2019 Restaurant Bucket List

One of my favorite ways to kick off a new year is to create a Restaurant Bucket List. I could pretend that I am going to clean out my closet this year, or resolve to eat less cupcakes, but an eating goal seems a lot more achievable. The past few years I’ve created this list (2016 list|2017 list|2018 list), it’s really helped me keep track what new (or new to me) spots I need to sample. Here’s to more carbs, cocktails, and copious amounts of food flights in 2019!

El Lugar

https://www.facebook.com/ellugar614/

Alpine, El Lugar’s sister restaurant, curated one of my favorite meals in recent memory, so I have great expectations for this tapas and wine bar. Even more exciting: the steak and wine flights (three steaks expertly paired with 3 reds)! This looks like this perfect place for shareables with friends.

Comune

https://www.comune-restaurant.com/

Who knew a plant-based menu could get this creative? I’ve been eyeing the cuisine at Comune lately, and it looks heavenly. There’s a focus on seasonal and local ingredients here, with dishes like Coconut Squash Soup and the Crispy Fried Rice with kimchi. But the veggie-infused cocktails have me really intrigued: roasted carrot rum and matcha gin sound like must-tries.

Coppa Gelato

https://www.coppagelato.com/

Another flight situation I need in my life: a gelato flight! This Westerville sweet shop boasts cannoli, coffee, and most importantly, cups of gelato. For the flight, you pick 4 flavors to devour in mini scoop form, and I’m already struggling to narrow down what my choices will be. Earl Grey? Pomegranate? Hazelnut Latte? I can’t wait.

Somewhere in Particular Brewing

https://m.facebook.com/sipbrew/

I’ve had Nowhere in Particular’s beers at other locales, when it was a nomad brewery under that name, but I’m more than ready to sip on Somewhere in Particular brew at their new home base in Upper Arlington. Those suds will be washing down some of the scrumptious-sounding snacks on the menu, like Crack Candied Bacon and Beer Queso.

The Lox Bagel Shop

https://www.facebook.com/The-lox-bagel-shop-184871475663343/

You’ve likely seen social media photos of the beautiful beet cream cheese slathered on freshly baked bagels from Lox. I hope to join their ranks and nosh there soon, but it sounds like I’ll have to get up early. Bagels have been selling out fast because the eatery is so popular! Head to their Instagram page for more droolworthy bagel pics.

Helen’s Asian Kitchen

http://www.helenasiankitchenoh.com/

All my blogger buds raved about Helen’s spicy cauliflower dish, so when the restaurant closed, I was disappointed I never made it. Fortuntely, Helen’s and her famous fiery cauliflower meals are back, and 2019 is my year of redemption. I’ve got my eye on the bao and the green onion pancakes too.

Budd Dairy Food Hall

https://cameronmitchell.com/restaurants/

Coming later in 2019, this Italian Village concept is spearheaded by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, so I know it will be wonderful. The teasers so far have indicated that there will be 9 restaurants, 3 bars, and pop-up dining at the location, as well as a rooftop patio and games. It’s also right across from Seventh Son, which doesn’t hurt either.

Pierogi Mountain

https://www.facebook.com/PierogiMountain

Pierogi are my weakness. Pillowy potato puffs that are socially acceptable to slather in butter and sour cream? Yes please. The Summit Street spot is rumored to have a spectacular version, and I can’t wait to try them. Bonus points for the second location coming to German Village this year too.

Belgian Iron

http://belgianiron.com/

Still more flights here! This time, I’m ready to try “wafel” flights in the Short North. This brand new joint is dishing up sweet and savory waffle varieties that I am more than willing to sample. Why pick between Lemon Creme + Berries or Balsamic Chicken Sriracha waffles when you can get both?

Tucci’s

https://www.tuccisdublin.com/

Sometimes the suburbs don’t get enough love, but I’ve heard great things about this Dublin favorite. I had a killer cheese plate here as part of the Celtic Cocktail Trail, but I need to return soon for a full meal. Calamari fries and osso bucco, here I come!

What dishes have you been drooling over so far in 2019? Did I miss any locales you love? Let me know in the comments below.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Header Photo Credit: Instagram @belgianiron