OSU students vote Marcella’s top happy hour spot in Short North
The Short North restaurant offers half-priced food and drinks Monday through Friday, winning 437 votes in a 2026 student survey.
By Rafael Bailey ·
Ohio State students now have a designated spot in the Short North Arts District for discounted dining. Marcella’s was named the best happy hour in The Lantern’s 2026 Best of OSU special edition. The restaurant collected 437 votes from students and community members for the award.
Located at 615 N. High St., the restaurant cuts prices in half on a wide range of items during happy hour. These deals apply Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Customers can purchase cocktails, appetizers, soups, salads, and pizzas at the reduced rate. Select wines are also available for $9 or less per glass.
Emily Dunlevie, a front-of-house manager, said the discount structure has defined the business since it opened 20 years ago. She described the happy hour as a cornerstone of the restaurant’s identity. While many competitors focus primarily on cheap drinks, Marcella’s maintains a large food menu alongside its cocktails.
Dunlevie pointed to the signature meatball as a key differentiator. The dish is a large, shareable meatball covered in brioche breadcrumbs. She believes this specific offering helps set the restaurant apart from other Italian dining options in Columbus. The balance of food and drink attracts a loyal customer base, including students seeking high quality at lower cost.
Giana Giordano, a fourth-year nursing student, first discovered the spot during sorority recruitment as a freshman. She said older students recommended the restaurant for its deals. Giordano noted that the cozy, dark atmosphere adds to the appeal. She values the ability to dress up for a nice meal without paying the full price.
Giordano highlighted the scope of the discounts. She observed that other happy hour spots in Columbus often only offer small reductions on drinks. Marcella’s includes food in its half-price promotion. This distinction keeps her and her friends returning, even when they have visited numerous other locations in the city.
Dunlevie said the restaurant underwent renovations in 2025. The update included a refreshed appearance and a new cocktail menu. New selections include an Italian-inspired Venetian margarita and additional spritz options. Dunlevie said the goal was to preserve the familiar atmosphere that longtime customers recognize.
Bartenders at Marcella’s prepare high volumes of drinks on busy nights. On Thursdays and Fridays, staff may make 17 to 25 drinks at a time. Popular items include the espresso martini and strawberry balsamic martini. Dunlevie noted that OSU students make up a noticeable portion of the happy hour crowd, especially on those two nights.
