Business Details
About
RestaurantSeafood RestaurantBarCalifornian Restaurant
Sit back and relax at SoCal Kitchen + Bar, inspired by Southern California cuisine with fired-up flavors, cool and crafty cocktails, and genuine hospitality in Columbus, Ohio. The menu boasts the freshest fare from sea, garden, and farm using the finest ingredients. Indulge in our sushi and seafood plates or enjoy a perfectly cooked steak. Join us for Happy Hour, weekend brunch, or book a reservation today for your next dinner at SoCal Kitchen + Bar!
Details
- Dine-inAvailable
- Accepts reservationsAvailable
- Requires reservationsNot available
- Credit cardAvailable
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.5
874 reviews
5 stars
600
4 stars
157
3 stars
68
2 stars
27
1 star
22
- TMTaylor Mayberry3 days ago1.0Recently went for happy hour with friends & ordered a bunch of food and drinks. Drinks took 25 minutes to come. (The place was empty) and then the food took a solid hour. And one of us didn’t receive our meal until we were checked out and ready to go. (An hour and 15 minutes later) we didn’t receive any sorry or acknowledgment of the lack of service and also over heard a server explaining to a trainee “that happens a lot” so disappointing because the food was good and it wasn’t crowded at all. Wouldn’t come back.
- KBKeith BartramOct 1, 20252.0The stuffed bread tasted re-warmed. Very disappointed. Avoid the stuffed bread. Sushi was decent. Hamburger 4/10. Grilled cheese 3/10. The only redeemable part of our experience was our server: Paul Lee was fantastic. Unfortantely, due to the quality of food, I cannot recommend.
- GFGrace FlowersSep 30, 20255.0We hosted our wedding reception for about 35 people at SoCal last Friday, and I can’t say enough good things. From start to finish, the experience was incredible. Huge shoutout to Lacey and Tea, the managers who helped me put everything together. They made the whole process so smooth—it was easy to communicate about the menu, drinks, bottles, and all the details. The food was outstanding! The appetizers were a hit, and the entrées had everyone raving. Guests from out of town who had never been to SoCal before couldn’t stop talking about how delicious everything was. Service for such a large party was exceptional—every adult and child was served with kindness, patience, and care. The atmosphere was just as amazing as the food. It’s such a beautiful space, with a fun, elevated vibe that works perfectly for big events, date nights, brunch, or dinner. I was so busy that night I didn’t get a chance to take pictures, but trust me, the ambiance matches (and exceeds) what you see online. We are so grateful to the SoCal team for making our wedding night such a beautiful and memorable experience for our family and friends. If you’re looking to host a reception, birthday dinner, or any special event, I 100% recommend SoCal. And definitely ask for Lacey and Tea -they’re the best!
- CFChristina FeichtnerSep 27, 20251.0My French toast arrived burnt to a crisp. The chicken was fairly dark as well. I managed to get the attention of someone to send it back. Our server tried to claim it was the cinnamon raisin bread which made it look dark, even though she had not seen it. The manager said the same thing, even though she had not seen it. By the time it was remade, I no longer had time to eat it. The other two in our party had long finished their lunch. The second time around, the French toast looked great, as did the chicken. Our server had boxed it up. I gave it to a homeless person as we were headed to a band performance at Historic Crew Stadium. We definitely do not recommend dining here!
- CPCaitlin PhillipsSep 27, 20255.0I’ve been when this was Del Mar SoCal and I’m not sure exactly what changed because the food (especially the oysters) and service were still as good as I remembered! It’s a fun vibe and you can easily pop in for a quick bite or have a special dinner depending on what you’re looking for. Definitely recommend!
Frequently Asked Questions About SoCal Kitchen + Bar
Do you have a happy hour?
Del Mar offers a standout happy hour Monday through Friday 4 – 6 pm and Sunday 3 – 5 pm with special pricing on well drinks, drafts, specialty cocktails and wine. The happy hour food menu is extensive with a range of Del Mar favorites including Raw, Baked and Fried Oysters, Sushi Rolls, Handhelds including tacos and burgers and, of course, the famous Potato Bread with cheddar, bacon, scallion, and sour cream butter. During seasonal weather, the windows near the bar open to the patio and it’s a breezy, fun place to be on High Street in Columbus, Ohio’s Short North Arts District. When the weather turns cool, the spacious bar has plenty of room for you and friends to cozy up!
Does Del Mar offer cocktails?
Yes! Del Mar is a spirits-loving place where the Cocktail List gets a seasonal refresh. Cocktail ingredients lean to bright, fresh and infused. You’ll find memorable riffs like the Boardwalk Bourbon – a blend of Woodford Reserve, Orange & Fig and Pineapple Essence and creations made with unique spirits like the Aloe-lujah – Ketel One Cucumber & Mint Botanical Vodka, Lillet Blanc, Chareau Aloe Liqueur and lemon. Featured cocktails rotate regularly so do check the Del Mar website for the bar chef’s latest!
Can Del Mar accommodate large parties?
Del Mar is available for private events Monday through Friday between the hours of 11 am – 3 pm accommodating up to 100 guests. The restaurant also has a semi-private dining space that can accommodate up to 26 guests. Our chefs are excited to help you plan a meal that is sure to please! For parties of greater than 6 guests at any time, it’s we recommend calling the restaurant to discuss your plans and complete your reservation.
Is Del Mar a fancy restaurant?
Del Mar is bright, large space with sweeping high ceilings and a variety of seating options from two-tops nestled in the bar area to tables, banquette and booth seating. The vibe is southern California, sophisticated casual with gleaming white subway tile walls and vibrant, large-scale artwork. Del Mar is situated near Short North residential neighborhoods so you’ll find guests dropping in after spending time at Goodale Park, enjoying an after-work happy hour and gathering around a table for a celebration. It’s a welcoming, flexible environment where all are welcome whether it’s a casual or special occasion.
Does Del Mar offer Brunch?
Yes! Del Mar has a robust selection of Brunch Plates offered Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm including Smoked Chicken Hash, Benedict, Burrito, and Açai Bowl. Share a Cinnamon Roll with brown sugar and cream cheese frosting to start! Favorites from the regular menu are available during brunch service – Oysters, Sushi, Soups & Salads, Handhelds, and Bowls. And, cocktails! Enjoy a Mimosa, Michelada, Bloody Mary, SoCal Coffee (local cold brew with amaro, cream and fernet). Check the Del Mar website’s Brunch menu for current features.
What’s Del Mar famous for?
Del Mar has some one-of-a-kind creations some people call ‘destination dishes’ – those favorites that you’ll go out of your way to have again and share with friends…Happy Hour Oysters - choose from raw, baked or fried at one happy hour price – it’s an oyster fan’s heaven! The Potato Bread is the king of starters – with cheddar, bacon and scallion in the bread, served in a mini cast iron skillet with sour cream butter. The Salmon plate is a fresh preparation with sesame sticky rice, snap peas, sprouts, mushrooms and ginger soy. And no meal should end without the Coconut Sorbet – a creamy treat served in a half coconut shell topped with shaved, toasted coconut. (Bonus - it’s vegan because it’s made with coconut milk!)
Is there patio seating?
Yes! During seasonal weather patio dining is available and the restaurant’s tall windows are opened to create a breezy, open atmosphere.
Where’s the best place to park and is there valet service?
Del Mar is located at 705 N. High Street in Columbus, Ohio’s Short North Arts District. On-street parking is available but be sure to read and follow street signage instruction regarding pay-by-phone parking. Garage parking is plentiful with multiple garages available within a 2-block radius of the restaurant. Valet is available on N. High Street in front of Marcella’s for $15 per vehicle.
Is there a Wine List?
Del Mar offers a well-curated selection of wines that pair well with our menu, available by the glass or bottle. Selections rotate as vintages become available with regular appearances by makers including Stags Leap, Cakebread Cellars, Patz & Hall, Far Niente, Orin Swift and the Prisoner Wine Co. Check the Wine List at the Del Mar website for current selections.
Are there menu options for Gluten-free and Vegetarian diners?
Yes! Del Mar offers plentiful options and menu items are notated with ‘gf’ and ‘v’ designations where preparation is already gluten-free or vegetarian, or, can be made so upon request. In addition, the chef team is well-versed in dietary adjustments and is pleased to accommodate requests. Please do not hesitate to inform your server of any food sensitivities or allergies.
Are Reservations required?
Reservations are not required but they are recommended. The dining room can be particularly busy in the later part of the week. If OpenTable is showing no availability for your preferred day and time, we recommend calling the restaurant.