04/03/09

Pretty Good Food.

by Europeans

Northstar offers a good selection of fresh and tasty food at short North and on N High, near the corner with Henderson:

Their flatbread is wonderful: like a Pizza Margherita you can have 'to go' at one of the little stands in the streets of Napoli.

The rice bowls are not bad, unfortunately the cook is usually too reluctant with spices.

Their pancakes and other brunch options are well done.

Overall, this place seems too fancy, the ambiente too sterile; but the food is worth going for.

• Pros: Fresh, tasty food.
• Cons: Too pretentious.

02/11/09

BEST IN COLUMBUS. HANDS DOWN.

by runningbeard

Can't say anything negative about this place. GREAT food, fast. Even when the lines are out the door, people are polite, friendly and the staff are professional. There's always a positive vibe. In spite of it's popularity, people are never rushed in and rushed out, the food, though filling, is just right portion-wise. There really is no place like it. I've never left this place feeling anything but good and I've been there atleast 100 times.

• Pros: Feels good to be here.
• Cons: You may be in line for 5-15 minutes.

01/07/08

Pleasant suprise

by olbed

I was bored of Panera, and found Northstar just down the road. Plenty of parking, stylish interior, great food. I popped in for a late lunch and found the chop salad and soup very filing. It appears to be vegan friendly, and seems pricer than most restaurants in the fast-casual catagory.

I will come back again, and recommend this to anyone looked for a pleasant lunch atmosphere and generous portions.

• Pros: Parking, food quality, orginal menu items
• Cons: Can get loud (maybe thats just the ppl next to me!)

09/29/07

great brunch!

by thewhatswhat

I recently moved to Columbus from Boston and was afraid that one of the things that I'd miss most would be the independently-owned delis and cafes that had quick, delicious, yet affordable eats. Northstar Cafe has surpassed my initial expectations. We went there on a Saturday afternoon for brunch. The breakfast burrito was excellent and unique, made with eggs, sweet potatoes, black beans, peppers, and onions. And the iced coffee is definitely the best I've had in Columbus so far. Subsequently, this great place also has a purpose: to bring customers fresh, local, organic ingredients, and free-trade coffee. It's the best of both worlds.

• Pros: exceptional coffee, friendly staff, no-tip policy

04/25/07

Great Fresh Food

by mrhelpful2005

This restaurant has excellent food and service. The pancakes, cookies, and veggie burger are worth the trip.

04/18/07

Worth the wait!

by falasca6

There is always a line on weekends, but it moves fast and is so worth it. I love their veggie burger, full of black beans and rice with a great salad on the side - even die hard carnivores like it. They have great kids meals and fresh baked cookies.

• Pros: Many veggie options, friendly service, no tipping
• Cons: Lines can be long

03/21/07

Tasty food, casual atmosphere, nice windows.

by mattyung1

Northstar has a very relaxed, casual atmosphere and the full windows in the store front provide the sense of immersion in the heart of the Short North. I've never eaten on the patio, but given the right weather, it seems attractive. One of the menu's strengths is its simplicity while being able to accomodate a variety of tastes (for vegetarians and carnivores alike).

Orders are taken at the counter. The sweet BBQ burrito is amazing and wholeheartedly recommend the meatloaf and veggie burger (Northstar Burger) too. I always get one of the giant homemade cookies for dessert - the peanut butter ones are the best.

Northstar can get crowded, so as you approach, look to see if there is a line and if so, you might want to alter your plans because the line is not particularily fast-moving.

The food is great - price is very reasonable - (service isn't really an issue) - and the atmosphere is perfect for relaxing with friends. While I would not classify it as a "romantic restaurant," I do think it is a nice alternative and a good place to take a date (especially if dinner is a foray into other activities later in the evening). I strongly recommend this joint.

• Pros: food
• Cons: parking