point, still good. Also had the blue ribbon skillet (which I added an over medium egg to) came with home fries, black beans, corn , fresh cilantro and AWESOME, fall apart pot roast with a dollop of sour cream. Service was prompt and simple. Our server explained the bloody Mary's which had tobasco mix, franks red hot, pepper, worcestershire and old bay! (I asked for extra olive juice) Very good!
(4)
Carol N.
Dropped in with a colleague on a Thursday night. No wait, we were able to sit on the patio on one of the last warm nights this season. Great service, good beers on tap, good food. From a couple previous experiences, I love the cocktail menu too. Only reason I'm giving 4 stars over 5 is because of the smokers on the patio. Even if they're a few tables away, the smoke still travels.
(4)
Amy W.
My friends and I stopped in for drinks and dinner during the Moonlight Market. Our server was Jason. He was fantastic. Chris and I ordered something called "commit to be lit" and Mandy had wine. Jason was back in a flash with our drinks. We asked Jason for a couple recommendations on the food and he recommended the pot roast, Mac n Cheese, Italian beef hoagie and a couple others. I had the Italian hoagie with fries. The hoagie was great. Wonderful flavors. I would get it again. The fries could have cooked a little longer and would be much better if they were fresh cut. Mandy had the salmon hoagie and she loved it. Her chips were much better than the fries. Chris had the strawberry lemon cake and thought it was great.
(4)
S F.
Tip Top is my favorite place to eat downtown and is my favorite sandwich place in Cbus. In fact, it's where my wife and I went on our first date :) Great selection of craft brews. Various amount of sandwiches that have all been amazing. I prefer the pot roast bbq sandwich, which is sometimes not on the menu. Give it a try if downtown!
(5)
Tamara A.
Tip Top does not get kudoos from me. It maybe good to grab a cocktail or beer. They should stick to drink not food. Sure like to get food hot when its cooked, not cold. Yes, I'm saying ice cold, the ckicken, the salmon, and the veggie. Wow, it was every dish at my table not just one. Step it up Tip Top because your not a tip top place in downtown Columbus, Ohio.
(1)
Msvega B.
I like the feel of the lounge and food! Not feeling the gnats that was all in my face. Will come back again.
(4)
Ayla W.
Visiting Ohio for a conference and found this place in yelp. I'd say it's pretty decent. Not a good place for big groups. Four people max should be in your group. Other than that, the pot roast is good.
(3)
Gabi P.
These guys are getting reviewed before I even leave. Why? Because lightning fast service deserves a turn in kind. I was here for five minutes. Seated. Ordered. Added another drink. All delivered by the five minute mark. Hummus is tasty with kick. Lions' den cocktail also tasty but not for the booze hound who needs High proof. Shot was a generous double. Wtg guys.
(4)
Sher H.
I've been here a few times and have never been impressed. Everything about this place feels dirty - the ceiling is gross, the restaurant is dark, and the kitschy stuff on the walls is just plain creepy. Even the bathroom is dark and dingy. The food really isn't anything special and it's kind of expensive ($12 for fried chicken). There's usually a long wait. Upside is I've never had horrible service. I'll keep an open mind but have yet to be wowed by this place.
(2)
Susan R.
I haven't been in a lil bit, but I really enjoy going to Tip Top for inexpensive dates. I love that they keep serving food late in the evening, because my husband works late and we're usually on a late schedule. They have a good beer selection and some awesome snacks--love the Ohio nachos with sausage, the corn fritters, the sweet potato fries. I also love the location. That strip of Gay St. is really awesome and I love hanging out there. Tip Top is a nice, unpretentious place to go. Things that keep it from having 5 stars: - front door confusion. I'm always trying to remember--I'm waiting for a server to seat me, right? And the server stand is.. where? - we almost never get our order exactly right. We added sausage to nachos and didn't get it a couple of times; I always order the jalapenos on the side because I don't like big slices of raw jalapenos, sometimes they disregard my request. They're always very apologetic about it (the sausage I always bring up so we don't get charged the extra dollar if we don't receive it). Otherwise? Tip Top is pretty good. Will go back.
(4)
Mike C.
Reuben with sweet potato fries hit the spot. Sat at a really akward long table but otherwise a good experience. Would go back!
(4)
Bill R.
Great little downtown place! Great local bar vibe and it is my go-to spot when traveling through Columbus. Service is friendly and top notch, food is really quite good. Two words? Warm and inviting.
(4)
Jessica D.
My go-to spot after work! Great beer selection, although the happy hour is only $1 off Ohio beers. Not exactly a steal... but the ambiance is just the perfect balance of chill and bustle that piques my interest. If you are fortunate enough to snag a table during rush hour (6-9p), make it a point to indulge in one of their appetizers. The sweet potato fries steal the show and come with a delicious signature sauce. My girlfriend and I experimented with the eggplant fries and were not disappointed in the least! Crispy, heartwarming...eggplant will never be the same. The nachos, made with potato chips instead of tortilla chips will indubitably go straight to your hips butttt sweet baby Jesus are they delicious. To be noted: split all appetizers with a friend or friends. If not, brace yourself for a tummy ache four hours down the road. If you are trying to watch your wasteline, just don't. The hummus plate, probably your only healthy option, is bland. It's like a Division II team playing Georgetown in March Madness, compared to all their other appetizers and sandwiches.
(3)
Candace M.
We originally headed to Cafe Brioso for lunch, which seemed fairly underwhelming, and was apparently out of most ingredients. We headed across the street to Tip Top instead. We were a little dubious going in. The sign makes it kind of hard to know what you're walking into, and it seemed like it could potentially have a "locals only" vibe to it from the outside. As we were reading the menu, someone said to us, "I just got back from California and this is the first place I had to go, I love this place!" with that resounding endorsement, we walked in. The ambiance was, as my boyfriend said, "dive bar chic." There was dim lighting with a few chandeliers and drapes, as well as strands of Christmas lights in the back of the restaurant. He ordered the pot roast, and I ordered the goat cheese salad. We split an order of smoked salmon fritters. The salmon fritters came out quickly. At first, my boyfriend thought they were too much like crab cakes (not a complaint I had) but at the end, he enjoyed them. I really liked them, and we both liked the horseradish sauce. Then we got our food. My boyfriend enjoyed the pot roast, but it was fairly unremarkable; it really tasted like what I make when I throw pot roast, carrots, and potatoes in my crock pot. My salad was pretty good, though I would say there was a little too much dressing to fully enjoy it; at the end, it was a little overpowering. The goat cheese was fried on one side, making it a bit of a strange consistency; it was hard in an otherwise soft salad. I did like it, though. Our waitress was nice and fairly attentive. The service wasn't bad and it wasn't great, though it definitely wasn't as terrible as some reviews made us anticipate. We were thanked as we were leaving, which is always a nice touch. Overall, we'd probably go back. I think we'll both try something different next time, but it was a good experience regardless.
(3)
Jeff K.
What happened to the BIG PORTIONS of pot roast nestled between two pretzel buns? I strolled in on a Sunday night with my lady RAVING about how awesome and HUGE the pot roast sandwiches were. They definitely went skimpy tonight (and I noticed the portions have been decreasing my last few visits). I was hoping it was just a fluke but I guess not. Years ago I would have to use a fork to to finish my plate. And for the sweet potato fries? Big whoop. They're good, don't get me wrong, but there are other restaurants around that serve some just as good. Will I come back? Maybe for drinks and an app but don't bother giving me a dinner menu because I will be going elsewhere. Pros: quick service, cheap drinks, nice ambiance. But it's just not what it used to be..
(2)
Eric L.
I used to love this place and have recommended it to so many people. Now it should be called "Home of the Ice Cold Nachos". I sent my ice cold nachos back and received a new batch that was just as cold. Waitress was rude and seemed put out that we were there. Never asked about how things were or for more drinks. They used to have great falafel, but they've taken it off the menu. Terrible now.
(1)
Debbie P.
The best part about working downtown...lunch at Tip Top! The staff is awesome and the food is great. I have yet to have a meal I did not like, and they do have the BEST sweet potato fries in town. I am not into spicy foods, but the vegetarian spicy corn chowder is fantastic. My favorite right now is the BBQ chicken sandwich on a pretzel bun...YUMMY! It's a nice break from the daily grind, and every staff member makes you feel right at home. Keep up the great job, Tip Top!! I'll be back soon...
(5)
David M.
Great affordable place to go for lunch or dinner. There sandwiches are the good and diverse and the sweet potato fries are great. The service is fast and reliable, parking can be a challenge since a garage near by closed down. Very good happy hour and beer selection also.
(4)
Kenny S.
Second time in a row ordered the Blackened Catfish, Orzo, and Steamed Broccoli. Stellar.
(4)
Allison S.
Tip top, you are so frustrating! One the one hand, I have a huge love of their sweet potato fries. And their food is pretty consistent. However, the service makes me crazy. So slow! On this last trip, my friend and I were seated and we ordered...and it took 40 minutes to get our food. We came for lunch and ordered off of the sandwich menu, and the place was clearing out. Our server only came by once to refill waters during that time. If it had been busier, I could understand the delay, but that definitely wasn't the case. My friend and I were on a time crunch (as she was on her lunch hour) so the delay made us pretty late.
(3)
Krista R.
TIp Top is a great option if you are bar hopping and are hungry for more than the typical pub grub. The prices are decent and you can continue to get your drink on as you eat American comfort foods. Our waitress' attitude is probably what will keep me from returning to Tip Top. She did a damn good job refilling our drinks and getting our food to us quickly...but she was an unpleasant, nasty woman to deal with who made our party of 6 feel unwelcome. My Columbus friends told me this is the general treatment from servers at TIp Top. Had we been more inebriated, perhaps it wouldn't have bothered me as much as it did.
(3)
Tj R.
What a great place to go. Get the veggie corn chowder. You won't be disappointed. Get there early, they can fill up quick. Service is good, but the food is even better.
(5)
Andrea W.
Love the cocktails, I had the clipper which was blueberry vodka and pink lemonade. I must make this at home it was amazing and perfect for the first day it felt like summer (snow tuesday whaaaa?!) We got the cheese and bacon dip as an app and it was very good, a bit too much grease at the bottom but that's what we get for all that cheese. I ordered the philly cheese steak sandwich with chips and he go the pot roast sandwich with mashed potatoes. Both were good. We sat out on the patio, it was a lovely day and great people watching downtown. We will def stop back for drinks when in the area.
(4)
Elise B.
Came here for dinner for the first time with friends and one of my first thoughts walking in was, "This reminds me of Surly Girl..." Which ended up making sense because they are owned by the same people. However, I prefer Surly Girl's food. We shuffled up to the "Please Wait to be Seated" sign and waited for a few minutes for someone to show up and acknowledge us. The place was fairly busy but not packed, so it took longer than it should have. Waited for a while to be seated, which is fine. Service after being seated was satisfactory. The food is decent and inexpensive, but not amazing. I had the pot roast, which was fine, but I expected it to be better since it's their signature dish. Good beer and drink selection. My friend's beef stroganoff was about the same - good but not great, and had too much of some herb flavoring - dill, maybe? Overall, it's a fine place for drinks and food, but there's certainly room for improvement.
(3)
Tyler S.
Perfect spot to relax in a comfortable atmosphere and enjoy some great craft beer selections. Smaller space, warm feel, and can be a bit noisy when it's busy, but great service and stellar food makes the difference. Worth a longer walk to check out this hole in the wall. Generally not too busy right at the start of the lunch rush, but plan on it being rather busy in the evening.
(5)
Sarah B.
Service was quick - walked in after a night at the bar down the street. Friendly bartender directed us where to sit and we slid right in. Had our order within 10 minutes. Had a Hell Salad and shared an order of corn fritters. I have to say the salad was amazing; it was spicy and the house made ranch was delicious! The corn fritters were so good - I could have eaten a whole order by myself. My girlfriend had the spinach salad and loved it. I'll definitely go back again!
(5)
David S.
The nachos were not Texas style, but they were worth the try! Beer, whiskey and food after a long day. Awesome. Easy walk even in the cold from the Renaisance. Kolsch style beer an a Bulleit Rye whiskey on the rocks??? Nothing better. Service was great and they served up to 2:00 on the dot. Outstanding! I'm back on my next CMH layover.
(4)
Jeffrey W.
Great atmosphere and staff. The beer selection is great and full of local crafts, and the scotch selection is great for a tiny bar like this. I had the chipotle Turkey sandwich which I fell in love with my first bite. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff has been been above average (even after the show at the Ohio theatre that filled tip top crazy fast). One stop for everyone visiting Ohio!
(5)
A L.
Probably the best food of all the Columbus Food League joints. Comfort food done right. Great atmosphere and beer selection. Ohio memorabilia. Nice, small patio on the happenin' part of Gay St.
(4)
Anna S.
Love, love the food here, but taking a star off for the unpredictable and frankly awful service. I've been frequenting this place since 2007 and I have given up any hope of having decent service. So please, go here for the food, but I-told-you-so re: the service. That being said, every time I've sat at the bar, I haven't been ignored and have even been served with a smile. If you must crave friendly words from your server, sit at the bar. On to the food. Appetizers: I love the Ohio nachos (get the crumbled sausage; the whole app is a saturated fat fest anyways), sweet potato fries, eggplant fries (eat them right away because they don't heat up well the next day), the smoked salmon balls, and red bean hummus (garlicky!). Entrees: chicken fried steak (one of the best versions around), blackened tilapia (risotto is weird, but pleasantly weird; get extra adobo cream sauce), avocado honey shallot chicken salad sandwich (get it on a pretzel roll), pot roast sandwich, and green beans and goodness salad. I'll be honest, I do not heart the brunch items even though I think the bloody marys are pretty stellar. I don't think they actually use real eggs and use a liquid egg substitute which is frankly gross. Overall, a well-priced spot for lunch and late-night snacks.
(3)
Jessica P.
Best Ohio Nachos and Goat Cheese Salad this side of the Ozone layer. They also have a ton of beers on draft including Lambic Framboise which is very hard to find on draft. The macaroni and cheese and nachos are both best with the sausage add-on and the goat cheese cheese salad is awesome with grilled chicken- the balsamic dressing that comes with the salad is also amazing.
(5)
Jeremy C.
Excellent service, Excellent food... Will make this staple to all future Columbus trips
(5)
Kt B.
My husband and I spend a weekend in Columbus every year, and we always make a point to stop at Tip Top. They have the best food. Their Ohio nacho appetizer is AMAZING.
(5)
Andrew G.
One of the best "more than a bar and less than a restaurant" locals of downtown Columbus. Usually a wide selection of beers, ales, and stouts on tap, from lite stuff to Imperial Russian Stouts. Their chillers are, however, all the same temperature, so their Scottish Ale is the same temp as the PBR... Food is way better than average. Short happy hour ends at six. Nice chill after work crowd early with a hipster or two thrown in. Out doors seating with good people watching in the summer...
(4)
Qiana H.
Our van driver from the airport to our hotel told us about this place. We told him since it was after 9pm, we need somewhere we can get something to eat that was going to be quick, inexpensive which sells adult beverages. He suggested tip top. We arrived there at like 930pm. There were customers sitting outside on the little patio. The inside as soon as you walk in has a bar right at the front door we opted for a table on the side of the bar near the back. The table ordered the salmon sandwich, the Philly cheese steak and the Caesar salad with salmon on top. We all enjoyed every bite cause there was hardly nothing left on all three plates. It was one person bday in our group so we ordered some cake. The only cake on the menu. It was like a cinnamon swirl with butter creme icing and pecans on top. They loved the cake it was gone soon as it hit the table. I don't eat cake so I was told that it was moist and flavorful. I took off on star to this place cause it took a while for someone to acknowledge us once we walked in the door. No one said we be right with you nothing. We thought about walking out but decided to wait it out and see. The guy at the bar that serve us ended up being awesome so he made up for it.
(4)
Cecil B.
I'm not a big roast beef fan but that was their specialty so I tried it. It did not disappoint!! Very tender meat, soft pretzel bun, and killer sweet potato fries. I'm stuffed!! Service was quick and attentive (even though it was a Sunday night). I will be back to try some of their other sandwiches.
(5)
Greg M.
Nice atmosphere and the food was decent. I was super excited when I saw the menu but the food was overly complex. Sometimes less is more for me. Still not a bad meal but I will try someplace different next time.
(3)
Zach O.
Best damn pot roast I've ever had. Ever. Cooked to perfection...worth more than the price. Wait staff is very friendly and the outside seating is a nice experience. A+
(5)
Sean G.
Tip Top is my least favorite of the Liz Lessner restaurants. That's a pretty bold statement, and it's packing a solid three-star review along with it. Why? First off, this place is a bit pricy. I should have expected it to be pricy with a name like "Tip Top," but the prices didn't mesh up with the food quality, or the atmosphere. I'd wanted to go to Tip Top for ages, but always wondered if it was a little fancier than, say, Dirty Frank's or Surly Girl. When I finally go, it feels like an upscale dive bar. It's this, and other paradoxes, that confused me every minute I was there. Speaking of minutes, the best part of this experience was that we were in and out in less than an hour - based on the parking meter - and that's impressive. But, again, a paradox, because when I like a restaurant, I usually hang out, talk, enjoy the atmosphere, take my time eating my food and drinking my cider. It just doesn't make any sense. On another note, I called the restaurant a few hours before the dinner rush, and spoke with a guy who seemed happy and perky, who told me that there were, indeed, many vegan options. I was psyched, but I expected this, because almost all of the Liz Lessner restaurants have vegan options, and most of the time they are clearly marked on the menu. I called because the menu - available on-line - isn't really as well-marked for vegans. So we go in, see the "please wait to be seated" sign, but are slightly confused because it's not blocking the way or anything - sort of at an angle, so...do we really wait, or do we seat ourselves? There wasn't really a hostess stand that we could see, at least not near the "please wait" sign, so we just waited at the sign, and eventually someone came up and quickly seated us. Cool, so no wait. I'm liking this, especially seeing as most restaurants get busy around 6:00pm. So, again, upscale dive bar atmosphere, in a nicer section of town, with a pinball table off in the distance, and some sort of random decor that looked like maybe it was themed but maybe not. There was a theater/movie themed booth, and...I'm not even going to guess about the others. Random. And I'm okay with the whole TGI-Fridays-esk stuff plastered all over the walls, but, again, not what I'd expect a restaurant named "Tip Top" to look like. Maybe my expectations were off? In fact, the whole trip to Tip Top seemed like a misunderstanding: * Pricy food that really wasn't worth what we were charged (For two people, I paid way more than double what I would normally pay for four people at Dirty Frank's!) * Dark atmosphere (the name Tip Top has this feeling like it should be a brighter, whiter, upscale place, not dim and dark). * Menu wasn't really marked very well for vegans, and server wasn't that helpful. Oh, and speaking of the vegan situation - after calling, I expected at least one vegan entree - there were exactly zero. We both had to get sandwiches, which were fine, and vegan but, seriously? I called three hours before, and was told there were plenty of options. I'm not a sandwich-for-dinner kind of guy when I go out, as I can easily make sandwiches at home for a tenth of the cost. Want to know what I got? I had a vegan-beef sandwich, which had tofu crumbles (my least favorite of all the meat analogues), some sort of sauce (which I sure as heck hope wasn't cheese based - I'm trusting you Tip Top!), tasty peppers, and a grilled/toasted/oily bun, with fries on the side. The fries were okay...but, again, not as good as I get with a Dirty Frank's platter. What's up, Tip Top? Other side of the table had some sort of mushroom-based sandwich on black bread with sweet potato fries. Again...the whole thing was okay, but not worth what we paid. For the price, my brain expected a fancy impressive entree; but I was not impressed. Sandwiches for dinner. Bah! I do like to throw in a positive or two in any review - because it's not like I hated this place, I'm just very confused and conflicted by it. Positive 1: They had Original Sin cider, which is my favorite, and it came out in a glass, which is my preferred method of drinking cider. Yum! Positive 2: Service was really speedy. Quickly seated, drink and food order taken fast, food arrived within the happy window, and the check was dropped off at the appropriate time. I didn't feel rushed, not at all, but - again - car-to-car in less than an hour. Not like me at all. Positive 3: I did enjoy eating the "Slap Your Bottom Red Bean Hummus" platter as much as I enjoyed saying it to the waitress (who seemed a little nonplussed that evening). But frankly? I would have been just as happy eating just this platter and skipping the (*grumble*) sandwiches and saving $20. The only thing I'd like to try the next time I go - assuming I ever make it back - is the Ohio Nachos, with the "housemade potato chips." They sound amazing, assuming they're made fresh. In summary: I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Maybe I went on a bad night?
(3)
Brent M.
First I have to say the food here is great. But the service we received sucked! Our waitress took our order and only returned to give us the bill. We were there a total of 45 mins and she did not check to see if we liked our meal or if we wanted another drink. And it wasn't like she was busy the entire time we sat at our table. I am throughly disappointed in her service & attitude. If it had been up to me, we would've not tipped her at all. Lucky for her my bf decided to give her a small tip. If and when we go back, I hope that she isn't the person to wait on us.
(2)
Alaina C.
I tried the pot roast sandwich and sweet potato fries. The sandwich was good but nothing special, like several other reviewers I thought the meat was a bit dry. It needed something to give it a little oomph. The sweet potato fries did live up to the hype though. Yum! Service was good but to be expected since the place was pretty empty.
(3)
Andrew L.
Place had a great mellow laid back feel. Good local ipa beer. Had the pot roast sandwich that I would definitely recommend!
(4)
Mike G.
What's the fuss here folks? I've read some of the reviews prior to mine and, well, I just don't get it. Just like the last time I was here a few years ago, I was totally underwhelmed. There was a group of 4 of us and we all seemed to be like....It's OK at best. My Chicken Fried Steak was well done / almost burnt with a side of bland potatoes. My friend Ally M. let me try her Mac & Cheese with onion and green pepper which tasted like GFS mac and cheese with onions and green peppers added in. Andi M. didn't say anything one way or the other about her pot roast. Her Fried Green Beans were very good though. But the kicker was my friend Bre C. who ordered the meatloaf with potatoes, we are pretty sure it had cheese in her potatoes even though she asked the server about it as she's allergic to cheese. They gave her a replacement meatloaf - It had a hair in it. So mediocre food all around. It really made me think of Applebee's food, which if it's from GFS would explain alot. Service was actually pretty good - Attentive, pleasant and quick. The Bottom Line? The Tip Top hasn't really given me a reason to come back again.
(2)
Tanna B.
This place is awesome! The pot roast sandwich and sweet potato fries are always delicious with friendly service.
(4)
Melissa H.
I love this place. The food is great and the staff is friendly. Their (made in house) ranch dressing is amazing. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered there so far. For appetizers, you can't go wrong with the nachos or fried green beans. Also, they have Diet Dr. Pepper :)
(5)
Emma L.
Oh Tip Top, where do I begin? Bf & I come here somewhat frequently. We both have our menu faves and love the dark, cozy atmosphere after a long day. Definitely my favorite from this family of restaurants. Food is always consistent, portions are huge and service is friendly/attentive and easy to correct if things are misunderstood or go awry with your order. And the best part - they stay open (food and all!) until 2:30. THANK. YOU. I almost always go with the Salmon Hoagie ($10) and I sub fried green beans for the chips, which is an extra $2. The salmon filet is large and accompanied with house made chipotle pickles and basil aioli. So so good. The fried green beans are my favorite side -- and that's saying a lot considering their sweet potato fries are awesome. The ranch is super tasty and I like it with the green beans better than the bloody mary dip that comes with it. Sometimes I wish it weren't so good because I end up trying to just order things I can dip into it. 'Merica! Bf always always ALWAYS gets the Pot Roast sandwich ($9). It's pretty good, though sometimes a little dry for my taste. It comes on a pretzel bun, which is delicious and he always asks for dijon and horseradish on the side. His go-to are the eggplant fries (another $2 up charge, and which I always steal). If you are here on a day they have Beer Cheese soup, you HAVE to get it. A very well-spent $5. If you're in a salad mood, try the Green Beans & Goodness with Ranch ($10). The beer selection is great here. Not huge, but great. The cocktails I've tried have always been solid too. We love Tip Top and will keep coming back!
(4)
Amy P.
Tip Top Kitchen is a unique bar/restaurant in downtown Columbus. They have a wide selection of beer, etc., and the menu is great too. I have not strayed from the Pot Roast Sandwich any time I've been there, but I can say that the sandwich is delicious. I sometimes crave that sandwich in my sleep. The service has always been good and I've never had to wait longer than 15-20 minutes to get sat.
(4)
Scott A.
My wife and I went here for lunch and really enjoyed our meal. It was 11am so no drinks were had other than Ice Tea but their drink menu looks very interesting. We both had the patty melt with ghost pepper cheese and sweet potato fries. Very tasty and a big portion.. I think we both skipped dinner that night.
(4)
Lola A.
Service was ok, food was ok! Nothing fantastic about it. Seemed like they didn't want us there but they get 3 stars for their appetizers.
(3)
Paul C.
Enjoyed this place. Visited Columbus for one night and this was my one stab at dinner. Bartenders were friendly and food came quickly. Maybe a little too quick as my salmon was over cooked on outside and raw in middle. But edible. Food looked great here. Wished I had chosen meatloaf. Nextime :)
So, I've had a couple meals here and nothing has been super impressive. Good drink menu though.
(3)
Jordan R.
Tip Top is always busy and I don't understand why people go out of their way to come here. I can understand for lunch; there are a lot of people who work down here. But at night? People clearly are coming out of their way because there isn't really anything else around other than a couple hotels. I live very close and it's great that I can always get food or beer late any night of the week walking a short distance. The food is okay and the prices are very reasonable. They have a good selection of beers on tap. The real issue here is the service. It is AWFUL. This seems to be a trend at all CFL restaurants aside from Jury Room. I go here at least once a week and have for over two years but there is only one person who works here who even recognizes me. Most of the servers and bartenders at all other locations are hipsters with an apathetic air of superiority who act as if they're doing you a favor by grabbing you a beer. If I didn't live so close and wasn't so lazy I would almost never go here but it's just too freaking convenient. If they could get some decent service it would be a totally different story. I really wish they would do something about this. Bottom line: food is good but I don't think I've had worse service at any restaurant (perhaps other than another CFL restaurants). I love what Liz and CFL do for up and coming areas but they really need to address the horrible service.
(2)
G K.
Good food, good atmosphere...but... There is this guy "Kevin" who obviously rules the world late at night. Total ass, not customer focused, etc.. That might be the attitude that Tip Top wants to resonate, but after spend $100 I was not impressed. Good reputation online, but in my humble opinion after 20+ visits, I will not return. Kevin may be the dude, but I have no patience for his small town fighting attitude.
(3)
Staci A.
Service was awful. My waitress actually scared me. She may have been to rudest waitress I've ever had. Food was mediocre at best. The Mac n cheese was bland. The salmon fritters were good. Maybe we missed something on the menu, but we certainly weren't getting any assistance from our waitress. I do not get the appeal. Would NEVER go back.
(1)
Catherine J.
3.5 stars for ol' reliable Tip Top. Though some complain of the downtown location (parking, etc), the location is what's bumping this one up a notch. Often, Tip Top is open when most other downtown restaurants are closed. Weekends, late-night, if you're downtown for something, you can rely on Tip Top. The menu is varied enough that everyone in your group will find something to their taste. My favorites are the salads (and I'm not even a salad person, really): the green bean salad and the hell salad especially. I also like the salmon fritters in a pita pocket with buttered corn as the side. Folks rave about the sweet potato fries, and I think they're pretty good, but I'm generally not a fan of sweet potato fries. Some things can be misses, though-- once I ordered a tomato bisque that just ended up tasting like watered-down marinara sauce. SUPER busy at lunch on weekdays, so come a little early to beat the rush. I love all the Ohio-themed decor. Wish it weren't so dark inside, though.
(4)
Colleen R.
I went here Saturday for brunch with a group of 8. They were not too busy and accommodated our group quickly. I started with a Julep (I don't remember the whole name of the drink.) It was only $4 and a pretty good size for the price. I ended up getting the Avocado Honey Chicken Salad with chips. It was SO good. The sandwich was big for being only $8. The chips were alright, nothing too special. The flavors of the sandwich worked so well together. I am craving it again as I type this! I tried one of my friends sweet potato fries, and they were great! I will definitely get those as my side next time I go back. I've been to Surly Girl and Betty's, but Tip Top has definitely been my favorite so far. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Ed R.
Loved this place. Columbus is our usual sleepover spot on the way from Upstate NY to STL, and we hadn't really explored much of the local scene. Read about this place on chowhound, which said it was kind of divey but with great food and a great vibe, and that was a pretty spot on assessment. It's not really a dive, though, just a comfortable place with good tunes playing overhead, decent service, and a more than passable beer selection. The corn fritter appetizer was solid. My wife had the pot roast with carrots, turnips, and potatoes, which was really good. I had a terrific roast beef sandwich with some sweet potato fries. That with a couple of drinks cost us less than $40 before tip, a total we were more than happy with. We will definitely be stopping here on our future trips through Columbus and recommending it to others.
(5)
jeff c.
I joined friends here for dinner my first night in town. They'd been there for drinks and their food had already arrived, so I ordered a salad which I was happy to see came very quickly -- I finished eating at the same time as everyone else. It was a mostly-spinach salad with blue cheese and strawberries, fresh and delicious. Most of the others had one of the signature pot roast dishes, and were happy with them. The service was attentive, and the prices reasonable. According to some of the locals, this was formerly the gay bar in the neighborhood before it reopened as the Tip Top. People who went here for lunch said it was gloomy during the day, but there are tables on the sidewalk which can be used in good weather. Not a great bar, not a great restaurant, but good enough and convenient if you're staying at one of the hotels in the area.
(3)
Tony V.
Service was good.. Food average... Fruit flies were everywhere .. Makes me wonder about the cleanliness of the beer lines and kitchen..
(2)
Amanda L.
Just ate lunch here...absolutely FABULOUS!!! Great service and amazing food! We had the Ohio nachos to start with and they were phenomenal and its a huge order. My husband had the patty melt with onion rings and I had the pot roast sandwich with fried green beans. Everything was delicious! Definitely a place I'd come back to if I ever come back to Columbus!
(5)
Cherie R.
I have no idea how I've not written a review about this place! If I lived or worked downtown, I would be here a LOT. My husband's not so impressed. Not sure why. He's a tough one to figure out sometimes. But Tip Top has it down pat. Good food, reasonably priced, cold beer, great selection, and a unpretentious atmosphere. Really, it's all you need. I'm not saying that it's the best food you've ever had, nor the weirdest beer you've ever drunk, but this is the kind of place you can feel comfortable going to and you'll go over and over again.
(4)
Katye M.
I've been to Tip Top 3-4 times over the course of the last 4-5 years, the most recent trip was last night. When we arrived, it was pretty packed; all of the tables were occupied so we put our name in for a table. Unfortunately, we didn't know exactly how many would be coming, so we guessed at 6. We ordered drinks at the bar and even ordered some appetizers. Our table was ready pretty quickly, so we (7 people by now) went back to the table. Our server was going to move our orders over to the table from the bar... In the midst of doing this, another 3 people showed up and we quickly outgrew our table. Some of us moved back to the bar so it wasn't too overwhelming. After about 5 minutes of taking orders and our party separated between the bar and our table, our server and the hostess took it upon themselves to ask a table of 2 to move one table over to accommodate the rest of our party. The couple was gracious to move and the server/hostess added 2 more tables to our current table of 6. We weren't expecting this and thought it was fantastic! Huge kudos for making our visit so much better! A number of items (mainly salads and appetizers - oh, and drinks!) were ordered and everyone seemed to like what they ordered. I had the small Greek salad (hold the olives please) and sweet potato fries. The salad was wonderful and had a mixture of greens, which isn't always the case at some restaurants. And the oh-so-yummy sweet potato fries did not disappoint. Although it took for-ever for them to come out from the kitchen, our server "took care of them" on the bill due to the delay (I guess they weren't entered when I ordered them at the bar). I wasn't expecting them to comp me a basket of fries (I didn't even complain for them to do this!) since there was so much shuffling of people from bar to table and back again - I thought the order was caught in the confusion. Anyways, it was $6 I didn't have to pay. I would still go back to Tip Top and would still recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful local restaurant in the downtown area.
(4)
Susan C.
Final night in Columbus, needed a burger bad! Tip top was blocks from where we were staying and open on a Sunday. Terrific attentive service, a great cocktail made with local whiskey. The burger? The Thurber patty melt? Over cooked, hard, frozen patty. How disappointing. I love Columbus, I loved Dirty Franks, I need to return to try the pot roast with hopes for a better experience
(3)
Mark K.
Open late, which we desperately needed. Great food- could go 4 or 5 stars for that. Iffy service. Had heard about this before, and just not been in the area. Went with sweetie after a show; not much else open food-wise downtown at 11pm. Long line. Once seated, our order was taken promptly. Food was brought fairly quickly. And then: nothing. No checkups, no refills, nothing. The crowd had subsided by then, so I wonder what was going on? Anyway. The food was really good. She had a cheese steak, which she enjoyed. I had the Ohio nachos. Great potato chips, fresh toppings. Mmm. Tons more on the menu that looks good. Maybe service is better earlier in the day.
(3)
Lydia W.
Came here for a birthday dinner with some friends. LOVED the warm spiced apple cider. It was a great drink to sip on while waiting for our table. We enjoyed the sweet potato fries as an appetizer. They are decent sweet potato fries. I got to sample the fried steak, the chicken with garlic risotto, and the pot roast. Is pot roast supposed to overwhelm one's mouth with salty flavor? I know it's supposed to be the most famous item on the menu, but my tongue was overcome with saltiness with the first bite. I enjoyed how tender the meat was, but really couldn't focus on much else. The chicken was okay. The best part about this was the garlic risotto. It was just super garlicky and distracted me from the salty pot roast. The fried steak was pretty good. I had never had fried steak before, and enjoyed it, but don't think I'd come back for it. Overall I felt like the prices at Tip Top are great, and the food options are pretty diverse. However, I'm a bit surprised by how many raving reviews this place gets.
(3)
Peter R.
Why are Liz Lessner's restaurant's so renowned in Columbus? The food at Tip Top is not fresh, and the place is dirty. Ditto every other restaurant of hers that I've been in. In other Cities that I've lived in, for example Seattle, Vancouver, Dallas and Rochester, these restaurants wouldn't last a year! Please someone enlighten me why people like eating food that is reheated, and not good or fresh.
(1)
Ruby D.
I totally agree with Christina C. Servers with a "chip on their shoulder" is exactly the way to describe it. The food--particularly the appetizers--is still really tasty and excellent bar food, however my boyfriend and I rarely want to go to Tip Top because the service seems kind of weird. Everyone seems rushed and vaguely grumpy. Example: My boyfriend was mugged at knifepoint like 2 1/2 weeks ago and thus had no drivers license. He'd been using his passport everywhere (grocerys store, bars, liquor stores, restaurants) with zero problems while he waited to get his new out-of-state license mailed to him. Out of all of Columbus--Tip Top had an issue. Beyond having an "issue" they really weren't nice about it. They weren't like "oh we're really sorry, but...." they were curt and suspicious. Other points: -the interior is kind of gloomy -parking is awful -fries? still yum yum
(3)
Soo L.
I ordered the pot roast sandwich here and it was pretty disgusting. It came out right away and I realized that it was because it had been sitting out for a while because the bottom of the bun was mushy and fell apart when I picked it up. The pot roast was dry, but they tried to salvage it by pouring a generous amount of broth onto it. The roast also had a slight rancid taste to it. The pros? The pretzel bun on top was soft and the wait staff provided excellent service!
(1)
Mart A.
Always a great spot downtown for a beer. The food's alright and the patio is a good spot to hang out and meet downtown characters. The men are all strong, the women pretty and the kids are...Oh wait...no kids.
(4)
Brent N.
Excellent staff, food and beer selection! Was in town on a Sunday evening and this was one of the few places open. What a great coincidence! Had the beef stroganoff which was amazing. The bartender was friendly and very helpful with beer selection and food recommendations. Nice outdoor seating area would be great in the sun and warmth. I enjoyed the warmth of the bar. Next time I'm in town, I'll be back.
(5)
Erin D.
This was one of the few places within walking distance of the Courtyard Marriott whose kitchen was open at 12:30AM. I ordered the macaroni and cheese with Ohio sausage (~$12), and it was delicious! It was cooked exactly how I would cook at home with the same flavor. Service was prompt, and the waiter didn't question when I asked for the checks right after the food arrived, as it's not uncommon for me to get weird looks when it seems I ask to close prematurely. We were tired, had early morning flights, and knowing we were just going to eat, there was no point in prolonging the process for requesting to close our tabs. A friend wasn't charged for a beer, even though when the waiter arrived with the checks, her beer was still 3/4 full - awesome!
(4)
Marie G.
Great service, great food and service! This restaurant is probably one of my favorite places when it comes to downtown dining - brunch is really hearty and there are dinner specials on the menu all week. Pull up a seat at the bar, order a drink, and enjoy some great conversations. There is plenty of parking in front of the restaurant and in the lot across the street.
(5)
Coe H.
Excellent Sunday brunch!! The apple cinnamon pancakes were tasty and a little crispy on the edges. The corned beef hash was really good too. We were looking for a place for breakfast and this place was crowded, so we knew it had to be good. It didn't disappoint.
(5)
Adam C.
One of the very few places we could find open after a night out. The place was very busy so either it was good food or the only place open. Turns out nothing else was open. We tried a few things to make sure and give them a fair shot. Country fried steak , which is hard not to do right, was at best just ok. Not much flavor, didn't bother finishing it. Corn and mashed potatoes were ok, but I basically just tried a few bites. We also tried the corn fritters and hummus. Both looked better than they tasted. I was hoping to pick one item that was really good and satisfying, but nothing we ordered came close. I ended up eating my friend's sweet potato fries, which weren't the best but not bad
(1)
Nick D.
I am a big fan of the Top Top! Since moving to Columbus in November, I have eaten here at least 5 or 6 times. The Pot Roast sandwich never disappoints! Great selection of beer and liquor as well. Highly recommended for anyone traveling to Columbus.
(5)
Angie P.
We came here for brunch and it just wasn't good. There wasn't any real flavor and their Breakfast Burrito was weird. Their sausage gravy is even weirder. The bloody mary was boring. Go to Surly Girl for brunch.
(2)
Kevin W.
Didn't get a chance to taste the food, only came for after dinner drinks...staff was super friendly, quick on service. Very kitschy bar with velvet drape wall covering, Columbus historical pictures about, excellent alternative music, interesting chandeliers and ambiance. One crappy tv, which is a definite treat instead of the constant row of TV's. This homey gem was inviting. Next time we'll try the kitchen!
(4)
Will P.
Decent dining experience I love my late night spots and with tip top being open til 2am every night had to try it out. It was hard to pick anything on the menu since nothing really sets me on fire on it, but I chose the philly style cheesesteak with sweet potato fries and salmon fritters for a starter. Wife had the monte cristo with eggplant fries. The service on the fritters was slow, but the waiter was kind enough to take it off our bill. The salmon fritters were fantastic, lots of flavor and the crispy outside/soft inside was a nice contrast in textures. It comes with a mustard sauce, but I didn't like that at all they are fine by themselves to me. The entrees also came out kinda slow so the waiter kindly (without us asking mind you) discounted them. My philly cheesesteak was just alright, nothing special. The sweet potato fries were good and fresh. My wife's monte cristo had lots of flavors and great tastes. Her eggplant fries were also delicious. If i only had her entree and the salmon fritters I would probably rate the place a 4, but the cheesesteak is dragging them down.
(3)
Christina M.
I had a really good Reuben with sweet potato fries here last night. Mmmmm. It was delicious. The service by the waitress left something to be desired, but it could have just been a bad day for her. The bartender was nice.
(4)
Mike C.
In typical Pavlovian fashion, I salivate just thinking about the delicious sweet potato fries from Tip Top. I could eat them in the deepest throes of a virulent stomach flu. I could eat them after a 3 plate gutbuster at a Chinese buffet. I could probably even eat them in my sleep. The rest of the food ain't bad either :) My Monte Cristo sandwich was good, but very greasy to the point of sogginess. It turned in to a knife and fork sandwich after about the 3rd or 4th napkin. We tried some fried green beans which, to my amazement, were actually very good. My love got a pot roast sandwich which was serviceable, but was lacking a special something to make it great. She remarked that it was dry and could have used some gravy or something to moisten it up. Greg W. got the same thing and after discovering the same dryness, he requested some au jus which was brought promptly and without question. Unfortunately, he said it was basically average and didn't add much to the meal. The beer selection on the other hand is always amazing. Every time I come here there is an excellent selection of craft beers and there is always a handful of local offerings from CBC, Barleys, and other Ohio breweries. Prices are decent, service has never been a problem, and the atmosphere is what you would expect for a dive bar near High street.
(4)
Zach M.
The typical Liz Lessner restaurant. It's a little funky, a little creative and a little grimy. Something about the decor of this place and jury room always seems a little dirty to me. The food is ok and not going to knock your socks off. It's really average. Nice place to fill this gap in town and I hope it keeps going, but not a personal favorite.
(3)
Gavin D.
Good lunch spot to add to the mix on the Gay St. corridor of options. They've got a range of comfort food, but I've generally stuck to sandwiches and salads. A friend turned me on to the turkey goat cheese sandwich, which is my favorite at this time. Doesn't blow you away, but plenty of flavor and not too dry. In general, it seems they use quality ingredients and churn out consistently pretty good food. It's a bit dark inside for my taste, but it adds some grungy character to the downtown scene.
(3)
Justin B.
I think I'm giving my over-rated award to Tip Top. The service is inconsistent and the food is just not that damned interesting beyond a few standouts, and it is a touch too pricy for slightly gussied up bar food. The stand-outs would be from the fryer. The sweet potato fries and fried green beans are very good. Honestly though, I'd just stick to those two things with a beer at the bar after work..then get on with your life. I do appreciate the happy hour sales on interesting Ohio craft beers, and the bar itself, physically, is very cool. Oh, and can I be the first in town to mention Liz Lessner without professing my adoration? Lady, talk less, cook more. I bloviate on the internet as much as she does, but then I'm not trying to get people to give me their money. Honestly, it's getting so bad that I'm starting to avoid her places... and I'm not proud of it...but it''s still happening. I've really got to stop following her Twitter feed.
(3)
Adrienne C.
Quirky little whiskey bar. Nice patio area to people-watch. Good date spot. It's been crowded every time i've been, so you may have to wait to get a table inside. Come here for their drinks, not their over-salted food. However, I personally prefer Manifesto if you're looking for a cool whiskey/scotch bar because it feels more polished.
(3)
Frank M.
I'd already eaten before meeting up some friends at Tip Top, but I ordered the sweet poato fries like everyone said to order and it was no joke. It was also a huge serving. The beer selection was great too. I don't remember the exact name of the Double IPA I had, but it was absolutely delicious. They wouldn't give me a full pint due to the alcohol content, hah. Our waitress was also nice about splitting the check. I'm not a Columbus local, but I hear some areas of the country scoff when you ask them to split the check, lol.
(4)
Rick S.
Nice little pub/bar/restaurant. Nice warm feeling in this brick walled place. We sat at the bar and had dinner. It was Friday night and we didn't want to wait for a seat. People waiting in line didn't have to wait long, though. I had beef stew which was OK. Wholesome but lacked flavor. My friend had a caesar salad (why you'd order that at a bar I'll never know) and he liked it. A good selection of pub food although not anything exciting. Nice selection of beers and a full bar. This is what takes my rating from 3 stars to 4 stars. The bartender was great about getting drinks and food to us. The beer selection is ample and it's served in an icy mug. I had a local Columbus brew and it was wonderful!
(4)
Hardy E.
Fun bar
(3)
Emily L.
Whenever I'm going to an event downtown, it seems like my friends and I always meet here for at least drinks beforehand and on several occasions, we've got dinner too. It's usually pretty crowded, especially on the weekend evenings, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time if you want a table. They have such an awesome variety of beers and ciders on tap(and as a cider lover, that always makes me happy). Food wise, pretty solid. The smoked salmon fritters and any of the fries are awesome appetizers. I've also had the Roast Beef and Onion Marmalade sandwich and it was awesome.
(4)
David M.
I love the food, but don't go here when they are busy. When busy, the service falls apart. In fact, they forget to acknowledge the growing line of potential customers. I've walked out twice recently, and I don't plan to try again anytime soon. Dear service staff, I know you see me!
(3)
Walker F.
I really should flesh this out more but it just popped up that I hadn't reviewed it and that is a shame. But here is the skinny on this tip top spot: It's on Gay Street. Which is one way. That will never stop being funny, no matter how long I've been away from C-bus. Dive bar. Lots of wood. Kinda dirty feeling. But charming nonetheless. I liked that the booths are raised. They could have served me a pile of dog shit next to the fried eggplant sticks and I still would rate this place 5 stars, they were that good. (As is, they served them with a spicy aioli, yum!) How have I never seen this item on a menu before? Genius. I love the menu, I mean "Slap Your Bottom Hummus?" Thumbs up. Everything looked tasty. I got mac and cheese with sausage. Hell ya. They know how to do sausage in the O-H (and they better know how to do it on Gay St. ;-) The drinks here are ridiculous, and by that I mean 1) strong, 2) inventive, and 3) have awesome names. For some reason it reminded me a bit of Betty's, but darker...and better all around. If I came back on a return visit, I would definitely come back here.
(5)
Allysa M.
One word - deeeeeelicious. Great feel good, comfort food and their whiskey drinks are amazing. Their sweet potato fries and their fried green beans are definitely my fav appetizers on the menu. I also love their turkey and goat cheese sammi. There is also a pay by the hour parking lot conveniently located right across the street.
(5)
Kate H.
I love you Green beans and Goodness. You are the best salad in all of Columbus. And even though I use about 5 modifiers to get you the way I want you (no bacon, no onions, no black olives, add mushrooms, dressing on the side), the staff here doesn't complain or roll their eyes at me... they just ask me if I need another beer and I say "yes" and they bring it and I say "thank you." Like all of Lessner's restaurants, this place is damn weird... just a little off, but it works somehow. The staff is eclectic, sometimes tattooed, borderline hipster looking on occasion minus the attitude. Everyone is efficient and knowledgeable. For the middle of downtown which up until recently shut down about 6pm, the place is totally hopping... it is really hard to get a table Thursday through Saturday nights. Plan accordingly and give yourself some extra time.
(4)
Zack R.
We ate here based on overwheling recommendations, and the fact that it's just steps from our back door. The service was fairly attentive, although there were a few times we had to flag someone down after a 20 minute disappearance. The food was just ok. My friend was recommened the mac and cheese, for which I've also heard rave reviews. It wad fairly bland, not cheesy, and made with rotini. Not even macaroni! Call it something else. I had the country fried steak and gravy. It was a little over-breaded and the gravy was very floury tasting (not enough fat, too much flour, not enough pepper). The mashed potatoes were great, but the corn was way out of season. I think it had been frozen. We also had the potato chip nachos. Meh. Pretty bland over all, except for the big hits of giant jalapeno chunks. Price was great though. $11 or less per entree.
(2)
Misty C.
Last night (Wednesday) we dined at Tip Top. We met a friend who was in town for business and was staying downtown. I was a little leery of venturing downtown since it was the Blue Jackets playoff. Oh, I'm glad we made the trip. I had been wanting to try Tip Top for ages. It was mid-week so parking wasn't a problem. No meters available, but we went across the street and parked in the lot for $5. I would have paid $5 if they had offered Valet anyway, so not a big deal. We were seated right away. The only tables available were right by the restrooms and my dear friend has an issue with being that close to the facilities :) so we asked to be moved and opted for a little booth near the bar that was meant for two, but we squeezed in and were still very comfortable. We are very close friends lol. We started with some drinks.. Flytown pick-me up (Maple syrup, ginger ale and whiskey. SO GOOD! I drank it down like water. Also, a framboise that even my wife, who doesn't drink, loved, and a bourbon barrel ale. All were tops. We ordered the corn fritters and fried green beans for our appetizers. I can't pick a favorite. The green beans came with ranch and a bloody mary dip. The order was HUGE. We took some home. The corn fritters came with some salsa and sour cream and were tender and creamy - not dry at all. Very yummy. For our dinners we all ordered something with pot roast. A pot roast sandwich on a pretzel roll, the beef and marmalade sandwich and beef stroganoff. The portions were BIG and the pot roast was moist and falling apart delicious. You can pick from several sides, which I like. My friend ordered the coleslaw and put it on her beef and marmalade sandwich and loved it. I ordered the sweet potato fries. The portions are huge and I wasn't able to finish.. even though I gave it a great try. The service was awesome. They moved us without a problem and we had several people checking on us frequently throughout our meal. Great service, great food, great experience = 5 stars. As a bonus, my wife realized that we had actually had our first date in that restaurant almost 15 years before to the day. Back then it was called The Grapevine. So that made it extra special.
(5)
Madison W.
The waitress was so rude she kinda ruined the experience for our group of 3. We got the maccaroni, pot roast & country fried steak The steak was so burned we had to send it back and of course she had an attitude about that we nervous to even get it back, I told her I don't drink alot of beers but I like Blue Moon do you have something similiar she was like ya it's called such and such she brought it and it was so sour it tasted nothing like Blue Moon. My pot roast was good but it tasted exaclty like when I make Pot Roast in the Crock Pot nothing special. The Maccaroni was not what we expected it should have just been called pasta. It didn't have that cheesy southern flair that the Menu made it seem like The fried steak was just ok i still think it was too crunchy now I know to not order Southern Specialties in states that are not considered "The South!"
(2)
Buella S.
Service- horrible Host- Thoughtful and considerate Food- luke warm and tasteless entrees. Potato chips were little slices of heaven. Cider- delicious atmosphere- not as cozy as one would hope Overall, nothing worth coming back for... pisa you're being silly, you're being a silly little cat
(1)
Sean R.
The food is good. I've worked my way through most of the menu and enjoyed everything. But the service seems to be getting worse. The past few times I've been in, I have felt as though the servers were doing me a favor by seating me at all. Then, it's not uncommon for 30 to 40 minutes to go by before we can order drinks. We then repeat the wait before we can order food. There are some nights where its has felt as though we should be ordering drinks two at a time. That way, by the time we got done with the second, the server would be ready to get us another round.
(2)
Sarah K.
We sat outside on the patio and ordered mac & cheese and corn chowder. The atmosphere was relaxing, and servers were attentive. Both dishes were tasty - I'd like to eat here again and try some other things on the menu.
(4)
Raymond S.
Comfort food done right and at a reasonable price. I would say this is probably the crown jewel of the Columbus Food League. They do have a decent beer selection and their bar is stocked with pretty much anything you could want.
(4)
Kayleigh A.
Great Home Cooking! Tip Top does everything well! They have a really wide variety on their menu. I got the Monte Cristo and it was the best I have ever had! My boyfriend got the pot roast (what they are known for) and he really enjoyed it. I recommend this place- parking may be hard to find, but you can always park under the statehouse and walk a few blocks.
(4)
Al H.
Tip Top is one of those hole in the wall type places you probably wouldn't know is more than a random bar if you saw it from the street. But take the risk and go inside and you'll be delighted to find an amazing assortment of menu items, awesome drinks, and a very hip atmosphere. I highly suggest stopping in for Brunch as their brunch menu is seriously awesome and the bloody mary's, made with sriracha are kick ass.
(4)
Romain C.
This was just across the street from my hotel. This is my first time here, but I've seen this place years before and it seems like it was only a bar from the outside. I didn't feel like going far out so I just went ahead and had dinner here. First I ordered the Vanilla porter. They seem to have a large selection of locat beers. What sold me when I saw the menu online was the eggplant fries. Then my entree was the Pot Roast Dinner. The beer was ok. The food was more than plentiful. I really liked the eggplant fries and would like to make this on my own. The pot roast was ok. I ended up taking the food back to my hotel to have for lunch the next day. The place was really busy so I didn't have much attention from the server. But this place is a really cool place to hangout.
(3)
Liz M.
Tip Top is fun, but not really Tip Top in my book. I am definitely a Surly Girl kinda gal. Service was excellent. We sat at the bar so we didn't have to wait for a table. A great choice. Not only were the bar tenders great, but the food came out super fast and there were lots of friendly people hanging around to chat with. My Rueben was really yummy. Maybe a little too much kraut and not enough corned beef. But, good overall, and pping hot. My boyfreind got the Monte Cristo and it was sooo good! I would highly recommend it. Two things about our meal really made me sad though. My sweet potato fries were cold and totally from the 'bottom of the barrel' total bummer. AND the advertised OHIO Smuckers jam that was supposed to come with the Monte Cristo was actually some grape stuff from Maryland. WTF! Tip Top? Not like I care what jam you have, but don't make a big stinkin deal about Ohio founded Smuckers and then have some no name brand from Maryland. That's all. Of course, it was still good and the service was spot on and the whiskey drink my bf got was amazing and I HATE whiskey. Idk what it was called, but it had maple syrup in it. So, of course I'll be back, I'll just hope to get hot fresh fries next time, or better, yet, just stick with the chips to be safe and save a dollar.
(3)
Jeff C.
So what to eat on a Sunday night in Columbus? Not everything is open but Tip Top is a good choice. Several beers on tap and the Scottish ale is quite good. The wait staff was very attentive. Had the pot roast sandwich with home made chips and a salad. The salad was excellent with fresh greens and green beans. The sandwich had lots of meat. The chips were ok....a bit oily. Overall not a bad place for an inexpensive dinner
(3)
Randy S.
Ate their twice today. Good spot with good food and atmosphere. In the morning I had the Corned beef hash and eggs- all scratch made and very good. We also split the Corn fritters and the bacon and cheese dip- all very good choices. This evening we had the Ohio nachos~ very different. I am not usually a nacho fan but, the freshness, variety and the fresh potato chips made this a winner for me. I am actually glad I tried something that I usually wouldn't eat. I had the chicken fried chicken. All scratch made with "house gravy, corn and mashed potatoes. Tip Top is Tip Top~ you can't go wrong with the scratch made food- and oh yeah, it's a bar too!
(4)
Benn M.
Be prepared for hipsters. More John Deere that Quality Farm & Fleet.
(3)
Tom B.
I've been going to Tip Top for a number of years. The food is always fresh and the drinks are always hip and creative. What I really like about this place is that most, if not all, of the ingredients come from local sources. I also love the decor that celebrates Columbus history! One of my favorite things to get here is the pot roast sandwich and sweet potato fries! Check out this place, you will not be disappointed!
(4)
Luke T.
Tip top is an okay place. It's no Surly Girl, but it outshines most of the limited downtown options, particularly for late night hours. Some negatives include a so-so ambiance, more limited veggie and micro brew options than other lessner joints, a slightly more out of the way location for most people (although that's also one of its more commendable aspects-trying to revitalize downtown), and limited parking. Bonuses outweigh the negatives: cheap beer for cyclists at all times, a nice patio area, local ingredients, late hours (rare for the area), helping revitalize downtown, and my favorite, an amazing bar featuring ornate shelving that was originally part of a barber shop over one hundred years ago in West Virginia.
(3)
Rachel C.
Good food and decent prices.
(5)
Matt W.
I wish Tip Top wasn't downtown. It's not that I have anything against downtown Columbus, but I really wish I had more excuses to get over and go there! I've been to Tip Top three or four times in the past year, a couple times for brunch and other times for lunch or dinner, and each time I keep wondering why I don't go there more often. Then I think about the 25+ minute drive and paying $5-10 to park every time I want to drop in and go "Ohhhh. Right." Still, I've always been impressed with the menu (eggplant fries are fantastic, and I liked the corn fritters, particularly shared before getting some breakfast), and their service can be a little up and down, but I've generally found it polite, upbeat, and responsive, particularly in the late evening. I'm a sucker for the pretzel rolls, particularly with the pot roast sammich or the Italian Beef. The beer selection has some nice surprises, but even if you just want to get water, they'll make sure to keep your glass topped off.
Tip Top is a solid dinner choice. They have great food, an excellent beer selection, and a good atmosphere. Don't let the odd facade fool you.
(5)
Jon H.
This place really can surprise you. Its affordable, solid food, good service, and great beer selection. Came here on a Monday night with a friend. Ordered up a few beers and cocktails (extensive beer selection), Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy for under $13? Fried crispy golden brown, juicy inside, not too heavy on the gravy, nicely mashed potatoes. Solid plate of food. Overall, just a solid place for food. Won't blow you away, but won't disappoint you. Good beers, fast service, and just a solid experience.
(4)
Kimberly C.
I have worked downtown for years and this is my number one go-to walking-distance lunch place whether I am with friends or colleagues (okay, it may not be appropriate for my most highbrow business meetings but my casual side cannot get enough).The food is delicious with both healthy and sinful options (my favorites are the Turkey & Goat Cheese Sandwich, Spicy Vegetarian Corn Chowder and they make the best Sweet Potato Fries of ALL TIME). I am greeted with a smile from a host who can remember faces, my Diet Coke is always full and there is a nice selection of draft beer for those of you who can get away with that during lunchtime. :-) The decor, menu, staff and clientele are a mid-day eclectic mix. The restaurant always has a hipster vibe but if you stop by later in the afternoon/evening you will find a mostly hipster crowd (CCAD is nearby).
(5)
Heather C.
I want to love it, I do. If I could I would give it a 3.5. Part of the problem may be me. But I do not like pot roast or sweet potatoes, so their menu is not geared towards me. Every time I have been here I love the unique ambiance and laid back feeling. I love the beer selection and wine options. But the food always lacks. I have tried many sandwich's and dishes. My husband loves the mac and cheese, but he also loves it at Bettys (where even the menu credits the dish being from) and I honestly prefer bettys. Everyone swears the pot roast is to die for...... so if that's your thing definitely try out tip top. And the get the bean hummus, that is pretty good.
(3)
Camden L.
I work downtown within walking distance from tip top, and have had an overall positive experience dining here for lunch. Pretty limited seating, so good luck getting in the place on a nice day during peak hours. Service is usually prompt and friendly, the only time it was slow they comped my meal and a beer :-) my only complaint is that the sandwiches can be inconsistent. Some days the meat is fresh, juicy and hot with the bread nicely toasted and slightly crunchy on the outside, while other times the bread will be barely warm and limp, with the meat slightly dry. Sweet potato fries are always good, worth the extra $2. The homemade chips are hit and miss... Steak and Swiss and Philly are my two personal favs, pot roast sandwich was a disappointment, with the meat being dry. Beer selection is solid and changes often. Good local brews. Booze is fairly expensive, but there is a good selection of bourbon and scotch :-)
(4)
Matt R.
There is a definite conspiracy afoot and Yelp has both alerted me to it and tried to cover it up. That's right, folks, a smokin', red-hot conspiracy. Follow me down the rabbit hole, Alice. Note: I will not be reviewing specific aspects of Tip Top as I feel the two- and three-star reviews adequately reflect the specifics of my opinion. This is a "meta-review," so to speak. Recently I read in the Yelp forums about how "in-the-know" Columbusites are aware of Liz Lessner's game - for those that don't know, she's the mastermind behind Tip Top, Surly Girl, Betty's, and Dirty Franks. I couldn't agree with these Yelpers more. So let's lay it out: on the one hand, many Yelpers post about the true nature of Lessner's restaurants - mediocre. On the other hand, many of Lessner's restaurants are highly lauded on Yelp. A paradox? No, quite solvable. Yes, the game of OVERRATEDness. Tip Top is a prime example of this scheme: trendy layout; interesting location; hipster music; non-descript menu; very average food. So how does it come to be that a place like Tip Top gets so many high ratings? Sadly, I feel it is one of the few unique places Columbus has to offer. After looking at a recent list of restaurants that Columbusites favor (e.g., PF Changs, Chipotle, Panera, Olive Garden), places like Tip Top and Surly Girl started to make sense to me. They fulfill a need that we all have: to live in a city that has something that no other city has. The more upscale, mainstream restaurants by Cameron Mitchell fulfill some of that need, but there also needs to be the "off-the-beaten trail" restaurants that have a sort of anti-establishment/hipster vibe. Lessner helps us with the actual building, but fails at execution. I truly appreciate what she has done by adding these much-needed restaurants to Columbus' landscape, but in the end it seems they could do more harm than good since what we have here is not a gem like we largely believe it to be, but something more akin to a golden calf. The emperor has no clothes.
(3)
Jeff M.
Just arrived in Columbus and we were told to come here. This place is incredible. Great decor, great beer selection, fabulous food and staff was incredible. I have 100 or so employees that are in town for the weekend that i will tell all off them about tiptop!
(5)
Mike D.
It certainly is an interesting place. Give it a shot -- I walked in and almost turned around and walked out. It seriously looks shady as hell in the first couple steps in the door. Not to say that once you get further back it becomes white table cloth dining -- not should anyone expect it to be. It does, however, grow on you a little. That being said, it seems my experience was quite opposite of some recent reviews -- the service was very good. The food...I could have taken it or left it (mostly the latter). We had the fried green beans to start. They were good, not great. I had the salmon with parmesan risotto and steamed vegetables. It was ok, not good. The salmon was not anywhere near fresh -- it smelled fishy and really didn't have much flavor at all. The risotto was dry and pretty tasteless as well. It makes me a little sad to say the wheat toast with butter was the second most impressive part of the dish. The most impressive part was the delicious sauce drizzled onto the salmon. It almost made up for it. I would go back to Tip Top and order something else, for sure. The Mrs. had the roast beef sandwich with sweet potato fries. I don't like sweet potatoes very much -- but those were darn good fries. We'll meet again, Tip Top. Just bring your A game next time.
(2)
Michelle K.
I've been here several times, and as others have already mentioned, best sweet potato fries I've had in Columbus. I first came in to Tip Top for brunch and somehow managed to try the shoestring, sweet potato, and eggplant fries. I wasn't so impressed with the shoestring, but I guarded my sweet potato fries and wouldn't let my friend near them. I've also tried their top two sandwiches, the pot roast and the monte carlo. I thought the pot roast was fantastic and loved the pretzel roll. As for the monte carlo, I wasn't as impressed but was happy to devour all of my fries. I'll definitely be returning to try another one of their dishes, or just for an order of the fries.
(4)
Bryant M.
Oh, Tip Top, we need to have a difficult conversation... Give me a reason to want to come see you! Quit being mediocre and having inconsistent service! Stop using so many pre-made products, and give me something fantastic! Some things on Tip Top's menu are great - like the sweet potato fries! Other things - like the brunch food - are kinda gross. I think the atmosphere is good, and I love to go have a drink and an appy with friends there. But recently, we went for brunch, and we were so disappointed! Everything tasted like it came from a box or a carton - even the eggs! And then there's the service. Sometimes the servers are great and attentive, and other times they are just downright rude, inattentive, and totally douchey. I think I'll stick to Surly Girl until Tip Top gets its act together.
(3)
Christina C.
It's official. Although I crave the sweet potato fries from Tip Top at least once a week, I must update my review and drop it down a star. I still love Tip Top, but, here's the deal: I've been here about a half-dozen times and each time the service has gotten progressively worse. It's like all the server's have a chip on their shoulder. I decided to switch up my order on this trip and order the corn fritters and the house greenbean/bean salad. The fritters were sadly lacking in flavor and the best part about the salad was the goat cheese. I still stand by my love of the fries, but my strength is faltering for a lot of the other aspects of this place.
(3)
Stac M.
After hearing about the amazing sweet potato fries I was excited to give this place a try. They are amazing fries, I will admit. I love sweet potatoes and especially in the shape of fries. I will say, that I think that Nazarith's regular fries are still the best (in my eternal quest for the world's best fries). Along side my fries, I got a side of Roast Beast sandwich. It was good, just not great. It was a little dry and needed a sauce of some sort. My friend ordered au jus, as he felt the same way, and still noted that it lacked moisture. If I go back, I will try another sandwich and let you know how that goes. The place was packed for 5 pm, but the service didn't suffer at all. We had a colorful (literally, as she was tattooed) waitress who was friendly and patient with me not being able to make up my mind. She tried to check in on us periodically and left us to chat when she felt we were deep in discussion. She seemed like a veteran server, lol. Drinks magically were refilled often without our table spotting her slight of hand. Good food, great service and located downtown. My only complaints are that I didn't like the way the place was crowded, and parking can be a pain in the neck. But that is out of the business's control, obviously.
(3)
Robert T.
I disagreed with Stephanie K! This is my favorite of Liz's restaurants. The staff is super friendly and fun, and everything I have ever tried has been really good. Excellent beer selection and discounts on PBR for riding your bike! Last night had a dinner with 8 people, which Tip Top isn't the greatest of places to go with that many because of the limited table space, and the long wait was made up by the best sandwich I have ever had! A turkey and goat cheese! The french fries were good (at least the ones I could steal off of Matt's plate without him complaining too much), but the cole slaw is lackluster at best, so stay away from it! All in all, it is a great neighborhood place with a friendly crowd.
(4)
Jessica T.
Top 3 Things I Already Read about Tip Top on Yelp and Agree With: 1. The sweet potato fries are the bomb. 2. The pot roast sandwich is really good (pretzel bun FTW!) 3. The service is kind of lackluster. Top 3 Things I Haven't Yet Seen in a Review: 1. The bathrooms are tiny and sort of scary! 2. Our food came out pretty cold. 3. If you love Columbus history, you'll really enjoy checking out the decor.
(3)
Stephanie K.
Out of all the Liz Lessner restaurants, this one is probably my least favorite. It's still a pretty good bar and restaurant overall, but I feel like the food here lacks. This visit I got the tortilla soup (i think that's what it was), salmon fritters, and eggplant fries. The soup was pretty much taco water. It was so overloaded with cumin and not enough other flavors. The salmon fritters lacked much salmon flavor as the majority of it consisted of risotto. The eggplant fries were tasty and came with dipping sauces of bloody mary sauce, and an aioli i think? The server was friendly. I will probably just stick to Surly Girl, Betty's, and Dirty Franks.
(3)
Benjamin P.
Can Liz Lessner do no wrong? In my eyes, the answer is a solid NO. After the roommate and I came home to our ceiling collapsed in from the upstairs neighbors toilet, we decided we needed a drink. I was after midnight - so we decided to go to Tip Top because we knew their kitchen would still be open. Great choice. I started with their $3 whiskey special - Well whiskey and RC Cola and the roommate got something a little nicer. We got the cheese ball - which was cream and cheddar cheeses with olives, chipped beef and served with these CRAZY good fired pita wedges. For real, this cheese ball instantly brought me to every family gathering we had growing up. I got the balsamic chicken, which was topped with goat cheese and fresh tomatoes. But the star at the table was my roommates choice of chicken fried steak. So perfectly seasoned and fried, covered in gravy and served with mashed potatoes. Gluttony defined, but if you'll recall, our ceiling did fall in from the neighbors toilet overflowing so I'm sorry I'm not sorry.
(4)
Brent Z.
Excellent food. Especially the sweet potato fries. Food comes out pretty quick. This is my go to place for a quick meal when I'm in town.
(4)
Doug O.
Pretty good. My least favorite of the Liz Lessner restaurants, but that's pretty good company to be in. The food is pretty tasty. They have nice salads. The drawback for me is the atmosphere. I wish there were a few windows for one. Two, it's pretty packed every time I go there and is hard to get a seat...but I guess that's a pretty good problem for them to have. Worth checking out, though.
(3)
Christine D.
Well, I had a lot of higher hopes for this restaurant and it failed to deliver on many levels. It has a very narrow entry, so be prepared to get cozy if it is busy and you are planning to eat dinner. The host was awesome and very nice. Our server on the other hand seemed as though she was annoyed to either be there or were annoyed we were there. The pop tasted extremely flat and were flung on the table as the server passed by. The deep fried battered green beans were by far the best. Both of our meals however (tuna sandwich and meatloaf) were less than desired. Tuna and salty do not go hand-in-hand, but this was the saltiest tuna salad I have EVER had. The meatloaf looked extremely breaded and overall presentation was a little gross. I do not see the meal being worth $40 bucks and we will definitely not go back. I was extremely disappointed and could tell we were not wanted guests.
(1)
Vanessa L.
I have never gotten anything I didn't like here. Try the green bean fries!
(4)
Heather G.
Trying out the Monte cristo. So good great taste need I say more. The deep fried green beans are a must starter
(5)
Keith B.
I've been a few times, and I've only gotten the pretzel roll with varying meats in between - from the Rueben to the Pot Roast sandwich, with fries of the sweet potato OR eggplant variety - all delicious. So why three? Because the past couple of times, it's felt like it's gone down hill. The food became subpar. The fries - soggy, cold. The pot roast sandwich? Looked like I got the last scraggle of whatever was left - cold, on a dried up pretzel roll. All-in-all disappointing, especially after talking it up to my friend. I'd still go back and give it one more try, but I'm worried the atmosphere may have done it in.
(3)
Ariel B.
Tip Top has been reviewed a million times so I will keep it brief. Solid sandwiches, drink selection, and sweet potato fries. Nothing novel or pretentious about it, Tip Top is the epitome of Columbus comfort food at its best. Great every day place to get together with friends, but come early as it gets crowded!
(3)
Alyse S.
The BBQ sandwich is amazing! Like melt in your mouth delicious. It would have 5 stars, but the bartenders left the bar for 20 minutes and couldn't be found. Definitely frustrating when you are trying to leave. I read that the service was hit or miss and that is still true. All in all, the food outweighs my annoyance.
(4)
Teri S.
Great comfort food. They have great sweat potato fries and chicken salad sandwiches. My husband rates the reubens high. It is a little dark inside, so I suggest eating outside if possible.
(5)
David W.
Already having a caloric love-affair with a Surly Girl, and never having been disappointed by a Betty or a Dirty Frank, I figured I couldn't go wrong with popping my fourth CFL cherry with a visit to downtown's Tip Top. As with the aforementioned locales, I had that "oh crap" moment walking in and seeing a busy line snaking its way to the front door. Fortunately this dread was assuaged when the line immediately shrank and my friend and I were directed to our table. The interior, like Betty's and Surly Girl, is a dash of dark, a pinch of dingy, and a smidgen of kitsch. But a little bit less so on the kitsch; in the clientele and the decor, the place looks a little more "grown-up" than its counterparts. Not at all a bad thing. The menu wasn't quite as inventive either, but offered some appetizing options. I ultimately settled for the Italian Beef sandwich, served on a hoagie roll with delicious provolone and spicy giardiniera. For just a dollar extra I ordered a side of sweet potato fries, which (call me late to the lawn-party) have been a relatively recent discovery of mine. These were perfect. Although they didn't come with the marshmallow sauce I had enjoyed at the Level bar, they were salty goodness on their own. On a side note, I found the jukebox to be a little confusing. The song I requested ended up being played twice. Fortunately, no one seemed to mind. Overall, a great reason to visit a part of town that used to suck when I was a kid. I will be back.
(4)
Paige B.
I'm a regular! Good food, great beer, and nice staff.
(5)
K M.
I visited for the first time last weekend. Once again, another Liz Lessner restaurant impresses me. From the countless vegetarian and vegan options, to the ambiance and decor- I loved it all. I highly recommend the vegan version of the Philly Cheese Steak.
(5)
Vivian W.
My coworkers and I just finished eating at Barrio in downtown and walked around to find a bar. Somehow I found myself at Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails yet again. I guess it was meant to be? It was a Tuesday night like last time and the place was packed around 8pm. I noticed a weird smell when I walked in, kind of like mildewy washcloths. Ew. You know what other place smells like that? Rosie McCann's at Santana Row. haha Anyway, since we already ate, we just sat at the bar for some drinks. Tip Top is a place to go if you just want some casual drinks. The bartender seemed a bit clueless. My boss said he wanted a bacardi and diet NFL and the bartender didn't get the NFL part. I had to repeat my order of Ketel and tonic a few times too. Either he isn't a very knowledgeable bartender...or he's lost his hearing. Poor fella. If you want to go there for food, I would give it 3 stars like my last review. For drinks, I would give it 3.5 stars. I'm giving the extra half star because the drinks are strong and cheap. Just how I like them. ;)
(3)
Anita J.
Just another hole-in-the-wall bar serving up good home-style food. Had the breaded pork sandwich, and it was just that - a pork chop breaded and fried and served on a pretzel roll. It was quite tasty. The service was fantastic and anyone will check/wait on you.
(4)
Boudu B.
My waitress, was a bit of a hipster, which I really liked, but I guess the hipster type in Columbus are a lot more run and hateful then in Philly or Boston. I should have gotten the salmon fritters? Really? I haven't even tried these ones. I don't need extra BBQ sauce? At one point, on this quiet Tuesday night, as I was wondering around this small town, looking for trouble, I actually found it. Food was ok, but cold. I had the bbq sandwich and chips, and corn fritters (which were good, although cold). Also, this is not a dive bar, I would put this into a beautiful and waspy-hipster catagory. The inside is a gourgous place and the vaulted cieling was amazing. The inside is truely a site to see. I'll give it another shot when I am back there again on a Tuesday.
(3)
Rachel G.
Highly recommend their Ohio Nachos! Portion sizes for appetizers are great. The atmosphere of the restaurant in general is pretty different and the server we had wasn't a very happy camper. However, it was an overall good experience.
(3)
Taylor M.
Feeling a little disappointed in myself that I just recently found this place. Insanely good. The menu is great for a big group from vegetarians to just annoying, picky eaters you are bound to find something that you will love. I personally fell in love with the tuna melt and eggplant fries but I'll be sure to share what I get next. It was pretty busy and our wait was only about 10 minutes. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Devon P.
Oh, Tip Top how I love thee... let me count the ways: 1 - your sweet potato fries. I crave them, with their zesty dip. 2 - your sandwich variety. Several great coices, especially the tender roast beef. 3 - your interesting decor. I never get bored there. 4 - your street tables. I haven't sat out there, because I am an air conditioning snob, but I appreciate you have them for other people. 5 - your bar. I could imagine myself going there with friends and comfortably chatting about social issues, if I lived closer, but I leave downtown after work without looking back. Oh, Tip Top: I like you. Just as you are.
(4)
Ryan G.
Great local place. I went to Tip Top after reading some good reviews and I was very impressed with their food, beer selection and prices. I have to be honest, I ordered the country fried steak on my first visit and have never ordered anything but ever since. I love home-cooked food, and they do it very well. Wait staff has always been very friendly to me.
(5)
Todd M.
Great place, great ambiance, great sweet potato fries. Very good draught beer selection. Pretty young crowd.
(4)
Kevin H.
This place is simply top-notch. The Monte Cristo Sandwich is to-die-for, as are the accompanying homemade chips. If you are coming here for lunch, be ready to wait in line, as this is one of the more popular lunch destinations in Columbus. Worth the wait!
(5)
viv l.
Hipster central? Oh noes, run for the hills!!! True, the inside of Tip Top is a little dark. But hey, the place doesn't have windows. What can ya expect? It's a bar! A bar with $3 Ohio drafts during happy hour, an extensive whisky/scotch/bourbon/etc. selection, and a great list of specialty cocktails. Mint Juleps, Manhattans, and a friend's favorite: Commit to be Lit (it's better than a cherry jolly rancher). But most of the time I go to Tip Top to eat because their kitchen is outstanding. Three words: FRIED GREEN BEANS. I love the sweet asian sauce and the buttermilk ranch that comes with there. Another personal favorite: ham & swiss & slaw on a pretzel roll. Other things you should order: pot roast sandwich (if you like pot roast), montecristo, cheesesteak (mmmmm, no whiz), portabello/eggplant melt (super hearty), the chicken salad (with avocado on a pretzel roll). And the PIES are always tempting. The menu is really huge so expect to see a pared down menu in a couple weeks. BTW, I bumped into Michael C. here a couple days ago. Does that make both of us hipsters? Woot!
(4)
Kara K.
I am a fan of the Tip Top and of Liz's places in general. There are definitely some crave-worthy items on the menu. I really like the corn chowder. It had a great consistency and a nice kick. Their pot roast is the best I have ever had, espeically on a pretzel bun. mmmmm.... I love their beer selection and I have heard the mixed drinks are great too ( I am a beer kind of girl. I wish I liked whiskey damn it) I agree with all Vivshmack's selections and comments so I won't be redundant in that regard. As far as "hipsters" are concerned, I have been in the Tip Top in old jeans, a hoodie, flip flops and hair badly in need of washing and felt just fine. It's all in your attitude.
(4)
Henry D.
This is probably my favorite place to go for lunch in downtown Columbus. Get any hot sandwich with the sweet potato fries and you won't be disappointed. Service was great when I went.
(4)
Kiesha J.
Tip Top bills itself as serving Ohio comfort food, which I totally love. The pot roast is delicious, as is the Roast Beef and Onion Marmalade sandwich. The spicy corn chowder is also a winner, along with the Ohio Nachos (potato chips with nacho fixin's). The drinks here are awesome, including the Jungle Jack Hanna and the Commit to be Lit. Out of Betty's, Surly Girl and Tip Top, Tip Top is probably my favorite just because it's calmer and offers so many great food options.
(5)
Eric W.
Come for the beer list...stay for the sweet potato fries. You'll want to mainline the dipping sauce when you're done with 'em! The Chicken Shallot Avocado Sandwich is fantastic and comes on the signature pretzel roll. Likewise for the slow roasted Pot Roast Sandwich, which is a little pricey at $9, but there's a lot of love in that thing. The other winner (I must go here alot, right?) is the Roast Beef with Onion Marmelade Sandwich. It comes with a little aus jus for dipping. As far as casual eats in the center city, it doesn't get much better. They're open late and on Sundays too!
(4)
Randy S.
How did it take me so long to visit Tip Top? Despite, what I had read on several other reviews, the restaurant isn't nearly as hipster-laded as I though it might be. The crowd was actually pretty mixed the night I was there. The have a super-cool beer selection (Bell's, New Holland, Great Lakes, Straub) and lots of clever signature drinks...oh, and RC! The menu is extensive and filled with comfort foods -- pot roast, Monte Cristo sandwiches, meatloaf, mac & cheese and the like. I tried the pot roast sandwich and fell in love with it. The sweet potato fries were also great, especially with their accompanying spicy mayo. And though parking is a pain, I found a spot at dinner on Third Street fairly easily. I would never dream of trying to do lunch here unless I was already parked downtown for something else.
(5)
Heather A.
Wow I had NO idea this place had SUCH a following!! I am surprised given the somewhat dodgy location and not-within-walking-distance placement. Whatever the case, I have enjoyed this place nearly every time I've been. Parking is almost ALWAYS a headache and when you do find a spot then you have to fight for a seat but once you those minor- but important- details worked out, you're in for a treat. I most recently had the hummus plate which was OUTSTANDING and seriously making me want some this minute. It was fresh and completely outstanding. They also didn't have my cider so on the advice of the waiter- who was awesome!- I tried the Lindeman's Framboise and was so pleased!! The patio is nice but I would love to see it extended. The ambiance on the inside took me by surprise the first time I went it as I expected something totally different and was blown away by it's uniqueness. Love Tip Top!
(4)
Daniel A.
I escaped from the hotel long enough to grab a bite to eat at "Tip Top" tonight. I was pretty impressed. It is a nice bar/restaurant located close to downtown. The food was very good, and the service was really attentive. They seemed to be serving in a tag team fashion, which seemed a bit odd since I had about 4 different servers and another 3 people stop by to make sure the food was good, but it worked well, and the staff all seemed to be enjoying themselves, I like that - Food service can suck, you know the good places when the staff is having fun. I took "Jeff L"'s advice and went with the Monte Cristo which was HUGE. Do yourself a favor and skip lunch (or breakfast, you get the idea). I went with the homemade potato chips (again a large portion), which I was not really keen on, but they had a variety of other options and the size of the sandwich made any complaints about the side academic. The bill was awesome too, $10 for like 2lbs of sandwich and a large iced tea. I'm only in town for a couple of days, but if I lived here I could see this being a favorite place.
(5)
Jeff L.
The service was great, the beer was great, the Monte Cristo... well... that was worth the drive and the 5 star rating. It was easily the best I've ever had. It came with some fries. That and a Great Lakes Brewing lager cost me 12 bucks. Well worth it. The environment is pretty nice too, at noon it was full of suits and what seemed to be good natured people.
(5)
Kenley M.
A well-thought-out little place with a lot of character. Serves sandwiches like the reuben and montecristo, entrees like pot roast and mac and cheese, and their specialty cocktail menu is built around whiskey. The menu emphasizes Ohio and Columbus ties, in terms of ingredients, preparations, and especially food and cocktail names. (For example, the Alex P. Keaton, a whiskey and ginger ale drink named for the character on Family Ties, which was set near Columbus.) I recommend the pot roast sandwich, and pass along a second hand recommendation of the vegetarian pot roast sandwich. Vegetarians: Almost every sandwich has a meat replacement option, so don't let your eye immediately jump to the eggplant.
(4)
Peter L.
Excellent place. The sweet potato fries are awesome and the eggplant fries are even better. The food is solid -- especially the pot roast sandwich. Great drinks, kind of a hipster vibe and attentive service. Gets kind of crowded, but it's worth it.
(4)
Paul F.
IMO, this is just a bar with food, and the food isn't all that good. I've been here twice, once with a group. The second time I had the Mac & Cheese and I found it far inferior to that which I make at home. For a starter, I shared the red bean hummus which wasn't too bad. I wouldn't go back for the food.
(2)
Drew G.
I like the the "no fuss" feeling of Tip Top. It's a hip joint to have a solid meal, something your mother would make. The pot roast, be it a sandwich or entree, is always perfect. The Ohio Nachos should be submitted as Ohio's state food, don't for get to add the sausage. The staff is always more than accommodating. Parking is tricky, but the atmosphere, drinks and food are worth a block or so walk. You'll appreciate the after dinner stroll anyway, being that you'll definitely be a member of the "Clean Plate Club" when you leave.
(5)
Natalie C.
I love this place!!!! Great beer selection and fun drinks... whiskey cocktails are their specialty. The food is amazing. Wonderful comfort entrees, soups, salads, and sides, all with unique flavors. And they support local growers and farmers. A big plus in these times. I would recommend the sweet potato fries, the pot roast sandwich, the red bean hummus, and so much more!!!
(5)
Mickey P.
Love this place. Great comfort food. Great service. Its one block from my house. I feel lucky to have this place in my back yard. They serve food really late as well. And check out there next door neighbor Due Amici. That place serves great food as well. Both places you can't go wrong!
(5)
Max T.
Great food options for a bar -- or is it great drink options for a restaurant? Or something in between? Loved the Ohio Nachos - homemade potato chips w/ traditional nacho toppings. The thick chips hold up very well and don't get soggy. The optional sausage is really interesting - sweet... almost like a breakfast sausage. They've got other great appetizer options too - the eggplant fries are great, and the sweet potato fries are well done, with a nice spicy mayo sauce for dipping. Some of the more interesting entrees include the roast beef sandwich (with onion marmalade) and the chicken & dumplings with vegetables. The mixed drink menu was pretty fun - lots of Columbus-themed drinks. The "Commit To Be Lit" seemed an especially popular choice. The service was great - even with a huge group, the server did a great job of keeping on top of drinks & making sure everyone who wanted food got it. When it came time to check out, that was handled speedily as well.
(4)
Glen K.
The place has a nice dive/art school feel to it. The Rum and Coke I drank was nice and strong. The Italian Beef was very good. I have to say that being from Chicago, I found the Italian Beef to be more of a french dip. It still went down very nice at 1:30 am
(4)
Mark H.
Not much to look at from the outside. But great on the inside. Very good beer selection. Perfect comfort food. And you MUST get a basket of Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Mayo. Ask for two things of Spicy Mayo.
(4)
Laryn C.
Maybe I'm the only one, but I was not impressed with Tip Top. To me it seemed a run-down version of Surly Girl, with worse lighting and less interesting things on the walls. The service was great, I'll give it that, but the food was nowhere close to impressive. The bourbon chicken and the meatloaf were way too salty, and the cheese steak sandwich was bland as hell. The fries were good, but overall I wouldn't spend money on a meal there again. I was very disappointed! I've never had a bad bite at Surly Girl or Betty's; maybe it was just an off night in the kitchen, but you can never be too sure. The menu's all right if you enjoy comfort food, but if you're in the mood for something light or healthy, there's not too much of a choice. Overall, two stars.
(2)
Brian P.
Just had another delicious lunch at Tip Top. Got the Pot Roast sandwich and sweet potato fries. As always, service was excellent and the food was served quickly. It was lunchtime, and my friend and I were able to be seated at the bar without a wait.
(5)
Renata H.
I was very disappointed by the Tip Top. I expected way better from the creator of the Surly Girl and Betty's! I found the atmosphere too dark (and this was only at 5:30pm) and chilly. It kind of felt like somebody's creepy basement that they tried to make into a cool hangout, but it never really worked. The walls being adorned with really old black and white photos and musty pieces of fabric doesn't help. Honestly...I really wanted to love this place, but the setup and decor immediately turned me off. Onto the food...Tip Top has a great drink selection, which I didn't get to sample enough of, but the spicy Bloody Mary I ordered was watery and way less spicy (and tasty) than those served at Surly Girl. I guess their thing is whiskey at Tip Top, right? Anyway, I got to try the Columbus Cool Veggie sandwich, the Bourbon Chicken, the Eggplant fries, sweet potato fries, and the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. To be honest, the only thing worth eating was the Eggplant fries. My Philly Cheesesteak sandwich was extremely bland and kind of dry, slathered in a tasteless plasticky white swiss cheese. The sweet potato fries it came with were bright orange but (as a previous reviewer said) tasted more like 'fried' than sweet potato. I had way better ones at the old Scottie's in Clintonville. The bourbon chicken was very salty and looked and tasted like something I could make out of a box (you know, some chicken n' rice meal thing) at home. You know--not terrible, but nothing I should be paying $10 for. The Cool Columbus Veggie was totally unsurprising, just tasteless plain cream cheese and cucumbers. I couldn't even finish half of my sandwich because it just was not good. At all. The fries didn't even tempt me to continue munching them. Our waitress was very nice and helpful--no problems there. Maybe it would be different if I went there just to drink, late-night, and not to eat, but overall I found it a very lacking experience, and I wouldn't go back to the Tip Top unless someone else was paying.
(2)
Stephanie B.
The first time I came here was right after it opened and I came here after work for happy hour with some co-workers. I had no idea what Tip Top was or that it was owned by the same person as Surly Girl, which is one of my favorite restaurants/bars. All I knew was that a guy that I worked with wanted to go out and suggested a whiskey bar. I love whiskey. It's my favorite liquor, so I was excited about it. I had never heard of this place, so I didn't know what to expect. We worked at the Statehouse, and this place was just a few blocks over. For that, I loved the location. I really want to give this place 4.5 stars, though, because of the location. It's downtown, which makes parking difficult. Tip Top is on Gay St. near 3rd. That was great for walking here from work, but it sucks when you want to come here and you have your car. Your only options are to park on the street at a meter and hope you get a spot. Or I guess you could go for one of those costly parking lots. Because Tip Top is downtown, I wouldn't venture here for lunch during the week. At that time this place belongs to the downtown businessmen and women. And at happy hour during the week. Which was cool when I was part of that crowd but now that I'm not, I'll probably only come here on weekends. This place definitely does not share the awesome location status with Surly Girl and Betty's. But it's still worth the trip down here. As I mentioned, I love whiskey and I think it's great that they have a unique menu of mixed whiskey drinks you don't see anywhere else. And they all have clever names. I've tried the Route 40 Shorty, which is whiskey (of course), sweet vermouth, grenadine and soda with a cherry on top. Very good. I need to try all the whiskey drinks here eventually. I think the drink prices are pretty typical for downtown. Definitely not cheap, but not insane either. Domestic bottles of beer are around $3 a piece. This bar is definitely less decorative than it's sister bars. It's very dark and while there are some interesting knick knacks here and there (a strange stuffed bird behind the bar is coming to mind) they aren't too plentiful. Definitely not cluttered. This place has an old-fashioned feel to it. There are barstools all along the bar and tables in the back. But it's really not very big. That first time that I was here with co-workers, we just came to drink whiskey. But we ordered some appetizers to share. We got the red bean hummus, which is the same that is served at Surly Girl. If you haven't tried it, you should if you're a hummus fan. It's just slightly spicy and the pita is wonderful. But the winner here was the sweet potato fries. These were hands down the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. They were thick enough that you got the smooth creaminess inside with the outside crunchiness, but they weren't steak fries. They were perfectly seasoned and delicious by themselves, but they came with this spicy mayo dip that is the absolute perfect compliment to the fries. I actually crave the fries here sometimes. They are so good - you owe it to yourself to try them if you haven't. One day I came here with another co-worker for my lunch break. This was only a few months ago, so it was cold out. It was really busy since everyone was on their lunch breaks downtown, so we ended up sitting a the bar. A tip: If you can avoid it, don't sit at the end of the bar towards the door in the winter because it shuts slowly and it's COLD! We were freezing during our entire meal. This was also actually the first time I was here for a meal. I didn't realize until we came here that this was the place where I had the sweet potato fries because I had forgotten what it was called. Once I recognized the place I was very excited. There are all kinds of choices on the menu, sandwiches, salads, stuff like meatloaf and pot roast, which I heard they are also famous for. Right away I was drawn to the Avocado Honey-Shallot Chicken Salad. Chicken salad with avocado in it? Why didn't I think of that before? Seriously. And the best part was that I could substitute my side of chips for the sweet potato fries for an extra dollar. Worth it! My sandwich was pretty big and I had a huge pile of fries. They were just as delicious as I remembered, and my sandwich was amazing. It was some of the best chicken salad I've ever had, and I love chicken salad so I've had a lot. Based on this meal alone, I think I like the food here better than Surly Girl. But I do prefer the latter's atmosphere a million times to this. My co-worker had ordered the Monte Cristo which smelled great and looked like it was done right. I'll have to try that sometime. It came with a side of jam, which is how it's supposed to be. I have seen them served without that before and that just doesn't count as a real Monte Cristo to me. I had to get a box for my food - it was too much. This is a fun bar, but come here for the food. The sandwiches are around $10, and its only $5 for the yummy fries.
(5)
Veronica W.
The atmosphere is awesome and the sweet potato fries are AMAZING.
(5)
Jim C.
Food was good, great beer list, good relaxed atmosphere. No complaints here!
(4)
Sam P.
Great pot roast sandwich, OK fries. Good selection of tap beers. Interior is much more warm and comfy than the exterior appears. Seems to be one of the few good choices for good beer, food and football when Downtown CMH on a Sunday afternoon. Four stars if the fries were better. A pub HAS to have great fries.
(3)
Lovanna L.
My friends and I decided to try out Tip Top an early Friday evening. The restaurant was full but we were first in line. After about 10-15 minutes, we were seated in a booth. The restaurant had a nice, dark nostalgic feel to it. Our server was very friendly and came to take our drinks pretty soon after we were sat. My friend ordered a mojito but our server discouraged her from it since they didn't have any fresh mint. I appreciate that he did that instead of serving her a mediocre drink. The menu was reasonable with many yummy looking choices. I ordered the monte cristo with sweet potato fries. The portions were HUGE and to my dismay, I finished it all. The sweet potato fries were really delicious. My friends ordered the salmon which was served with a parmesan risotto and their mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was served in a white cheddar (i think) cheese sauce and sausage and it was very good. The service was good and fast. Throughout dinner, we watched the line grow and reach all the way to the front of the restaurant. Overall, Tip Top was a nice surprise and I'm glad we tried it.
(3)
Scott B.
I enjoyed the goat cheese salad. I wish I'd had a beer, the selection of draft beers looked interesting.
(3)
K C.
On my last day in Columbus Ohio I filled my tummy with food at Tip Top. Very very good. I love the Pot Roast sandwich. The service was friendly. I can't wait to come back next time.
(4)
The Jefferson K.
Good food, good drinks, good atmosphere, good service. What's not to like? Well the parking can be mildly irritating but really not that big of an issue. The one complaint I would mark down is the placement of garbage cans sometimes out front which due to lack of space is in the vicinity of tables, a big no-no. Personally I would remove the tables closet to the Garbage cans when they are out there. Otherwise Order me up a Pot Roast Sandwich on a Pretzel Roll Bun and a side of Sweet Potato Fries, a meal I can never get enough of and earns the restaurant it's name.
(4)
Anthony G.
For the traveller with late arrivals and work schedules, this place is great. The food is excelent as well and won't bankrupt anyone's pathetic travel reimbursement restrictions. Beverage-wise, some servers are great- others at pretty Scrooge-like in their stingy pours. One bartender killed one bottle with her very, very quick three second pour and then, after opening a new unit, dispensed about another half-second's worth- why bother!?! Yes, patrons notice these things...
(4)
Steven H.
Owned by the same owners as Betty's Fine Food + Spirits and The Surly Girl Saloon, Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails is downtown eating at its best with a variety of nostalgic Ohio-centric ephemera adorning the walls. Try the Vegan Bean Dip with fresh veggies and the tantalizing Blue Ribbon Pot Roast. Loved the pretzel roll veggie melt, brunch menu and hummus. Features one of the city's largest whiskey selections. Great Buckeye comfort food.
(5)
Bob B.
I work nights downtown, so automatically there's nowhere to go eat at night. Using the Yelp app on my iPhone I found Tip Top, and it was open late. Nice outside dining area. If I'd had the time would have stayed, but doing a to-go order. Good reviews of some of the stuff, but I really like cheese steak sandwiches so gave that a shot. Ordering was quick, and I probably had my order in 10 minutes. Once back at work I dug in. The sandwich itself was a little smaller than I'd like, but was very good. Bun was fresh and meat very good. I ordered fries, and these were awesome. Now, I love fries that are a little under done. Could have just been my order, but the fries were delightfully under cooked. These were the shoestring fries, which usually get overcooked because of their size (and these aren't "straw" fries, they're thicker than that). $9 total plus tip. A little steep, but awesome meal and service. Glad to have them available on late work nights.
(4)
DW C.
I often eat here...great food and lots of options! My fav is the turkey reuben.
(4)
Emily H.
Love the atmosphere and service. Vegetarian corn chowder was great and spicy. Sweet potato fries were ok - they tasted more like "fried" than sweet potatoes, and I think the mayo had a tendency to overpower the sweet potato flavor, but they were good. The eggplant, spinach, and tomato mozzarella melt was kinda bland - the eggplant was tough and I don't think it was marinated as previous Yelpers stated. But I'm willing to come back and explore more of the menu - not my usual reaction to a less than stellar lunch. If the corn chowder can help my sinuses kick the cold they've been fighting for a week, then I'll definitely be back!
(3)
Brian B.
Even better comfort food joint than the Surly Girl (to which they are associated). This is more of a family place than just a bar (when we went here there was a family treating their kids to a night out). I didn't think their drink selection was all that but their food was well prepared.
(3)
Rob D.
Great place for downtown lunch or after work drinks. The food here is extremely good for the prices. I personally suggest the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. The sweet potato fries are also a must. I've been here many times with work colleagues and I don't think that a single person has complained about their food. The service is always pretty solid. Though lunch time here gets a little packed, I suggest snagging a place at the bar if there is a long wait. Lastly this is great low key place for some drinks after work if you're downtown. Great prices on beer and also a very good selection. Bartenders have always been extremely friendly to me. One of my absolutely favorite mixed drinks is a cocktail of theirs aptly titled "Bottoms Up", which is RC Cola and Old Crow Whiskey. The RC reminds me of junior high and the Old Crow College a great trip down memory lane. Also don't get hung up on the exterior, which looks like some sort of a run down haunt. The interior is great featuring a huge old school wood bar. I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Natalie S.
mmmmmm, i doubt you can go wrong with anything on the menu here. It all looks amazing. There's a fair amount of straightforward comfort food, but vegetarians will have no shortage of enticing options. As for me, I like meat. I had the chicken salad sandwich, and my brother had the pot roast sandwich, both served on their awesome soft pretzel roles. Though the sweet potato fries are tough to pass up, the three bean salad was a delicious and filling healthier option. The service was friendly and casual, easy and unforced. The high ceilings and cozy booths made for an atmosphere I could settle into for a while - unfortunately, I had to drive home rather than downing several more beers . . . a spot I'd definitely make a point to stop at anytime I'm in the neighborhood. Though I sat inside, it looks like the few outside tables are very covetable - the prospect of pot roast, beer, AND cigarettes could be a pretty killer combo.
(5)
Pete C.
Ever wondered where all the fixed-gear indie kids go when they're in the mood to get sauced on whiskey cocktails after a long day of furiously pedaling throughout the city? The answer is Tip Top, one of the many hidden gems you can find in Columbus by doing just a letting bit more digging than usual. The coolest thing you'll first notice about Tip Top is the strange little location it's in, which is a quiet and slow-moving section of downtown that's located in between High and 3rd St., only a block or so south of what used to be known to the world as City Center. I've never sampled the food here, but the drinks are a perfect compliment to the smallish bike-lined patio area that snakes out in to the sidewalk on a busy day. A whiskey and a coke is cheap here during happy hour, which is the perfect drinkto have here if you find yourself relaxing and discussing the latest trends in courierware over a soundtrack of college rock hits that you only wish you remembered.
(5)
deb k.
liz has done it again! the eggplant fries are one of the most delicious things i've tasted in a long time! the eggplant, mozzerella, spinach sandwich is very good as is the pot roast sandwich (super tender), the honey ham and swiss (get some horseradish to put on top), and the roast beef is also very tender. i like the pretzle bread a lot. the decor is great - i love the ohio and columbus history. the place feels bigger than the vine which was there previously. *i should note that i am very picky about eggplant- it can be tough and gross if not cooked right. apparently, marinating helps as evidenced by the sandwich at tip top
(5)
David T.
Eclectic food with a fun turn of the century styling.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Drew W.
Try the Bottoms Up: RC and Old Crow
(4)Megan C.
The pot roast sandwich on a pretzel bun is a definite must have! The sweet potato fries are a nice compliment to the sandwich, and come with a bit of a spicy dipping sauce. The atmosphere is snug and cozy, but doesn't have a lot of tables. If you are coming for lunch on a weekday, arrive early. A line forms quickly. The beer selection isn't extensive, but good enough I found a drink to have with the pot roast sandwich. Apparently, they have an extensive whiskey bar, so I plan to go back sometime for cocktails. A great casual place if you are looking for good food.
(4)Andrew M.
We were here the other day and had an unpleasant situation happen involving a rodent. I don't want to go into much more detail than that.
(1)Rich S.
I love Tip Top. Great atmosphere and great (predominantly whiskey based) cocktails at a bargain price. The food is all good, but don't expect anything spectacular.
(5)Karlie H.
One of my favorite restaurants in Columbus! The sweet potato fries are AMAZING and I also love the Avocado-Honey-Shallot Chicken Salad sandwich. The Ohio Nachos are a great appetizer and the Tip Top Pot Roast sandwich is also delicious. They have a good selection of draft beers and their cocktails are yummy too!
(5)M C.
Love the ohio nachos!! And bells two hearted on tap. Solid place for a weeknight cool down.
(4)Sagan S.
Ridiculously good comfort food - Nuff' said.
(5)Edy D.
Our group of 16 had a great time last night. Nice place, friendly staff, great food, good company...hard to have a bad time! There was an awesome variety of draft beers to choose from and I think we tried them all. There were many Baskets of Eggplant Fries going around. Everyone had their taste buds satisfied by Smoked Salmon Fritters, Av...ocado Honey-Shallot Chicken Salad, Blue Ribbon Pot Roast, Bratwurst Dinner, House Salmon...just to name a few. All was yummy. We had wonder service by Craig! Our evening was topped off with a visit from Chuck Hootman, the owner, himself! He wanted to say 'Hi' and make sure we were being taken care of. We shook our heads as our mouths were stuffed. LOL :-)
(5)Meghann T.
I love the bar and the general atmosphere of this place. We started the meal with the red bean hummus dip, which was so delicious. It was served cold with warm pita bread, carrots, celery, tomato halves and cucumber slices. I should have ordered two of those, it was so delicious. I really wanted the Monte Cristo sandwich, but I chose to settle for a chicken caesar salad, so my friend let me sample her plate of the sammy that included fried green beans. Very, very, good. I think they battered the bread of the sandwich in pancake batter, which blew my mind! Nothing to write home about on the salad, but it satisfied my lust for something semi-healthy. They have a pretty extensive bar menu, as far as beer and drinks go. I was so happy that they had my favorite Abita Purple Haze (bottle, not draft)! Service was friendly, no complaints there. Friendly tip to the ladies of the restaurant using the restroom - it has two stalls. You have to use some UMPH! when you push the door open to enter. I saw this 5'2" gal give up after barely pushing the door. She thought someone was in there, so she waited outside of the door. I got some giggles out of it. Especially when she went back to her table to complain to her friends, and then came back about a minute later. She had some UMPH! that time. Tip Top also plays some great music, which is a huge plus for me. I love hearing Radiohead in any place, but I give big kudos when it happens in a bar/restaurant. It makes the food and the atmosphere that much more enjoyable. The next time I go back, I am probably going to try the Mac & Cheese under the "Ohio Comfort Food" selections. Also, I heard they serve a delicious brunch, and I couldn't be more thrilled about that.
(3)Jane K.
At 3:30pm on a weekday, I was shocked to find the bar at this kitschy Columbus dive full to the brim. I was also surprised to find a woman using the toilet in the back, whistling a song with the door wide open. But that's Tip Top on Gay Street, and it's Ohio, and I've come to learn that I don't know much about what's normal in the Midwest. I mean, clearly by half by the street names here they didn't plan for double entendres. Passing the abandoned outdoor seating during a summer heat wave we walked into the cool, dim dark wood interior breathing a sigh of relief. The drink menu is chock full of drinks named for puns or lesser known actors and politicians. The bartender wears a "Dumb" and "Dumber" Bush shirt that I can't help but appreciate. My pink lemonade cocktail comes out fully iced and if I hadn't been watching them mix it, I wouldn't have known there was (a healthy helping of) booze in it. And since it's some sort of happy hour it only runs me $3. Not bad Columbus, not bad at all.
(4)Jenni D.
Great service, amazing monte cristo, and the eggplant fries & bloody mary sauce are to die for... run, don't walk! yum!
(5)Rhonda V.
I'm here in Columbus for a wedding and we stopped here shortly after our arrival. Our meal was delish!! My sister & I both ordered the special of the night which was fried cod. The menu said they're made to order & they weren't kidding! The fish came out pippin hot & the portions were HUGE!!! I will definitely try this place again the next time I visit.
(4)Brian C.
Food was great. Cozy.
(4)Miriam W.
Do not be put off by the divey look of this place...the food is very good. Columbus seems to excel at this type of bar/restaurant hybrid, where you'll feel equally at home hanging out drinking one of their many micro brews or enjoying a single malt scotch as you would ordering a meal. The menu features lots of comfort food, with pot roast, meatloaf and mac and cheese among the favorites. Doug went for the veggie sandwich and said it was the best vegetarian sandwich he's ever had. Our other friends had the meatloaf and the pot roast sandwich on pretzel bread and were very happy. My choices were the house salad, which was an interesting mix of greens tossed with kidney beans, green beans, feta and sunflower seeds in a light lemon viniagrette, plus the chicken and rice soup....a bowl of love, right there. We liked everything we ate, and the service was relaxed and fun.
(4)Tiffany S.
Tip Top is one of those places that I want to blow me away, but it just doesn't. I love the ambience - it's cozy and inviting while maintaining its trendy, yet historic charm. Still, I am always left wishing for a little more. The food is good, not great. I have had the veggie wrap, salmon hoagie, salmon fritters and mac & cheese. My favorite dish was the veggie wrap, but I feel as though I could make it at home instead of spending $10. If I were a big fan of sweet potato fries I would say Tip Top's are the best, but I am not. My friends who do enjoy the orangey root swear by Tip Top fries. The thing that keeps me coming back to Tip Top is its authenticity and uniqueness. It's a great place to bring out-of-towners for those reasons. It's too bad I can't be more impressed with the food.
(3)Jenny S.
This is one of my favorite places in Columbus to come with friends for drinks, food and fun times. The food is awesome and homey (pot roast sammich hmmmm) and the dive-bar ambience is so cool and inviting- it makes you want to stay and hang out after finishing your meal. I'd also come here just for drinks with friends-great bar staff and always a decent crowd :) (fyi re: parking - be prepared to walk a short distance if the meters in front are filled up)
(4)Ryan L.
We stopped at the Tip Top Kitchen before going to Blue Man Group at the Palace Theatre. A close walk and an interesting, intimate place. The place is pretty small but has a unique atmosphere. I ordered their flagship sandwich - pot roast sandwich on a pretzel roll. She got the chipotle turkey sandwich with sweet potato fries. My sandwich was okay... pretty good, but nothing extremely spectacular. I'm not huge on sweet potato fries, so I got regular fries, which were also okay. Her sandwich, on the other hand, was delicious. Had a great aioli on it and was very tasty. I even thought the sweet potato fries were pretty good. Prices were reasonable. Overall a pretty good restaurant.
(4)Juliana H.
I *like* Tip Top, I really do. I love the decor with all the Victorian photographs, I love how it's dark in a classy-not-dive-y way, I love the craft beer selection and, of course, I love the sweet potato fries. I'm also a giant fan that the restaurant supports other local businesses by offering Cafe Brioso coffee and desserts from the Angry Baker. They feature Candles with a Cause on all of the tables and participate in community days where a percentage of sales goes to a local nonprofit organization. {wave of Catholic guilt sweeps over me} As much as I like some aspects of this place, I am completely frustrated by others. Sometimes the staff are friendly but several other times, not so much. I was here once where we turned around and walked out, not because of the wait but because of the grumpiness of the host who took our names. Ugh. Another time, we literally had to shove our credit cards at the server because - after over an hour-and-a-half dinner on a Monday night - we had to, you know, go home at some point. Ugh. There are other places that have sweet potato fries and good beer. So, eh, I'm conflicted and hence three stars.
(3)Trixie B.
The chicken with risotto here is such a nice dish. They have decently priced ($5) whiskey cocktails, which are really strong! I also really like the pot roast sandwich with sweet potato fries; a bit pricey for the portion but overall a delicious meal (especially the sauce with the fries!). I also enjoyed the Ohio nachos during happy hour, very tasty. It is a rather small restaurant, so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you go during popular times.
(4)Allie L.
Oh Tip Top, you would have gotten 5 stars had our waiter not been such a twerp/semi rude. My pot roast sandwich on a pretzel roll/sweet potato fries will bring me back, though. Until then...
(4)Maureen O.
my meal was mediocre with nothing notable. the caesar salad was romaine dressed with ceaser and the steamed veggies were equally uncreative. the grilled tilapia was pretty good. the best thing about this visit was the company of good friends and our server who was super cute and attentive without being annoying, thanks Mitch!
(3)Katie C.
I had a good time here, but it was just kinda meh. The food was super average and the beer list was pretty good (draft and bottles) but they were out of several that we wanted. Our waitress seemed grumpy, but she still provided ok service (nothing to write home about though). There were some hilarious really wasted girls dancing and being silly that made my night and I loved the music all night long!
(3)Mindy R.
Oh my gosh... Tip Top is great! I recommend the eggplant fries and corn fritters. They also have some great vegetarian options, so you can fit in with your carnivore friends!
(5)Jason S.
Liz, look...I think we should talk. There are so many positive things I hear about you and your restaurants, and I really want to feel the same way, but...well, I just don't get it. I just don't. Let start by talking about Tip Top, and maybe you'll understand. My first impression of the restaurant was discussing with the surly (not girl), emaciated gnome seating people about having a group of six to eight for dinner. I tend to care little about service and more about food, but a put off reaction at the abject horror of seating a not-too-large party isn't the best start to any meal. My second visit was at least with a smaller group, and scrawny was off chatting with a coworker instead of doing his actual job. Annoyance averted. Starting with a restaurant's signature item is a good way to understand where they are and what can be expected of the remaining menu. Often the identity of this dish is understood by word of mouth, but Tip Top unabashedly prints it right on the menu -- the Blue Ribbon Pot Roast, and its sandwich variety. With lines like "our specialty!" and "best in town!" printed on the menu, I had every reason to believe the slow cooked once-cow would deliver. It didn't. As a home meal, pot roast is a standby for the lazy crockpot cook. I expect better than that level of quality at any restaurant. Tip Top's "specialty" didn't in any way eclipse standard issue pot roast, with absently seasoned, chewy meat. The pretzel roll was perhaps the best thing about the sandwich, yet it was half drowned in the bland juice, the Swiss cheese making no real impression. Regroup, retry. A bad night in the kitchen, I hoped. Next time around I went with the avocado-honey-shallot chicken salad sandwich. This was a step up from the pot roast, certainly, as licking the sidewalk is a step up from licking the gutter. The flavors were passable but didn't sing, the chicken lacking much identifiable taste at all. Sweet potato fries? No complaints there anyway. So where does that leave us? We're not at three strikes yet, and you know I'm a forgiver. Finally on my third attempt I had a decent meal. The Monte Cristo, while a bit on the salty side, had the right flavor and the accompanying eggplant fries hit the spot. But when the menu mentioned Smucker's jam, that apparently meant the little packet they throw at you with your toast at work, and only one of them for a sizable sandwich. Still, a step up overall, and for a while there I was worried it wouldn't happen. My large party heard my woes regarding the pot roast sandwich, which somehow increased the number of people who ordered it. All were satisfied with their meal, which at least heartened me that my experience was anomalous. Of course, our waitress heaped our checks in the middle of the table instead of bothering to remember who ordered what. Oh, Tip Top. I want to think you're better than this, that I've just had copious bad luck, and that the other Betty's restaurants (shamelessly advertised next to select "courtesy of" dishes, just to make sure you're always on our minds) better Tip Top in terms of quality and consistency. A good meal has to stare deeply into your eyes like a new lover, not look away with ambivalence. Tip Top has the feel of a restaurant counting the ceiling tiles. Suffice to say this has been a rocky start to our relationship.
(2)Travis Z.
Love the food. Love the atmosphere. Love the drinks. Fun place to go. Sweet potato fries are great and all their sandwiches are good.
(5)Marianne C.
We were here twice (maybe thrice?) during the day and evening, so this review is a review of more than one visit. I recommend this place and would seek it out again when I'm in Columbus. Had lunch and drinks, so we sat at a table once and a bar the other time. The staff here is excellent. I really appreciate that people seemed friendly all over Columbus. It was noticeable although I'm not sure if Columbus is known for that - maybe everyone was in a good mood that weekend? As others have noted, the decor is pretty nifty. They had Breckenridge Vanilla Porter on draught, and that was awesome, awesome, awesome. I also had the famous pot roast sandwich, which although Jem R. doesn't like (see her review), I did. Go here. Have fun. Meet new people. Make a friend. Drink beer. Eat a pot roast sandwich. Feel the love.
(4)Jem R.
Sometimes I think being a good cook can ruin a good restaurant for me. Pot Roast is what they are known for and it's one of my favorite things to eat and make. Because of that, it's hard for me to get excited about paying for something made so easily. I can prep a pot roast in about 30 seconds. That's how long it takes to make a bowl of cereal and who orders cereal at a restaurant? I've tried a lot of other things on the menu and everything has been ok, but just ok. I'm used to proposing marriage to the meals I eat at Liz Lessner restuarants so I was shocked to be so underwhelmed. That being said, I do go there pretty often. The vibe there is great. They have a great bar. They have a great staff. (Thank you forever for reserving the "gangsta booth" for me and letting us watch the mad men season finale there. It was a blast.) I do lke the Ohio Nachos and sweet potato fries. If Tip Top were just a bar, it would get a 4 or a 5. However, it is a restaurant and the rest of the menu is pretty meh to me and so I have to give it a 3.
(3)Donna D.
I love Tip Top! Unfortunately, the only time I frequent the place is during the week on my lunch hour... it's super convenient since I work right across the street! As far as the food, every single thing I have ordered I have loved! Everything is always fresh and even better since it's locally produced. My fave is the philly steak sub! The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Being a beer lover, I have never had a beverage (although a lunchtime fizzy treat is sometimes tempting) - I would love to stop in after work hours and I also want to try their brunch.
(5)stephen s.
I didn't expect to taste any good food in this pub but I was wrong. The pot roast in Tip-Top is really good, the meat is tender, juicy and flavorful. Often time when I eat pot roast what I get is overcooked meat, however that is not the case in Tip-Top because their beef is cook into perfection, tender yet juicy. I didn't like the sweet potato fries, but my girlfriend went head over heels for these fries. Their sandwiches also good and they use french toast for their sandwiches. Overall I would like to go back here again.
(4)David E.
Rubbery chicken and wilted greens on my last few salads ive ordered from here. Side note they are open late which is great, but just lackluster food. atmosphere is okay, but avoid this place during the winter...it is freezing inside every time i go...like absurdly cold.
(3)Scott G.
I've been to Tip Top a number of times and I generally have good memories of the quality of the food. I was out with my girl for lunch and we figured we'd give it another go. I don't come here often at all and this decision today was more because the place next door ran out of outdoor seating (Plantain Cafe which is very good). Perhaps my fond memories of Tip Top center around starting my meal off with a cocktail which might have colored the entire experience.... Another difference is today I decided to order a sandwich even though I quit wheat / gluten. I was prepared to do the sandwich open-face with a fork and knife. I ordered the Ruben with sweet potato fries. When it came out I was impressed by how hearty looking the bread was. Here at Tip Top they seem to have raised the bar on the art of "the filler". Removing the bread exposed what must have been the thinnest Ruben I've ever encountered. Kraut and sauce covered the size of the bread underneath, but the pastrami did not. The fries were good, tho... Tip Top has just dropped a notch on my lunch options. Next time I want a Ruben I'll hit Danny's Deli, and the next time I want to sit outside, I'll keep walking the block a while longer.
(2)Christiana C.
I like this place! It took me until now to investigate what everyone has been talking about and my verdict is in. I like this space perhaps best of all Liz's ventures. It doesn't feel as crowded and full as the other places, even when there's a bunch of people here. Our waitress was real with us, but still was helpful in favorite menu options and was super helpful. I really like the drink options and we had really good service on this trip. I ordered a drink and before I even had time to figure out that it wasn't what I ordered, the waitress came back over with the real drink I ordered. It's a twofer, guys! You bet your girl slurped both of those right up. Sweet potato fries were sweet potato fries. I know this might get me tarred and feather, but I didn't think there was anything super special about them. Maybe because so many places now have them or something, but I just don't think they're all that special. I thought it would be hard to love this restaurant as much as the others, but I do AND it's easier to find parking. Thanks, Liz!
(4)Nick G.
Tip Top was a great find and my traveling companions agreed. Thanks Yelpers! A hole in the wall looking bar, nice and cozy with great comfort food. The sweet potato fries were fantastic as many have mentioned. The pot roast dinner was good, like mom used to make. My stomach was very happy and full after dinner. Next time in Columbus I'm making it a point to come back, a good value and great food. Service was friendly, although busy as the place seems like its always packed. That's a good thing.
(5)Justin K.
Tip Top is an OK lunch destination. I am extremely familiar with the menu as I work downtown and have been several times, and my opinion is that there are only a few exceptionally desirable items on it. Now this is just my opinion folks, I think the menu could use some re-work. The service during lunchtime is typically average. Waits can sometimes be long if you come right at noon. I do not like that they brazenly let people smoke on the patio when it is clearly with 25 feet of the door. They were not receptive to constructive criticism regarding this issue. Go for lunch one day, you'll probably like it, and it will be an average experience.
(3)Jess G.
Tip Top is our go-to. Too cold outside, but want something close-by and delicious? Tip Top. Want to introduce someone to the Liz Lessner restaurant series, but can't find a table at Betty's? Tip Top. That being said, we don't just come here because it's convenient or less crowded. Despite the strange part about it not having any windows, it's a great bar and restaurant. In the nicer months, sitting outside is wonderful; now that it's colder, the wood and tapestries inside make it really cozy. Brunch: I'm also recently on a big biscuits and gravy kick, and Sal's Big Mess is definitely satisfying. Crunchy, delicious hash browns covered with biscuits, scrambled eggs, and sausage gravy, dotted with chives and piping hot. (Yes, please!) I also love that their breakfast sandwich is served on a pretzel roll. What else do I like about Tip Top? - The bar is expansive and there are plenty of good deals; my boyfriend occasionally likes the $3 Old Crow and RC Cola one - The sweet potato fries are out of this world - Love their muffaletta sandwich, and their Philly cheesesteak is excellent (not too greasy but with the right amount of flavor) - They're very vegetarian/vegan substitution friendly, if you're looking for that If you're ever in the downtown area looking for a late night (or next morning) meal, be sure to check out Tip Top. They're open late, and you can get up late and still make it to brunch (until 4 p.m. on weekends).
(5)Kevin S.
I read the yelp reviews so I went with the pot roast sandwich with sweet potato fries. I was skeptical because I grew up on the best pot roast ever. Well, I think these bastards stole my mothers recipe! It was frickin great. Expect a wait but worth it. Small place but cool atmosphere.
(4)Amy S.
This is a great lunch or drinks location Downtown, especially if you need to hit something up on the weekends when a lot of the area isn't open (except for its neighbor Due Amici of course). It's very famous for its sweet potato fries, but after ordering them everytime I visited I was curious to try their regular fries... and those are the bomb too (Yes, I just said "the bomb". Don't judge me.) They always have a good scene but not toooo bad. You can usually get a table within at least 10 minutes. Their help is also really cool, fun, and easy. I really enjoy having this place close to home.
(4)Diana U.
Most likely won't be back. Food is mediocre. Parking can be difficult. Service is slow. For a place that probably gets most of its customers from downtown employees, the happy hour specials are pretty lame. We tried their popular nachos (Ohio Nachos) and wasn't impressed.
(2)Don B.
The Pot Roast was out of this world. Will be dining with the folks at Tip Top again this evening.
(4)Jen U.
One of my favorite places in Columbus. Part of the Betty's/Surly Girl/Dirty Franks group of restaurants. Best sweet potato fries in town. Fun drinks (try the Commit to be Lit) and good beer selection. Also, the best soy beef substitute I've ever tasted. Seriously, try the Italian Beef sub w/ soy beef. Also all around veg/vegan friendly - when I ordered the soy beef & sweet potato fries, they warned me that the dip that comes with the fries contains dairy (lucky I'm not vegan, because the dip is delicious). Also, the Ohio Nachos are terrific - and made with house-made chips. Since it is a popular place, you may be forced to wait a bit for a table. Tip: go around the corner to the left and wait by the jukebox & pinball machine - much more comfortable than standing behind people sitting at the bar. Just make sure your name is on the list first!
(4)Brent T.
Love this place. Locally sourced, fresh ingredients and emphasis on Ohio comfort food style, but with some edgy twists. I love the Hell Salad: mixed greens, spicy Giardinara (best I've had anywhere), shredded mozzarella and housemade buttermilk ranch. Pair a 1/2 of that salad with their Spicy Vegetarian Corn Chowder, and the slice of dark brown bread and butter that they throw in for free, and you have lunch heaven for $10 even if you carry out (which I do, since my office is across the street). Note that owner Elizabeth Lessner has employees of her restaurants sign up to indicate if they want to work Christmas Day, and if (and only if) enough employees sign up, they are open on Christmas Day. Class act.
(5)Jessica K.
Went here for dinner tonight with Keith, and really enjoyed myself! This was my first time, and the place was great! Our waitress was on top of it! She was very friendly and prompt. I love the low lighting and the candle on the table :) it makes it a little more intimate which is nice. I did try the sweet potato fries and they were really good! Anyone who doesnt like sweet potatoes try them anyways! Trust me ;)
(4)Valissa W.
Awesome ambiance. Kick ass food. Great service. I loooooove this place!!! The honey avocado chicken salad sandwiches on the pretzel buns are the best!!! I crave them. The eggplant fries are another fave. The only thing I've ever ordered here and been disappointed with was the mac & cheese (really guys? for $10 that's all ya get?) It's also a COMPLETELY different atmosphere from lunch to dinner. Lunchtime is full of corporate yuppies, dinner is lots of scenesters and other colorful folk. Great drink menu, won't disappoint.
(5)Sarah S.
Tip Top is perfect for those hungover, sweatpants and big sunglasses, afternoon brunch days that may also involve a little hair-of-the-dog. I can walk there, which is good because parking is a bee-yotch. They have an amazing breakfast sandwich served on a huge pretzel roll. The hash browns are a little too greasy/overdone but I should try to remember some bbq sauce to deal with that. The service is quick and friendly, and they have a patio that's perfect for people watching since it's right on the street. I caught one of my professors biking by last weekend. All around awesome.
(4)John B.
From the outside, Tip Top looks like it might be good. Maybe there's a guy upstairs in that pent roof who's been playing Keno there continuously since 1978. Nope. Just kind of a bland place with standouts of the wrong sort. There was a creepy older dude with flowing gray hair and board shorts telling his co-ed girlfriend, "I AM a musician, but just not for career reasons." And, for some reason, a lot of parents either chaperoning their adult childrens' dates, or just tagging along. Also, a lot of people with geometrical pattern tattoos. And a couple of vodka snobs whose directions on "proper" martini making were officious and annoying to overhear. The staff demonstrates its progressivism by bopping around behind the bar to Bill Withers jams (keep the music, lose the singalongs). And by giving free to-go beer to a Pride parade straggler who looked like he'd just gotten into a fight with a mongoose and a box of beer. "They're on the house. Be careful!" Not quite as dumb as selling a shifty guy some PETN because he tells you he's going to use it to cure his heart condition. But annoying enough that I notice. Where's my free beer? I'm careful, too! And I tip!
(2)Peter D.
I can't say if they are a bar first and a restaurant second, or vice versa. I can say that the pot roast is the best i've had in Columbus, that the interior is well done, and the glasses are large requiring infrequent refills. The place gets packed easy, but I think it can still accommodate large groups easily. Fish dishes are also very good. All the guy bartenders and servers are great, the brunette woman however is a lowgrade and is a consistent obstacle.
(4)Kylie F.
Cool Columbus veggie sammmyyyyy. Man, so this is a simple veggie sammy but to me it's so good. Crusty wheat bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs, lettuce, and herb cream cheese simple eh. But so so good
(5)Lauren R.
Delicious! Make sure you try the "Flytown Pick Me Up" if you're a whiskey fan...that drink is PHENOMENAL!!!! Also the Smoked Salmon Fritters are to DIE for.
(4)Jessica I.
Five stars for the quality of the bar. We did not eat on our recent visit, but we had a heck of a good time drinking. Stopping in on a rainy afternoon for an afternoon tipple (would that be a daycap?) before a party, we were treated like royalty by the friendly bartenders. There was good beer on tap, and we were given a sample of a couple without asking. We also had to sample a local vodka, OYO, of which we were also given a splash before we ordered a shot. The music was just right and the ambiance was comfortable. It was a nice grown-up bar.
(5)Greenbean O.
I really enjoyed tip top's food and drink selection. If I am ever in town again, I will be back.
(4)Joel C.
Not bad food and nice staff. This is one of our "go-to" places during the weekend.
(4)Jackie C.
Hello eggplant fries!! First time trying the dish and it was delicious. I have dined here many times and cannot believe I have yet to write a review! My latest visit was with my parents, they too loved the food, my Dad especially loved the tender pot roast and after tasting his I think it is what I will order the next time in. Tip Top is also home to one of my favorite whiskey drinks in town, "The Bottoms Up", old crow whiskey and RC cola, always only $3, my little piece of heaven. My only disappointment with my last visit is I did not see the country fried steak on the menu anymore, probably better for my health, but if you see it as a special, I highly recommend it. It is close to the best country fried steak dinner I have ever eaten. Bottom line if you haven't tried out this Lessner creation yet, please do soon, you're missing out!
(4)Amy G.
I can remember when I first arrived at Ohio State University in 2006. By day, downtown Columbus was filled with tall, shimmering buildings and a lively riverfront, an alarmingly gorgeous skyline for a truly underrated city. By evening? Everything went quiet. And then Tip Top arrived, followed in rapid succession by Dirty Franks, the Cuban cafe, more and more events at Skylab, Sugardaddy's, the Pearl Street festival, etc. Yes, the wait sucks. Yes, it's dark and small. Yes, the parking situation in downtown Columbus is horrendous. But this Liz Lessner gem truly brought a breath of fresh air to the downtown dining and nightlife scene. With its long hours, it also gives life to a stale downtown lunch scene, rife with Potbelly's, Subway, Einstein Brothers' Bagels, and other chain fare clustered around the statehouse. The libations? Creative and fantastic. Although your mileage may vary on those mixed drinks. Sometimes the bartender makes 'em heavy and strong. Other times? The lightest pourer ever. Like other Lessner establishments, the food really, really shines, especially for a bar. Fantastic creamy, rich macaroni and cheese with a kick (in this case, big chunks of roasted poblanos) just like that available at Betty's. Dishes more unique to this restaurant include the pot roast (amazing-- some of the best I've had) on a perfectly chewy, salted pretzel roll, roast beef sandwich, and corn chowder. Most of all, forget the diet, bail on the mediocre salads served with wheat toast points that taste like Wonder Bread (albeit a time-honored Columbus tradition), and get the fabulous sweet potato fries, deep fried green beans, and eggplant fries. Oh, and I mourn the loss of the chocolate-macadamia nut pie. Bring it back, y'all.
(4)D H.
Love this place, another regular stop in Columbus. Great food, great service and a great patio.
(4)Marie E.
Went here because Elevator's kitchen had closed at 11 and we were pushing midnight. We were hungry and tired from a full day in the sun. We had to wait for someone to seat us but it didn't take too long even with a wedding reception that had just let out taking up most of the place. Our waiter was there pretty quick and had no issues with us all ordering waters which was all any of us wanted. We had the sweet potato fries a Caesar salad and my husband had the Philly cheese steak which was what it needed to be and no more. Would certainly go back for late night snacks. The beer taps looked impressive but we didn't try anything this time.
(4)Shelby M.
Dark decor is daring & delightful for Tip Top! On an off-night, after searching for a new place for my taste buds to explore, I ventured out on the town in search of Tip Top. Mouth-watering, I scrambled to try as much in one sitting as I could stomach. But again, I had my husband to help me out. Just a few of my faves: -Basket of Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Mayo $5 - Da' bomb. Thin-cut & crunchy. -Basked of Eggplant Fries $7 - Deep-fried vegetable! Need I say more? Yummy. -Ohio Nachos $8 - Tasty fair-style-food (much like the Brazenhead potato chips) -Smoked Salmon Fritters $9 - Outstanding! Not much for your money serving-size-wise, but tasty (substitute: salmon fritter pita) -Blue Ribbon Pot Roast $10 - Meaty enough for a big man! Mac 'n Cheese $10 - Gourmet (not for the 'kiddies') House Salmon $11 - Hit-up with a side of parmesan risotto (creamy & filling) Roast Beef and Onion Marmalade $8 - Order it with horseradish! The best part about Tip Top (besides the food)? The service! Go to have celebrity look-alikes & humble-hipsters serve you a comfort-food meal & sit on the patio (even if it looks like rain...it'll wait for you)!
(5)Melanie B.
I can't believe I haven't written a review for Tip Top yet! FAIL! Second best sweet potato fried in town, mf'ers! My favourite Liz Lessner restaurant, ftw! Atmosphere akin to East Coast gloriousness - I'm sold. I took my cousin and my mom, visiting from the Great State of Maine, here tonight - this is always a good place to take out of towners if you casually yet classily want to impress them with the culinary wonders of urban central Ohio. The wait was a bit long - I spent 15 minutes looking for parking while my mom and cousin waited in line, and we waited about 25 more minutes before we were seated - however, this wouldn't have been bad, except that my dear mother is hypoglycemic, so she had to consume saltines and coke while we waited. Whatevs, we're used to that routine. My cousin was dually impressed with the craft beer list (however, while they advertised Maudite on the website, Tip Top did not deliver. Psssh), and she and I enjoyed microbrews while we waited. (Note: the whiskey drinks here are also amazing). The waiter ended up putting a leaf in the table we sat at because it was really a set of two tables at the round booth in the front of the restaurant - so we ended up sharing a table with two other people, but there was definitely plenty of space to have our parties not squished together. I actually liked the communal nature of this whole situation (go figure). Anyway, dinner ruled. We ordered sweet potato fries for the table (duh TO DIE FOR), which were amazing. I had the meatloaf, my cousin had the brats, and my mom had the chicken salad/shallot sandwich. Everything was excellent, and I am a big fan of the meatloaf - it's pan seared (I'm guessing), so it's crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle - it's also slightly spicey. YUM. Also, a big draw for me is the atmosphere at Tip Top - adore the exposed brick, dark drapery, and Victorian feel. I like that the servers are cool but they're not exactly hipsters (they're a little too nice), thus not offending my anti-hipster senses (just a heads up if you feel the same way). I think Tip Top is a good representation of the way I personally view urban Columbus - it's comfy, classy in a completely un-snobby way, friendly, aesthetically-inclined, and alternative. I definitely recommend stopping in here for either kitchen or cocktails - but preferably both! PS: It is hard to stop eating their sweet potato fries, even if you are already full. Juss saying.
(4)Mike B.
Tip Top could quite possibly be the best "bang for the buck" dining experience in the 43215 zip code. It couples a great beer selection (including rogue and a dozen other microbrews, and even a fruit lambic, on tap) with great food. While this was my first time eating here, I went for one specific purpose, the monte cristo sandwich. Long have I gone without this succulent delight of sandwich art, since there is no other place that I know of in Columbus that serves it. They did not fail to deliver at Tip Top. The overly stuffed sandwich was contained by the best eggy crusty bread that could grace the name monte cristo. Served on the side were some great thick-cut chips, and a fairly ordinary pickle. At $10, it's right on the edge of taking the review down a star for price, but considering the rest of the menu selection, it was one of the higher priced items. The ambiance was also great, although we couldn't enjoy it too much since the place was packed to the gills. All in all, two dinners, a beer and a mixed drink rang up for ~$35 (including a $5 tip), you can be the judge as to if this is pricey or not, however remember the close proximity to other more expensive restaurants (due amici, mitchells, f451, etc...) makes this a good choice in the gay street district.
(5)Ron B.
2nd visit to the Tip Top. Service was excellent and they have a good draft beer selection. Ordered the smoked salmon fritters and they were okay. Kind of heavy on the Risotto and light on the smoked salmon. The pot roast sandwich, recommended by the waiter, was awesome! Ordered it with horseradish and mustard and was impressed. Sweet potato fries were good.
(4)Lily C.
Tip Top has the best roast beef I have ever had! I have not been able to try anything else on the menu because I'm loyal to the roast beef onion marmalade sammich!
(5)Matt V.
I wish I got our servers name...he was GREAT! Bean salad was yummy Sweet Potato fries were to DIE for! This place was a great bargain for the amount of food too. I would happily return for some good ol' home cookin!
(5)Josette B.
I really enjoy the food whenever I come here. I've gotten a couple of different sandwiches that were all good. My favorite item on their menu is the sweet potato fries... DELICIOUS!! The service is usually pretty good, but they are always packed. The tables are really tightly spaced and there is usually a wait for seating. Seriously, it's hard to get in the front door every time we come here. But the food is great and is about $8-$12 per person.
(4)Clint H.
Cool looking bar with great beers, but if you want to go somewhere to eat I recommend passing on the tip top "comfort food." Apparently, if you have waiters with tattoos' that wear straight billed retro hats and lip rings it means that your food automatically gets a 4 star rating on yelp. All that comfort food means is "greasy, overly simplistic" food that a high school aged kid could cook before he failed home economics. O yea; and it's expensive.. Drink but don't eat..
(2)Liz G.
On a recent visit to Columbus, I went to dinner at Tip Top with my college roommates. The contrast of no windows to the neighbouring Due Amici gave a stark impression. Once inside that impression was shattered. The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere and homey feel. After a short wait, and a Great Lake Christmas Ale at the bar, we were seated. At the recommendation of my friend I ordered the pot roast sandwich. Another pot roast sandwich was ordered at the table as well as the corn chowder and the mac and cheese with sausage. The food arrived within 15 minutes and the beers were refilled as needed. First, the sandwich. The combination of the mustard, pretzel roll, Swiss cheese and pot roast was amazing. Everything complimented each other amazingly. It was hearty, flavorful, filling and satisfying. Second, the eggplant fries. Yep you read that correctly. Possibly the best installment of fried veggies yet. Battered in a flavorful, light coating, the warmth, flavor, and texture of the eggplant was perfect. I also sampled the corn chowder and the mac and cheese that my friend ordered. Both flavorful and top notch. I am not even that big of a mac and cheese fan, but the creamy Tip Top sampling is worth an order. After a food induced coma, some sleep and a day of work, I had one thing on my mind. Pot roast from Tip Top. Yep, that's right I went back the next day. Hey I was in from out of town, and it was close to my hotel, and it was amazing. I even ordered the exact same thing, and loved it all over again. It would be nice to end this review here, but I have to confess, I went back the next night. 3 dinners in a row. I travel a lot for work and a quality, affordable, delicious dinner is something you don't take for granted. So if you have something thing great going, why chance that? Overall if you are visiting Columbus, or have lived there for years, go to Tip Top, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Hannah D.
We were here again over the weekend. It's not somewhere we visit often but the food is always good when we're there. Definitely order the sweet potato fries (as others have recommended). I like a lot of the featured mix drinks on the menu. I'm a sucker for the ones with cute, local names. Service was slow when we were there but everyone was very friendly.
(4)Melanie M.
I dig this place! I have only ever eaten on the patio or at the bar, but that's pretty irrelevant. Excellent sweet potato fries, and all of the vegan sandwiches I've had were also fantastic. Why do I always write reviews when I'm hungry?? ANYWAY, it's yummy! Oh, the last time we were there the waiter informed us that A-1 Steak Sauce is vegan. And it really is!! So weird!
(4)Mike K.
Great sandwich (ham & slaw on a pretzel bun) and atmosphere. Good brews. Highly recommend.
(4)Jeff H.
Tip Top has great food in a hole-in-the-wall feel. The beer is great and the food is great too! Don't miss out on the Ohio Monte Christo sandwich, my favorite. Within walking distance from the Palace theater for dinner and a show. Had a great time playing the No Fear pinball machine next to the juke box.
(5)Lisa S.
It pains me to give a Liz Lessner joint only 3 stars. I feel like I'm betraying a family member with this review! I'm going to be afraid to show my face in Columbus after writing this, but let it be known now that my reviews are real! Or else I would give 4 stars and not think twice of what I'm about to write. Okay, so enough apologies, let me give it to you straight. I came to Tip Top while the weather was still nice enough for the patio. Something about eating outside on a nice day in the middle of downtown makes my heart swell with pride for Columbus. I caught a brief glimpse of the inside and thought it was a little dark and dingy. The patio is very nice with enough room for 6 or 7 tables. It was lunch time and I ordered the Cheese Steak with Sweet Potato Fries while my mom ordered the Veggie Muffuletta. Here is where the disappointment started to set in. I hear that the Ohio Comfort Entrees are where it's at, but this was lunch time and I wasn't looking for that much food. The sandwiches really lacked the creativity that I've come to expect from Lessner. The food wasn't terrible, but nothing stood out or had that extra kick to it. The Cheese Steak was mostly rubbery bread and my mom stated that her Veggie Muffuletta just wasn't very flavorful. Our server was friendly when taking our order and bring us our food, but after that we didn't see her. I mean, I know we were on the patio, but I don't think there were many patrons on the inside at the time we dined. Just cause we're dining on a lazy afternoon doesn't mean we want our service to be lazy. This review doesn't sit right with me. I want to give Tip Top a better review, which is why I'll be back. But overall Tip Top sits at the bottom of Lessner restaurants for me. For now.
(3)Sean S.
I really wanted to like Tip Top because I've become quite fond of the two Short North restaurants that are run by the same person--Betty's and Surly Girl-- but it's just not quite up to that level yet. The biggest problems I've had seem to revolve around the service. On a few occasions the server had forgotten that my party was sitting there (on slow nights, no less), and on another couple occasions the wrong food was brought to us. The verdict is still out on the interior space/design of the restaurant. To me it feels like Betty's and Surly Girl were put into a blender and the outcome was Tip Top--an indecisive mish-mash of kitsch I've never had a horrible meal at Tip Top--in fact, there are a couple things on the menu I really enjoy. The biggest problem with the food itself is that it never LOOKS appetizing, which isn't a good thing in a restaurant. A good example of this would be the meatloaf: It looked like "mystery meat" that was gray, and looked as though it had sat around for a while. Having said that, the flavor was decent, but a bit on the bland side. While Tip Top isn't awful, I'd still recommend either Surly Girl Saloon or Betty's over it.
(3)Alexa A.
This place is so overrated. I guess I should have realized that "Ohio-themed" means "mediocre." Same high prices as Surly Girl, without the interesting ambiance or food. Very very few healthy options for the gluten-intolerant, not a lot for vegetarians either. It is a very welcome addition to the area, and I'm glad it has so much seating, such late hours (relatively), the patio, and decent beer. But I wish it had something to make it a destination, rather than a last resort.
(3)Matthew M.
I've only eaten at Tip Top twice, but both times I was impressed and satisfied by the meal. Looking through the other reviews, I haven't seen anybody mention the blackened tilapia with steamed vegetables. It was so good as to qualify as archetypal. The drinks are stiff and not too expensive. I found out last week that the bathroom is frigid in the winter. The decor is similar to Surly Girl and Betty's, if a little more geared toward the urban professionals of downtown. I noticed last time that i liked the music on Tip Top's jukebox: I noticed Fleet Foxes and pre-suck Modest Mouse. Liz Lessner and her crew know how to put together restaurants to attract and hold a loyal local following, and Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails is no exception.
(4)Kim S.
Went here with my husband and 13 year old daughter. No wait on a Saturday evening at 6:30, which was nice. I can't say the waitress was friendly, but she was fairly efficient. I got the pot roast and my daughter got the pot roast sandwich on a pretzel roll, both which were good. DH got the Italian beef sandwich, which was ok, but not great. I've read several reviews about Tip Tops prices being high-I don't know where these people usually go, but I thought the prices were quite reasonable. My pot roast, with roasted carrots, potatoes, onions, etc., was $11, and my daughter's sandwich, which came with kettle chips was $8. No, it's not gourmet, but I'd say it's better than the average bar food.
(3)barb s.
Use your SBB card here.Shout out to Julie, an attentive, friendly bartender! The service was lovely! Love the Columbus Ohio memorabilia lining the bar. The bar is a wonderful old mirrored wooden affair whose layout reminded me faintly of a great bar I used to frequent in Stuttgart Germany. Good crowd, good vibe here. I love that our downtown has some great places to eat and drink. I usually will ask what the server recommends and use that info to make my choice. It was a toss up between pot roast and a chicken dish with goat cheese. I settled on the pot roast after Julie said it would taste better than my mothers. Ah, well, I certainly hope so!. My mother kills her food, cooks it to a cinder, makes mush out of the stoutest veggies and burns whatever she can :) I didn't get my culinary skills from her lol. Back to the roast: it was flippin awesome!! OMG!! It tasted like I had made it, it was that good! The meat was still a bit pink, the veggies were done perfectly, with just the right amount of potatoes to carrots to celery to onions!! Tender and juicy, served with a dark piece of bread on the side, oh yeah, yum yum. Trusty (as in side-kick) had the chicken with goat cheese and offered me a taste which I declined cuz I wasn't gonna part with one crumb of said roast, oh no, it was mine, all mine. He said the chicken was very good. I magnanimously gave up a piece of roast (cuz I was getting stuffed) and he said that was what he would get next time.Well yeah, it was that good. We both topped off with apple pie with a crumb topping, again, very very good. I also had an old fashioned and a whiskey sour of sorts as I can't recall their names. Strong pours, good value. Trusty agreed. So, great atmosphere, good service, good ole fashioned comfy food and strong drinks for not too mucho dinero and SBB discount. Yep, I'll be back and soon! Hells yeah!
(4)Tori W.
Out of all of Liz's restaurants this would have to be my least favorite. The menu is fairly small and limited and just did not wow me. The items that I did have were fine -smoked salmon croquettes on a pita (which was dry and I did not bother to eat) with shredded lettuce, a smattering of ranch dressing, and tiny diced tomatoes. The sweet potato fries were quite good, but there were way more on the plate than needed. A friend ordered the Ohio nachos- homemade potato chips with cheese, peppers, tomato, black olive, onion. sour cream. The chips were delicious, but a bit of overkill with the sour cream. The service was where I had the most problem. The female bartender definitely showed that she did not want to be there almost to the point of being rude. There was a male bartender that checked on us near the end of our visit who was much more friendly and acted like he actually gave a damn. I don't plan on re-visiting this restaurant again, but Betty's and Surly Girl are both worth repeated stops.
(3)Alison M.
Even though my story is essentially identical to Liz G's, I can't resist leaving a good review - I just liked this place that much! I was drawn in by the name and the Yelp rating, and walked over from a nearby hotel on a Monday night. The stark club-style exterior looks intimidating, but it is in direct contrast to the cozy welcoming interior. There's quite a range of clientele (for Ohio) and somehow everyone seemed to fit in, plus I was surprised to find it was decently packed. When I went back on Tuesday, it was legitimately packed, with a wait for a table - glad I didn't attempt it on a weekend! The service was friendly, the decor inviting, but what brought me back was the food. I had the house salad (better than expected for a house salad!) and sweet potato fries (stellar!) one night, and went back for the famous pot roast sandwich. With the exception of the pretzel roll, I'm generally not a fan any of the listed ingredients, but together they were fabulous!! What's more, my whiskey cocktail (which did involve muddling) was only $4 - which just blew my San Francisco-price-based mind.
(5)Maple Q.
My future brother-in-law recommended this place to us. It was awesome. Food: I had the best breakfast burrito of my life here - and that's saying a lot - and the Ohio Nachos are a revelation. I had never had them before. Wowzers. Service: The waitstaff was super nice. The maitre'd (?) - who might've just been a guy rolling silverware into napkins - was sort of a dick. As he lead us to our table, I experienced what I imagine it might be liked to get turned down at a gay bar. But, whatever. The other dudes were great. Sort of like they were out of Singles, if Singles had taken place in the Midwest. Drinks: The beer selection was great. The soft drinks come in huge plastic cups. The wedding party that rolled in late: Pretty fucking lame, duh.
(4)Greg S.
Tip Top is fantastic. There is a wide variety of food and a wonderful atmosphere, at great prices. A couple of items I recommend are: the Pot Roast sandwich (served on a pretzel bun) and the Goat Cheese and Turkey Sandwich. All sandwiches are served with fantastic, freshly made potato chips or you can upgrade to either sweet potato fries or better yet eggplant fries (my personal favorite.) Check out Tip Top, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Nicole B.
I feel like I'm right in the same boat as Sean S. and Lisa S.....I really really wanted to like Tip Top, but there is just something about this place that makes it entirely forgettable to me. I'm not saying that the food or service was bad, that isn't the case at all. I can't even really pinpoint my issue with Tip Top. Maybe my biggest issue was that almost the entire menu is sandwiches. Now granted, this isn't a bad thing, just not my kind of thing. They have the typical appetizers, including the Red Bean Hummus. Its was hard for me to look through the menu though, because nothing jumped out at me. Nothing said "Wow! I HAVE to try that!" I ended up getting the Reuben with sweet potato fries. Now, the food wasn't bad. Honestly, the reuben was a little greasy but it reminded me of the Bistro at my undergrad college. But, then again, I wouldn't go back to my undergrad just to eat another Reuben. I didn't get the pretzel roll, which is supposedly the best thing ever. But I don't think I'd go back JUST to try that. Happy Hour was okay, and when we were there they had a special on any Ohio Brewed beer. But, when I looked at the drinks, nothing jumped out at me. I went with something boring and familiar, something I usually never do when trying a restaurant for the first time. Honestly, if I was going to be in this area of Columbus anyways, I'd just travel a little further to Dirty Frank's!
(3)Jared T.
Tip Top is my once a week casual, beer and food go to place. The cozy booths and soft lighting are a nice break from Ohio's grey winter skies. The pot roast sandwich rocks with its pretzel roll and mustard - especially with a cold Bell's.
(5)zahra b.
Great food selection and service. After several disappointments on the same block, Tip Top blew us away!
(5)Jim G.
This is a nice place to go and sample a wide variety of beers. The setting is casual and relaxed. The booths are a bit worn so don't over dress. The menu is not your usual bar grub. Special note: the sweet potato fries are GREAT. For dinner I had salmon which was a bit dry even with the topping sauce, parmesan risotto which was a bit thick and lumpy, veggies that were a bit al dente, hard, or under-cooked to my liking. I knew going in that this was an aggressive order for a beer joint and even though the dinner didn't blow me away all-in-all it was not bad. The dinner plus two beers came to $21, well worth it and yes I would come back to try a few more beers and another "I can't believe they have this item on the menu" dinner.
(3)Jeff P.
Awesome pot roast. Funky and tasty cocktails. Interesting beer selection. Hipsters galore. Quirky, dark, rustic decor. Unassuming location and exterior. Cozy place for dinner and some cocktails.
(4)John D.
The sweet potato fries are delicious. I had the pot roast sandwich and it was delicious and warm in the belly. I ate lunch there but the bar looked so inviting I imagined a long night with a string of beers and a good book or my wife. It doesn't look like much from the outside but inside the atmosphere is warm and lovely.
(4)baby l.
Okay..........seriously? 5 garbage bins greet you at the front of the restaurant? What is up with that? Not a great way to start your dining experience! Next, you have to shimmy past the patrons sitting at the bar to get to the hostess station.....very akward! When greeted, it didn't seem that the hostess was really glad to see me.......moreso just another customer to seat. Got seated at a table that wobbled back and forth so much that my full beer spilled several times until I took several quick drinks to make it stop! Waiter was quick and transactional not really all that engaged and acted put out that I would ask questions about menu items. Got the Italian beef sandwich. Bread was tough, meat over salted but the zuchini fries were out of this world but not enough to salvage this dining experience! Ambiance was okay. I don't think the place is that old but it feels like everything needs a good cleaning. Everything felt dusty and old from the pictures on the wall to the bizarre drapes hanging randomly on the wall! Kind of sad 'cause I live in the area and would love a great casual restuarant to frequent. My quest continues!
(2)Jose R.
I was visiting Columbus for the evening and the hotel concierge recommended TipTop for a quick bite. The two colleagues I walked in with took a table. I waited at the bar because I wasn't planning on staying - just wanted some food to go. I completely understand the bartender being weeded / overwhelmed because he was alone at the bar. However, when you say something you better follow up. As I waited he said "hey, be with you shortly". Two other girls arrived a few minutes later and he said the same to her. Later on (add a few more minutes), I see the stereotypical hipster walk in and stand at the side of the bar near the entrance. Says hello to bartender and walks over to where myself and the girls are standing -- right in front of the well! After the bartender paused a couple of times to have a quick conversation with him he turned around and continued preparing cocktails. Two cocktails for his friend! BIG NO-NO. I have waited tables, bartended, and I am still in the service industry. If I say something to my customer he or she can expect me to follow up. After I exclaimed to the bartender that we had been waiting here his only response was "ok...well, what do you want to drink?" The word "sorry" never escaped his mouth. Meanwhile, my two colleagues sitting at the table had already been taken care of. They were shocked that I still was waiting and had not placed an order. When their waitress approached I inquired if there was a manager - there wasn't one present. I explained to her what just happened. She could have cared less. Although she did offer an apology it was what I would consider a half-assed one. She did offer to take my order, but it was clear she did not see the principle behind my frustration and the bartender's poor professionalism and favoritism when serving his friend instead of a new patron. I see the glowing reviews they receive here... most perhaps by Tip Top regulars. And if anyone in charge at this establishment has any interest in knowing who the bartender was: short guy with red hair.
(2)Danielle F.
On sort of an impulse move my boyfriend and I decided to head downtown for brunch on a perfectly sunny Saturday in August. We were debating between several restaurants in the area and ultimately decided to try Tip Top for the first time. We scored the last table on the patio and unlike so many patios in town where you often wonder if you've been forgotten, our server showed up at our table almost immediately. Our mixed drinks arrived in record time and went down a little too easily. ;) Also unlike many other locations around town, the brunch buffet is not actually a buffet at all. Thanks goodness! Who wants to pay an insane amount for food that has been sitting out for who knows how long over a Bunsen burner? I ordered Sal's Big Mess and it was a scrumptious mess. I have to say it was the best sausage gravy I've ever had. I do wish it came with more hash browns (which by the way were really fried potatoes...not what I think of as hash browns though I love as equally as much), but I had plenty of leftovers to parlay into a second breakfast the next morning with some fresh eggs. My boyfriend opted for the Blue Ribbon Breakfast Skillet. It was equally yummy. I had contemplated ordering it myself but was afraid it might be too spicy for me. I tried a bite and it was actually really well done, just enough pepper for good flavor but not so much that your mouth is on fire. (Don't worry I let him try a bite of mine too!) Tip Top is one of those places that we can't believe it took us so long to visit and will definitely go back again and again.
(4)Angela Z.
Tip Top is a really dark bar that has some great food and some items that are just okay. Most of the servers are very nice, but I've been in there a few times when I felt like I wasn't part of the 'in' crowd. Friday and Saturday nights definitely have the regulars and long waits for tables or bar spots. The corn chowder is absolutely delicious and working downtown allows me to satisfy my craving often. The sweet potato fries are also a decadent treat. Some items have been just okay--the roast beef sandwich is a hit with most of my friends.
(4)Laura C.
I love this place just as much as the next person. If I ever move out of Columbus, this is one of the places that when you come back to visit you just have to make sure you eat at. The only thing I've ordered that I didn't really like was the Veggie Muffuletta but I think that has to do with the olive spread used and I don't like olives unless they're heavily ground up and disguised in really unhealthy things like MAYO. But it's my fault for not reading the description thoroughly. I always like trying something new each time. I would say the best bang for the buck is with the salads (spinach salad in particular) - the $5 HALF sized salads are ridiculous in size and absolutely delicious. My favorite sammies have been the Avocado-Honey-Shallot Chicken Salad and Salmon Fritter Pita. Obviously, you MUST pay the $1 extra to get sweet potato fries (SPF). Forget ordering the SPF as a starter (as for the $5 they charge you is a rip off considering they give you the same amount for $1). You will have plenty of leftover SPF to take home and reheat in your toaster oven and enjoy the next day. As for entrees, I like the tilapia. It's pretty difficult to seat more than 4 people together here, so keep that in mind.
(5)Luan N.
Tip Top is a whiskey lounge with the most random decor. Lately, I've been trying whiskey cocktails and I felt this was place to go in Columbus. However, I shall elucidate the level of professionalism here. I ordered the Bus town julep and Amish ordered the Route 40 Shorty. The bartender was referring to the menu back and forth between the 4 ingredients. So he poured the whiskey, looked at the recipe.. poured the vermouth, looked at the menu... poured the grenadine, looked at the menu... poured the club soda, looked at the menu.. stirred the cocktail, looked at the menu... added the cherry garnish and presto, shazam, sim sala bim, alakazam! That was some build up, he should have got his own commercial breaks. C'mon Mr. Bartender, anything off the menu should be your bread and butter. Even if you have to refer to the recipe, one glance should suffice! Here are the positives. I think the beer list was well thought out. And the whiskey cocktails set us back only $4 each. I don't think you can even get a simple Manhattan in all of Chicago for that price.
(3)Crystal O.
I dine out in big groups quite often, and appreciate when I can take 14 chatty women out and have a great experience. At Tip Top on a Thurs. nite, they didn't throw a fit about our size, splitting up the bill or waiting on a large group of chatty women. Though they don't take reservations, I called ahead to warn them and they promptly had a few tables set aside in the same area for us. Our food for all 14 people was served all together, no plates were misprepared or forgotten and everything was warm. Everyone's checks were perfectly divided, by seat and with the right drinks on them. If I remembered the name of our waitress, I'd give her five stars for her patience and efficiency. The food was solid, well-priced and tasty. Great work, TipTop. You deserve your reputation.
(5)Frank L.
This place is grossly overrated and really just gross. The first (and only) time I had a full meal here, I got a serving of green beans that tasted like it had been stored in someone's scuba diving boot for a week after they'd been swimming in both a local pond and a heavily chlorinated pool. Or something like that. It was awful, and I hate to think about what I was, in fact, consuming. The apology was I received was minimal, and nothing was taken off the bill. I'd be willing to think that maybe this was just an isolated incident, but then I look at all the three-star reviews on here that mention at least one disgusting food experience at Tip Top, and this verifies that the standards in the kitchen here are less than tip-top.
(2)Kati K.
Tip Top is a good place to hang out, get some appetizers and drinks with some friends in a relaxed environment while still having some fun. That being said, this place didn't wow me away like I was expecting it to. The food was OK, but if I want that kind of quality I can head on over to the 'dube for cheaper. Speaking of, no drink specials? At least not when I was there - sad, because I think I would come here more otherwise. Worth checking out at least once, especially if you have more than a few people you're going with (going back tonight since the original plan was Betty's but we soon had way more people than they could ever hold!) but don't expect anything fantastic.
(3)Shawnie K.
Have you ever dreamed of pot roast? Well, you will after you try the potroast sandwich at Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails. As the third restaurant in the Lessner-family empire of Columbus eateries, expect consistantly delicious food in a laid back ambiance. The menu consists of a broad selection of stick-to-the-ribs comfort food, such as homemade mac & cheese, meatloaf and Rueben sandwiches, as well as lighter fare for those lunch-goers who may not have the luxury of napping after such a feast. Tip Top draws a professional crowd during regular business hours, which is natural, given its downtown location. The evenings and weekends attract a more mixed crowd, falling anywhere between Hipster and Hippie. Young and old alike will feel right at home at Tip Top. In fact, the folks who grew up in Columbus might even recognize the name's allusion to the local 1950's kiddie show-- "Tip Top Bandwagon," featuring Columbus's very own Flippo the Clown. The Columbus theme runs thoughout the restaurant. Once your eyes adjust to the dim lighting, you'll notice walls full of historic photos and other art and paraphanelia related to the city's history. Be assured, the decor is not a shrine to the Buckeyes, but rather a celebration of all things Columbus. Including its "Ohio Comfort Food" menu, as well as the cleverly named libations. Don't come here expecting the cliche, mile-long menu of martinis... this-tini or that-tini ...but Tip Top does have an eyebrow raising list of "whisky concoctions" - some strong enough to put hair on your chest and others that even the fru-fru drinkers will enjoy. Tip Top doesn't just celebrate the city 'in word', but they do in 'deed,' giving back in a variety of ways, both obvious and subtle. They use locally grown produce when possible, carry Columbus-made coffee from Cafe Brioso, and feature a wide range of mid-western breweries. The old-school jukebox plays tunes hand picked by our favorite Columbus musicians (who by the way, tend to frequent the restaurant). Tip Top even gives food discounts to those who choose to leave their cars at home and ride bikes or scooters. Across the board, Tip Top maintains a great philosophy of supporting the locally owned businesses and promoting Columbus, all the while keeping us well fed! Patronizing Tip Top will fill you up- both belly & soul.
(5)Michael C.
Really good sandwiches and great fries. My favorite is the Tip Top Pot Roast Sandwich with the fries. You should also get the fried green beans appetizer, it is delicious.
(5)Daniel E.
There are not many places to eat in downtown Columbus so I went to Tip Top a couple of times while staying there for a week. They have some pretty decent choices on their menu and the service is pretty good. The flavors are run into together but in a pinch, Tip Top is the place to go.
(3)Seth D.
I was brought here by a friend after we found out the Mexican place around the corner was closed, so I walked in a little dissapointed. I thought it was kind of a cool, old looking place inside though. I ordered the potroast sandwich on the pretzel bun, and my son got the roast beef. The roast beef was pretty good, it seemed to be made of real roast beef, and not some reconstituted beef/salt/water product. My son wasn't too impressed, but I'm sure he was expecting something reconstituted like Arby's. The potroast sandwich was awesome! It probably had a lot to do with the pretzel roll it was on, but I've been craving it for about a month now. I will definitely be back soon for another. As far as the service goes, I found it quite adequate, but this was my first visit.
(4)Elizabeth D.
All I'm going to say is pot roast sandwich with sweet potato fries. Now you will all want it.
(5)Dorn B.
I love the people I love the food and I love the whiskey selection. The location is a little hard to get to as there is always a limit to the available parking. Thought the last few times I have been there I have parked right in front. The food is what I let to call "Meat & Potatoes". My favorite dish is the pot roast sandwich. It is (as the name states) a pot roast on a pretzel bun with cheese and some type of yummy mustard. I absolutely love the thing. It comes with a heaping helping of fries on the side. You will not be hungry after this meal. I should mention that if you ride your bicycle to the bar and you mention it to your server or bartender you will get the "two wheel" discount. Go! check it out. It is good.
(5)Chris L.
Somehow Tip Top has turned in to my favorite food place in town. It's very close to where I work, so I guess I naturally gravitate there for happy-hour-priced Ohio nachos (1/2 off) and drinks. The drinks you need to try are the $3 RC cola and whiskey, the Lion's Den, and the Ohio wines. They also have an impressive beer selection, but that speaks for itself. The food selections you need to try are: Pot Roast in any of its incarnations, sweet potato fries, fried green beans, mac and cheese, Philly cheese steak done veggie style, and the tilapia. There are some hit or miss items on the menu, so I'd stick to these. Tip Top is a great place to meet up with people. Unlike Short North places, I never feel crammed into a table there. And you can always wait for a booth. The service is always good. I've never had a complaint, bar or table. Sometimes there is a wait, but that's standard at most popular eateries. So go to Tip Top, relax, drink yummy drinks and hang out with your friends.
(5)Sammy T.
I decided to give more stars, because I have had a change of heart. The pot roast sandwich and Original Sin cider on tap have won me over. Plus they made me a tuna melt , which I'm pretty sure wasn't even on the menu and it was muy sabroso.
(4)Elizabeth C.
I had the sweet potato black eyed peas hash. It was good, but what really impressed me was the deconstructed piña colada. It earns five stars.
(5)Zack F.
I didn't want to give it two stars. It has potential. Unfortunately it falls behind Betty's which falls behind Surly Girl in my mind. The food just isn't as good and the service wasn't that great. For some reason I wasn't that happy with the beer selection either. Of the three I will always go for Surly.
(3)Tom M.
Sweet tater fries were much touted by others and they were good. However the eggplant fries are a MUST especially with the bloody Mary dipping sauce. That was brilliant and novel. Any samich served on a pretzel roll has to be good. I had the potroast sandwich and it was fantastic. If you want desert get the Foxy Roxy drink as it was the perfect ending.
(4)M. D.
When you're needing delicious comfort food- this is the place! I love the corn chowder when I'm getting a cold especially. There isn't anything on the menu I don't like, but the pot roast sandwich is to die for. The sweet potato fries are Columbus' best AND the "tip top bottoms up" is a tasty whiskey and coke for just three dollars. Love it, love tip top!
(4)Bree P.
Wow. I love it here. I mean, please do make sure you use a restroom elsewhere, it seems that the bathroom (the women's, anyway) was designed for a 6 year old girl with no kneecaps. I'm not fat, and I'm not too tall, but this bathroom isn't for a woman at all. So, onward to the food...I like to eat vegan/vegetarian and hellllooo vegan cheesesteak on a pretzel bun! This is a nice prep for the belly before a night of binge-drinking and not caring about peeing in bathooms made for toddlers. Once I had a horrible, cranky waitress, I can only remember her menacing bangs and impatient scowl. She was not nice, but if that bathoom is the only one available to her during the workday...then I understand. Another time I had a jolly nice boy for a waiter who was very accomodating and easy-going (their bathooms must be fabulous in there). So, all in all, the waitstaff (and the toilet in the women's restroom) are hit- or- miss. The FOOD is special and the beer is frosty.
(4)Jody D.
Went to Tip Top with a friend during Friday Lunch and though the line was back to the door, they got people seated and served very fast. We ordered our sandwiches, I had grilled cheese, tomato and sweet potato fries. Yum. The order arrived in less than 10 minutes and Sarah was a joy as a server. I will be back. Kudos!
(5)Kevin M.
I went to Tip Top tonight with my boyfriend and some friends following the opening of an art show. Though the service was a bit lacking here and there (how hard is it to understand that when everyone at a six person table wants water, that's six glasses of water?), our waitress was friendly and we were seated relatively quickly despite there being six of us on a Saturday night. Great beer selection, and a very fun selection of mixed drinks, especially for the whiskey enthusiasts. I had a "Commit to be Lit," which consists of three types of flavored vodka, cranberry juice, and lemon-lime soda. It tastes like Kool-Aid. Delicious, highly alcoholic, blackout-inducing Kool-Aid. Everyone enjoyed their food. I had a basket of sweet potato fries (which are exactly what sweet potato fries should be) and a bowl of corn chowder (very satisfying); others really enjoyed their Ohio Nachos, country fried steak, pot roast, and herbed goat cheese salads. Overall, very pleasant - good to see somewhere worth going appear downtown. Finally, some company for the intrepid gay bars that have been there for a decade and the smattering of other restaurants.
(4)Chase S.
Great beer selection! Very strong mixed drinks as well. Food was pretty tasty, they overcooked the salmon (typical of Ohio), but overall everything was A-OK. We ate at the bar and the the bartender was very nice and efficient.
(4)Ann S.
Split a trio of mini potroast sandwiches at the Independents Day festival. Very simple. Pot roast on white buns with 2 pickles. They offered yellow mustard to put on it but that kind of grossed us out. Offer us ketchup or A1 then yeah. It didn't need condiments though. Moist, flavorful and the pickle was a perfect compliment even if my Mr didn't think so. I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever had. It's average but if you don't make pot roast on your own (which I do) then it might just hit the spot and feel just like mama used to make. Will be trying more from them in the future when we can choose more than what they had to offer there.
(3)michael c.
I've been holding off on this review a while. Tip Top had a strong start and they were my place to go in the summer. I lived on that patio (after 6pm mostly). They kept a good run through the summer. Good comfort food and great cocktails and beer. As we've nosed into winter i was wondering how they'd hold up.. The verdict is... they're great.. winter and summer, Tip Top is the place. It's a restaurant i can take anyone in my family, carnivores and vegetarians. The drinks can't be beat. They're open late (kitchen too) and they're nice people to boot. Standout menu items include: Pot Roast Sandwich - bring your hunger, but wow is this good. Mom's been in the Garden Salad - again, bring your hunger. vegetarian, but good for hungry omnivores. Tuna Salad Sandwich - good for when you're not as hungry but want something late Check out the soups as they are often good. On top of all this, I have to say that the service is good, the special events are fun and the jukebox is good. The food here is very good, but very much "Comfort Food". Most (but not all) items are on the heavy side. I wish the fries weren't as good as i want to eat them all every time I order them. I wouldn't mind a few more "light" menu items for evening meals out during the week. While Tip Top isn't perfect, they're pretty damn close... I give them 5 stars.
(5)Caroline C.
I've had this bookmarked for a while, and decided to check it out over the weekend. Despite a throng of people sitting/hanging around outside, getting seated inside was surprisingly easy. I have to agree that it is pretty dark and chilly inside, but when it's as eye-squintingly bright and muggy like it has been of late, this was definitely a bonus. We both had the corn chowder soup ($5). It was a little bit spicy for me (and maybe not the best choice on a hot day) but it was very good - great flavor, nice and thick, decent-sized portion. I opted for the Reuben ($8) but asked for wheat instead of rye. The server looked at me like I had three heads, and said, "Uh, wheat? Really??" Um, yeah, really... Anyway, the sandwich was big, and stuffed with decent corned beef. The dressing was a tad sweet for my taste but otherwise, I really enjoyed it. The fries were good too - hot and fresh. He went for the Roast Beef sandwich ($8) but chose horseradish dressing instead of onion marmalade. I gotta say, the roast beef was better than the Reuben - soooo tender and flavorful, and the bun was super soft and buttery. Sweet potato fries aren't my thing, but he wolfed them down. All in all, this was a great place for lunch. Shame I've recently quit drinking because the beer selection looked fantastic. Service was lacking, and parking sucks nuts, but the food definitely made up for it. Recommended!!
(4)Gene X.
Well you gotta love Tip Top for serving food late into the night. After arriving and getting settled into my hotel room, I realized I had barely eaten during my travel and flights since the airlines give you NOTHING to eat without charging for crappy food, so I found myself looking at what was around and open and of course Tip Top showed up and since it's also a bar it was the perfect choice! They have a pretty good selection of beers on tap and in bottles so I tried the Bell's Two Hearted Ale which was a really nice ale that I hadn't had before. I also ordered the spinach salad which was tasty but maybe a bit over dressing-ing (if that's a word). Overall though this place is nice and unpretentious and felt like some place locals might actually go (although in this part of town I don't know if locals actually hang out or not.) A solid choice if you are looking for something low key but good and especially since it's a real local business - avoid chains!!!!
(4)John R.
Decided to go to Tip Top on a slow Saturday in downtown Columbus. Had heard they had good food but since it looks like a bar from the outside, I hadn't tried it til today. What a pleasant surprise. Inside is more restaurant like although they definitely have an extensive bar. On weekends they have a brunch menu. I tried the Blue Ribbon Skillet. Two scrambled eggs over home fries mixed with shredded pot roast topped with some cheese and green onions. Exceptionally good. The only knock on this place was the service. The staff, although very nice, was a little too involved with each other as opposed to serving me.
(4)doreen w.
Tip Top is the over sized sibling of local favorites, Surly Girl and Betty's. My first experience here was a few months back after an all you can drink Drambuie event at Due Amici and I was in serious need of carbs. Tip Top is hit the spot. Everything you love about it's siblings is bigger here, the space, the menu, and of course the drinks-both on tap and cocktails. On my first visit I tried the Ohio Nachos a nice twist on the equally delicious Steve's Afternoon delight. Both feature homemade chips with sour cream at Tip Top they go a little spicy with jalapenos and black olives. I sampled these along with the shoe string fries and sweet potato wedges with a group of friends and despite the circumstances we couldn't eat it all among the three of us! I recently went back to sample an entree and was very pleased with my veggie burrito again HUGE portion, I ate half and the rest for lunch next day. I will return to Tip Top but most likely for drinks and snacks since there is not much on the menu that is out of the box from this family of comfort food restaurants.
(3)lizette r.
had some late night-post beers-post ween eats at tip top on saturday night. the line was out the door and since we were staying at the renaissance hotel right across the street we opted for take out. fantastic!! we enjoyed two beers at the bar while we waited which wasn't long at all. we split the sweet potato fries and the spicy mayo was killer! he ordered the chipotle turkey sandwich and i got the grilled cheese. we ordered beers at out hotel and stuffed our faces up in our hotel room. it was marvelous!! it was a really cool bar which i would've enjoyed hanging out at if we hadn't been pooped and drunk already. the food was really, really good - much better than typical "bar food." a winner!!
(4)Elise F.
This may just be my favorite restaurant in Columbus. Their midwest comfort food is unbeatable, and their specialty whisky drinks are amazing. Everything in the restaurant is local (except the bar itself). It's fun to walk around and see Columbus' history from the pictures on the walls. Great place to chill! They're veggie- and vegan-friendly, too.
(5)Allison G.
In April 2009, my organization hosted a conference at the Renaissance Columbus Hotel that is just a block away. Three of my coworkers and I discovered Tip Top on our second night, and we went back every day that we were in Columbus. We STILL talk about Tip Top. For instance, someone might randomly say, "You know what DC needs?" And someone else will say, "Yes. Tip Top." We keep trying to convince our members that we need to have another meeting in Columbus so that we can go back to Tip Top!
(4)Anthony C.
The atmosphere was crap, the food was OK, for the the price I guess it was descent. The service was poor. I would not go there again. I went on a Wednesday night so maybe that had something to do with it and I was just looking for a place that was open late and served food. I sat inside and I think sitting outside would have been a better choice just because it seemed to be more lively outside when I left.
(2)Lauren A.
I've been to Tip Tip quite a few times for lunch with work friends. From what I hear, it is owned by the same people that own Surly Girl and Betty's. Tip Top has a lot of vegetarian offerings, including a really good roasted vegetables dish. It's a great little place.
(4)Amanda D.
Tip Top is one of the Columbus Food League places that still exist... I had to put a lot of thought into doing a new review because I still have mixed feelings about it. I am really upset about the closing of the Jury Room, Betty's and especially Surly Girl. But I digress. Tip Top is a great place to just hang out and have some dinner or a beer. They always have good list of local/craft beers on tap that fit the season. The list of "specialty" cocktails are fun too even though I rarely order one. The food is really good here too. My favorite thing are the sandwiches. The pot roast is one of the best things ever. I highly recommend getting the sweet potato fries with anything you order. They have some dipping sauce.. can't remember what they call it right now... but it's really good! This could have been the beer talking, but the food was memorable. All in all I really like Tip Top. It's too bad that it's such long drive for me otherwise we would go more often.
(4)Lisa P.
So, I've been to Tip Top a few times. The first time for lunch and the most recent was for brunch. I loved the Pot Roast sandwich for lunch. Flavorful, juicy, good. Sweet potato fries were on point. I have been underwhelmed by brunch, however. This weekend I went and got the Western omelette. It has ham, cheese, peppers, onions....and a pound of eggs wrapped around it. Seriously, there was too much egg and I was about to barf. The problem was, the egg didn't even taste good and I'm not sure that it wasn't pre-made. Kinda gross. I did enjoy their breakfast potatoes when I could get around the egg monster on my plate. Just, too much egg. I enjoyed my Bloody Mary. The service was pretty good. The space itself seemed kinda dirty. Then again, it seems that all Columbus Food League restaurants aspire to be a little divey. That's fine, whatever. Prices are average. Maybe a little over priced for the quality. I may come back but right now, I'm not feeling it for brunch. We may be seeing a trend in Columbus Food League quality here....which is a real shame. I miss Surly Girl.
(3)Norma F.
Amazing Veggy wrap. Was very surprised for a bar. Customer service was mediocre. Nobody was in the place, and the gal bar tending was chatty with the barman but not unaware of customers waiting. I was there to get an order to go, not to hugh out so it was kind of annoying. But service was fast, and inexpensive. I paid $11 for a beer and an amazing vegan wrap.
(4)Ian M.
I love the ambiance here, and it's a place to come get a great lunch. GET HERE EARLY. The place fills up quickly, every day, and for a good reason. The food quality is top notch for the area, and I don't mind voting with my dollars here. They have a nice variety of items to try, and a hell of a bar. Whomever is stocking the bourbon and scotch selection, I'm impressed... keep up the great job everyone!
(4)Malcolm K.
A good friend of mine made me the most amazing birthday gift: a custom 'Lord of the Rings' themed birthday bar crawl map, printed life-size with every detail accounted for. The name "Tip Top" will forever haunt this map, a prominent scar among a pantheon of established downtown watering holes that would otherwise brilliantly shine without it. I've never stepped foot into an identity crisis quite like Tip Top's. It's not a bar. It's not a restaurant. It's nothing -- a void that covers itself up by throwing the kitchen sink at its customers. Yelp wants specifics. Well then, let's get specific. Tip Top is the only 'place' (remember, not a bar or restaurant) that mixes every atmospheric element in the book. Dive bar christmas lights. Gaudy chandeliers. 90s house music (including the theme song to 'Night at the Roxbury' -- Baby Don't Hurt Me). It feels like some rich kid stole his father's Amex, went to Spencer's Gifts, and turned his basement lair into what he thinks a night club is. I didn't dare peek around our booth, but I bet there's a lava lamp tucked away in at least one of Tip Top's crevices. The food disappoints as well. I'm not sure who came up with the ruse to swap nacho chips for potato chips in Tip Top's 'nachos' dish, but the net result is pure sadness. Nachos should be nachos; don't mess with what works. I'm certain that absolutely no one goes to Tip Top for potato chips covered in watery cheese, and they're absolutely justified in their thinking not to do so. The chips are just one example of where Tip Top's food falls short. The most disappointing element of Tip Top, though, is the service, particularly at the front door. A word to management: if you want to be a bar, be a bar. Get rid of the host/hostess position. Let people sit where they want to sit, then serve them. You're paying someone to do a job that does little more than frustrate your customers. In the end, Tip Top mainly survives because of location, which won't always be the case. If you happen to be in the area, fire up your Yelp app and go anywhere, everywhere else. You'll thank me.
(1)Maurice H.
Frequent lunch location. The meatloaf is to die for here. Get here early especially on a Friday as lunch groups quickly fill the place. I would have given it a minimum 4 stars but a few times my food was uncharged for picking some side items over others without being advised. $2 for sweet fries over regular fries. Do sweet potatoes walk over there all the way from Idaho?!. No complaints, would just be nice to advise the customer of potential up-charge for different sides rather than questioning the bill when it arrives.
(3)Megan V.
Interesting vibe with decent food After reading the many reviews, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I'm happy to say Tip Top exceeded my expectations in a variety of ways. On my visit, we had good service. We were seated promptly. We both ordered a few beers and sandwiches. The drinks and food came out fairly quickly. And, the sandwiches were yummy. The atmosphere is fairly dark with old adornments. It's a unique and intimate feel. I wouldn't say it is exceptional, but I'd be happy to go back again. It's a nice option downtown.
(4)Donna O.
Tip Top is the old school vanguard of the downtown revival. The atmosphere matches the décor, cool and dark but not too sunglasses at night. I've been here in just about every iteration - alone, with a group, late night, for brunch, happy hour - and it's an all-around solid experience. Service in general is friendly and attentive, and they don't get pissy if you're on the wagon. The beers rotate, the drink menu is fun. The menu has changed little over the years, and I think that is positive for Tip Top. Daily specials are posted near the host station. There are tons of vegetarian plates, with vegan or vegan-possible options. Lots of appetizer choices - Ohio nachos, fried green beans, eggplant fries, and Tip Top was doing sweet potato fries before people even knew what they were. Their vegetarian corn chowder gets a thumbs-up every time. Spicy gardinera mix is also a specialty (look for "hell" on the menu and there you go). The hell salad is one of my favorites here, with a little sriracha - it will cure your stuffy nose right quick. Big salads, big sandwiches (I am partial to the salmon hoagie), and comfort food entrees that hit the spot. Prices are right at the top of the price point for the food, but the portions are generous. There was a period of time where consistency was lacking, but over the past year I've noticed an improvement - with the number of restaurants serving nights/weekends growing downtown, Tip Top needed to step their game back up - and they have done that well.
(3)Christina L.
Fantastic "Ohio comfort food" as they call it on the menu at Tip Top. The Pot Roast was deliciously seasoned and served with potatoes, carrots. Celery, and tasty turnips all presented in a sizzling skillet. Just what we needed during a recent late-night dinner. The sweet potato fries with their accompanying spicy mayo were also thoughtfully seasoned. Just enough starch to help soak the specialty cocktails my party of 4 ordered. Since it was late, the slow greet by the hostess can be forgiven. She also turned out to be our server, and qas really on the ball in that role. What I cannot abide, though, is the sour odor that greeted us instead. The wait area, such as it is, is directly behind the barstools. Either a yeasty beer drain or fermented soda syrup was likely to blame. This is what prevents me from awarding the 5th star. The drinks we enjoyed were the "Bottoms Up" - Always$3.00 - with Old Crow Bourbon, RC Cola, and a cherry; a "Jungle Jack Hanna" with orange vodka, pineapple, cranberry, and 7-up, and a drink with citrus vodka and St. Germain elderflower liqueur; plus a regular Cosmo for a loyalist - all were reported to be quite tasty. I'd go again for sure, but maybe sit out on the patio...far from that smell.
(4)Michelle F.
We went here for dinner. I got the open faced roast beef- delicious! My husband got the reaper Mac n cheese- not good at all. The service was good. Overall mediocre.
(3)Marie M.
Remember that time my friends and I went to the Columbus Food Truck Festival, got really overwhelmed by people and long lines and ended up at Tip Top for dinner instead? Well worth it!! I had never been there before last night. It has a great atmosphere, staff was attentive and our waiter Mitch was a gem. Will go back again! Get the green beans and feta spread apps. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Caitlin E.
I have been to Tip Top a few times, and each experience has been wonderful! The outside may look misleading with the black wooden façade, but I absolutely love the atmosphere inside. It's casual yet classy with a vintage Ohio vibe. I'm all about the Columbus pride, and this restaurant gives it off in a very subtle way with Victorian Ohio artifacts. The food is also excellent and well priced. I usually have great difficulty deciding what to order because many things on the menu are appealing. There are quite a few options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, though I've stuck with the vegetarian meals. The service is great. I've never had to wait long to be seated, and the staff is very accommodating. On my latest visit, I mentioned my interest in sitting outside, though the patio was full. Once we were seated inside for a few minutes, the host made a point to let me know when there was a space available outside. The servers were very quick to fulfill our requests, and our food came out very quickly with no problems. I highly recommend this restaurant to downtown visitors that want a cheap, quality meal in a comfortable atmosphere.
(5)Attaicus C.
Wow couldn't believe I found a restaurant open after 10:30pm at night that served food , not just typical fried bar food. We started out with bowl of the spicy vegetarian corn chowder.... Mmmmmm perfect is all I can say... For the entrée my friend offered the beef stroganoff and I ordered the blackened catfish with arzzo pasta with steamed broccoli. The beef stroganoff was a huge helping for $11 and it was so rich & delicious.... I was shocked my friend couldn't eat all of it.... I don't think anyone can.. My catfish was very good season perfectly the arzzo pasta could have been seasoned more because it was cooked perfectly just needed more flavor but the catfish blended well enough to season it.... The broccoli was cooked well not over cooked with the right texture ..I will say if you looking for good food at an excellent price that's healthy this restaurant is the place to go..
(4)Antonio C.
The place is spectacular. Food is so flavorful. The wait staff are all super kind, welcoming and attentive. The atmosphere is cool to look at as the owner also owns an antique store. Come on in and have a try, you won't be disappointed. The pot roast is ridiculous. The club sandwich was moist and flavorful. The Italian beef can hold its own vs any Chicago style sandwich.
(5)ian c.
good late night bar / pub food. pot roast sandwich is worth a try. Lots of great rotating beers on tap.
(4)Jessica L.
Not far from the apartment, so it's a quick walk on the night's we're not sure what to have for dinner and don't want to put too much effort into the process. The pot roast sandwich + sweet potato fries is a no-brainer for me and my default order. I've tried other things, but that is comfort food at it's finest!
(4)Aklilu A.
Tip Top owner sure knows how to decorate, the interior definitely stands out. Plenty of interesting conversation topics when you look around the walls. The atmosphere is pretty divey and hipster. The service is nice, laid back folks. A bit cramp though, not the most spacious of restaurants. I ordered the meatloaf, I'm a big fan of meatloaf and saw someone going to town on as I walked in so my mind was set. We ordered sweet potato fries as a side to share until our entrees came out. When the meatloaf arrived, it was still sizzling. It was probably the best meatloaf I've ever had, I can honestly not think the last time I had a better one. Savory with each bite as I mixed in the mashed potatoes. It wasn't a small portion either, they definitely make sure you don't leave hungry. I'll be back for seconds!
(5)Morgan B.
This place has personality--a bit on the divy side, but I liked the atmosphere and the eclectic decor. I chose to come here mainly because of their menu--it's a pretty good size, many different options, and the prices were very reasonable. They also have a nice drink selection, plenty of beers to choose from as well as a number of whiskey cocktails if that's more your style. The open faced roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and corn was what I was anticipating, and I left full and satisfied. I wish I had tried the sweet potato fries though since I just read so many of you raving about them!
(4)Ahmad J.
I stumbled upon Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails while looking for a place to eat in downtown Columbus as it is just around the corner from the Renaissance downtown. At around 10 p.m. on Friday the entire patio was full of youngsters having a beer. I was hesitant to enter as this looked more like a pub rather than a restaurant but after a long day I was too tired so just walked in. As usual the greeter tried to stick me to the bar but I refused and asked for a table which got me an eye roll that I proceeded to ignore. After getting a table I was pounced upon by a hurried server who wanted to start me off on some drinks so I went with iced tea ($2.65). As soon as it was served I was interrogated for my order. I asked for a recommendation and it seemed that I just laid the weight of the world on my servers shoulders. Anyway in a very non-committal way she responded that people like their pot roast ($11) and shrugged her shoulders to drive her point home. Anyway, not knowing anything better I decided to go with that. In less than 5 minutes I had the pot roast in front of me. Taste wise it was pretty good. Not the best that I'd had but was pretty good none the less. The beef seemed to have been cooked separately and then put on top of the stew as it seemed dry even though it was fork tender. It just lacked the juiciness that you get when it is pot roasted over a period of time. Quantity was not huge but was good enough for one person. Prices are pretty cheap and being a small place it is packed till late in the night. When I left at 11 p.m. there was a huge line at the door with people waiting for a table. Overall it was a pretty enjoyable meal. My take is that Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails is more of a pub which also does food. It caters to a young demographic that likes to hang around chatting and drinking. It is not well suited for solo diners so I may not repeat in the future, but am happy that I tried it out.
(4)Angela H.
FYI this place does not take reservations. If you have a group larger than 4, expect to wait. Around 11:30am on a workday, the place isn't too crowded. Since my group of 9 had to wait so long, we all decided to get sandwiches, faster than getting a comfort food type entree. Didn't have any problems with service. Wait time from ordering to get food seemed pretty average (maybe 10-15 minutes?). The sandwiches are really good. I definitely recommend the Chipotle Turkey ($9) with sweet potato fries for $2 extra. The sandwiches come with a good amount of meat, and other reviewers aren't kidding about their sweet potato fries. They are definitely fanfastic. Everyone has a different preference for crispiness but I thought these sweet potato fries were spot on. This is a good choice for lunch. I'd consider coming back for happy hour and/or dinner.
(4)Gina M.
The food here is SO good, the drinks are even better, and they have a great old school bar feel. It's a great casual place to go before seeing a show at the Ohio Theatre! They lose one star just because there are very few tables for groups, so you typically have to wait a while, and because it's so dark inside the restaurant. Other than that it's a wonderful option!
(4)Brian R.
The decor and concept are cool, but the food is "meh" at best. Overall, I don't understand the hype about this place. Then again, that's historically my experience with most (but not all) of the Columbus Food League restaurants. I love local restaurants and actually avoid chains when I can, but I can't get on the hype train for a local business when the business can't justify it. To me, Tip Top falls into that "just doesn't quite justify the hype" category. First, the good about my visit. The decor is one part kitsch done right and another part old world charm. Our server was on the ball, had a great sense of humor on top of it, and stayed on top of keeping the drinks coming. The prices are very affordable. The appetizer was the creamy cheese and bacon dip, which I highly recommend. Now, for the not so good: the pot roast sandwich that many here have raved about. I think my taste buds must have been broken, as I was neither impressed nor disgusted but was instead perplexed. The pot roast on the sandwich seemed slightly sweet. I'm pretty sure pot roast isn't sweet, or at least the pot roast I like and prefer isn't sweet. Between that and the fact that the bun the pot roast was served on couldn't stand up to the substantial drippings, and the result was that I was asking myself, "People are crazy about THIS?!?" My buddy was equally unimpressed with the dish he ordered: the meatloaf. Once again, he wasn't put off his meal, but I think we both were led to believe that Tip Top was this awesome place and were a victim of moderate-to-high expectations. Maybe, if I go back, I'll end up amending this review, but with so many new restaurants to try in Columbus and my first visit being so completely underwhelming, I'm not certain I'll be back anytime soon. I know I wouldn't go out of my way to visit (or avoid) the place again, but I wouldn't advise avoiding the place either, thus the 3 stars (2.5 if I could rate it more accurately).
(3)Karen D.
Stopped in after the Columbus Arts festival last weekend around 10pm and the place was hopping, had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. We were hungry after checking out art nearby ordered a few beers at the bar while waiting. Once we were seated, our table was almost in a back break room area as we saw several staff coming in & out from outside for break, smoke, we tried to move to another table, but nothing was available, we were hungry so we stayed. My friend went with the Salmon Hoagie with chips and I went with Chipotle turkey and green bean fries. I went to order another beer and several of the beers on the menu on tap were out, must have been a busy Saturday to have several taps out & not have or offer replacements not on the menu. The food arrived about 20 minutes later, my friend enjoyed her salmon hoagie and my chipotle turkey was okay, the bacon aioli was missing from the sandwich, so had to ask, I enjoyed the green bean fries, but they tasted as they were sitting for a while ready to be served rather than hot & fresh out of fryer. Tip Top is a convenient location open late when you're in downtown and looking for a good craft beer & bite to eat.
(3)Maria P.
This was my first time at Top Top. I got the Flytown Pick-Me Up cocktail which has whiskey, ginger ale and Ohio maple syrup. It was one of the best whiskey cocktails I have had. It was smooth and had lots of flavor. For dinner I had the Blackened Catfish with skillet green beans and the parmesan orzo. The Parmesan Orzo was amazing! Our waiter was super friendly and provided some good recommendations on meal choices. The service overall was slower than I was expecting. However, our waiter acknowledged the delay and slow service. He apologized for our long wait to get our bill and even took off a few bucks. It was very nice of him! The atmosphere is great and the prices are reasonable. I would recommend checking it out.
(4)Margaret D.
Dive bar atmosphere with great food! On business, I walked in to try for decent food after a long day. The special soup (spicy Vietnamese, basically a chicken pho) was phenomenal! Spicy, as advertised, but with amazing subtle undernotes in the broth. The pot roast sandwich, advertised as the house special, was really tasty! With green beans (excellent) on the side, the meal nearly healthy, as well as being healthful! Ruthie, my server, was very attentive, and provided great advice on menu choices. Plus, she didn't discriminate with a single diner.
(5)Katherine M.
Great casual drop-in any time of the day or weekend. Cozy yet cool, it has a darkish tavern feel without putting you to sleep. The eggplant fries I think beat out the sweet potato fries my friends :) but they're both definitely great. And the rest of the comfort food menu easily compliments the array of drink variety. I also personally love the Hell salad and Salmon Fritters. It's a cool but not too cool getaway from uppity short north when you want relaxation from the wild buzz. Both wallet and hangover friendly. Parking can be a pain on expectedly busy weekends downtown. The lot across the street is always fair game but do expect to pay - at least at a meter.
(4)Trish S.
After a Yelper Party, after 27 degrees, after the snow and after standing (happily) on a concrete floor all day-A girl needs some good old fashioned comfort food. I'm talking carbs people, and a relaxing booth to boot. I got both, in a big way, at Tip Top with local CM Bryant. (He's the Columbus expert so if he says go, you go.) The company was unmatched obviously ;) But let's talk about Ohio Nachos! First of all, if you name something after a state it better be good, and oh boy, it was! Homemade potato chips topped with melted cheese, freshly diced tomatoes, green onion, black olives, jalapeños, and sour cream. We added crumbled Ohio sausage for $1 making the grand total for this pile of food that fed 3 of us easily only 10 bucks. I couldn't stop eating them-the cheese was like a super melty white cheddar maybe? No matter what it was, addicting. Next I went for the Chicken Fried Chicken (again, only 10 dollars) it was breaded, a but too much so for my tastes, with an a-ok country gravy, mashed potatoes and corn in herb butter. The potatoes were average too, but this really hit the spot overall as I just needed some country food goodness after a long day. Service was pleasant and you know what was even better? My hotel was just across the street, so after all that bar food glory, I could stumble up to my bed in a rapid manner. I was in such a food coma that I stumbled back (okay, not stumbled, but drove across town) the next day cause I had left my credit card behind! Thanks for keeping it safe!
(4)Greg W.
Sweet potato fries, sweet potato fries, sweet potato fries! Everyone has their vices, and this is one of mine. I love this stuff, and they get them out to you quickly and the basket of fries is BIG! The other food is really good; and the sandwiches are ample in size. I've been here a half dozen or so times now and try to order something different each time. They also have eggplant fries, or deep fried green beans if you'd rather try something slightly different. The eggplant fries weren't exactly my cup of tea, but the fried green beans were really good. Parking here sucks! There is a lot across the street, and a few spots along the street, but be careful. These are almost always full. If you park too far west on Gay Street, the spots are only 30 minute spots and you'll have to run out to feed the meter during your visit.
(4)Nichole M.
Can I just start out by saying that we had the absolute best server and I feel like a big jerk for not remembering his name. I'm sorry, John Doe. We were staying at the Renaissance Marriott across the street for a wedding and needed somewhere for food and and drinks between ceremony and reception, the concierge suggested Tip Top. Thank you, concierge person. (I'm great with names). So we sit down and we want to try a bunch of apps and I want soup because it's cold. We ordered the cheesy bacon business (again, names) and it was so amazingly tasty and super healthy, I'm sure. I had chicken and rice soup which hit the spot on this chilly day. We also had the hummus with veggies and pita, the hummus was just not good, but I dipped all those veggies in the large amounts of tasty ranch we ordered. The fried green beans were also delightfully delicious. Our server, John Doe, kept the drinks coming and even took a picture of our group for us, along with a selfie of John Doe for the memories! We had a great time and good food. We also ended up back here after the wedding, don't ask me about the details of that trip.
(5)K D.
Great late night eats! Pot roast sandwich and cheesy bacon dip with pita bread totally hit the spot after a night of mild but steady drinks. Highly recommend!
(5)Rachel W.
The good: Catfish with orzo and broccoli. I could not create this meal and have it be worth the effort for the savings, and I will order it every time. So good. The hours. They serve pretty late, so if I stay late at work it is a good place to get carryout. The patio is also nice. The mediocre: I had dessert here once. Don't bother. I also had "Brioso" coffee here once. It was burnt. Breakfast is hit or miss. I had a good breakfast burrito but the potatoes were flavorless and not hot. I had a really really good egg in a basket but it was a special, not on the regular menu. The ugly: I have never had a good cocktail here. They all taste like a straight shot of liquor, which I could pour for myself obviously.
(3)Glenn B.
Not great, just ok. One server with a really poor attitude. Didn't do it for me.
(2)Bob B.
Great dive bar vibe. The really rough looking exterior actually should not deter you from stepping past the outdoor patio - c'mon in. Interior has almost a perfect ambiance. The red and gold are a little reminiscent of a vintage Vegas brothel. Not in a bad way mind you. I totally dig the "warm in the winter; cool in the summer" feel. Solid music, and what appears to be a fun food menu will get me back with my Chocolate Lab for a pot roast lunch tomorrow. But for tonight, we will indulge a friendly pour of Maker's Mark in the Manhattan Up formation. I had to resist my inner-NJ impatience to allow the good-natured barkeep time to perform some multi-tasking before he got my drink order. But, seriously: what's the rush?
(3)Holly C.
It's solid home-cooked style food. Everything is a little heavy since it's meant to be. The sweet potato fries are awesome. The meatloaf was not bad. The pot roast was ok. I don't remember what my friend got, but overall, everything was mostly just ok. Parking is quite annoying, so I can only imagine peak times for food are rough. I'd go during off times then. The service is a little hit or miss. We waited a long time on multiple occasions. I think I prefer Surly Girl, not sure if I'd come back.
(3)Fred B.
Cool old bar with great ambiance, really awesome comfort food, strong drinks, comfortable booths, a nice outdoor patio, friendly servers and really fair prices. Love, love, love Tip Top...!!!
(5)Andrew B.
Came here with friends for a late brunch but was unimpressed. Food isn't bad but it's nothing special either. The cocktails are just standard mixes too. Whatever. Not worth the traffic to get here and park. House music sucks too. Recommend: 1 PBR 1 Cigarette after
(3)Ryan M.
Stopped here for lunch and got a Monte Cristo. Damn, that was a fine sandwich! Potato chips were made on site, as well. The beer selection is pretty good, with a good dozen microbrews available. Service was quick, laid back, and extremely kind, at least in comparison to most places I go to. Would definitely visit again.
(5)Cloud L.
I left a nasty review, but I contacted the owner and was explained the situation. Due to their website pictures being outdated, I had the wrong idea of what Sal's big mess was. This was because they changed the gravy and ingredients used since they posted pictures of the dish. Red-eye gravy is actually a very strong coffee gravy. That flavor was unbearable to my taste buds as I do not drink coffee, but I'm not going to give a bad review because of it. Aside from the confusion, the restaurant is pretty nice, with great staff and great food. Wish they would explain what red eye sausage gravy was on the menu. I wouldn't connect red-eye to coffee. Maybe, something hot.
(4)Rebecca B.
It was okay. There was not a ton that I could eat - but that is pretty normal. I got hummus that came with veggies. The cucumber was a little limp but the other veggies were pretty good. The hummus itself wasn't terrific. I think it was a lot of hype that I got from Yelp that got my hopes up. So I had really high expectations and it just wasn't awesome. If you are just going for a drink or to sit on the patio, it is a great little spot. But maybe eat first.
(3)Cameron R.
We wanted to pick an easy place to eat for our first night in Columbus, since after driving for 5 hours, walking to a closeby place seems the best option. This place was literally right across from our hotel, so we checked it out. Great beer selection with lots of Ohio beer, which is great for an out-of-towner like myself. Foodwise, I was a little underwhelmed. I ordered the Tip Top Pot Roast Sandwich. It was good, but nothing spectacular. The sweet potato fries were pretty pedestrian, but still tasty. I was hungry and the food was good enough to clean the whole plate, but I just was not wowed. Also, the server who sat us and took our order was not the person who took our plates or gave us the check. Without consistent servers/waiters, it's hard to give basis for a strong tip. I'd come back for the beer or maybe a few apps since those sounded very tasty, but probably not for a full dinner.
(3)Kirstin J.
Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails...dive bar to meet friends for beers after work. Staff was average, music was loud. Sweet potato fries and pot roast dinner were good. Beef stroganoff noodles were over cooked mush, vegetables were ice cold, salmon tasted like it was canned. We usually enjoy neighboor places but the comfort food at Tip Top was not very "Tip Top" in our opinion!
(1)Mary S.
Went there with my Aunt & Uncle before a Blue Jackets game. It has a divey/bar atmosphere and good music selection (they were playing classic rock/pop when we were there). There is a parking lot across the street which you have to pay for, which was unfortunate, but it is in the middle of the city. The food was excellent and the service was on-point, the drinks were pretty good as well and the men-folk were pleased with the beer selection. My Aunt was especially excited because they had a dish with turnips, which is apparently pretty uncommon and she loved it. They also had vegan/vegetarian options, which is convenient because it means I can take my parents there in the future. Would recommend.
(4)Rami M.
Tip Top is A-OK. I went for a friend's birthday, and we ordered sweet potato fries (which were awesome) and fried green beans (the star of the night- I seriously underrated these) for the table. For the mains, I split a catfish sandwich and their Mac & Cheese. The catfish sandwich was good (my friend said it tasted "fishy"- duh), but it did not blow me away. Their Mac & Cheese is a completely different rendition than the classic mac & cheese we know and love (translation = much less cheesy), and let's just say I prefer the classic mac & cheese we know and love.
(3)jason s.
If you don't like this place, you are basically not a member of homo-erectus or at least a not fan of pot roast and good beer. No slouches on this menu. Even have stuff for vegans that is awesome for us meat eaters too. My #1 place in Columbus.
(5)Daniel L.
Was seated right away, drinks order and delivered very quickly. Food was good, but service was excellant. Donald our server was excellant, he was prompt, friendly and sexy as hell. I will be back.
(5)Mackenzie F.
Dive bar with pretty good food and standard full bar offerings. Delicious french fries.
(3)Glenda G.
The food was excellent. We had beef stroganoff and the pot roast sandwich. We also had corn fritters for an appetizer. We received a lot of food for the price. The only downside is that this restaurant doesn't take reservations and it's not very big. We did wait for about 15 minutes. After we were seated, the line was out the door. We would definitely go back.
(5)Ben F.
I friggin' love this place. Over 20 beers on tap, solid food, generous hours, nice-hip crowd, great music.... I wish it was closer to home, but I feel at home when I am here! Great for lunch, dinner, late night, and really late night!
(5)Matt L.
Nowhere better to eat on a cold winterish evening. If their famous pot roast doesn't warm you up, then you don't know how pot roast works. Why am I here on a business trip? Because I can drink some local beers and get a great value out of my per diem. Super laid back and comfy. I dig it!
(5)David M.
Cozy place where I got the beef stroganoff (one of my favorite meals). If you love mushrooms this is the place for you!! If you just like mushrooms for the taste it was over powering. However, the brisket on top was phenomenal! Beer list was pretty good, and I early found something I was interested in on draft. Service was fine for such a small restaurant and food came out fast. Overall cool place, would consider coming back.
(3)Erica R.
I have been going to Tip Top pretty regularly since about 2008. I LOVE the pot roast. Tip Top always has really friendly servers and I have always had a good time there. If I were to change one thing about Tip Top, it would be the patio. Gay Street is a nice area of Columbus and I wish that the patio at Tip Top were bigger but honestly, you can't go wrong at Tip Top and they take care of their gluten free people!
(5)John S.
Nice cozy bar / restaurant. This is a place you actually want to be at. The layout is comfortable, cocktails are cheap (Get the fly town pick me up cocktail trust me on this) and there is food. I had the Caesar salad - it had the lettuce and was pretty basic, and the pot roast special which tastes as it should. Not a bad place to be at all.
(3)Haleigh W.
We came on a Saturday morning for some bloody Mary's and brunch. Ordered the strawberry French toast, came with perfectly seasoned and cooked scrambled eggs and crispy, thick bacon. To my surprise the strawberries on the French toast were not fresh, but a mashed up glob, maybe frozen at some point, still good. Also had the blue ribbon skillet (which I added an over medium egg to) came with home fries, black beans, corn , fresh cilantro and AWESOME, fall apart pot roast with a dollop of sour cream. Service was prompt and simple. Our server explained the bloody Mary's which had tobasco mix, franks red hot, pepper, worcestershire and old bay! (I asked for extra olive juice) Very good!
(4)Carol N.
Dropped in with a colleague on a Thursday night. No wait, we were able to sit on the patio on one of the last warm nights this season. Great service, good beers on tap, good food. From a couple previous experiences, I love the cocktail menu too. Only reason I'm giving 4 stars over 5 is because of the smokers on the patio. Even if they're a few tables away, the smoke still travels.
(4)Amy W.
My friends and I stopped in for drinks and dinner during the Moonlight Market. Our server was Jason. He was fantastic. Chris and I ordered something called "commit to be lit" and Mandy had wine. Jason was back in a flash with our drinks. We asked Jason for a couple recommendations on the food and he recommended the pot roast, Mac n Cheese, Italian beef hoagie and a couple others. I had the Italian hoagie with fries. The hoagie was great. Wonderful flavors. I would get it again. The fries could have cooked a little longer and would be much better if they were fresh cut. Mandy had the salmon hoagie and she loved it. Her chips were much better than the fries. Chris had the strawberry lemon cake and thought it was great.
(4)S F.
Tip Top is my favorite place to eat downtown and is my favorite sandwich place in Cbus. In fact, it's where my wife and I went on our first date :) Great selection of craft brews. Various amount of sandwiches that have all been amazing. I prefer the pot roast bbq sandwich, which is sometimes not on the menu. Give it a try if downtown!
(5)Tamara A.
Tip Top does not get kudoos from me. It maybe good to grab a cocktail or beer. They should stick to drink not food. Sure like to get food hot when its cooked, not cold. Yes, I'm saying ice cold, the ckicken, the salmon, and the veggie. Wow, it was every dish at my table not just one. Step it up Tip Top because your not a tip top place in downtown Columbus, Ohio.
(1)Msvega B.
I like the feel of the lounge and food! Not feeling the gnats that was all in my face. Will come back again.
(4)Ayla W.
Visiting Ohio for a conference and found this place in yelp. I'd say it's pretty decent. Not a good place for big groups. Four people max should be in your group. Other than that, the pot roast is good.
(3)Gabi P.
These guys are getting reviewed before I even leave. Why? Because lightning fast service deserves a turn in kind. I was here for five minutes. Seated. Ordered. Added another drink. All delivered by the five minute mark. Hummus is tasty with kick. Lions' den cocktail also tasty but not for the booze hound who needs High proof. Shot was a generous double. Wtg guys.
(4)Sher H.
I've been here a few times and have never been impressed. Everything about this place feels dirty - the ceiling is gross, the restaurant is dark, and the kitschy stuff on the walls is just plain creepy. Even the bathroom is dark and dingy. The food really isn't anything special and it's kind of expensive ($12 for fried chicken). There's usually a long wait. Upside is I've never had horrible service. I'll keep an open mind but have yet to be wowed by this place.
(2)Susan R.
I haven't been in a lil bit, but I really enjoy going to Tip Top for inexpensive dates. I love that they keep serving food late in the evening, because my husband works late and we're usually on a late schedule. They have a good beer selection and some awesome snacks--love the Ohio nachos with sausage, the corn fritters, the sweet potato fries. I also love the location. That strip of Gay St. is really awesome and I love hanging out there. Tip Top is a nice, unpretentious place to go. Things that keep it from having 5 stars: - front door confusion. I'm always trying to remember--I'm waiting for a server to seat me, right? And the server stand is.. where? - we almost never get our order exactly right. We added sausage to nachos and didn't get it a couple of times; I always order the jalapenos on the side because I don't like big slices of raw jalapenos, sometimes they disregard my request. They're always very apologetic about it (the sausage I always bring up so we don't get charged the extra dollar if we don't receive it). Otherwise? Tip Top is pretty good. Will go back.
(4)Mike C.
Reuben with sweet potato fries hit the spot. Sat at a really akward long table but otherwise a good experience. Would go back!
(4)Bill R.
Great little downtown place! Great local bar vibe and it is my go-to spot when traveling through Columbus. Service is friendly and top notch, food is really quite good. Two words? Warm and inviting.
(4)Jessica D.
My go-to spot after work! Great beer selection, although the happy hour is only $1 off Ohio beers. Not exactly a steal... but the ambiance is just the perfect balance of chill and bustle that piques my interest. If you are fortunate enough to snag a table during rush hour (6-9p), make it a point to indulge in one of their appetizers. The sweet potato fries steal the show and come with a delicious signature sauce. My girlfriend and I experimented with the eggplant fries and were not disappointed in the least! Crispy, heartwarming...eggplant will never be the same. The nachos, made with potato chips instead of tortilla chips will indubitably go straight to your hips butttt sweet baby Jesus are they delicious. To be noted: split all appetizers with a friend or friends. If not, brace yourself for a tummy ache four hours down the road. If you are trying to watch your wasteline, just don't. The hummus plate, probably your only healthy option, is bland. It's like a Division II team playing Georgetown in March Madness, compared to all their other appetizers and sandwiches.
(3)Candace M.
We originally headed to Cafe Brioso for lunch, which seemed fairly underwhelming, and was apparently out of most ingredients. We headed across the street to Tip Top instead. We were a little dubious going in. The sign makes it kind of hard to know what you're walking into, and it seemed like it could potentially have a "locals only" vibe to it from the outside. As we were reading the menu, someone said to us, "I just got back from California and this is the first place I had to go, I love this place!" with that resounding endorsement, we walked in. The ambiance was, as my boyfriend said, "dive bar chic." There was dim lighting with a few chandeliers and drapes, as well as strands of Christmas lights in the back of the restaurant. He ordered the pot roast, and I ordered the goat cheese salad. We split an order of smoked salmon fritters. The salmon fritters came out quickly. At first, my boyfriend thought they were too much like crab cakes (not a complaint I had) but at the end, he enjoyed them. I really liked them, and we both liked the horseradish sauce. Then we got our food. My boyfriend enjoyed the pot roast, but it was fairly unremarkable; it really tasted like what I make when I throw pot roast, carrots, and potatoes in my crock pot. My salad was pretty good, though I would say there was a little too much dressing to fully enjoy it; at the end, it was a little overpowering. The goat cheese was fried on one side, making it a bit of a strange consistency; it was hard in an otherwise soft salad. I did like it, though. Our waitress was nice and fairly attentive. The service wasn't bad and it wasn't great, though it definitely wasn't as terrible as some reviews made us anticipate. We were thanked as we were leaving, which is always a nice touch. Overall, we'd probably go back. I think we'll both try something different next time, but it was a good experience regardless.
(3)Jeff K.
What happened to the BIG PORTIONS of pot roast nestled between two pretzel buns? I strolled in on a Sunday night with my lady RAVING about how awesome and HUGE the pot roast sandwiches were. They definitely went skimpy tonight (and I noticed the portions have been decreasing my last few visits). I was hoping it was just a fluke but I guess not. Years ago I would have to use a fork to to finish my plate. And for the sweet potato fries? Big whoop. They're good, don't get me wrong, but there are other restaurants around that serve some just as good. Will I come back? Maybe for drinks and an app but don't bother giving me a dinner menu because I will be going elsewhere. Pros: quick service, cheap drinks, nice ambiance. But it's just not what it used to be..
(2)Eric L.
I used to love this place and have recommended it to so many people. Now it should be called "Home of the Ice Cold Nachos". I sent my ice cold nachos back and received a new batch that was just as cold. Waitress was rude and seemed put out that we were there. Never asked about how things were or for more drinks. They used to have great falafel, but they've taken it off the menu. Terrible now.
(1)Debbie P.
The best part about working downtown...lunch at Tip Top! The staff is awesome and the food is great. I have yet to have a meal I did not like, and they do have the BEST sweet potato fries in town. I am not into spicy foods, but the vegetarian spicy corn chowder is fantastic. My favorite right now is the BBQ chicken sandwich on a pretzel bun...YUMMY! It's a nice break from the daily grind, and every staff member makes you feel right at home. Keep up the great job, Tip Top!! I'll be back soon...
(5)David M.
Great affordable place to go for lunch or dinner. There sandwiches are the good and diverse and the sweet potato fries are great. The service is fast and reliable, parking can be a challenge since a garage near by closed down. Very good happy hour and beer selection also.
(4)Kenny S.
Second time in a row ordered the Blackened Catfish, Orzo, and Steamed Broccoli. Stellar.
(4)Allison S.
Tip top, you are so frustrating! One the one hand, I have a huge love of their sweet potato fries. And their food is pretty consistent. However, the service makes me crazy. So slow! On this last trip, my friend and I were seated and we ordered...and it took 40 minutes to get our food. We came for lunch and ordered off of the sandwich menu, and the place was clearing out. Our server only came by once to refill waters during that time. If it had been busier, I could understand the delay, but that definitely wasn't the case. My friend and I were on a time crunch (as she was on her lunch hour) so the delay made us pretty late.
(3)Krista R.
TIp Top is a great option if you are bar hopping and are hungry for more than the typical pub grub. The prices are decent and you can continue to get your drink on as you eat American comfort foods. Our waitress' attitude is probably what will keep me from returning to Tip Top. She did a damn good job refilling our drinks and getting our food to us quickly...but she was an unpleasant, nasty woman to deal with who made our party of 6 feel unwelcome. My Columbus friends told me this is the general treatment from servers at TIp Top. Had we been more inebriated, perhaps it wouldn't have bothered me as much as it did.
(3)Tj R.
What a great place to go. Get the veggie corn chowder. You won't be disappointed. Get there early, they can fill up quick. Service is good, but the food is even better.
(5)Andrea W.
Love the cocktails, I had the clipper which was blueberry vodka and pink lemonade. I must make this at home it was amazing and perfect for the first day it felt like summer (snow tuesday whaaaa?!) We got the cheese and bacon dip as an app and it was very good, a bit too much grease at the bottom but that's what we get for all that cheese. I ordered the philly cheese steak sandwich with chips and he go the pot roast sandwich with mashed potatoes. Both were good. We sat out on the patio, it was a lovely day and great people watching downtown. We will def stop back for drinks when in the area.
(4)Elise B.
Came here for dinner for the first time with friends and one of my first thoughts walking in was, "This reminds me of Surly Girl..." Which ended up making sense because they are owned by the same people. However, I prefer Surly Girl's food. We shuffled up to the "Please Wait to be Seated" sign and waited for a few minutes for someone to show up and acknowledge us. The place was fairly busy but not packed, so it took longer than it should have. Waited for a while to be seated, which is fine. Service after being seated was satisfactory. The food is decent and inexpensive, but not amazing. I had the pot roast, which was fine, but I expected it to be better since it's their signature dish. Good beer and drink selection. My friend's beef stroganoff was about the same - good but not great, and had too much of some herb flavoring - dill, maybe? Overall, it's a fine place for drinks and food, but there's certainly room for improvement.
(3)Tyler S.
Perfect spot to relax in a comfortable atmosphere and enjoy some great craft beer selections. Smaller space, warm feel, and can be a bit noisy when it's busy, but great service and stellar food makes the difference. Worth a longer walk to check out this hole in the wall. Generally not too busy right at the start of the lunch rush, but plan on it being rather busy in the evening.
(5)Sarah B.
Service was quick - walked in after a night at the bar down the street. Friendly bartender directed us where to sit and we slid right in. Had our order within 10 minutes. Had a Hell Salad and shared an order of corn fritters. I have to say the salad was amazing; it was spicy and the house made ranch was delicious! The corn fritters were so good - I could have eaten a whole order by myself. My girlfriend had the spinach salad and loved it. I'll definitely go back again!
(5)David S.
The nachos were not Texas style, but they were worth the try! Beer, whiskey and food after a long day. Awesome. Easy walk even in the cold from the Renaisance. Kolsch style beer an a Bulleit Rye whiskey on the rocks??? Nothing better. Service was great and they served up to 2:00 on the dot. Outstanding! I'm back on my next CMH layover.
(4)Jeffrey W.
Great atmosphere and staff. The beer selection is great and full of local crafts, and the scotch selection is great for a tiny bar like this. I had the chipotle Turkey sandwich which I fell in love with my first bite. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff has been been above average (even after the show at the Ohio theatre that filled tip top crazy fast). One stop for everyone visiting Ohio!
(5)A L.
Probably the best food of all the Columbus Food League joints. Comfort food done right. Great atmosphere and beer selection. Ohio memorabilia. Nice, small patio on the happenin' part of Gay St.
(4)Anna S.
Love, love the food here, but taking a star off for the unpredictable and frankly awful service. I've been frequenting this place since 2007 and I have given up any hope of having decent service. So please, go here for the food, but I-told-you-so re: the service. That being said, every time I've sat at the bar, I haven't been ignored and have even been served with a smile. If you must crave friendly words from your server, sit at the bar. On to the food. Appetizers: I love the Ohio nachos (get the crumbled sausage; the whole app is a saturated fat fest anyways), sweet potato fries, eggplant fries (eat them right away because they don't heat up well the next day), the smoked salmon balls, and red bean hummus (garlicky!). Entrees: chicken fried steak (one of the best versions around), blackened tilapia (risotto is weird, but pleasantly weird; get extra adobo cream sauce), avocado honey shallot chicken salad sandwich (get it on a pretzel roll), pot roast sandwich, and green beans and goodness salad. I'll be honest, I do not heart the brunch items even though I think the bloody marys are pretty stellar. I don't think they actually use real eggs and use a liquid egg substitute which is frankly gross. Overall, a well-priced spot for lunch and late-night snacks.
(3)Jessica P.
Best Ohio Nachos and Goat Cheese Salad this side of the Ozone layer. They also have a ton of beers on draft including Lambic Framboise which is very hard to find on draft. The macaroni and cheese and nachos are both best with the sausage add-on and the goat cheese cheese salad is awesome with grilled chicken- the balsamic dressing that comes with the salad is also amazing.
(5)Jeremy C.
Excellent service, Excellent food... Will make this staple to all future Columbus trips
(5)Kt B.
My husband and I spend a weekend in Columbus every year, and we always make a point to stop at Tip Top. They have the best food. Their Ohio nacho appetizer is AMAZING.
(5)Andrew G.
One of the best "more than a bar and less than a restaurant" locals of downtown Columbus. Usually a wide selection of beers, ales, and stouts on tap, from lite stuff to Imperial Russian Stouts. Their chillers are, however, all the same temperature, so their Scottish Ale is the same temp as the PBR... Food is way better than average. Short happy hour ends at six. Nice chill after work crowd early with a hipster or two thrown in. Out doors seating with good people watching in the summer...
(4)Qiana H.
Our van driver from the airport to our hotel told us about this place. We told him since it was after 9pm, we need somewhere we can get something to eat that was going to be quick, inexpensive which sells adult beverages. He suggested tip top. We arrived there at like 930pm. There were customers sitting outside on the little patio. The inside as soon as you walk in has a bar right at the front door we opted for a table on the side of the bar near the back. The table ordered the salmon sandwich, the Philly cheese steak and the Caesar salad with salmon on top. We all enjoyed every bite cause there was hardly nothing left on all three plates. It was one person bday in our group so we ordered some cake. The only cake on the menu. It was like a cinnamon swirl with butter creme icing and pecans on top. They loved the cake it was gone soon as it hit the table. I don't eat cake so I was told that it was moist and flavorful. I took off on star to this place cause it took a while for someone to acknowledge us once we walked in the door. No one said we be right with you nothing. We thought about walking out but decided to wait it out and see. The guy at the bar that serve us ended up being awesome so he made up for it.
(4)Cecil B.
I'm not a big roast beef fan but that was their specialty so I tried it. It did not disappoint!! Very tender meat, soft pretzel bun, and killer sweet potato fries. I'm stuffed!! Service was quick and attentive (even though it was a Sunday night). I will be back to try some of their other sandwiches.
(5)Greg M.
Nice atmosphere and the food was decent. I was super excited when I saw the menu but the food was overly complex. Sometimes less is more for me. Still not a bad meal but I will try someplace different next time.
(3)Zach O.
Best damn pot roast I've ever had. Ever. Cooked to perfection...worth more than the price. Wait staff is very friendly and the outside seating is a nice experience. A+
(5)Sean G.
Tip Top is my least favorite of the Liz Lessner restaurants. That's a pretty bold statement, and it's packing a solid three-star review along with it. Why? First off, this place is a bit pricy. I should have expected it to be pricy with a name like "Tip Top," but the prices didn't mesh up with the food quality, or the atmosphere. I'd wanted to go to Tip Top for ages, but always wondered if it was a little fancier than, say, Dirty Frank's or Surly Girl. When I finally go, it feels like an upscale dive bar. It's this, and other paradoxes, that confused me every minute I was there. Speaking of minutes, the best part of this experience was that we were in and out in less than an hour - based on the parking meter - and that's impressive. But, again, a paradox, because when I like a restaurant, I usually hang out, talk, enjoy the atmosphere, take my time eating my food and drinking my cider. It just doesn't make any sense. On another note, I called the restaurant a few hours before the dinner rush, and spoke with a guy who seemed happy and perky, who told me that there were, indeed, many vegan options. I was psyched, but I expected this, because almost all of the Liz Lessner restaurants have vegan options, and most of the time they are clearly marked on the menu. I called because the menu - available on-line - isn't really as well-marked for vegans. So we go in, see the "please wait to be seated" sign, but are slightly confused because it's not blocking the way or anything - sort of at an angle, so...do we really wait, or do we seat ourselves? There wasn't really a hostess stand that we could see, at least not near the "please wait" sign, so we just waited at the sign, and eventually someone came up and quickly seated us. Cool, so no wait. I'm liking this, especially seeing as most restaurants get busy around 6:00pm. So, again, upscale dive bar atmosphere, in a nicer section of town, with a pinball table off in the distance, and some sort of random decor that looked like maybe it was themed but maybe not. There was a theater/movie themed booth, and...I'm not even going to guess about the others. Random. And I'm okay with the whole TGI-Fridays-esk stuff plastered all over the walls, but, again, not what I'd expect a restaurant named "Tip Top" to look like. Maybe my expectations were off? In fact, the whole trip to Tip Top seemed like a misunderstanding: * Pricy food that really wasn't worth what we were charged (For two people, I paid way more than double what I would normally pay for four people at Dirty Frank's!) * Dark atmosphere (the name Tip Top has this feeling like it should be a brighter, whiter, upscale place, not dim and dark). * Menu wasn't really marked very well for vegans, and server wasn't that helpful. Oh, and speaking of the vegan situation - after calling, I expected at least one vegan entree - there were exactly zero. We both had to get sandwiches, which were fine, and vegan but, seriously? I called three hours before, and was told there were plenty of options. I'm not a sandwich-for-dinner kind of guy when I go out, as I can easily make sandwiches at home for a tenth of the cost. Want to know what I got? I had a vegan-beef sandwich, which had tofu crumbles (my least favorite of all the meat analogues), some sort of sauce (which I sure as heck hope wasn't cheese based - I'm trusting you Tip Top!), tasty peppers, and a grilled/toasted/oily bun, with fries on the side. The fries were okay...but, again, not as good as I get with a Dirty Frank's platter. What's up, Tip Top? Other side of the table had some sort of mushroom-based sandwich on black bread with sweet potato fries. Again...the whole thing was okay, but not worth what we paid. For the price, my brain expected a fancy impressive entree; but I was not impressed. Sandwiches for dinner. Bah! I do like to throw in a positive or two in any review - because it's not like I hated this place, I'm just very confused and conflicted by it. Positive 1: They had Original Sin cider, which is my favorite, and it came out in a glass, which is my preferred method of drinking cider. Yum! Positive 2: Service was really speedy. Quickly seated, drink and food order taken fast, food arrived within the happy window, and the check was dropped off at the appropriate time. I didn't feel rushed, not at all, but - again - car-to-car in less than an hour. Not like me at all. Positive 3: I did enjoy eating the "Slap Your Bottom Red Bean Hummus" platter as much as I enjoyed saying it to the waitress (who seemed a little nonplussed that evening). But frankly? I would have been just as happy eating just this platter and skipping the (*grumble*) sandwiches and saving $20. The only thing I'd like to try the next time I go - assuming I ever make it back - is the Ohio Nachos, with the "housemade potato chips." They sound amazing, assuming they're made fresh. In summary: I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Maybe I went on a bad night?
(3)Brent M.
First I have to say the food here is great. But the service we received sucked! Our waitress took our order and only returned to give us the bill. We were there a total of 45 mins and she did not check to see if we liked our meal or if we wanted another drink. And it wasn't like she was busy the entire time we sat at our table. I am throughly disappointed in her service & attitude. If it had been up to me, we would've not tipped her at all. Lucky for her my bf decided to give her a small tip. If and when we go back, I hope that she isn't the person to wait on us.
(2)Alaina C.
I tried the pot roast sandwich and sweet potato fries. The sandwich was good but nothing special, like several other reviewers I thought the meat was a bit dry. It needed something to give it a little oomph. The sweet potato fries did live up to the hype though. Yum! Service was good but to be expected since the place was pretty empty.
(3)Andrew L.
Place had a great mellow laid back feel. Good local ipa beer. Had the pot roast sandwich that I would definitely recommend!
(4)Mike G.
What's the fuss here folks? I've read some of the reviews prior to mine and, well, I just don't get it. Just like the last time I was here a few years ago, I was totally underwhelmed. There was a group of 4 of us and we all seemed to be like....It's OK at best. My Chicken Fried Steak was well done / almost burnt with a side of bland potatoes. My friend Ally M. let me try her Mac & Cheese with onion and green pepper which tasted like GFS mac and cheese with onions and green peppers added in. Andi M. didn't say anything one way or the other about her pot roast. Her Fried Green Beans were very good though. But the kicker was my friend Bre C. who ordered the meatloaf with potatoes, we are pretty sure it had cheese in her potatoes even though she asked the server about it as she's allergic to cheese. They gave her a replacement meatloaf - It had a hair in it. So mediocre food all around. It really made me think of Applebee's food, which if it's from GFS would explain alot. Service was actually pretty good - Attentive, pleasant and quick. The Bottom Line? The Tip Top hasn't really given me a reason to come back again.
(2)Tanna B.
This place is awesome! The pot roast sandwich and sweet potato fries are always delicious with friendly service.
(4)Melissa H.
I love this place. The food is great and the staff is friendly. Their (made in house) ranch dressing is amazing. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered there so far. For appetizers, you can't go wrong with the nachos or fried green beans. Also, they have Diet Dr. Pepper :)
(5)Emma L.
Oh Tip Top, where do I begin? Bf & I come here somewhat frequently. We both have our menu faves and love the dark, cozy atmosphere after a long day. Definitely my favorite from this family of restaurants. Food is always consistent, portions are huge and service is friendly/attentive and easy to correct if things are misunderstood or go awry with your order. And the best part - they stay open (food and all!) until 2:30. THANK. YOU. I almost always go with the Salmon Hoagie ($10) and I sub fried green beans for the chips, which is an extra $2. The salmon filet is large and accompanied with house made chipotle pickles and basil aioli. So so good. The fried green beans are my favorite side -- and that's saying a lot considering their sweet potato fries are awesome. The ranch is super tasty and I like it with the green beans better than the bloody mary dip that comes with it. Sometimes I wish it weren't so good because I end up trying to just order things I can dip into it. 'Merica! Bf always always ALWAYS gets the Pot Roast sandwich ($9). It's pretty good, though sometimes a little dry for my taste. It comes on a pretzel bun, which is delicious and he always asks for dijon and horseradish on the side. His go-to are the eggplant fries (another $2 up charge, and which I always steal). If you are here on a day they have Beer Cheese soup, you HAVE to get it. A very well-spent $5. If you're in a salad mood, try the Green Beans & Goodness with Ranch ($10). The beer selection is great here. Not huge, but great. The cocktails I've tried have always been solid too. We love Tip Top and will keep coming back!
(4)Amy P.
Tip Top Kitchen is a unique bar/restaurant in downtown Columbus. They have a wide selection of beer, etc., and the menu is great too. I have not strayed from the Pot Roast Sandwich any time I've been there, but I can say that the sandwich is delicious. I sometimes crave that sandwich in my sleep. The service has always been good and I've never had to wait longer than 15-20 minutes to get sat.
(4)Scott A.
My wife and I went here for lunch and really enjoyed our meal. It was 11am so no drinks were had other than Ice Tea but their drink menu looks very interesting. We both had the patty melt with ghost pepper cheese and sweet potato fries. Very tasty and a big portion.. I think we both skipped dinner that night.
(4)Lola A.
Service was ok, food was ok! Nothing fantastic about it. Seemed like they didn't want us there but they get 3 stars for their appetizers.
(3)Paul C.
Enjoyed this place. Visited Columbus for one night and this was my one stab at dinner. Bartenders were friendly and food came quickly. Maybe a little too quick as my salmon was over cooked on outside and raw in middle. But edible. Food looked great here. Wished I had chosen meatloaf. Nextime :)
(3)Curt B.
Excellent beer selection. Italian beef was amazing. Chipotle turkey and fried green beans my fiancé ordered were also amazing. Service was also good. Well done tip top.
(5)Andrew B.
So, I've had a couple meals here and nothing has been super impressive. Good drink menu though.
(3)Jordan R.
Tip Top is always busy and I don't understand why people go out of their way to come here. I can understand for lunch; there are a lot of people who work down here. But at night? People clearly are coming out of their way because there isn't really anything else around other than a couple hotels. I live very close and it's great that I can always get food or beer late any night of the week walking a short distance. The food is okay and the prices are very reasonable. They have a good selection of beers on tap. The real issue here is the service. It is AWFUL. This seems to be a trend at all CFL restaurants aside from Jury Room. I go here at least once a week and have for over two years but there is only one person who works here who even recognizes me. Most of the servers and bartenders at all other locations are hipsters with an apathetic air of superiority who act as if they're doing you a favor by grabbing you a beer. If I didn't live so close and wasn't so lazy I would almost never go here but it's just too freaking convenient. If they could get some decent service it would be a totally different story. I really wish they would do something about this. Bottom line: food is good but I don't think I've had worse service at any restaurant (perhaps other than another CFL restaurants). I love what Liz and CFL do for up and coming areas but they really need to address the horrible service.
(2)G K.
Good food, good atmosphere...but... There is this guy "Kevin" who obviously rules the world late at night. Total ass, not customer focused, etc.. That might be the attitude that Tip Top wants to resonate, but after spend $100 I was not impressed. Good reputation online, but in my humble opinion after 20+ visits, I will not return. Kevin may be the dude, but I have no patience for his small town fighting attitude.
(3)Staci A.
Service was awful. My waitress actually scared me. She may have been to rudest waitress I've ever had. Food was mediocre at best. The Mac n cheese was bland. The salmon fritters were good. Maybe we missed something on the menu, but we certainly weren't getting any assistance from our waitress. I do not get the appeal. Would NEVER go back.
(1)Catherine J.
3.5 stars for ol' reliable Tip Top. Though some complain of the downtown location (parking, etc), the location is what's bumping this one up a notch. Often, Tip Top is open when most other downtown restaurants are closed. Weekends, late-night, if you're downtown for something, you can rely on Tip Top. The menu is varied enough that everyone in your group will find something to their taste. My favorites are the salads (and I'm not even a salad person, really): the green bean salad and the hell salad especially. I also like the salmon fritters in a pita pocket with buttered corn as the side. Folks rave about the sweet potato fries, and I think they're pretty good, but I'm generally not a fan of sweet potato fries. Some things can be misses, though-- once I ordered a tomato bisque that just ended up tasting like watered-down marinara sauce. SUPER busy at lunch on weekdays, so come a little early to beat the rush. I love all the Ohio-themed decor. Wish it weren't so dark inside, though.
(4)Colleen R.
I went here Saturday for brunch with a group of 8. They were not too busy and accommodated our group quickly. I started with a Julep (I don't remember the whole name of the drink.) It was only $4 and a pretty good size for the price. I ended up getting the Avocado Honey Chicken Salad with chips. It was SO good. The sandwich was big for being only $8. The chips were alright, nothing too special. The flavors of the sandwich worked so well together. I am craving it again as I type this! I tried one of my friends sweet potato fries, and they were great! I will definitely get those as my side next time I go back. I've been to Surly Girl and Betty's, but Tip Top has definitely been my favorite so far. I will definitely be back!
(5)Ed R.
Loved this place. Columbus is our usual sleepover spot on the way from Upstate NY to STL, and we hadn't really explored much of the local scene. Read about this place on chowhound, which said it was kind of divey but with great food and a great vibe, and that was a pretty spot on assessment. It's not really a dive, though, just a comfortable place with good tunes playing overhead, decent service, and a more than passable beer selection. The corn fritter appetizer was solid. My wife had the pot roast with carrots, turnips, and potatoes, which was really good. I had a terrific roast beef sandwich with some sweet potato fries. That with a couple of drinks cost us less than $40 before tip, a total we were more than happy with. We will definitely be stopping here on our future trips through Columbus and recommending it to others.
(5)jeff c.
I joined friends here for dinner my first night in town. They'd been there for drinks and their food had already arrived, so I ordered a salad which I was happy to see came very quickly -- I finished eating at the same time as everyone else. It was a mostly-spinach salad with blue cheese and strawberries, fresh and delicious. Most of the others had one of the signature pot roast dishes, and were happy with them. The service was attentive, and the prices reasonable. According to some of the locals, this was formerly the gay bar in the neighborhood before it reopened as the Tip Top. People who went here for lunch said it was gloomy during the day, but there are tables on the sidewalk which can be used in good weather. Not a great bar, not a great restaurant, but good enough and convenient if you're staying at one of the hotels in the area.
(3)Tony V.
Service was good.. Food average... Fruit flies were everywhere .. Makes me wonder about the cleanliness of the beer lines and kitchen..
(2)Amanda L.
Just ate lunch here...absolutely FABULOUS!!! Great service and amazing food! We had the Ohio nachos to start with and they were phenomenal and its a huge order. My husband had the patty melt with onion rings and I had the pot roast sandwich with fried green beans. Everything was delicious! Definitely a place I'd come back to if I ever come back to Columbus!
(5)Cherie R.
I have no idea how I've not written a review about this place! If I lived or worked downtown, I would be here a LOT. My husband's not so impressed. Not sure why. He's a tough one to figure out sometimes. But Tip Top has it down pat. Good food, reasonably priced, cold beer, great selection, and a unpretentious atmosphere. Really, it's all you need. I'm not saying that it's the best food you've ever had, nor the weirdest beer you've ever drunk, but this is the kind of place you can feel comfortable going to and you'll go over and over again.
(4)Katye M.
I've been to Tip Top 3-4 times over the course of the last 4-5 years, the most recent trip was last night. When we arrived, it was pretty packed; all of the tables were occupied so we put our name in for a table. Unfortunately, we didn't know exactly how many would be coming, so we guessed at 6. We ordered drinks at the bar and even ordered some appetizers. Our table was ready pretty quickly, so we (7 people by now) went back to the table. Our server was going to move our orders over to the table from the bar... In the midst of doing this, another 3 people showed up and we quickly outgrew our table. Some of us moved back to the bar so it wasn't too overwhelming. After about 5 minutes of taking orders and our party separated between the bar and our table, our server and the hostess took it upon themselves to ask a table of 2 to move one table over to accommodate the rest of our party. The couple was gracious to move and the server/hostess added 2 more tables to our current table of 6. We weren't expecting this and thought it was fantastic! Huge kudos for making our visit so much better! A number of items (mainly salads and appetizers - oh, and drinks!) were ordered and everyone seemed to like what they ordered. I had the small Greek salad (hold the olives please) and sweet potato fries. The salad was wonderful and had a mixture of greens, which isn't always the case at some restaurants. And the oh-so-yummy sweet potato fries did not disappoint. Although it took for-ever for them to come out from the kitchen, our server "took care of them" on the bill due to the delay (I guess they weren't entered when I ordered them at the bar). I wasn't expecting them to comp me a basket of fries (I didn't even complain for them to do this!) since there was so much shuffling of people from bar to table and back again - I thought the order was caught in the confusion. Anyways, it was $6 I didn't have to pay. I would still go back to Tip Top and would still recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful local restaurant in the downtown area.
(4)Susan C.
Final night in Columbus, needed a burger bad! Tip top was blocks from where we were staying and open on a Sunday. Terrific attentive service, a great cocktail made with local whiskey. The burger? The Thurber patty melt? Over cooked, hard, frozen patty. How disappointing. I love Columbus, I loved Dirty Franks, I need to return to try the pot roast with hopes for a better experience
(3)Mark K.
Open late, which we desperately needed. Great food- could go 4 or 5 stars for that. Iffy service. Had heard about this before, and just not been in the area. Went with sweetie after a show; not much else open food-wise downtown at 11pm. Long line. Once seated, our order was taken promptly. Food was brought fairly quickly. And then: nothing. No checkups, no refills, nothing. The crowd had subsided by then, so I wonder what was going on? Anyway. The food was really good. She had a cheese steak, which she enjoyed. I had the Ohio nachos. Great potato chips, fresh toppings. Mmm. Tons more on the menu that looks good. Maybe service is better earlier in the day.
(3)Lydia W.
Came here for a birthday dinner with some friends. LOVED the warm spiced apple cider. It was a great drink to sip on while waiting for our table. We enjoyed the sweet potato fries as an appetizer. They are decent sweet potato fries. I got to sample the fried steak, the chicken with garlic risotto, and the pot roast. Is pot roast supposed to overwhelm one's mouth with salty flavor? I know it's supposed to be the most famous item on the menu, but my tongue was overcome with saltiness with the first bite. I enjoyed how tender the meat was, but really couldn't focus on much else. The chicken was okay. The best part about this was the garlic risotto. It was just super garlicky and distracted me from the salty pot roast. The fried steak was pretty good. I had never had fried steak before, and enjoyed it, but don't think I'd come back for it. Overall I felt like the prices at Tip Top are great, and the food options are pretty diverse. However, I'm a bit surprised by how many raving reviews this place gets.
(3)Peter R.
Why are Liz Lessner's restaurant's so renowned in Columbus? The food at Tip Top is not fresh, and the place is dirty. Ditto every other restaurant of hers that I've been in. In other Cities that I've lived in, for example Seattle, Vancouver, Dallas and Rochester, these restaurants wouldn't last a year! Please someone enlighten me why people like eating food that is reheated, and not good or fresh.
(1)Ruby D.
I totally agree with Christina C. Servers with a "chip on their shoulder" is exactly the way to describe it. The food--particularly the appetizers--is still really tasty and excellent bar food, however my boyfriend and I rarely want to go to Tip Top because the service seems kind of weird. Everyone seems rushed and vaguely grumpy. Example: My boyfriend was mugged at knifepoint like 2 1/2 weeks ago and thus had no drivers license. He'd been using his passport everywhere (grocerys store, bars, liquor stores, restaurants) with zero problems while he waited to get his new out-of-state license mailed to him. Out of all of Columbus--Tip Top had an issue. Beyond having an "issue" they really weren't nice about it. They weren't like "oh we're really sorry, but...." they were curt and suspicious. Other points: -the interior is kind of gloomy -parking is awful -fries? still yum yum
(3)Soo L.
I ordered the pot roast sandwich here and it was pretty disgusting. It came out right away and I realized that it was because it had been sitting out for a while because the bottom of the bun was mushy and fell apart when I picked it up. The pot roast was dry, but they tried to salvage it by pouring a generous amount of broth onto it. The roast also had a slight rancid taste to it. The pros? The pretzel bun on top was soft and the wait staff provided excellent service!
(1)Mart A.
Always a great spot downtown for a beer. The food's alright and the patio is a good spot to hang out and meet downtown characters. The men are all strong, the women pretty and the kids are...Oh wait...no kids.
(4)Brent N.
Excellent staff, food and beer selection! Was in town on a Sunday evening and this was one of the few places open. What a great coincidence! Had the beef stroganoff which was amazing. The bartender was friendly and very helpful with beer selection and food recommendations. Nice outdoor seating area would be great in the sun and warmth. I enjoyed the warmth of the bar. Next time I'm in town, I'll be back.
(5)Erin D.
This was one of the few places within walking distance of the Courtyard Marriott whose kitchen was open at 12:30AM. I ordered the macaroni and cheese with Ohio sausage (~$12), and it was delicious! It was cooked exactly how I would cook at home with the same flavor. Service was prompt, and the waiter didn't question when I asked for the checks right after the food arrived, as it's not uncommon for me to get weird looks when it seems I ask to close prematurely. We were tired, had early morning flights, and knowing we were just going to eat, there was no point in prolonging the process for requesting to close our tabs. A friend wasn't charged for a beer, even though when the waiter arrived with the checks, her beer was still 3/4 full - awesome!
(4)Marie G.
Great service, great food and service! This restaurant is probably one of my favorite places when it comes to downtown dining - brunch is really hearty and there are dinner specials on the menu all week. Pull up a seat at the bar, order a drink, and enjoy some great conversations. There is plenty of parking in front of the restaurant and in the lot across the street.
(5)Coe H.
Excellent Sunday brunch!! The apple cinnamon pancakes were tasty and a little crispy on the edges. The corned beef hash was really good too. We were looking for a place for breakfast and this place was crowded, so we knew it had to be good. It didn't disappoint.
(5)Adam C.
One of the very few places we could find open after a night out. The place was very busy so either it was good food or the only place open. Turns out nothing else was open. We tried a few things to make sure and give them a fair shot. Country fried steak , which is hard not to do right, was at best just ok. Not much flavor, didn't bother finishing it. Corn and mashed potatoes were ok, but I basically just tried a few bites. We also tried the corn fritters and hummus. Both looked better than they tasted. I was hoping to pick one item that was really good and satisfying, but nothing we ordered came close. I ended up eating my friend's sweet potato fries, which weren't the best but not bad
(1)Nick D.
I am a big fan of the Top Top! Since moving to Columbus in November, I have eaten here at least 5 or 6 times. The Pot Roast sandwich never disappoints! Great selection of beer and liquor as well. Highly recommended for anyone traveling to Columbus.
(5)Angie P.
We came here for brunch and it just wasn't good. There wasn't any real flavor and their Breakfast Burrito was weird. Their sausage gravy is even weirder. The bloody mary was boring. Go to Surly Girl for brunch.
(2)Kevin W.
Didn't get a chance to taste the food, only came for after dinner drinks...staff was super friendly, quick on service. Very kitschy bar with velvet drape wall covering, Columbus historical pictures about, excellent alternative music, interesting chandeliers and ambiance. One crappy tv, which is a definite treat instead of the constant row of TV's. This homey gem was inviting. Next time we'll try the kitchen!
(4)Will P.
Decent dining experience I love my late night spots and with tip top being open til 2am every night had to try it out. It was hard to pick anything on the menu since nothing really sets me on fire on it, but I chose the philly style cheesesteak with sweet potato fries and salmon fritters for a starter. Wife had the monte cristo with eggplant fries. The service on the fritters was slow, but the waiter was kind enough to take it off our bill. The salmon fritters were fantastic, lots of flavor and the crispy outside/soft inside was a nice contrast in textures. It comes with a mustard sauce, but I didn't like that at all they are fine by themselves to me. The entrees also came out kinda slow so the waiter kindly (without us asking mind you) discounted them. My philly cheesesteak was just alright, nothing special. The sweet potato fries were good and fresh. My wife's monte cristo had lots of flavors and great tastes. Her eggplant fries were also delicious. If i only had her entree and the salmon fritters I would probably rate the place a 4, but the cheesesteak is dragging them down.
(3)Christina M.
I had a really good Reuben with sweet potato fries here last night. Mmmmm. It was delicious. The service by the waitress left something to be desired, but it could have just been a bad day for her. The bartender was nice.
(4)Mike C.
In typical Pavlovian fashion, I salivate just thinking about the delicious sweet potato fries from Tip Top. I could eat them in the deepest throes of a virulent stomach flu. I could eat them after a 3 plate gutbuster at a Chinese buffet. I could probably even eat them in my sleep. The rest of the food ain't bad either :) My Monte Cristo sandwich was good, but very greasy to the point of sogginess. It turned in to a knife and fork sandwich after about the 3rd or 4th napkin. We tried some fried green beans which, to my amazement, were actually very good. My love got a pot roast sandwich which was serviceable, but was lacking a special something to make it great. She remarked that it was dry and could have used some gravy or something to moisten it up. Greg W. got the same thing and after discovering the same dryness, he requested some au jus which was brought promptly and without question. Unfortunately, he said it was basically average and didn't add much to the meal. The beer selection on the other hand is always amazing. Every time I come here there is an excellent selection of craft beers and there is always a handful of local offerings from CBC, Barleys, and other Ohio breweries. Prices are decent, service has never been a problem, and the atmosphere is what you would expect for a dive bar near High street.
(4)Zach M.
The typical Liz Lessner restaurant. It's a little funky, a little creative and a little grimy. Something about the decor of this place and jury room always seems a little dirty to me. The food is ok and not going to knock your socks off. It's really average. Nice place to fill this gap in town and I hope it keeps going, but not a personal favorite.
(3)Gavin D.
Good lunch spot to add to the mix on the Gay St. corridor of options. They've got a range of comfort food, but I've generally stuck to sandwiches and salads. A friend turned me on to the turkey goat cheese sandwich, which is my favorite at this time. Doesn't blow you away, but plenty of flavor and not too dry. In general, it seems they use quality ingredients and churn out consistently pretty good food. It's a bit dark inside for my taste, but it adds some grungy character to the downtown scene.
(3)Justin B.
I think I'm giving my over-rated award to Tip Top. The service is inconsistent and the food is just not that damned interesting beyond a few standouts, and it is a touch too pricy for slightly gussied up bar food. The stand-outs would be from the fryer. The sweet potato fries and fried green beans are very good. Honestly though, I'd just stick to those two things with a beer at the bar after work..then get on with your life. I do appreciate the happy hour sales on interesting Ohio craft beers, and the bar itself, physically, is very cool. Oh, and can I be the first in town to mention Liz Lessner without professing my adoration? Lady, talk less, cook more. I bloviate on the internet as much as she does, but then I'm not trying to get people to give me their money. Honestly, it's getting so bad that I'm starting to avoid her places... and I'm not proud of it...but it''s still happening. I've really got to stop following her Twitter feed.
(3)Adrienne C.
Quirky little whiskey bar. Nice patio area to people-watch. Good date spot. It's been crowded every time i've been, so you may have to wait to get a table inside. Come here for their drinks, not their over-salted food. However, I personally prefer Manifesto if you're looking for a cool whiskey/scotch bar because it feels more polished.
(3)Frank M.
I'd already eaten before meeting up some friends at Tip Top, but I ordered the sweet poato fries like everyone said to order and it was no joke. It was also a huge serving. The beer selection was great too. I don't remember the exact name of the Double IPA I had, but it was absolutely delicious. They wouldn't give me a full pint due to the alcohol content, hah. Our waitress was also nice about splitting the check. I'm not a Columbus local, but I hear some areas of the country scoff when you ask them to split the check, lol.
(4)Rick S.
Nice little pub/bar/restaurant. Nice warm feeling in this brick walled place. We sat at the bar and had dinner. It was Friday night and we didn't want to wait for a seat. People waiting in line didn't have to wait long, though. I had beef stew which was OK. Wholesome but lacked flavor. My friend had a caesar salad (why you'd order that at a bar I'll never know) and he liked it. A good selection of pub food although not anything exciting. Nice selection of beers and a full bar. This is what takes my rating from 3 stars to 4 stars. The bartender was great about getting drinks and food to us. The beer selection is ample and it's served in an icy mug. I had a local Columbus brew and it was wonderful!
(4)Hardy E.
Fun bar
(3)Emily L.
Whenever I'm going to an event downtown, it seems like my friends and I always meet here for at least drinks beforehand and on several occasions, we've got dinner too. It's usually pretty crowded, especially on the weekend evenings, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time if you want a table. They have such an awesome variety of beers and ciders on tap(and as a cider lover, that always makes me happy). Food wise, pretty solid. The smoked salmon fritters and any of the fries are awesome appetizers. I've also had the Roast Beef and Onion Marmalade sandwich and it was awesome.
(4)David M.
I love the food, but don't go here when they are busy. When busy, the service falls apart. In fact, they forget to acknowledge the growing line of potential customers. I've walked out twice recently, and I don't plan to try again anytime soon. Dear service staff, I know you see me!
(3)Walker F.
I really should flesh this out more but it just popped up that I hadn't reviewed it and that is a shame. But here is the skinny on this tip top spot: It's on Gay Street. Which is one way. That will never stop being funny, no matter how long I've been away from C-bus. Dive bar. Lots of wood. Kinda dirty feeling. But charming nonetheless. I liked that the booths are raised. They could have served me a pile of dog shit next to the fried eggplant sticks and I still would rate this place 5 stars, they were that good. (As is, they served them with a spicy aioli, yum!) How have I never seen this item on a menu before? Genius. I love the menu, I mean "Slap Your Bottom Hummus?" Thumbs up. Everything looked tasty. I got mac and cheese with sausage. Hell ya. They know how to do sausage in the O-H (and they better know how to do it on Gay St. ;-) The drinks here are ridiculous, and by that I mean 1) strong, 2) inventive, and 3) have awesome names. For some reason it reminded me a bit of Betty's, but darker...and better all around. If I came back on a return visit, I would definitely come back here.
(5)Allysa M.
One word - deeeeeelicious. Great feel good, comfort food and their whiskey drinks are amazing. Their sweet potato fries and their fried green beans are definitely my fav appetizers on the menu. I also love their turkey and goat cheese sammi. There is also a pay by the hour parking lot conveniently located right across the street.
(5)Kate H.
I love you Green beans and Goodness. You are the best salad in all of Columbus. And even though I use about 5 modifiers to get you the way I want you (no bacon, no onions, no black olives, add mushrooms, dressing on the side), the staff here doesn't complain or roll their eyes at me... they just ask me if I need another beer and I say "yes" and they bring it and I say "thank you." Like all of Lessner's restaurants, this place is damn weird... just a little off, but it works somehow. The staff is eclectic, sometimes tattooed, borderline hipster looking on occasion minus the attitude. Everyone is efficient and knowledgeable. For the middle of downtown which up until recently shut down about 6pm, the place is totally hopping... it is really hard to get a table Thursday through Saturday nights. Plan accordingly and give yourself some extra time.
(4)Zack R.
We ate here based on overwheling recommendations, and the fact that it's just steps from our back door. The service was fairly attentive, although there were a few times we had to flag someone down after a 20 minute disappearance. The food was just ok. My friend was recommened the mac and cheese, for which I've also heard rave reviews. It wad fairly bland, not cheesy, and made with rotini. Not even macaroni! Call it something else. I had the country fried steak and gravy. It was a little over-breaded and the gravy was very floury tasting (not enough fat, too much flour, not enough pepper). The mashed potatoes were great, but the corn was way out of season. I think it had been frozen. We also had the potato chip nachos. Meh. Pretty bland over all, except for the big hits of giant jalapeno chunks. Price was great though. $11 or less per entree.
(2)Misty C.
Last night (Wednesday) we dined at Tip Top. We met a friend who was in town for business and was staying downtown. I was a little leery of venturing downtown since it was the Blue Jackets playoff. Oh, I'm glad we made the trip. I had been wanting to try Tip Top for ages. It was mid-week so parking wasn't a problem. No meters available, but we went across the street and parked in the lot for $5. I would have paid $5 if they had offered Valet anyway, so not a big deal. We were seated right away. The only tables available were right by the restrooms and my dear friend has an issue with being that close to the facilities :) so we asked to be moved and opted for a little booth near the bar that was meant for two, but we squeezed in and were still very comfortable. We are very close friends lol. We started with some drinks.. Flytown pick-me up (Maple syrup, ginger ale and whiskey. SO GOOD! I drank it down like water. Also, a framboise that even my wife, who doesn't drink, loved, and a bourbon barrel ale. All were tops. We ordered the corn fritters and fried green beans for our appetizers. I can't pick a favorite. The green beans came with ranch and a bloody mary dip. The order was HUGE. We took some home. The corn fritters came with some salsa and sour cream and were tender and creamy - not dry at all. Very yummy. For our dinners we all ordered something with pot roast. A pot roast sandwich on a pretzel roll, the beef and marmalade sandwich and beef stroganoff. The portions were BIG and the pot roast was moist and falling apart delicious. You can pick from several sides, which I like. My friend ordered the coleslaw and put it on her beef and marmalade sandwich and loved it. I ordered the sweet potato fries. The portions are huge and I wasn't able to finish.. even though I gave it a great try. The service was awesome. They moved us without a problem and we had several people checking on us frequently throughout our meal. Great service, great food, great experience = 5 stars. As a bonus, my wife realized that we had actually had our first date in that restaurant almost 15 years before to the day. Back then it was called The Grapevine. So that made it extra special.
(5)Madison W.
The waitress was so rude she kinda ruined the experience for our group of 3. We got the maccaroni, pot roast & country fried steak The steak was so burned we had to send it back and of course she had an attitude about that we nervous to even get it back, I told her I don't drink alot of beers but I like Blue Moon do you have something similiar she was like ya it's called such and such she brought it and it was so sour it tasted nothing like Blue Moon. My pot roast was good but it tasted exaclty like when I make Pot Roast in the Crock Pot nothing special. The Maccaroni was not what we expected it should have just been called pasta. It didn't have that cheesy southern flair that the Menu made it seem like The fried steak was just ok i still think it was too crunchy now I know to not order Southern Specialties in states that are not considered "The South!"
(2)Buella S.
Service- horrible Host- Thoughtful and considerate Food- luke warm and tasteless entrees. Potato chips were little slices of heaven. Cider- delicious atmosphere- not as cozy as one would hope Overall, nothing worth coming back for... pisa you're being silly, you're being a silly little cat
(1)Sean R.
The food is good. I've worked my way through most of the menu and enjoyed everything. But the service seems to be getting worse. The past few times I've been in, I have felt as though the servers were doing me a favor by seating me at all. Then, it's not uncommon for 30 to 40 minutes to go by before we can order drinks. We then repeat the wait before we can order food. There are some nights where its has felt as though we should be ordering drinks two at a time. That way, by the time we got done with the second, the server would be ready to get us another round.
(2)Sarah K.
We sat outside on the patio and ordered mac & cheese and corn chowder. The atmosphere was relaxing, and servers were attentive. Both dishes were tasty - I'd like to eat here again and try some other things on the menu.
(4)Raymond S.
Comfort food done right and at a reasonable price. I would say this is probably the crown jewel of the Columbus Food League. They do have a decent beer selection and their bar is stocked with pretty much anything you could want.
(4)Kayleigh A.
Great Home Cooking! Tip Top does everything well! They have a really wide variety on their menu. I got the Monte Cristo and it was the best I have ever had! My boyfriend got the pot roast (what they are known for) and he really enjoyed it. I recommend this place- parking may be hard to find, but you can always park under the statehouse and walk a few blocks.
(4)Al H.
Tip Top is one of those hole in the wall type places you probably wouldn't know is more than a random bar if you saw it from the street. But take the risk and go inside and you'll be delighted to find an amazing assortment of menu items, awesome drinks, and a very hip atmosphere. I highly suggest stopping in for Brunch as their brunch menu is seriously awesome and the bloody mary's, made with sriracha are kick ass.
(4)Romain C.
This was just across the street from my hotel. This is my first time here, but I've seen this place years before and it seems like it was only a bar from the outside. I didn't feel like going far out so I just went ahead and had dinner here. First I ordered the Vanilla porter. They seem to have a large selection of locat beers. What sold me when I saw the menu online was the eggplant fries. Then my entree was the Pot Roast Dinner. The beer was ok. The food was more than plentiful. I really liked the eggplant fries and would like to make this on my own. The pot roast was ok. I ended up taking the food back to my hotel to have for lunch the next day. The place was really busy so I didn't have much attention from the server. But this place is a really cool place to hangout.
(3)Liz M.
Tip Top is fun, but not really Tip Top in my book. I am definitely a Surly Girl kinda gal. Service was excellent. We sat at the bar so we didn't have to wait for a table. A great choice. Not only were the bar tenders great, but the food came out super fast and there were lots of friendly people hanging around to chat with. My Rueben was really yummy. Maybe a little too much kraut and not enough corned beef. But, good overall, and pping hot. My boyfreind got the Monte Cristo and it was sooo good! I would highly recommend it. Two things about our meal really made me sad though. My sweet potato fries were cold and totally from the 'bottom of the barrel' total bummer. AND the advertised OHIO Smuckers jam that was supposed to come with the Monte Cristo was actually some grape stuff from Maryland. WTF! Tip Top? Not like I care what jam you have, but don't make a big stinkin deal about Ohio founded Smuckers and then have some no name brand from Maryland. That's all. Of course, it was still good and the service was spot on and the whiskey drink my bf got was amazing and I HATE whiskey. Idk what it was called, but it had maple syrup in it. So, of course I'll be back, I'll just hope to get hot fresh fries next time, or better, yet, just stick with the chips to be safe and save a dollar.
(3)Jeff C.
So what to eat on a Sunday night in Columbus? Not everything is open but Tip Top is a good choice. Several beers on tap and the Scottish ale is quite good. The wait staff was very attentive. Had the pot roast sandwich with home made chips and a salad. The salad was excellent with fresh greens and green beans. The sandwich had lots of meat. The chips were ok....a bit oily. Overall not a bad place for an inexpensive dinner
(3)Randy S.
Ate their twice today. Good spot with good food and atmosphere. In the morning I had the Corned beef hash and eggs- all scratch made and very good. We also split the Corn fritters and the bacon and cheese dip- all very good choices. This evening we had the Ohio nachos~ very different. I am not usually a nacho fan but, the freshness, variety and the fresh potato chips made this a winner for me. I am actually glad I tried something that I usually wouldn't eat. I had the chicken fried chicken. All scratch made with "house gravy, corn and mashed potatoes. Tip Top is Tip Top~ you can't go wrong with the scratch made food- and oh yeah, it's a bar too!
(4)Benn M.
Be prepared for hipsters. More John Deere that Quality Farm & Fleet.
(3)Tom B.
I've been going to Tip Top for a number of years. The food is always fresh and the drinks are always hip and creative. What I really like about this place is that most, if not all, of the ingredients come from local sources. I also love the decor that celebrates Columbus history! One of my favorite things to get here is the pot roast sandwich and sweet potato fries! Check out this place, you will not be disappointed!
(4)Luke T.
Tip top is an okay place. It's no Surly Girl, but it outshines most of the limited downtown options, particularly for late night hours. Some negatives include a so-so ambiance, more limited veggie and micro brew options than other lessner joints, a slightly more out of the way location for most people (although that's also one of its more commendable aspects-trying to revitalize downtown), and limited parking. Bonuses outweigh the negatives: cheap beer for cyclists at all times, a nice patio area, local ingredients, late hours (rare for the area), helping revitalize downtown, and my favorite, an amazing bar featuring ornate shelving that was originally part of a barber shop over one hundred years ago in West Virginia.
(3)Rachel C.
Good food and decent prices.
(5)Matt W.
I wish Tip Top wasn't downtown. It's not that I have anything against downtown Columbus, but I really wish I had more excuses to get over and go there! I've been to Tip Top three or four times in the past year, a couple times for brunch and other times for lunch or dinner, and each time I keep wondering why I don't go there more often. Then I think about the 25+ minute drive and paying $5-10 to park every time I want to drop in and go "Ohhhh. Right." Still, I've always been impressed with the menu (eggplant fries are fantastic, and I liked the corn fritters, particularly shared before getting some breakfast), and their service can be a little up and down, but I've generally found it polite, upbeat, and responsive, particularly in the late evening. I'm a sucker for the pretzel rolls, particularly with the pot roast sammich or the Italian Beef. The beer selection has some nice surprises, but even if you just want to get water, they'll make sure to keep your glass topped off.
(4)Al S.
Initially, I found this place surfing yelp. It worked out very well. As my fiancée and I arrived, we both realized we had eaten there before. Neither of us remembered the food, but we definitely sat inside that dining room before. For the appetizer, we had corn fritters. They were absolutely fantastic. My fiancée had a cocktail called the "Urban Meyer." She has both written down and told me to my face that it was the best cocktail ever. She was not as happy about her entrée, which was a honey avocado chicken salad sandwich she described as "bland." She did have fried green beans that were delicious. I had pot roast, my favorite stew. Large pieces of root vegetables cooked in broth with delicious, delicious meat. We both agreed that five stars seems totally reasonable in this case. If I'm in the area or if I get a surprising urge to go and eat some beef stew, I'll definitely return.
(5)Kevin D.
Tip Top is a solid dinner choice. They have great food, an excellent beer selection, and a good atmosphere. Don't let the odd facade fool you.
(5)Jon H.
This place really can surprise you. Its affordable, solid food, good service, and great beer selection. Came here on a Monday night with a friend. Ordered up a few beers and cocktails (extensive beer selection), Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy for under $13? Fried crispy golden brown, juicy inside, not too heavy on the gravy, nicely mashed potatoes. Solid plate of food. Overall, just a solid place for food. Won't blow you away, but won't disappoint you. Good beers, fast service, and just a solid experience.
(4)Kimberly C.
I have worked downtown for years and this is my number one go-to walking-distance lunch place whether I am with friends or colleagues (okay, it may not be appropriate for my most highbrow business meetings but my casual side cannot get enough).The food is delicious with both healthy and sinful options (my favorites are the Turkey & Goat Cheese Sandwich, Spicy Vegetarian Corn Chowder and they make the best Sweet Potato Fries of ALL TIME). I am greeted with a smile from a host who can remember faces, my Diet Coke is always full and there is a nice selection of draft beer for those of you who can get away with that during lunchtime. :-) The decor, menu, staff and clientele are a mid-day eclectic mix. The restaurant always has a hipster vibe but if you stop by later in the afternoon/evening you will find a mostly hipster crowd (CCAD is nearby).
(5)Heather C.
I want to love it, I do. If I could I would give it a 3.5. Part of the problem may be me. But I do not like pot roast or sweet potatoes, so their menu is not geared towards me. Every time I have been here I love the unique ambiance and laid back feeling. I love the beer selection and wine options. But the food always lacks. I have tried many sandwich's and dishes. My husband loves the mac and cheese, but he also loves it at Bettys (where even the menu credits the dish being from) and I honestly prefer bettys. Everyone swears the pot roast is to die for...... so if that's your thing definitely try out tip top. And the get the bean hummus, that is pretty good.
(3)Camden L.
I work downtown within walking distance from tip top, and have had an overall positive experience dining here for lunch. Pretty limited seating, so good luck getting in the place on a nice day during peak hours. Service is usually prompt and friendly, the only time it was slow they comped my meal and a beer :-) my only complaint is that the sandwiches can be inconsistent. Some days the meat is fresh, juicy and hot with the bread nicely toasted and slightly crunchy on the outside, while other times the bread will be barely warm and limp, with the meat slightly dry. Sweet potato fries are always good, worth the extra $2. The homemade chips are hit and miss... Steak and Swiss and Philly are my two personal favs, pot roast sandwich was a disappointment, with the meat being dry. Beer selection is solid and changes often. Good local brews. Booze is fairly expensive, but there is a good selection of bourbon and scotch :-)
(4)Matt R.
There is a definite conspiracy afoot and Yelp has both alerted me to it and tried to cover it up. That's right, folks, a smokin', red-hot conspiracy. Follow me down the rabbit hole, Alice. Note: I will not be reviewing specific aspects of Tip Top as I feel the two- and three-star reviews adequately reflect the specifics of my opinion. This is a "meta-review," so to speak. Recently I read in the Yelp forums about how "in-the-know" Columbusites are aware of Liz Lessner's game - for those that don't know, she's the mastermind behind Tip Top, Surly Girl, Betty's, and Dirty Franks. I couldn't agree with these Yelpers more. So let's lay it out: on the one hand, many Yelpers post about the true nature of Lessner's restaurants - mediocre. On the other hand, many of Lessner's restaurants are highly lauded on Yelp. A paradox? No, quite solvable. Yes, the game of OVERRATEDness. Tip Top is a prime example of this scheme: trendy layout; interesting location; hipster music; non-descript menu; very average food. So how does it come to be that a place like Tip Top gets so many high ratings? Sadly, I feel it is one of the few unique places Columbus has to offer. After looking at a recent list of restaurants that Columbusites favor (e.g., PF Changs, Chipotle, Panera, Olive Garden), places like Tip Top and Surly Girl started to make sense to me. They fulfill a need that we all have: to live in a city that has something that no other city has. The more upscale, mainstream restaurants by Cameron Mitchell fulfill some of that need, but there also needs to be the "off-the-beaten trail" restaurants that have a sort of anti-establishment/hipster vibe. Lessner helps us with the actual building, but fails at execution. I truly appreciate what she has done by adding these much-needed restaurants to Columbus' landscape, but in the end it seems they could do more harm than good since what we have here is not a gem like we largely believe it to be, but something more akin to a golden calf. The emperor has no clothes.
(3)Jeff M.
Just arrived in Columbus and we were told to come here. This place is incredible. Great decor, great beer selection, fabulous food and staff was incredible. I have 100 or so employees that are in town for the weekend that i will tell all off them about tiptop!
(5)Mike D.
It certainly is an interesting place. Give it a shot -- I walked in and almost turned around and walked out. It seriously looks shady as hell in the first couple steps in the door. Not to say that once you get further back it becomes white table cloth dining -- not should anyone expect it to be. It does, however, grow on you a little. That being said, it seems my experience was quite opposite of some recent reviews -- the service was very good. The food...I could have taken it or left it (mostly the latter). We had the fried green beans to start. They were good, not great. I had the salmon with parmesan risotto and steamed vegetables. It was ok, not good. The salmon was not anywhere near fresh -- it smelled fishy and really didn't have much flavor at all. The risotto was dry and pretty tasteless as well. It makes me a little sad to say the wheat toast with butter was the second most impressive part of the dish. The most impressive part was the delicious sauce drizzled onto the salmon. It almost made up for it. I would go back to Tip Top and order something else, for sure. The Mrs. had the roast beef sandwich with sweet potato fries. I don't like sweet potatoes very much -- but those were darn good fries. We'll meet again, Tip Top. Just bring your A game next time.
(2)Michelle K.
I've been here several times, and as others have already mentioned, best sweet potato fries I've had in Columbus. I first came in to Tip Top for brunch and somehow managed to try the shoestring, sweet potato, and eggplant fries. I wasn't so impressed with the shoestring, but I guarded my sweet potato fries and wouldn't let my friend near them. I've also tried their top two sandwiches, the pot roast and the monte carlo. I thought the pot roast was fantastic and loved the pretzel roll. As for the monte carlo, I wasn't as impressed but was happy to devour all of my fries. I'll definitely be returning to try another one of their dishes, or just for an order of the fries.
(4)Bryant M.
Oh, Tip Top, we need to have a difficult conversation... Give me a reason to want to come see you! Quit being mediocre and having inconsistent service! Stop using so many pre-made products, and give me something fantastic! Some things on Tip Top's menu are great - like the sweet potato fries! Other things - like the brunch food - are kinda gross. I think the atmosphere is good, and I love to go have a drink and an appy with friends there. But recently, we went for brunch, and we were so disappointed! Everything tasted like it came from a box or a carton - even the eggs! And then there's the service. Sometimes the servers are great and attentive, and other times they are just downright rude, inattentive, and totally douchey. I think I'll stick to Surly Girl until Tip Top gets its act together.
(3)Christina C.
It's official. Although I crave the sweet potato fries from Tip Top at least once a week, I must update my review and drop it down a star. I still love Tip Top, but, here's the deal: I've been here about a half-dozen times and each time the service has gotten progressively worse. It's like all the server's have a chip on their shoulder. I decided to switch up my order on this trip and order the corn fritters and the house greenbean/bean salad. The fritters were sadly lacking in flavor and the best part about the salad was the goat cheese. I still stand by my love of the fries, but my strength is faltering for a lot of the other aspects of this place.
(3)Stac M.
After hearing about the amazing sweet potato fries I was excited to give this place a try. They are amazing fries, I will admit. I love sweet potatoes and especially in the shape of fries. I will say, that I think that Nazarith's regular fries are still the best (in my eternal quest for the world's best fries). Along side my fries, I got a side of Roast Beast sandwich. It was good, just not great. It was a little dry and needed a sauce of some sort. My friend ordered au jus, as he felt the same way, and still noted that it lacked moisture. If I go back, I will try another sandwich and let you know how that goes. The place was packed for 5 pm, but the service didn't suffer at all. We had a colorful (literally, as she was tattooed) waitress who was friendly and patient with me not being able to make up my mind. She tried to check in on us periodically and left us to chat when she felt we were deep in discussion. She seemed like a veteran server, lol. Drinks magically were refilled often without our table spotting her slight of hand. Good food, great service and located downtown. My only complaints are that I didn't like the way the place was crowded, and parking can be a pain in the neck. But that is out of the business's control, obviously.
(3)Robert T.
I disagreed with Stephanie K! This is my favorite of Liz's restaurants. The staff is super friendly and fun, and everything I have ever tried has been really good. Excellent beer selection and discounts on PBR for riding your bike! Last night had a dinner with 8 people, which Tip Top isn't the greatest of places to go with that many because of the limited table space, and the long wait was made up by the best sandwich I have ever had! A turkey and goat cheese! The french fries were good (at least the ones I could steal off of Matt's plate without him complaining too much), but the cole slaw is lackluster at best, so stay away from it! All in all, it is a great neighborhood place with a friendly crowd.
(4)Jessica T.
Top 3 Things I Already Read about Tip Top on Yelp and Agree With: 1. The sweet potato fries are the bomb. 2. The pot roast sandwich is really good (pretzel bun FTW!) 3. The service is kind of lackluster. Top 3 Things I Haven't Yet Seen in a Review: 1. The bathrooms are tiny and sort of scary! 2. Our food came out pretty cold. 3. If you love Columbus history, you'll really enjoy checking out the decor.
(3)Stephanie K.
Out of all the Liz Lessner restaurants, this one is probably my least favorite. It's still a pretty good bar and restaurant overall, but I feel like the food here lacks. This visit I got the tortilla soup (i think that's what it was), salmon fritters, and eggplant fries. The soup was pretty much taco water. It was so overloaded with cumin and not enough other flavors. The salmon fritters lacked much salmon flavor as the majority of it consisted of risotto. The eggplant fries were tasty and came with dipping sauces of bloody mary sauce, and an aioli i think? The server was friendly. I will probably just stick to Surly Girl, Betty's, and Dirty Franks.
(3)Benjamin P.
Can Liz Lessner do no wrong? In my eyes, the answer is a solid NO. After the roommate and I came home to our ceiling collapsed in from the upstairs neighbors toilet, we decided we needed a drink. I was after midnight - so we decided to go to Tip Top because we knew their kitchen would still be open. Great choice. I started with their $3 whiskey special - Well whiskey and RC Cola and the roommate got something a little nicer. We got the cheese ball - which was cream and cheddar cheeses with olives, chipped beef and served with these CRAZY good fired pita wedges. For real, this cheese ball instantly brought me to every family gathering we had growing up. I got the balsamic chicken, which was topped with goat cheese and fresh tomatoes. But the star at the table was my roommates choice of chicken fried steak. So perfectly seasoned and fried, covered in gravy and served with mashed potatoes. Gluttony defined, but if you'll recall, our ceiling did fall in from the neighbors toilet overflowing so I'm sorry I'm not sorry.
(4)Brent Z.
Excellent food. Especially the sweet potato fries. Food comes out pretty quick. This is my go to place for a quick meal when I'm in town.
(4)Doug O.
Pretty good. My least favorite of the Liz Lessner restaurants, but that's pretty good company to be in. The food is pretty tasty. They have nice salads. The drawback for me is the atmosphere. I wish there were a few windows for one. Two, it's pretty packed every time I go there and is hard to get a seat...but I guess that's a pretty good problem for them to have. Worth checking out, though.
(3)Christine D.
Well, I had a lot of higher hopes for this restaurant and it failed to deliver on many levels. It has a very narrow entry, so be prepared to get cozy if it is busy and you are planning to eat dinner. The host was awesome and very nice. Our server on the other hand seemed as though she was annoyed to either be there or were annoyed we were there. The pop tasted extremely flat and were flung on the table as the server passed by. The deep fried battered green beans were by far the best. Both of our meals however (tuna sandwich and meatloaf) were less than desired. Tuna and salty do not go hand-in-hand, but this was the saltiest tuna salad I have EVER had. The meatloaf looked extremely breaded and overall presentation was a little gross. I do not see the meal being worth $40 bucks and we will definitely not go back. I was extremely disappointed and could tell we were not wanted guests.
(1)Vanessa L.
I have never gotten anything I didn't like here. Try the green bean fries!
(4)Heather G.
Trying out the Monte cristo. So good great taste need I say more. The deep fried green beans are a must starter
(5)Keith B.
I've been a few times, and I've only gotten the pretzel roll with varying meats in between - from the Rueben to the Pot Roast sandwich, with fries of the sweet potato OR eggplant variety - all delicious. So why three? Because the past couple of times, it's felt like it's gone down hill. The food became subpar. The fries - soggy, cold. The pot roast sandwich? Looked like I got the last scraggle of whatever was left - cold, on a dried up pretzel roll. All-in-all disappointing, especially after talking it up to my friend. I'd still go back and give it one more try, but I'm worried the atmosphere may have done it in.
(3)Ariel B.
Tip Top has been reviewed a million times so I will keep it brief. Solid sandwiches, drink selection, and sweet potato fries. Nothing novel or pretentious about it, Tip Top is the epitome of Columbus comfort food at its best. Great every day place to get together with friends, but come early as it gets crowded!
(3)Alyse S.
The BBQ sandwich is amazing! Like melt in your mouth delicious. It would have 5 stars, but the bartenders left the bar for 20 minutes and couldn't be found. Definitely frustrating when you are trying to leave. I read that the service was hit or miss and that is still true. All in all, the food outweighs my annoyance.
(4)Teri S.
Great comfort food. They have great sweat potato fries and chicken salad sandwiches. My husband rates the reubens high. It is a little dark inside, so I suggest eating outside if possible.
(5)David W.
Already having a caloric love-affair with a Surly Girl, and never having been disappointed by a Betty or a Dirty Frank, I figured I couldn't go wrong with popping my fourth CFL cherry with a visit to downtown's Tip Top. As with the aforementioned locales, I had that "oh crap" moment walking in and seeing a busy line snaking its way to the front door. Fortunately this dread was assuaged when the line immediately shrank and my friend and I were directed to our table. The interior, like Betty's and Surly Girl, is a dash of dark, a pinch of dingy, and a smidgen of kitsch. But a little bit less so on the kitsch; in the clientele and the decor, the place looks a little more "grown-up" than its counterparts. Not at all a bad thing. The menu wasn't quite as inventive either, but offered some appetizing options. I ultimately settled for the Italian Beef sandwich, served on a hoagie roll with delicious provolone and spicy giardiniera. For just a dollar extra I ordered a side of sweet potato fries, which (call me late to the lawn-party) have been a relatively recent discovery of mine. These were perfect. Although they didn't come with the marshmallow sauce I had enjoyed at the Level bar, they were salty goodness on their own. On a side note, I found the jukebox to be a little confusing. The song I requested ended up being played twice. Fortunately, no one seemed to mind. Overall, a great reason to visit a part of town that used to suck when I was a kid. I will be back.
(4)Paige B.
I'm a regular! Good food, great beer, and nice staff.
(5)K M.
I visited for the first time last weekend. Once again, another Liz Lessner restaurant impresses me. From the countless vegetarian and vegan options, to the ambiance and decor- I loved it all. I highly recommend the vegan version of the Philly Cheese Steak.
(5)Vivian W.
My coworkers and I just finished eating at Barrio in downtown and walked around to find a bar. Somehow I found myself at Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails yet again. I guess it was meant to be? It was a Tuesday night like last time and the place was packed around 8pm. I noticed a weird smell when I walked in, kind of like mildewy washcloths. Ew. You know what other place smells like that? Rosie McCann's at Santana Row. haha Anyway, since we already ate, we just sat at the bar for some drinks. Tip Top is a place to go if you just want some casual drinks. The bartender seemed a bit clueless. My boss said he wanted a bacardi and diet NFL and the bartender didn't get the NFL part. I had to repeat my order of Ketel and tonic a few times too. Either he isn't a very knowledgeable bartender...or he's lost his hearing. Poor fella. If you want to go there for food, I would give it 3 stars like my last review. For drinks, I would give it 3.5 stars. I'm giving the extra half star because the drinks are strong and cheap. Just how I like them. ;)
(3)Anita J.
Just another hole-in-the-wall bar serving up good home-style food. Had the breaded pork sandwich, and it was just that - a pork chop breaded and fried and served on a pretzel roll. It was quite tasty. The service was fantastic and anyone will check/wait on you.
(4)Boudu B.
My waitress, was a bit of a hipster, which I really liked, but I guess the hipster type in Columbus are a lot more run and hateful then in Philly or Boston. I should have gotten the salmon fritters? Really? I haven't even tried these ones. I don't need extra BBQ sauce? At one point, on this quiet Tuesday night, as I was wondering around this small town, looking for trouble, I actually found it. Food was ok, but cold. I had the bbq sandwich and chips, and corn fritters (which were good, although cold). Also, this is not a dive bar, I would put this into a beautiful and waspy-hipster catagory. The inside is a gourgous place and the vaulted cieling was amazing. The inside is truely a site to see. I'll give it another shot when I am back there again on a Tuesday.
(3)Rachel G.
Highly recommend their Ohio Nachos! Portion sizes for appetizers are great. The atmosphere of the restaurant in general is pretty different and the server we had wasn't a very happy camper. However, it was an overall good experience.
(3)Taylor M.
Feeling a little disappointed in myself that I just recently found this place. Insanely good. The menu is great for a big group from vegetarians to just annoying, picky eaters you are bound to find something that you will love. I personally fell in love with the tuna melt and eggplant fries but I'll be sure to share what I get next. It was pretty busy and our wait was only about 10 minutes. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Devon P.
Oh, Tip Top how I love thee... let me count the ways: 1 - your sweet potato fries. I crave them, with their zesty dip. 2 - your sandwich variety. Several great coices, especially the tender roast beef. 3 - your interesting decor. I never get bored there. 4 - your street tables. I haven't sat out there, because I am an air conditioning snob, but I appreciate you have them for other people. 5 - your bar. I could imagine myself going there with friends and comfortably chatting about social issues, if I lived closer, but I leave downtown after work without looking back. Oh, Tip Top: I like you. Just as you are.
(4)Ryan G.
Great local place. I went to Tip Top after reading some good reviews and I was very impressed with their food, beer selection and prices. I have to be honest, I ordered the country fried steak on my first visit and have never ordered anything but ever since. I love home-cooked food, and they do it very well. Wait staff has always been very friendly to me.
(5)Todd M.
Great place, great ambiance, great sweet potato fries. Very good draught beer selection. Pretty young crowd.
(4)Kevin H.
This place is simply top-notch. The Monte Cristo Sandwich is to-die-for, as are the accompanying homemade chips. If you are coming here for lunch, be ready to wait in line, as this is one of the more popular lunch destinations in Columbus. Worth the wait!
(5)viv l.
Hipster central? Oh noes, run for the hills!!! True, the inside of Tip Top is a little dark. But hey, the place doesn't have windows. What can ya expect? It's a bar! A bar with $3 Ohio drafts during happy hour, an extensive whisky/scotch/bourbon/etc. selection, and a great list of specialty cocktails. Mint Juleps, Manhattans, and a friend's favorite: Commit to be Lit (it's better than a cherry jolly rancher). But most of the time I go to Tip Top to eat because their kitchen is outstanding. Three words: FRIED GREEN BEANS. I love the sweet asian sauce and the buttermilk ranch that comes with there. Another personal favorite: ham & swiss & slaw on a pretzel roll. Other things you should order: pot roast sandwich (if you like pot roast), montecristo, cheesesteak (mmmmm, no whiz), portabello/eggplant melt (super hearty), the chicken salad (with avocado on a pretzel roll). And the PIES are always tempting. The menu is really huge so expect to see a pared down menu in a couple weeks. BTW, I bumped into Michael C. here a couple days ago. Does that make both of us hipsters? Woot!
(4)Kara K.
I am a fan of the Tip Top and of Liz's places in general. There are definitely some crave-worthy items on the menu. I really like the corn chowder. It had a great consistency and a nice kick. Their pot roast is the best I have ever had, espeically on a pretzel bun. mmmmm.... I love their beer selection and I have heard the mixed drinks are great too ( I am a beer kind of girl. I wish I liked whiskey damn it) I agree with all Vivshmack's selections and comments so I won't be redundant in that regard. As far as "hipsters" are concerned, I have been in the Tip Top in old jeans, a hoodie, flip flops and hair badly in need of washing and felt just fine. It's all in your attitude.
(4)Henry D.
This is probably my favorite place to go for lunch in downtown Columbus. Get any hot sandwich with the sweet potato fries and you won't be disappointed. Service was great when I went.
(4)Kiesha J.
Tip Top bills itself as serving Ohio comfort food, which I totally love. The pot roast is delicious, as is the Roast Beef and Onion Marmalade sandwich. The spicy corn chowder is also a winner, along with the Ohio Nachos (potato chips with nacho fixin's). The drinks here are awesome, including the Jungle Jack Hanna and the Commit to be Lit. Out of Betty's, Surly Girl and Tip Top, Tip Top is probably my favorite just because it's calmer and offers so many great food options.
(5)Eric W.
Come for the beer list...stay for the sweet potato fries. You'll want to mainline the dipping sauce when you're done with 'em! The Chicken Shallot Avocado Sandwich is fantastic and comes on the signature pretzel roll. Likewise for the slow roasted Pot Roast Sandwich, which is a little pricey at $9, but there's a lot of love in that thing. The other winner (I must go here alot, right?) is the Roast Beef with Onion Marmelade Sandwich. It comes with a little aus jus for dipping. As far as casual eats in the center city, it doesn't get much better. They're open late and on Sundays too!
(4)Randy S.
How did it take me so long to visit Tip Top? Despite, what I had read on several other reviews, the restaurant isn't nearly as hipster-laded as I though it might be. The crowd was actually pretty mixed the night I was there. The have a super-cool beer selection (Bell's, New Holland, Great Lakes, Straub) and lots of clever signature drinks...oh, and RC! The menu is extensive and filled with comfort foods -- pot roast, Monte Cristo sandwiches, meatloaf, mac & cheese and the like. I tried the pot roast sandwich and fell in love with it. The sweet potato fries were also great, especially with their accompanying spicy mayo. And though parking is a pain, I found a spot at dinner on Third Street fairly easily. I would never dream of trying to do lunch here unless I was already parked downtown for something else.
(5)Heather A.
Wow I had NO idea this place had SUCH a following!! I am surprised given the somewhat dodgy location and not-within-walking-distance placement. Whatever the case, I have enjoyed this place nearly every time I've been. Parking is almost ALWAYS a headache and when you do find a spot then you have to fight for a seat but once you those minor- but important- details worked out, you're in for a treat. I most recently had the hummus plate which was OUTSTANDING and seriously making me want some this minute. It was fresh and completely outstanding. They also didn't have my cider so on the advice of the waiter- who was awesome!- I tried the Lindeman's Framboise and was so pleased!! The patio is nice but I would love to see it extended. The ambiance on the inside took me by surprise the first time I went it as I expected something totally different and was blown away by it's uniqueness. Love Tip Top!
(4)Daniel A.
I escaped from the hotel long enough to grab a bite to eat at "Tip Top" tonight. I was pretty impressed. It is a nice bar/restaurant located close to downtown. The food was very good, and the service was really attentive. They seemed to be serving in a tag team fashion, which seemed a bit odd since I had about 4 different servers and another 3 people stop by to make sure the food was good, but it worked well, and the staff all seemed to be enjoying themselves, I like that - Food service can suck, you know the good places when the staff is having fun. I took "Jeff L"'s advice and went with the Monte Cristo which was HUGE. Do yourself a favor and skip lunch (or breakfast, you get the idea). I went with the homemade potato chips (again a large portion), which I was not really keen on, but they had a variety of other options and the size of the sandwich made any complaints about the side academic. The bill was awesome too, $10 for like 2lbs of sandwich and a large iced tea. I'm only in town for a couple of days, but if I lived here I could see this being a favorite place.
(5)Jeff L.
The service was great, the beer was great, the Monte Cristo... well... that was worth the drive and the 5 star rating. It was easily the best I've ever had. It came with some fries. That and a Great Lakes Brewing lager cost me 12 bucks. Well worth it. The environment is pretty nice too, at noon it was full of suits and what seemed to be good natured people.
(5)Kenley M.
A well-thought-out little place with a lot of character. Serves sandwiches like the reuben and montecristo, entrees like pot roast and mac and cheese, and their specialty cocktail menu is built around whiskey. The menu emphasizes Ohio and Columbus ties, in terms of ingredients, preparations, and especially food and cocktail names. (For example, the Alex P. Keaton, a whiskey and ginger ale drink named for the character on Family Ties, which was set near Columbus.) I recommend the pot roast sandwich, and pass along a second hand recommendation of the vegetarian pot roast sandwich. Vegetarians: Almost every sandwich has a meat replacement option, so don't let your eye immediately jump to the eggplant.
(4)Peter L.
Excellent place. The sweet potato fries are awesome and the eggplant fries are even better. The food is solid -- especially the pot roast sandwich. Great drinks, kind of a hipster vibe and attentive service. Gets kind of crowded, but it's worth it.
(4)Paul F.
IMO, this is just a bar with food, and the food isn't all that good. I've been here twice, once with a group. The second time I had the Mac & Cheese and I found it far inferior to that which I make at home. For a starter, I shared the red bean hummus which wasn't too bad. I wouldn't go back for the food.
(2)Drew G.
I like the the "no fuss" feeling of Tip Top. It's a hip joint to have a solid meal, something your mother would make. The pot roast, be it a sandwich or entree, is always perfect. The Ohio Nachos should be submitted as Ohio's state food, don't for get to add the sausage. The staff is always more than accommodating. Parking is tricky, but the atmosphere, drinks and food are worth a block or so walk. You'll appreciate the after dinner stroll anyway, being that you'll definitely be a member of the "Clean Plate Club" when you leave.
(5)Natalie C.
I love this place!!!! Great beer selection and fun drinks... whiskey cocktails are their specialty. The food is amazing. Wonderful comfort entrees, soups, salads, and sides, all with unique flavors. And they support local growers and farmers. A big plus in these times. I would recommend the sweet potato fries, the pot roast sandwich, the red bean hummus, and so much more!!!
(5)Mickey P.
Love this place. Great comfort food. Great service. Its one block from my house. I feel lucky to have this place in my back yard. They serve food really late as well. And check out there next door neighbor Due Amici. That place serves great food as well. Both places you can't go wrong!
(5)Max T.
Great food options for a bar -- or is it great drink options for a restaurant? Or something in between? Loved the Ohio Nachos - homemade potato chips w/ traditional nacho toppings. The thick chips hold up very well and don't get soggy. The optional sausage is really interesting - sweet... almost like a breakfast sausage. They've got other great appetizer options too - the eggplant fries are great, and the sweet potato fries are well done, with a nice spicy mayo sauce for dipping. Some of the more interesting entrees include the roast beef sandwich (with onion marmalade) and the chicken & dumplings with vegetables. The mixed drink menu was pretty fun - lots of Columbus-themed drinks. The "Commit To Be Lit" seemed an especially popular choice. The service was great - even with a huge group, the server did a great job of keeping on top of drinks & making sure everyone who wanted food got it. When it came time to check out, that was handled speedily as well.
(4)Glen K.
The place has a nice dive/art school feel to it. The Rum and Coke I drank was nice and strong. The Italian Beef was very good. I have to say that being from Chicago, I found the Italian Beef to be more of a french dip. It still went down very nice at 1:30 am
(4)Mark H.
Not much to look at from the outside. But great on the inside. Very good beer selection. Perfect comfort food. And you MUST get a basket of Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Mayo. Ask for two things of Spicy Mayo.
(4)Laryn C.
Maybe I'm the only one, but I was not impressed with Tip Top. To me it seemed a run-down version of Surly Girl, with worse lighting and less interesting things on the walls. The service was great, I'll give it that, but the food was nowhere close to impressive. The bourbon chicken and the meatloaf were way too salty, and the cheese steak sandwich was bland as hell. The fries were good, but overall I wouldn't spend money on a meal there again. I was very disappointed! I've never had a bad bite at Surly Girl or Betty's; maybe it was just an off night in the kitchen, but you can never be too sure. The menu's all right if you enjoy comfort food, but if you're in the mood for something light or healthy, there's not too much of a choice. Overall, two stars.
(2)Brian P.
Just had another delicious lunch at Tip Top. Got the Pot Roast sandwich and sweet potato fries. As always, service was excellent and the food was served quickly. It was lunchtime, and my friend and I were able to be seated at the bar without a wait.
(5)Renata H.
I was very disappointed by the Tip Top. I expected way better from the creator of the Surly Girl and Betty's! I found the atmosphere too dark (and this was only at 5:30pm) and chilly. It kind of felt like somebody's creepy basement that they tried to make into a cool hangout, but it never really worked. The walls being adorned with really old black and white photos and musty pieces of fabric doesn't help. Honestly...I really wanted to love this place, but the setup and decor immediately turned me off. Onto the food...Tip Top has a great drink selection, which I didn't get to sample enough of, but the spicy Bloody Mary I ordered was watery and way less spicy (and tasty) than those served at Surly Girl. I guess their thing is whiskey at Tip Top, right? Anyway, I got to try the Columbus Cool Veggie sandwich, the Bourbon Chicken, the Eggplant fries, sweet potato fries, and the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. To be honest, the only thing worth eating was the Eggplant fries. My Philly Cheesesteak sandwich was extremely bland and kind of dry, slathered in a tasteless plasticky white swiss cheese. The sweet potato fries it came with were bright orange but (as a previous reviewer said) tasted more like 'fried' than sweet potato. I had way better ones at the old Scottie's in Clintonville. The bourbon chicken was very salty and looked and tasted like something I could make out of a box (you know, some chicken n' rice meal thing) at home. You know--not terrible, but nothing I should be paying $10 for. The Cool Columbus Veggie was totally unsurprising, just tasteless plain cream cheese and cucumbers. I couldn't even finish half of my sandwich because it just was not good. At all. The fries didn't even tempt me to continue munching them. Our waitress was very nice and helpful--no problems there. Maybe it would be different if I went there just to drink, late-night, and not to eat, but overall I found it a very lacking experience, and I wouldn't go back to the Tip Top unless someone else was paying.
(2)Stephanie B.
The first time I came here was right after it opened and I came here after work for happy hour with some co-workers. I had no idea what Tip Top was or that it was owned by the same person as Surly Girl, which is one of my favorite restaurants/bars. All I knew was that a guy that I worked with wanted to go out and suggested a whiskey bar. I love whiskey. It's my favorite liquor, so I was excited about it. I had never heard of this place, so I didn't know what to expect. We worked at the Statehouse, and this place was just a few blocks over. For that, I loved the location. I really want to give this place 4.5 stars, though, because of the location. It's downtown, which makes parking difficult. Tip Top is on Gay St. near 3rd. That was great for walking here from work, but it sucks when you want to come here and you have your car. Your only options are to park on the street at a meter and hope you get a spot. Or I guess you could go for one of those costly parking lots. Because Tip Top is downtown, I wouldn't venture here for lunch during the week. At that time this place belongs to the downtown businessmen and women. And at happy hour during the week. Which was cool when I was part of that crowd but now that I'm not, I'll probably only come here on weekends. This place definitely does not share the awesome location status with Surly Girl and Betty's. But it's still worth the trip down here. As I mentioned, I love whiskey and I think it's great that they have a unique menu of mixed whiskey drinks you don't see anywhere else. And they all have clever names. I've tried the Route 40 Shorty, which is whiskey (of course), sweet vermouth, grenadine and soda with a cherry on top. Very good. I need to try all the whiskey drinks here eventually. I think the drink prices are pretty typical for downtown. Definitely not cheap, but not insane either. Domestic bottles of beer are around $3 a piece. This bar is definitely less decorative than it's sister bars. It's very dark and while there are some interesting knick knacks here and there (a strange stuffed bird behind the bar is coming to mind) they aren't too plentiful. Definitely not cluttered. This place has an old-fashioned feel to it. There are barstools all along the bar and tables in the back. But it's really not very big. That first time that I was here with co-workers, we just came to drink whiskey. But we ordered some appetizers to share. We got the red bean hummus, which is the same that is served at Surly Girl. If you haven't tried it, you should if you're a hummus fan. It's just slightly spicy and the pita is wonderful. But the winner here was the sweet potato fries. These were hands down the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. They were thick enough that you got the smooth creaminess inside with the outside crunchiness, but they weren't steak fries. They were perfectly seasoned and delicious by themselves, but they came with this spicy mayo dip that is the absolute perfect compliment to the fries. I actually crave the fries here sometimes. They are so good - you owe it to yourself to try them if you haven't. One day I came here with another co-worker for my lunch break. This was only a few months ago, so it was cold out. It was really busy since everyone was on their lunch breaks downtown, so we ended up sitting a the bar. A tip: If you can avoid it, don't sit at the end of the bar towards the door in the winter because it shuts slowly and it's COLD! We were freezing during our entire meal. This was also actually the first time I was here for a meal. I didn't realize until we came here that this was the place where I had the sweet potato fries because I had forgotten what it was called. Once I recognized the place I was very excited. There are all kinds of choices on the menu, sandwiches, salads, stuff like meatloaf and pot roast, which I heard they are also famous for. Right away I was drawn to the Avocado Honey-Shallot Chicken Salad. Chicken salad with avocado in it? Why didn't I think of that before? Seriously. And the best part was that I could substitute my side of chips for the sweet potato fries for an extra dollar. Worth it! My sandwich was pretty big and I had a huge pile of fries. They were just as delicious as I remembered, and my sandwich was amazing. It was some of the best chicken salad I've ever had, and I love chicken salad so I've had a lot. Based on this meal alone, I think I like the food here better than Surly Girl. But I do prefer the latter's atmosphere a million times to this. My co-worker had ordered the Monte Cristo which smelled great and looked like it was done right. I'll have to try that sometime. It came with a side of jam, which is how it's supposed to be. I have seen them served without that before and that just doesn't count as a real Monte Cristo to me. I had to get a box for my food - it was too much. This is a fun bar, but come here for the food. The sandwiches are around $10, and its only $5 for the yummy fries.
(5)Veronica W.
The atmosphere is awesome and the sweet potato fries are AMAZING.
(5)Jim C.
Food was good, great beer list, good relaxed atmosphere. No complaints here!
(4)Sam P.
Great pot roast sandwich, OK fries. Good selection of tap beers. Interior is much more warm and comfy than the exterior appears. Seems to be one of the few good choices for good beer, food and football when Downtown CMH on a Sunday afternoon. Four stars if the fries were better. A pub HAS to have great fries.
(3)Lovanna L.
My friends and I decided to try out Tip Top an early Friday evening. The restaurant was full but we were first in line. After about 10-15 minutes, we were seated in a booth. The restaurant had a nice, dark nostalgic feel to it. Our server was very friendly and came to take our drinks pretty soon after we were sat. My friend ordered a mojito but our server discouraged her from it since they didn't have any fresh mint. I appreciate that he did that instead of serving her a mediocre drink. The menu was reasonable with many yummy looking choices. I ordered the monte cristo with sweet potato fries. The portions were HUGE and to my dismay, I finished it all. The sweet potato fries were really delicious. My friends ordered the salmon which was served with a parmesan risotto and their mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was served in a white cheddar (i think) cheese sauce and sausage and it was very good. The service was good and fast. Throughout dinner, we watched the line grow and reach all the way to the front of the restaurant. Overall, Tip Top was a nice surprise and I'm glad we tried it.
(3)Scott B.
I enjoyed the goat cheese salad. I wish I'd had a beer, the selection of draft beers looked interesting.
(3)K C.
On my last day in Columbus Ohio I filled my tummy with food at Tip Top. Very very good. I love the Pot Roast sandwich. The service was friendly. I can't wait to come back next time.
(4)The Jefferson K.
Good food, good drinks, good atmosphere, good service. What's not to like? Well the parking can be mildly irritating but really not that big of an issue. The one complaint I would mark down is the placement of garbage cans sometimes out front which due to lack of space is in the vicinity of tables, a big no-no. Personally I would remove the tables closet to the Garbage cans when they are out there. Otherwise Order me up a Pot Roast Sandwich on a Pretzel Roll Bun and a side of Sweet Potato Fries, a meal I can never get enough of and earns the restaurant it's name.
(4)Anthony G.
For the traveller with late arrivals and work schedules, this place is great. The food is excelent as well and won't bankrupt anyone's pathetic travel reimbursement restrictions. Beverage-wise, some servers are great- others at pretty Scrooge-like in their stingy pours. One bartender killed one bottle with her very, very quick three second pour and then, after opening a new unit, dispensed about another half-second's worth- why bother!?! Yes, patrons notice these things...
(4)Steven H.
Owned by the same owners as Betty's Fine Food + Spirits and The Surly Girl Saloon, Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails is downtown eating at its best with a variety of nostalgic Ohio-centric ephemera adorning the walls. Try the Vegan Bean Dip with fresh veggies and the tantalizing Blue Ribbon Pot Roast. Loved the pretzel roll veggie melt, brunch menu and hummus. Features one of the city's largest whiskey selections. Great Buckeye comfort food.
(5)Bob B.
I work nights downtown, so automatically there's nowhere to go eat at night. Using the Yelp app on my iPhone I found Tip Top, and it was open late. Nice outside dining area. If I'd had the time would have stayed, but doing a to-go order. Good reviews of some of the stuff, but I really like cheese steak sandwiches so gave that a shot. Ordering was quick, and I probably had my order in 10 minutes. Once back at work I dug in. The sandwich itself was a little smaller than I'd like, but was very good. Bun was fresh and meat very good. I ordered fries, and these were awesome. Now, I love fries that are a little under done. Could have just been my order, but the fries were delightfully under cooked. These were the shoestring fries, which usually get overcooked because of their size (and these aren't "straw" fries, they're thicker than that). $9 total plus tip. A little steep, but awesome meal and service. Glad to have them available on late work nights.
(4)DW C.
I often eat here...great food and lots of options! My fav is the turkey reuben.
(4)Emily H.
Love the atmosphere and service. Vegetarian corn chowder was great and spicy. Sweet potato fries were ok - they tasted more like "fried" than sweet potatoes, and I think the mayo had a tendency to overpower the sweet potato flavor, but they were good. The eggplant, spinach, and tomato mozzarella melt was kinda bland - the eggplant was tough and I don't think it was marinated as previous Yelpers stated. But I'm willing to come back and explore more of the menu - not my usual reaction to a less than stellar lunch. If the corn chowder can help my sinuses kick the cold they've been fighting for a week, then I'll definitely be back!
(3)Brian B.
Even better comfort food joint than the Surly Girl (to which they are associated). This is more of a family place than just a bar (when we went here there was a family treating their kids to a night out). I didn't think their drink selection was all that but their food was well prepared.
(3)Rob D.
Great place for downtown lunch or after work drinks. The food here is extremely good for the prices. I personally suggest the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. The sweet potato fries are also a must. I've been here many times with work colleagues and I don't think that a single person has complained about their food. The service is always pretty solid. Though lunch time here gets a little packed, I suggest snagging a place at the bar if there is a long wait. Lastly this is great low key place for some drinks after work if you're downtown. Great prices on beer and also a very good selection. Bartenders have always been extremely friendly to me. One of my absolutely favorite mixed drinks is a cocktail of theirs aptly titled "Bottoms Up", which is RC Cola and Old Crow Whiskey. The RC reminds me of junior high and the Old Crow College a great trip down memory lane. Also don't get hung up on the exterior, which looks like some sort of a run down haunt. The interior is great featuring a huge old school wood bar. I highly recommend this place.
(4)Natalie S.
mmmmmm, i doubt you can go wrong with anything on the menu here. It all looks amazing. There's a fair amount of straightforward comfort food, but vegetarians will have no shortage of enticing options. As for me, I like meat. I had the chicken salad sandwich, and my brother had the pot roast sandwich, both served on their awesome soft pretzel roles. Though the sweet potato fries are tough to pass up, the three bean salad was a delicious and filling healthier option. The service was friendly and casual, easy and unforced. The high ceilings and cozy booths made for an atmosphere I could settle into for a while - unfortunately, I had to drive home rather than downing several more beers . . . a spot I'd definitely make a point to stop at anytime I'm in the neighborhood. Though I sat inside, it looks like the few outside tables are very covetable - the prospect of pot roast, beer, AND cigarettes could be a pretty killer combo.
(5)Pete C.
Ever wondered where all the fixed-gear indie kids go when they're in the mood to get sauced on whiskey cocktails after a long day of furiously pedaling throughout the city? The answer is Tip Top, one of the many hidden gems you can find in Columbus by doing just a letting bit more digging than usual. The coolest thing you'll first notice about Tip Top is the strange little location it's in, which is a quiet and slow-moving section of downtown that's located in between High and 3rd St., only a block or so south of what used to be known to the world as City Center. I've never sampled the food here, but the drinks are a perfect compliment to the smallish bike-lined patio area that snakes out in to the sidewalk on a busy day. A whiskey and a coke is cheap here during happy hour, which is the perfect drinkto have here if you find yourself relaxing and discussing the latest trends in courierware over a soundtrack of college rock hits that you only wish you remembered.
(5)deb k.
liz has done it again! the eggplant fries are one of the most delicious things i've tasted in a long time! the eggplant, mozzerella, spinach sandwich is very good as is the pot roast sandwich (super tender), the honey ham and swiss (get some horseradish to put on top), and the roast beef is also very tender. i like the pretzle bread a lot. the decor is great - i love the ohio and columbus history. the place feels bigger than the vine which was there previously. *i should note that i am very picky about eggplant- it can be tough and gross if not cooked right. apparently, marinating helps as evidenced by the sandwich at tip top
(5)David T.
Eclectic food with a fun turn of the century styling.
(5)