HangOverEasy
By Collier Gibson / Staff Reporter
Tucked away on a corner in Olde Town East lies HangOverEasy. This beloved Columbus breakfast spot has everything you could ask for: vibrant atmosphere, eclectic decor and an array of hearty fare.
As I entered, I was greeted by the aroma of simmering goodness. I scoured the menu and decided on “The Dirty,” HangOverEasy’s famous breakfast burrito.
The menu offered a myriad of unique dishes, ranging from pancakes stuffed with peanut butter and banana to Philly cheesesteak omelets. Every item on the menu was reasonably priced, which made my dining experience even better.
“The Dirty” was served within 10 minutes. My burrito had an appetizing presentation; it was covered in pico de gallo, sour cream and salsa verde. The first bite of the burrito, filled with HangOverEasy’s classic “H.O.E Fries,” scrambled eggs and chorizo, was nothing short of delectable.
HangOverEasy is the quintessential charming yet funky diner. Its fun atmosphere and tasteful menu make it an ideal brunch spot for foodies in Columbus.
Fox In the Snow
By Natalie Fischer / Staff Reporter
Nestled in the heart of Italian Village is a not-so-hidden gem: Fox in the Snow. While there are four other locations, the Italian Village spot is the original location, opened in 2014.
Although the line was out the door, the wait was only 10 minutes. As soon as I got to the front, someone took my order, a morning bun and an egg sandwich, and got me checked out in less than five minutes.
The peaceful restaurant has modern glass garage doors around the building, letting natural light in to create a bright environment.
I was very lucky to get a table, as the cafe was bustling with people. My egg sandwich was brought directly to me in under five minutes. The egg sandwich cost $11, but it was worth the price. The soufléed egg, crispiness of the bread, tang of the sauce and extra pop of flavor from the bacon made for a delicious sandwich.
The morning bun I purchased was very flaky, making it a bit hard to eat, but its chocolate filling paired very well with the pastry. The morning bun was only $6, and drinks were similarly priced.
Even though crowds at Fox in the Snow can be an issue, the service was fast, the food was delicious and the cafe had a great ambience.
Mercury Diner
By Evan Fox / Staff Reporter
In a city known for its rampant growth, one small diner between Southern Orchards and Schumacher Place transports its customers back in time through comforting food and nostalgic charm.
When I walked into The Mercury Diner, the velvet seating and space-themed murals instantly stood out. The mix of upbeat music and cheerful chatter created an atmosphere that felt energetic but cozy.
To start, I got an order of “Spaceballs” for $8.99. These fried banana fritters came in a bed of sweet peanut butter sauce, paired with a side of strawberry jam. The flavors of this appetizer make it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a sweet treat before your meal.
For my main course, I got a “Big Ol’ Pancake” for $8.99 and a parfait for $7. Despite countless posters advertising it as their specialty dish, I was still taken aback by its size: it was almost bigger than the plate. Its crispy edges paired nicely with a fluffy interior, and it was definitely worth the price.
The parfait’s homemade granola lacked flavor, but combined with the yogurt, honey and banana, the dish was refreshing.
Serving both classic breakfast and lunch meals, The Mercury Diner offers fair prices, a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food that make for an amazing dining experience.
