Northstar Cafe

by Andre L.

Yum!  The veggie burger is hands down the best I've ever had.  The ginger mojitos are to die for, and that breakfast sandwich on the biscuit with the egg...that's what breakfast is all about.  Simple dishes prepared well with quality ingredients: that's what every restaurant should provide.

by Dave L.

Visiting Columbus and came by Northstar for breakfast. It was mid-morning on a weekday so it was not overly crowded and turned out to be a great place to hang out for an hour and enjoy outdoor patio dining. I had the Big Burrito with a ginger ale. While the burrito was very good, the most memorable part of the meal was that ginger ale - wow that is good stuff.

by Kevin M.

The brunch crowds on weekends are all the testament needed for the quality of Northstar Cafe's brunch.  Google it and you'll find several brunch-centered reviews raving about the Cloud Nine pancakes and the three-mushroom frittata.  I've had breakfast, lunch, and dinner there, and it has yet to disappoint, and I intend to go back often.  Northstar's limited but satisfying lunch/dinner menu is reasonably priced (though not 'cheap') and approximately half vegetarian, with the rest consisting primarily of chicken.  Unusually for Columbus, Northstar uses natural/organic ingredients, and maybe this is why everything tastes so good.  Add freshly squeezed juice, fresh-baked items labeled by how long it's been since they came out of the oven, quick, courteous service, and delightful indoor and outdoor seating, and you've got the trendiest casual dining in the Short North.I've upped my rating from 4 to 5 stars because Northstar is not only appropriate for almost any occasion, but is so reliably excellent as to be worthy of the 5th star.

by Fen Z.

After hearing so much hype about Northstar Cafe (both from fellow Yelpers and SASarah), I gave into my curiosity. I met up with my three best SAS girls for breakfast, two of whom have become regulars there.There weren't many breakfast options to choose from, but I was definitely wavering between the Big Burrito and the Cloud Nine Pancakes. I felt hungry and daring so I ended up with the Big Burrito. I mean, when was the last time you had sweet potatoes in your burrito? I also couldn't resist picking up a gigantic Day Old peanut butter cookie for a snack later in the day.My burrito was quite scrumptious and fattening; I can only blame myself for the latter since I picked it afterall. I could literally just see the fat oozing out of the cheese, as well as from the sweet potatoes and grilled onions. The burrito was a little too hefty for me, and I could only finish half of it. I didn't care too much about the salsa that came with my order. Both SASarah and SASAllie ordered the Cloud Nine Pancakes. Personally, I think they looked a little too healthy (for pancakes, at least.)  Both claimed the pancakes savory, and I made a mental note to order it next time I go to Northstar for breakfast. SASKatie ordered the ham and cheese scone which she said was oddly sweet, i.e. far from what a ham and cheese scone should taste like. I later found my PB cookie slightly too salty, and I blame the peanuts scattered on top the cookie for contributing to the taste.Northstar Cafe definitely provides a different environment and it could very well be a new study place of mine. Great choice of music in the background for my listening pleasure. Great selection of magazines to distract me from my studies. Great folks all around. Prices were quite reasonable, methinks. SASarah insists that the lunch and dinner menu beats the breakfast menu so I'll definitely be back to sample the other offerings (and other Day Old cookies.)

by Jamie G.

Staff:Courteous and kind.  They care about the quality of the food and about experience of the patrons.  Great training!Food:The use of local produce is inspiring and it shows in the flavor.  I'm happy to say that I've eaten here many times (even before it opened).  I keep coming back, because of the fantastic attention to detail.Environment:Open but not too noisy.  It can get crowded at lunch, though the patio helps during the warmer months.  Parking is an issue at times but the food is worth the effort.  Besides, you probably need to walk anyway. :)

by Bridget H.

VEGGIE BURGER!!!!  I lived in columbus for 4 years and went to Northstar at least once a week! I could eat this veggie burger, each and every day!  Actually, I could have their PANCAKES with coffee for breakfast and veggie brger with one of their tasty beers or a glass of wine there EVERY DAY!Recently, I moved to the SF Bay Area...I have yet to find anything like northstar's veggie burger, it's hard to believe but it's true!  I have even tried to duplicate this burger many times...impossible!I MISS YOU NORTH STAR!!!!  Come to California!!

by Lindsay C.

Northstar Cafe is hands down one my favorite restaurants in Columbus!  The decor is inviting and outside tables are great on a nice day.  Both breakfast and lunch/dinner menus offer a variety of delicious menu options.  Everything I have tried I have liked (and I think by now I've tried everything on the menu).  My favorites are the Northstar Burger (best veggie burger I've ever eaten), Sweet Basil Burrito (love the sauce), and the Buddha Bowl (seriously can I have the peanut sauce recipe?).  Also try a Dark Chocolate Truffle Cookie...ooeygooey chocolate to die for!  I love that the owners buy local and organic food and everything is so well prepared.  They have many gluten free options and are willing to make something gluten free if possible.  You will not go wrong with Northstar Cafe!

by Emily U.Justin S.Maya C.Nate K.Erin B.

Ginger ale lovers of the world unite! This place has an awesome fresh mint ginger ale. It took all my willpower not to slurp the whole pint down immediately. If you want something similar with booze, order the ginger mojito. Seriously, these drinks are brilliant. It's on the merit of the ginger bevs and their amazing veggie burger that I give Northstar a 5-star rating. The veggie patty was among the best I've had in 15 years as a vegetarian. It's got beets! (If you're not a huge fan of beets, don't worry because the taste doesn't overwhelm. If you are a huge fan of beets, though, this will make you go YAY!) I also applaud their presentation of the burger. It's got a thin layer of delicious white cheddar and thinly-sliced dill pickles. Round off the whole thing with a small side salad. This meal must have been created for me. If I lived in Columbus, this would be my comfort food.OK, I've tried this place for breakfast as well as lunch and I just don't see what everyone is raving about. Personally, I found the place to be overpriced and the menu didn't offer nearly enough choices. I respect the fact that the food is organic, but I'm not one of those people who think that just because it's organic that it will automatically taste better. Breakfast... I decided to go with some eggs, bacon, and home fries. This particular favorite of mine is something I would say is virtually impossible for me not to like. However, I could hardly finish my plate. The bacon was undercooked (to the point of raw) and the eggs had a funny taste to them almost as if they were cooked together with something else(that I didn't particularly like the taste of). The home fries were acceptable but by no means were above average. To make matters worse, my friend received their food several minutes before I did so I sat there waiting on what ended up being a disappointing meal which I could hardly finish. Lunch... I decided to go with the chicken flat bread. I believe the price for this was around $12 so I fully expected it to be fulfilling. To my dismay, the crust resembled the thickness of parchment paper. The flavor of the flat bread didn't exactly deliver anything robust either as I found the taste to be somewhat bland. Perhaps I made I made poor choices in menu selection, but there really isn't a whole lot to chose from. My buddy insists that I go back and try the veggie burger or something else. I told him I would...so if anything changes I will update this review. On the positive, Northstar does offer a great place to hang out. There's plenty of comfortable seating both inside and out as well as a nice selection of magazines to peruse. I feel because of this it would be a better served as a coffee shop or lounge.You know those mornings where you wake up with a hazy head from last night's bourbon extravaganza, and all you want is some strong coffee and a fulfilling breakfast within a stone's throw of your house?I do.While I used to head to Northstar on those mornings, it has steadily lost its place in my brunch restaurant rotation. Depending on the degree of haziness, it's usually Cafe Corner, Tip Top, or Surly Girl. Admittedly, I like that they offer foods made with organic ingredients and have a friendly staff. The menu, on the other hand, isn't really for me. Why in the world does every item have sweet potatoes or carmelized onions on it? WHY? The coffee is fine enough, but then there's the smoothies. When all my friends raved about the "Shooting Star" drink, I gave it a shot. Unfortunately, that drink had more of an identity crisis than the Republican party. Too much carrot, not enough orange, and chunks of ginger that just didn't mesh.As you're waiting in line during the weekend brunch rush, there's also the Short North young professionals with babies and misbehaving toddlers to contend with. Don't get me wrong, kids are great. But you know what? Momma is hungover and uncaffeinated.I had the pancakes and they were killer!! They didn't fill me up because I'm always hurngry. I also had some coffee the Mellow coffee was very deliteful!Do not order the veggie burger unless you want to die of euphoric bliss.

by Zack F.

I like this place. The food is really good, if perhaps less varied than I would like. But there are one or two things that I really enjoy so I don't count that against them. The addition of alcohol is nice. The atmosphere and decoration are soothing. Try the shooting star. It's very refreshing. The vegetarian options are refreshing. I wasn't super thrilled with the breakfast options, but maybe I wasn't in the mood when we tried it.

by Erin B.

Do not order the veggie burger unless you want to die of euphoric bliss.