Explorers Club, Columbus, Ohio, Vegan-friendly Restaurant Details

Food:

Went there for brunch. The South Side of Columbus is pretty down to earth i.e. we're poor, no way else to say it. So you don't get the fancy restaurants like Lindey's or Barcelona a few miles away in German Village. But the Explorers Club has planted their flag in the South Side and I'm glad they did. The brunch was great, the service was great, and the space itself has a cool, funky vibe.

Food:

I'll preface my review by saying my boyfriend and I are both from Texas, and have lived in Columbus for almost two years, and overall been pretty surprised by the quality of service we have received (it has been a disappointing surprise) at restaurants for the duration of our time here in Columbus. Until Explorers Club where we finally had the dining experience we have been looking for.

We visited Explorers Club for Sunday brunch this past weekend, and were so incredibly impressed with the experience. We had reservations, so as soon as we walked in we were greeted by a friendly gentleman up front and immediately seated at our table and offered drinks, which were then promptly delivered. Our server was very friendly and incredibly helpful. We let her know that it was our first time there, and asked for any recommendations. Instead of the usual, "Oh really, everything is good" or just trying to sell us on the most expensive entrees that we feel like we usually get as a response, she told us about the most popular dishes, as well as her personal recommendations along with the changes or substitutions she would make that she thought we might enjoy. It was helpful, informative, and efficient. Perfect.

Our appetizer came out hot and fresh in a timely mannered, as did our entrees prepared just as we ordered them, and our drinks were never empty. Everything was delicious! The check was delivered at the right time, and the card was promptly run and returned with a friendly "thank you" and "have a great day".

Overall, perfect experience. If you go for brunch, I highly recommend the Mango Beignets. They are drizzled in caramel and dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar, and they are absolutely amazing.

Food:

This place was a HUGE disappointment. We were super excited to try Explorers Club because of all the great reviews. It took us an hour and 45 minuets to get our food and they weren't even that busy. When we flagged someone down to ask how much longer our food was one of the servers replied "I don't know. I just work here" and walked away. All of us were disappointed in our food. I got the Huevos Rancheros and it was one big cold wet pile of pig slop.

Food:

Nice place to grab a quick bite with friends. The staff is very friendly, the prices and the atmosphere are great and menu is interesting....in a good way!

Food:

The ambiance was wonderful and my server (Melanie) even more so. The food was marvelous as well. I enjoyed the meatloaf wit buttermilk potatoes and all was delicious. Apple crisp ala mode for dessert was scrumptious as well. I only gave three stars though because the non-alcoholic drink menu was rather limited. I asked for tonic water as I thought that since there was a bar in the restaurant (think gin and tonic) should be a staple but alas, it was not. So I settled for Coke. After dinner, for dessert, I quickly found out that they offered nothing of chocolate. So, while the apple crisp was delicious, it was not my first choice. Then I asked for coffee, post dinner and was told that there was no coffee served in the evenings. Hmmmm ... I said to myself. However, only moments later my server returned and said that she had intervened on my behalf and coffee was forthcoming. It too was very good.

I likely will return to try some of their other offerings as the food was really good but after my first visit tonight, my expectations will be a bit more reserved. Three stars was the best I could honestly rate this restaurant.