Burger and fries

Burger Theory Columbus, Columbus, Ohio

Step off East Town Street into the lobby-level dining room and you can smell burgers on the grill and spot a tap list that leans local. It’s the on‑site spot inside Holiday Inn Columbus Dwtn – Capitol Square, so you’ll see hotel guests drifting in alongside downtown workers grabbing a seat at the bar or a table near the TVs.

The menu sticks to the crowd-pleasers this concept is known for. House burgers include The Classic with grilled onions, pickles, American cheese, and KGB sauce, the Lone Star with thick-cut bacon, an onion ring, and BBQ sauce, and the Farm Fresh with portobello mushroom, roasted red peppers, Boursin, and roasted garlic mayo. My go-to here is the Breakfast Burger, a single or double topped with cheddar, bacon, and a fried egg, with fries on the side.

If you’re not in a burger mood, there are wings, buttermilk chicken strips, and firecracker shrimp to start, plus salads like the BT Cobb and Chicken Caesar. Non-burger mains show up too, and the “Mason Jar Treats” section finishes strong with an Apple Crumb or a Brownie Sundae.

The bar keeps things easy before a game or after a meeting. The draft list typically features national staples alongside Ohio names, and you’ll often see Columbus Brewing Company, Land-Grant, BrewDog, and Great Lakes on the board. Happy hour specials run on select days, which makes the pre-dinner stop a little more appealing.

  • Neighborhood. Downtown, Capitol Square.
  • Location. Inside Holiday Inn Columbus Dwtn – Capitol Square, 175 East Town Street.
  • Service times. Daily breakfast and dinner; hours may vary, check ahead.
  • Known for. Signature burgers like The Classic, Lone Star, and Breakfast Burger, plus a rotating lineup of local draft beer and weekday happy hour specials.

If you want a straightforward burger-and-a-beer stop in the heart of downtown with breakfast and dinner service under one roof, this fits the bill.

Published: September 9, 2026 · Reviewed by the Whats Up Columbus editorial team