SoCal Kitchen + Bar

- 705 N High St 1st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

For residents of Columbus, Ohio, who appreciate a dining experience that combines fresh, flavorful cuisine with a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, SoCal Kitchen + Bar offers a distinctive and appealing choice. Nestled in the heart of the bustling Short North Arts District, SoCal Kitchen + Bar brings a taste of Southern California to the Midwest, focusing on dishes crafted with fresh ingredients from both land and sea. It's more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination for those seeking a lively ambiance, creative cocktails, and a menu that caters to diverse palates. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what makes SoCal Kitchen + Bar a standout establishment in Columbus, from its prime location and varied menu to its commitment to exceptional service and a memorable dining experience for locals.

SoCal Kitchen + Bar has quickly established itself as a go-to spot for many Columbus diners. Reviews highlight its appealing atmosphere, often noting the ability to enjoy a meal with the windows open on a nice day, contributing to a laid-back yet upscale vibe. While some individual dish feedback may vary, the overarching sentiment points to excellent service and an enjoyable overall experience. Their menu, which features a compelling mix of seafood, land-based proteins, and robust vegetarian options, ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether you're planning a casual dinner, a weekend brunch, or a lively happy hour, SoCal Kitchen + Bar offers a welcoming environment for all occasions. We will delve into the specifics that make this establishment a cherished part of Columbus's dynamic culinary scene, providing you with all the essential details to plan your next visit.

SoCal Kitchen + Bar is prominently situated at 705 N High St 1st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. This address places it directly in the vibrant Short North Arts District, one of Columbus's most popular and walkable neighborhoods. Its location on North High Street ensures excellent visibility and accessibility, making it easy to find for both locals and visitors exploring the area. For those driving, the Short North Arts District offers ample street parking with meters. Additionally, the Lincoln Garage is conveniently located across the street on Pearl Street, providing hourly parking options. This makes parking relatively straightforward, a significant advantage in a bustling urban area.

The accessibility of SoCal Kitchen + Bar is a major benefit for Columbus residents. The Short North is a well-connected area, easily reachable by various modes of transportation. COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) bus routes frequently run along High Street, with stops located within a short walking distance of the restaurant. This makes it a convenient option for those who rely on public transit. For individuals who prefer walking or cycling, its central location within the Short North makes it a prime spot to dine after exploring the district's numerous galleries, boutiques, and other attractions. Its position allows for easy integration into a full day or evening out in Columbus, enhancing its appeal as a local gathering spot. The combination of a central location and accessible parking solutions ensures a stress-free visit for all patrons.

SoCal Kitchen + Bar offers a diverse and appealing menu inspired by the fresh, vibrant flavors of Southern California, with a strong emphasis on seafood, fresh produce, and creative preparations.

• Starters & Salads: A wide array of appetizers including Wok Fried Shrimp, Baked Oysters, Edamame Dumplings, Guacamole, Stuffed Garlic Bread, and various salads such as Green Goddess, Power Greens, Grain Salad, and Chopped Salad.
• Seafood Plates: Signature seafood entrees like Teriyaki Salmon, Baja Bass, Crispy Rockfish, and a robust Seafood Platter (Santa Barbara, Laguna, La Jolla options) featuring shrimp, poke, and oysters. Shrimp bisque is also a popular choice.
• Sushi: A selection of sushi rolls including Spicy Tuna, Dynamite (California Roll topped with Tempura Rock Shrimp), Hawaiian (Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail), Vegetable, Yuzu Avocado, and Surf & Turf rolls.
• Handhelds: Options like the SoCal Burger, Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, Barbacoa Tacos, Black Bean Burger, and a Fish Sandwich (Blackened Rockfish).
• Bowls: Flavorful bowls such as Thai Peanut Chicken, Beef Chow Fun, Shrimp Pasta, and Harvest Tofu.
• Other Plates: Roasted Chicken, Carne Asada, and Filet Mignon for those preferring land-based options.
• Brunch (Weekends): A dedicated brunch menu featuring items like Burritos, Breakfast Club, Chef's Omelette, Quiche, and brunch versions of their Teriyaki Salmon and Carne Asada.
• Cocktails & Beverages: A full bar offering creative cocktails, wines, and beers, with special happy hour pricing.
• Desserts: A selection of tempting desserts, including Olive Oil Cake and Chocolate Warm Brownie.
• Happy Hour: Offered Monday-Friday from 4-6 pm and Sunday from 3 pm to close, featuring discounts on sushi, starters, wine pours, specialty cocktails, drafts, and $3 oysters (raw, baked & fried).
• Sushi Sunday: $11.99 sushi rolls all day on Sundays.
• Monday Oyster Night: $2 raw, baked, and fried oysters all night on Mondays.
• Tuesday Wine Night: Half off all bottles of wine under $100 on Tuesdays.

SoCal Kitchen + Bar stands out in the bustling Columbus dining scene due to several distinct features and highlights that enhance its appeal to local residents:

• Vibrant Ambiance and Decor: The restaurant offers a modern and inviting atmosphere, often described as "nice to sit with the windows open on a nice day." It has a laid-back yet upscale vibe with intriguing decor that makes for a pleasant dining experience.
• Diverse, California-Inspired Menu: Their menu successfully blends fresh seafood with other Californian-inspired dishes, offering a wide array of choices from sushi and seafood plates to burgers, tacos, and vegetarian options. This variety caters to many tastes and dietary preferences.
• Dedicated Seafood Offerings: While not exclusively a seafood restaurant, SoCal Kitchen + Bar features a strong selection of seafood, including fresh oysters (raw, baked, fried), shrimp bisque, teriyaki salmon, baja bass, crispy rockfish, and a comprehensive seafood platter. This makes it a go-to for seafood lovers in Columbus.
• Specialty Nights and Happy Hour: The weekly specials like Monday Oyster Night ($2 oysters), Tuesday Wine Night (half off wine bottles), Sushi Sunday ($11.99 rolls), and a robust happy hour with discounted drinks and starters provide excellent value and unique opportunities for locals to enjoy their offerings.
• Excellent Service: Customers consistently highlight the great service, with one review specifically mentioning a "waiter in training, Collin, who was very good," indicating a commitment to attentive and professional staff. This emphasis on service significantly contributes to the overall positive experience.
• Fresh and Thoughtful Preparations: Dishes like the "delicious" shrimp bisque and the well-received salmon and Thai peanut chicken bowl suggest a focus on fresh ingredients and flavorful preparation, even if specific items might occasionally vary in execution.
• Central Short North Location: Being situated in the heart of the Short North makes it an ideal spot for pre-event dining, post-gallery visits, or simply a night out in one of Columbus's most dynamic districts.

For all inquiries, reservations, or general information regarding SoCal Kitchen + Bar, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 705 N High St 1st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Phone: (614) 300-9500

Mobile Phone: +1 614-300-9500

For the most current operating hours, which are generally Monday – Thursday 4–9 pm, Friday 4–10 pm, Saturday 11 am–10 pm, and Sunday 10 am–9 pm, and to make reservations, it is highly recommended to visit their official website or call them directly. Reservations are often advised, especially for peak dining times and weekend brunch.

SoCal Kitchen + Bar is an excellent choice for locals in Columbus, Ohio, offering a compelling blend of culinary delights and an inviting atmosphere. Its location in the vibrant Short North district makes it easily accessible for a wide range of residents, whether they are looking for a casual dinner after work, a lively spot for happy hour, or a delicious weekend brunch with friends and family. The ability to sit by open windows on a nice day adds to the charm, providing a relaxed yet sophisticated setting that truly elevates the dining experience beyond just the food.

The diverse menu, inspired by Southern California, is another significant draw. While they offer a strong selection of fresh seafood, including highly praised dishes like shrimp bisque and salmon, their menu is broad enough to satisfy all preferences, including well-regarded chicken and beef options, and a comprehensive selection of vegetarian and gluten-free choices. This versatility ensures that SoCal Kitchen + Bar can cater to various tastes and dietary needs within a group, making it a convenient go-to for different occasions. The innovative addition of specialty nights, such as Monday Oyster Night and Sushi Sunday, along with an attractive happy hour, provides excellent value and incentive for repeat visits, allowing locals to explore more of their menu at appealing prices.

Ultimately, SoCal Kitchen + Bar provides more than just a meal; it offers an experience. The commitment to great service, as highlighted by customer reviews, ensures that every visit is pleasant and attentive. For Columbus residents, this combination of high-quality, diverse cuisine, a welcoming ambiance, and attentive service positions SoCal Kitchen + Bar as a prime destination. It embodies the modern, dynamic culinary spirit of the city, making it a truly suitable and enjoyable place for locals to dine and socialize, whether they are seeking fresh seafood or simply a vibrant place to unwind.

SoCal Kitchen + Bar

705 N High St 1st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, USA