698 N High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614.641.4040
website
The Short North feels a little more like a Manhattan avenue every weekend; crowds of shoppers, drinkers, and a huge variety of people crowd these streets to the tune that you forget you’re in a Midwestern city like Columbus. But the change has brought the chance for new restaurant ideas to be tested here, and Cameron Mitchell has taken advantage of that. Harvey & Ed’s, one of many options from his group on the street, has the feel of a New York deli but with a little more of a sit-down vibe. Get a reservation, but there’s a lot to like here.
The restaurant is really all about the soups and sandwiches. Plenty of restaurants (and chains) in town hit that niche, but this one is more a place where you sit down and experience better versions of those. Some of what I liked:
- Smoked Salmon Bagel: This New York treat is a brunch item and it’s constantly hard to find outside of big cities. Layers of smoked salmon and cream cheese with capers and served on a bagel. Have your bagel toasted. A good lox bagel is all about the quality of the bagel. Harvey and Ed’s sources its bagels locally which isn’t New York but it’s pretty good.
- Meatloaf: A homey meal, this one features a thick cut of beef topped with a little gravy and served with none other than roasted veggies. Like home cooking.
- Burger: Aged harvati cheese tops the patty with tomato, onions, deli mustard and pickle, of course. Simple take on what you’d find at a casual deli, this one really keeps pretty simplistic. Get it medium-rare.
- Latte: Simple with breakfast. Not too sweet, lots of great froth, worth savoring a bit, to be sure.
- Old Fashioned: House is smooth. Not sweet and not smokey.
The restaurant certainly doesn’t have that shoulder-to-shoulder feeling of a New York eatery at mealtime rush hours but the booths tend to be pretty full at those times, so make a point to get a reservation online. It’s also a petty good idea to get there early, if possible, because tables can turn over fast and sometimes you’ll be able to avoid a wait by seating a bit before.
The decor certainly evokes some of that wonderful kitschy vibe of a well-worn New York sandwich shop, almost giving you this wonderful familiarity. “Harvey and Ed? Oh yeah, I know those guys!” This is one of the more unique ideas sprung from Mitchell’s restaurant group, and I suspect it’ll be a unique Short North experience. Know what you’re getting when you walk in the door, and I think you’ll be pleased.
Recommendations
- This is a popular brunch spot and also has some good lunch options.
- Make sure to get a reservation especially with a larger group.
- Come early if possible to avoid some of the wait times.
Another Food Critic 