Marcella’s, located in Columbus’ Short North Arts District, was voted Best Happy Hour in The Lantern’s 2026 Best of OSU competition, receiving 437 votes. Credit: Courtesy of Emily Dunlevie
For Ohio State students looking to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank, Marcella’s in the Short North offers a taste of upscale Italian dining within a college student-friendly price range.
Known for its extensive happy hour menu, cozy atmosphere and popular cocktails, Marcella’s was voted best happy hour in The Lantern’s 2026 Best of OSU special edition, receiving 437 votes from Ohio State students and community members.
Located in Columbus’ Short North Arts District, at 615 N. High St., the restaurant offers happy hour deals Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m., featuring half-priced cocktails, appetizers, soups, salads and pizzas, as well as select wines priced at $9 or less per glass.
Emily Dunlevie, a front-of-house manager at Marcella’s, said the restaurant’s happy hour has been an integral part of its identity since it first opened 20 years ago.
“It’s just one of those things that’s kind of a cornerstone of the restaurant and Marcella’s in general,” Dunlevie said.
While many restaurants focus primarily on discounted drinks, Marcella’s has maintained its commitment to offering an extensive selection of food alongside its cocktails.
Dunlevie said Marcella’s is known for its signature meatball, an appetizer that features a large, shareable meatball covered in brioche breadcrumbs, which she believes helps distinguish the restaurant from other Italian dining options in Columbus.
Dunlevie said the restaurant’s balance of food and drink options has helped to attract a loyal customer base, including Ohio State students looking to enjoy a high-quality dining experience at a more affordable price.
A selection of Italian appetizers, including cured meats, olives and bread, is displayed alongside a bottle of white wine at Marcella’s in the Short North. Credit: Courtesy of Emily Dunlevie
Giana Giordano, a fourth-year in nursing, said she first heard about Marcella’s happy hour as a freshman during sorority recruitment, when older students recommended the restaurant for its deals.
Since then, Marcella’s has become one of her favorite places to frequent with friends.
“It’s definitely the happy hour deals, but I also really love Italian food, and I think they do a good job with their food there,” Giordano said. “I think it also has a cozy, dark atmosphere inside that I like.”
For busy college students balancing classes, extracurricular activities and part-time jobs, she said the restaurant offers an opportunity to enjoy a quality dining experience without paying full price.
“It’s nice to dress up and go to a nice restaurant, but only pay half the price rather than the full price because it’s sometimes hard to afford,” Giordano said.
Giordano said, for her, Marcella’s stands out amongst other happy hour deals in Columbus because its discounts extend beyond beverages.
“Sometimes other places, their happy hour deals are just a few dollars off, and they sometimes don’t even include food, just drinks,” Giordano said.
Among the restaurant’s most popular cocktails are its espresso martini and strawberry balsamic martini, Dunlevie said. On busy Thursdays and Fridays, Dunlevie said bartenders may prepare about 17 to 25 drinks at a time.
Following renovations to the restaurant in 2025, Dunlevie said Marcella’s also updated its cocktail menu to introduce new selections, including an Italian-inspired Venetian margarita and additional spritz options.
Though the restaurant’s appearance has been refreshed since its opening, Dunlevie said the goal was to preserve the familiar atmosphere that longtime customers have come to associate with Marcella’s.
That sense of familiarity extends to the Ohio State community, which Dunlevie said makes up a noticeable portion of the restaurant’s happy hour crowd, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays.
“I love seeing the community that the OSU students bring into the restaurant,” Dunlevie said.
For Giordano, Marcella’s has be- come more than just a place to find discounted food and drinks. She said she has celebrated various birthdays at the restaurant, creating memories that keep her and her friends coming back.
“I have celebrated my birthday there, as well as a lot of my friends’ birthdays, and it’s just always a fun time,” Giordano said.
Dunlevie said she enjoys seeing Ohio State students gather at Marcella’s, whether it’s for homecoming celebrations or casual nights out, and appreciates the sense of community they bring.
She said recognition from Ohio State students is especially meaningful given the number of dining options available throughout Columbus.
“It’s a huge honor in the sense that, you know, part of what we are here for every day is to provide genuine hospitality across the board,” Dunlevie said.
Despite visiting numerous happy hour spots throughout Columbus, Giordano said Marcella’s remains her favorite for its atmosphere and affordable dining.
“I’ve definitely tried out a lot of different happy hour spots in Short North and just all over Columbus, and Marcella’s will always be my favorite,” Giordano said.
