Whether you're a visitor to our city or a native Columbusite, you'll find out really quickly that around these parts there are a few good things that just aren't up for debate.
The quality of Minnie's Uptown Restaurant is one of them.
Depending on who you ask, you'll hear various theories on why the beloved lunch spot reigns as the can't miss southern homestyle cooking joint of Columbus. But what you won't hear? A single debate on whether or not Minnie's is part of the heartbeat of our local culture.
Ask around and some folks will tell they love the biscuits. Some will proclaim their devotion to Minnie's mac 'n cheese. And more than a few will claim the fried chicken is as dependable as church on Sunday.
While all of this may be true, only one thing is for certain: Everybody agrees that there's just something special about Minnie's. Even if they can't put their finger on what it is.
Locals have flocked with reckless abandon to lunch at Minnie's for decades- no matter the season, no matter the economic landscape, and no matter the state of the nation at the time. The restaurant has seen the terms of more than four US presidents, survived an economic recession or two, and witnessed the invention of the internet.
Time may have passed Minnie's by, but Minnie's has done just fine.
Don't be fooled by appearances. Minnie's is current. Keeping up with the times isn't hard if you serve comfort food that people love to eat.
Regardless of what's happening outside on any given day, you can bet your bottom dollar that the who's who of Columbus will be lined up in Minnie's friendly buffet line talking about their latest SEC football victory or how sad it is that so-and-so's mother was still in the hospital as of this morning.
It's the same as it's been since the day the doors opened, and we're here to tell you that's a good thing.
When you go, be prepared to dig in and take your time. Wave to a local, find out what's best on the dessert menu for the day, and maybe even ask to shake hands with The Chicken Lady.
Minnie's is the perfect place to meet up with a friend, reminisce on old times, and pass the ketchup.
Whatever you do, don't forget to take a deep breath, savor that biscuit on your plate, and enjoy a brief stint away from the rest of the world outside. And for heaven's sake, order the fried chicken with a side of mac 'n cheese.◼︎
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Initial photo courtesy of Minnie's Uptown Restaurant.