Best Upscale Fried Chicken in Columbus | Top 1 Upscale Spots

10 restaurants in Best Upscale Fried Chicken in Columbus | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• Nocterra Brewing Co — American · rated 5/5: Nocterra Brewing Co. captures the spirit of a modern woodland retreat, where the hum of lively conversation mingles with the clink of craft pints in a space designed for social discovery. The kitchen elevates the taproom experience with an eclectic array of globally-inspired bites, from the crunch of golden yuca chips and savory potato croquettes to the chewy, spicy heat of Korean rice cakes. It is a vibrant gathering spot where earthy forager flatbreads and smoky wings anchor a menu built for sharing and adventure.
• Atlas Tavern — American · rated 4/5: Atlas Tavern serves as a spirited neighborhood anchor where the warmth of a classic public house meets a curated, modern taproom experience. The air hums with lively conversation as guests tear into pillowy naan dipped in savory leek cream or share platters of golden, sauce-drenched wings paired with a crisp local IPA or a refreshing craft cider. This inviting space balances comfort and craft, offering a vibrant setting where every pour from the rotating tap list feels like a celebration of the local brewing scene.
• Adriatico's New York Style Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: This bustling neighborhood staple captures the high-energy spirit of a classic New York slice shop, where the aroma of bubbling mozzarella and hand-stretched dough fills the air. Guests dive into a playful array of crispy, golden appetizers and zesty wings that perfectly complement the oversized, foldable slices, creating a social dining experience rooted in bold comfort. It is a vibrant gathering spot where the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked crust meets a lively atmosphere, making every meal feel like a spirited celebration of metropolitan flavor.
• Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails — American: This bustling neighborhood haunt radiates a soulful, unpretentious energy, where the comforting scent of slow-simmered pot roast and spicy corn chowder invites guests to settle into a lively evening. Towering plates of Ohio nachos and crispy country fried chicken offer a decadent take on heartland staples, perfectly paired with a cold PBR draught and the nostalgic charm of locally baked desserts.
• Gallo's On High — Italian: Gallo’s On High pulses with the inviting energy of a modern neighborhood haunt, where the savory aroma of slow-simmered meatballs and golden-crisped calamari drifts through a lively, welcoming space. The kitchen elevates soulful comfort food into an art form, pairing delicate pan-seared crab cakes and creamy burrata with hearty, sauce-drenched hoagies and signature brined wings. It is a destination where elevated tavern fare meets a spirited atmosphere, creating a dining experience that feels both indulgent and effortlessly familiar.
• Katalina's, Too! — American: Sun-drenched and bustling with creative energy, this vibrant neighborhood haunt invites guests to indulge in its legendary pancake balls, which arrive golden-brown and bursting with decadent fillings like creamy Nutella or spiced apple butter. The air hums with the sizzle of the kitchen as diners tackle towering fried chicken French toast sandwiches, a masterclass in sweet and savory harmony that transforms a casual brunch into a soulful, unforgettable feast.
• Ray Ray's Hog Pit — American: The scent of hickory smoke hangs heavy in the air at this soulful barbecue destination, where the low-and-slow tradition is elevated to a culinary art form. From the glistening, spice-rubbed St. Louis spare ribs to the tender pull of a Carolina-style pork sandwich, every dish delivers a deep, wood-fired depth that honors the heritage of the pit. Whether you’re tearing into crispy smoked wings or savoring the charred sweetness of cauliflower burnt ends, the experience is a messy, heartfelt tribute to authentic smokehouse culture.
• The Walrus — Seafood: The Walrus pulses with a vibrant, high-energy spirit, inviting guests into a space where the scent of sizzling candied bacon and golden-fried chicken sets the stage for an indulgent morning feast. Playful, over-the-top creations like syrup-drenched French toast and the bold "Britney Bitch" sandwich reimagine comfort food with a cheeky flair, turning every meal into a spirited celebration of decadence. From hearty country fried steaks to crisp Belgian waffles, the kitchen delivers a soulful, flavor-packed experience that makes every brunch feel like a special occasion.
• Bodega — Spanish: Bodega pulses with the energy of a beloved neighborhood crossroads, where the comforting aroma of sizzling griddles and golden-fried delights draws a lively crowd into its welcoming embrace. The kitchen transforms soulful staples into indulgent masterpieces, serving up towering, juice-dripping burgers alongside gooey, artisanal grilled cheese and vibrant gourmet tacos that burst with fresh, bold flavors. It is a spirited destination where every plate—from the satisfying crunch of beer-battered fish to zesty, spice-dusted wings—celebrates the unpretentious joy of elevated comfort food.
• Press Grill — American: Step into a vibrant neighborhood haunt where the golden glow of perfectly crisped appetizers and the savory steam of house-made soups set the stage for a relaxed, convivial meal. The kitchen turns out elevated comfort classics, from zesty buffalo shrimp and loaded cottage fries to crisp, chilled wedge salads that offer a refreshing counterpoint to the bold, spicy flavors of their signature wings. Whether you are sharing a plate of hand-breaded onion rings or tucking into a hearty bowl of soup, every dish captures the soulful, unpretentious spirit of a true local favorite.