OSU students vote Marcella's the best happy hour in Columbus
The Short North Italian spot won The Lantern's 2026 award with 437 votes, offering half-priced food and drinks from 4 to 6 p.m. on weeknights.
By Sakura Ellis ·
Ohio State University students have chosen Marcella's as the top happy hour destination in Columbus for 2026. The restaurant at 615 N. High St. in the Short North Arts District received 437 votes in The Lantern's Best of OSU survey, edging out other local dining options.
The establishment offers half-priced cocktails, appetizers, soups, salads, and pizzas Monday through Friday between 4 and 6 p.m. Select wine glasses are also available for $9 or less during that window. Emily Dunlevie, a front-of-house manager, noted that this discount structure has been a core part of the business identity since it opened two decades ago.
Unlike many competitors that limit discounts to beverages, Marcella's applies the half-price deal to both food and drinks. Dunlevie pointed to the signature meatball, a large shareable appetizer covered in brioche breadcrumbs, as a key differentiator. She said this balance helps attract a loyal customer base that includes students seeking quality meals at lower costs.
Giana Giordano, a fourth-year nursing student, said she discovered the restaurant during her freshman year through sorority recruitment. She now frequents the spot with friends because the atmosphere feels cozy and the food quality is high. Giordano emphasized that the extended discounts make it easier for students to afford dining out without sacrificing quality.
The restaurant underwent renovations in 2025, which included an update to the cocktail menu. New items include an Italian-inspired Venetian margarita and additional spritz options. Dunlevie stated that the renovation aimed to refresh the space while preserving the familiar environment that regulars expect.
Busy service periods, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays, see bartenders preparing 17 to 25 drinks at a time. Popular cocktails include the espresso martini and the strawberry balsamic martini. Dunlevie said the OSU community forms a noticeable portion of the evening crowd during these peak nights.
The award recognition means a lot to the staff, according to Dunlevie, who described the vote as an honor given the number of dining choices available in the city. Giordano, who has celebrated multiple birthdays at the restaurant, said Marcella's remains her favorite spot in Columbus for its combination of affordable prices and welcoming environment.
