Columbus's restaurant scene has been busy in 2026, with a new steakhouse, a breakfast spot built like a science lab, a beloved barbecue joint in a new home, and national names finally arriving at Columbus Park Crossing. Here are seven new places to try, plus how to tell us about the next one.

This is the first edition of Columbus Eats, our monthly guide to new restaurants in Columbus and Phenix City. Check back the first week of every month.

Newest: opened this fall

1. Angus, Luke's Pub and Steakhouse 📍 5828 Moon Road (the former Oyster Bay building) The popular Pine Mountain pub opened its second location in Columbus on Sept. 2, bringing steaks and pub favorites to north Columbus. Opening hours were Wednesday and Thursday, 4-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Call ahead, since hours at new restaurants often change.

Opened this summer

2. Chester's Barbecue: new home at The Landings 📍 The Landings shopping center (the former Cook's Hot Dogs building) A Columbus favorite moved into the brick building at The Landings on Aug. 1, keeping the drive-thru from the previous tenant, so you can grab barbecue without leaving your car.

3. Dave & Buster's 📍 5700 Whittlesey Blvd. Columbus's long-awaited Dave & Buster's opened July 20 near Jim 'N Nick's and Raising Cane's. It has hundreds of arcade games, a 40-foot screen wall for watching games, and a full restaurant and bar. It's open 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Opened earlier this year

4. Breakfastology Café 📍 5156 River Road, Suite C-D This laboratory-themed breakfast and brunch café serves New York-style bagels, a build-your-own "bagel lab," cold brew and creative sweet-and-savory brunch plates. It's open Wednesday through Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5. Touchdown Wings 📍 3527 Macon Road The Atlanta-born wing chain opened its first Columbus location, serving wings plus burgers, tenders, Philly cheesesteaks and seafood.

6. Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers 📍 Columbus Park Crossing The Louisiana chicken finger chain opened its first Columbus restaurant in January.

7. Lily's 📍 6597 Whittlesey Blvd. Founded in Lumpkin, Lily's brings soul food to Whittlesey Boulevard: turkey wings, baked or fried chicken, oxtails, whole catfish, and mac and cheese that regulars rave about. It's open Sunday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Saturday). Phone: 706-221-2125.

Know about a new restaurant?

Opening a restaurant, food truck or bakery in Columbus or Phenix City? We want to feature you in next month's Columbus Eats, for free. Email [email protected] with your name, address, opening date and a photo.

Restaurant owners: want to reach 40,000 monthly readers? See our advertising options at columbustimes.com/advertise.