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Cozy cafe counter

Emmett’s Cafe in Columbus, Ohio

The move here is simple. Order a flat white, then settle in with The Emmything, a warm chicken-and-prosciutto sandwich on an everything roll with rosemary aioli and white cheddar. It’s the kind of savory, toasty combo that makes a quick breakfast feel like a proper stop.

Emmett’s runs two daytime cafes in the city. Emmett’s on South High anchors the namesake menu, while Emmett’s at Open Air on Neil Avenue carries its own lineup. Both keep the same daytime rhythm, so whether you’re closer to South High Street or the Open Air building on Neil, you can count on morning through midafternoon service.

Menus lean breakfast-and-lunch with a focus on sandwiches, salads, and bowls. At South High you’ll find picks like the South High Salad and a falafel pita, alongside staples such as banana bread and a breakfast burrito. The Open Air menu branches into house favorites like Emmett’s Bowl and the Hudson Street Burger, plus a few different salads and wraps. Portions are café-appropriate and the options make it easy to go hearty or light without overthinking it.

Coffee is a draw in its own right. Beyond espresso drinks, the board lists a flat white and an Aussie cappuccino, plus refreshers like espresso and tonic, a house S. High Chai, and matcha. Drip coffee is roasted by Proud Mary Coffee, and there are juices and smoothies if you’re skipping caffeine. My go-to pairing is that flat white with banana bread finished with brûléed banana and a hit of salt.

  • Locations: 744 S High St; 2571 Neil Ave (Emmett’s at Open Air).
  • Typical hours: 7 am–2 pm Monday–Friday; 8 am–3 pm Saturday–Sunday.
  • Price: most breakfast and lunch items typically land in the low-to-mid teens; coffee and teas are generally single digits.
  • Known for: The Emmything sandwich, banana bread, flat white and Aussie cappuccino, plus the Hudson Street Burger at the Open Air location.

If you want a daytime café for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee stop with consistent hours and two convenient in-town locations, Emmett’s Cafe fits the brief.

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