Balboa, a So-Cal inspired restaurant, opened in May. Balboa photos by Nathan C. Ward
Outside of the Tri-Village area, Grandview Heights is becoming well-known as an up-and-coming destination for dining and entertainment.
While the city has enjoyed an influx of opportunity and expansion due to new developments like Grandview Yard, the older parts of Grandview have not lost their charm. As Grandview continues to expand, the beloved Grandview Avenue continues to attract customers and business owners alike.
“Grandview has always had appeal,” says Brian Swanson, who recently opened a new restaurant on Grandview Avenue. “Grandview Avenue is right in the center of Grandview Heights. It’s got that quaint neighborhood feel to it that you can’t recreate.”
When properties along Grandview Avenue became available, Swanson didn’t hesitate. In May, he opened Balboa, a So-Cal inspired restaurant serving taco bowls, short rib skewers and more than 100 different tequilas, margaritas and craft beers. He also purchased the Grandview Café, which he plans to reopen by September.
“We’re doing some major renovations, so it’s taking some time,” he says. “But I think it’ll be worth the wait.”
Photo courtesy of Grandview Theater & Drafthouse
Swanson says the addition of the Grandview Yard development across town has actually benefited the businesses along Grandview Avenue. The Yard is drawing plenty of job seekers to the area and, he says, when people get out of work, they head to the heart of Grandview Heights to walk around enjoy the small-town charm that the street has to offer.
Grandview Avenue is home to more than 20 eateries and a diverse array of shops in a mile-long stretch, making it easy to walk from place to place.
“People want to walk around, hit a couple different spots and make a night of it instead of just heading to one destination and going home,” says Swanson. “You can grab some dinner at the Avenue, grab some ice cream at Jeni’s and then head to our patio for drinks.”
The Avenue Steak Tavern. Photos courtesy of the Avenue Steak Tavern
With the recent re-opening of the Grandview Theatre, moviegoers can also head to downtown Grandview to see the latest blockbuster or indie film.
Eric Brembeck, the owner of Clintonville’s movie theater-draft house combo Studio 35, expressed interest in buying in the theater over a year ago. He began renovations in December and acquired a second storefront in order to create the new Grandview Theater and Drafthouse.
Brembeck wanted Grandview Theatre to be a place where people could gather and enjoy each other’s company. As with Studio 35, guests can order food and drinks to eat in the theater or the auditorium. The single-screen theater features a bar and serves pizza from Panzera’s.
“That way, you don’t have to see a movie to come in and participate,” he says. “And you can hang out afterwards and talk about the movie instead of just leaving once it’s over.”
The Avenue
For the general manager of the Avenue Steak Tavern, Kristen Luff, Grandview Avenue’s friendly, neighborhood feel is the best part of the street.
“The thing that I love most about the area is being part of a community that supports local business. The people here have been so welcoming,” says Luff.
The Avenue Steak Tavern opened in February and offers a classic steakhouse menu and casual neighborhood tavern feel with elegant 1920s style décor.
“We have built relationships with so many guests and local business owners in just a few short months,” says Luff. “The area continues to grow and thrive and it’s very exciting to be a part of the neighborhood.”
Katie Ellington is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
