Clintonville sits just north of The Ohio State University campus, and people who live there tend to stick around. With around 30,000 residents, Clintonville is a larger neighborhood, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way. Between Saturday farmer’s markets and endless casual dining options, it has just enough going on while still having time to slow down and relax.
Architectural Diversity
Clintonville is known for its rich architectural diversity, where Craftsman bungalows, Dutch Colonials, American Foursquares, and even rare Lustron homes line the streets. Some homes have been updated; others have remained historic, but most importantly, nothing feels cookie-cutter.
Historic Charm and Character
Its history is also preserved through landmarks such as the East North Broadway Historic District and Old Beechwold Historic District, along with notable buildings like the A.B. Graham House and the Richard Berry Jr. House. With cultural fixtures such as Whetstone Park and Columbus Park of Roses and the Clintonville Woman’s Club, the neighborhood exudes a sense of heritage and pride.
Getting Around and Daily Life
High Street runs through the center of Clintonville, making most day-to-day errands easy to manage close to home. Coffee shops, restaurants, and small retailers are typically just a short distance away, and the Olentangy Trail is a consistent draw for anyone who likes to bike, run, or take their dog for a scenic stroll.
There’s also a steady rhythm of smaller events—farmers markets, neighborhood gatherings, and seasonal festivals—that give the area a sense of connection.
Dining in Clintonville
Food lovers will feel right at home in Clintonville. The area has no shortage of places to eat, including many local favorites.
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Global Gallery Coffee Shop: A nonprofit coffee shop dedicated to promoting Fair Trade and handcrafted products from around the world while developing cultural enrichment through educational workshops and social events.
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Lavash Cafe: Lavash has been a Clintonville staple for years, and does Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes right.
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Smith’s Deli: This family-owned deli has been around since 1960, specializing in no-frills Italian dishes.
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Dante’s Pizzeria and Restaurant: A Clintonville staple since 1973, this mom-and-pop pizzeria serves up some of the best pies in Columbus.
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Cornerstone Deli & Cafe: When everyone in the family wants something different for dinner, you go to Cornerstone Cafe. This beloved spot offers great portions, great vibes, and everything from sushi to mouth-watering deli sandwiches.
You’ll also find locations for Harvest Pizzeria, Ray Ray’s BBQ, Northstar Cafe, and Local Cantina to include in your regular rotation.
Shopping & Retail in Clintonville
Clintonville’s retail scene is largely made up of locally owned shops, many of them small, well-curated, and easy to spend time in.
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The Little Light Collective: A vintage co-op focusing on wares, clothing, local art, plants, gifts, events, and community.
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Clintonville Books: An independent bookstore selling new, used, vintage, and rare books for all ages. It is a community-driven store, dedicated to sharing good books with good people at good prices.
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Tigertree: A go-to for thoughtfully selected home goods, clothing, and gifts.
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Eclectiques:- If you’re in the market for some quality vintage goods, Eclectiques offers everything from well-preserved furniture and clothing to decor.
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The Atomic Shop: Shop sustainable fashion from every era along with mid-century modern furniture and decor.
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Brass Hand: Find home goods, plants, ceramics, and more with an emphasis on craftsmanship and subtle design.
The Graceland Shopping Center is also perfect for more practical shopping needs. Located towards the northern end of Clintonville, Graceland is home to stores like Target, Kroger Marketplace, HomeGoods, and TJ Maxx. And beyond covering just the basics well, it adds enough restaurants and specialty shops to make it more than just a quick errand stop.
At Vutech | Ruff, we believe a community is more than just a location, but about creating a feeling of belonging. Clintonville’s historic charm and character, coupled with a strong sense of community, make it a beautiful place to call home. For those looking for a vibrant community with character, there simply isn’t anywhere in Central Ohio quite like Clintonville.
