In Search of a City: A State Street State of Mind
Each time I eat or drink at San Francisco Oven on East State Street, I am reminded that the outdoor dining area between San Francisco Oven and the Hyatt on Capitol Square is one of the best amenities in downtown. This space has spectacular features, including mature trees, a fountain designed by Alfred Tibor, seating for several hundred people, and great views of Capitol Square. On hot days, the space draws a cool breeze, and the fountain calms frenetic souls.
Two restaurants serve this patio: Darbys as well as San Francisco Oven. I am amazed the area is not full of diners seven evenings a week. Apparently, not enough people linger downtown after work.
One of the reasons why Capital Crossroads SID sponsors Downtown LIVE is to feature this incredible space. If you have not experienced it, you should consider having dinner and drinks during a concert by The Fabulous Johnson Brothers this Thursday evening. For those of you who have experienced it, I am interested to know if this space is as good as I think it is.
Tags: Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, columbus, Darby's Cafe, Downtown, Downtown Columbus, Downtown Columbus Restaurants, Downtown Live, Entertainment, Live Music, San Francisco Oven
July 14th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Having done the kickball league downtown and often looked for dinner afterward, I’ll tell you my theory on why that outdoor space isn’t full more often– the food doesn’t live up to the venue. If one of our fantastic Columbus Originals was located where the San Francisco Oven is, it would be packed every lunch and dinner!
July 14th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Cleve – couldn’t agree with you more, that space is beautiful. But I have never actually dined there as I have never heard anyone recommend the dining at either restaurant. In fact, the complete lack of any buzz (pro or con) made me assume the restaurants were lunch-only estabilshments catering to the commuter crowd. I’ll try to make it to Downtown LIVE to check it out.