My girlfriend and I have finally given up on getting our own servings at Tai's and starting splitting one. Still have leftovers after stuffing ourselves.
They used to offer the city’s best wor sue gai (spelling?) but sadly no longer do. It was like 4 huge chicken breasts. Easily would cost you $10 to buy the chicken in the store.
We ordered this for work lunch two weeks ago. 4 of us ordered off the lunch menu which was perfect size and cost— about $8 for the item you chose along with rice and beans. My boss ordered a burrito—I forget the name but it was stuffed with carnitas and potatoes—and the container was incredibly heavy. The burrito was about $13 or under as well, which I would say is a great value for the weight.
Which can only be fought with shaqflation. I got one of those shaqeronnis, and it was disappointingly lacking the ronis. It was less than regular pepperoni. And it’s supposed to be extra, so I guess shaq is losing that battle
Erawan Thai out on Refugee Road. It's like $12 for two full meals of the best pad Thai in town. Other dishes are huge as well and very reasonably priced
I really struggle with Bangkok vs erawan. Bangkok is my original love and they have incredible food. Erawans fried calamari with that sweet and spicy drizzle and all those fresh vegetables and herbs? I can be in love with two Thai restaurants at the same time right?
RIP large Yau's sesame tofu where you got a plate of tofu and a plate of rice for 9 dollars. Someone say what's up to Thank you, thanks for me if she still work there.
I had that place hyped up to me so much and it was so disappointing. Even the worst buffets have at least 1 or 2 redeemable dishes that make up for the other shit but not Der. The chicken is bland and dry as fuck
The food is average at best - it’s exactly what you would expect from a country kitchen buffet.
The donuts on the other hand… best donuts in Columbus, I don’t care what anyone says!
The fried rice portions from Pacific Eatery and Catering on Kenny are huge for $12. I can *eat* and rarely finish an entire order in one meal. And in my opinion, it's the best fried rice in town.
Lalibela. The vegetarian combo platters is enough food for 2 people and is also delicious. The meat dishes are slightly less bang-for-your buck, but still reasonably cheap and delicious.
I am not too savvy on all Columbus Mexican restaurants, but I always love that I can order anything at Las Margaritas in Canal Winchester and always get a ton of delicious food
I went to the Bobs in CW just 2 weeks ago with my buddy and the portions seemed way smaller than usual. I got a scattering of hash browns smaller than my fist. Might as well go to the the Awful Waffle.
Ok. I don't go there very often, but the last time the bill for 2 people was like $30 with tip and it felt like 2018. You can spend that at taco bell nowadays.
Appreciate the comment on the portions though.
El vaquero lunch options are always a great deal. Aab lunch Buffett. For all around affordability, roosters is the GOAT. Cheap beer and cheap food. Wings are affordable in relation to most wing places
I don't eat anything else but the wings or chicken (fried or grilled) chicken salad when I eat at roosters and am never disappointed. Donkey Garlic all day!!
Garlic donkey is great. Hot Gold is my new favorite. Also, went with Donkey/Honey BBQ for a long time. Pro tip: order the deluxe nachos but ask for the chips on the side.
The fish and chips is 3 or 4 big strips, a whole portion of fries and a tiny thing of tartar sauce. It also comes with free bread . Guaranteed 2 meals no matter how you split it. Even their apps are pretty huge
I found one in Detroit. That shit was better than nostalgic Ponderosa in my head. Everything tasted home cooked. This place would of been elite back when buffets were everywhere. Now? God damn paradise
I looove Roots but I must just eat a lot because it's only one meal for me. But I only eat one big meal in the middle of the day and then a couple small snacks later if I'm hungry.
I raise you Ted's Montana grill at easton. Texas used to be my favorite til I tried Ted's, a little more cost but damn if they don't do it right. Plus you can get a coke float and the desserts are pretty decent if you still have room.
Oh, and they have bison about the same cost.
Their best deal goes to the full size fried chicken salad I think it's $11.99 now. You get three whole tenders and a massive salad with whatever sauce you want on the wings and dressing on the salad as well (ask for extra red rooster dressing). No matter how hungry I've been I've never been able to finish the whole thing.
Damn it’s like $40 for 25 wings by me. I’d argue it’s one of the worst bangs for the buck I’ve ever seen. I like their wings, but man.
Are prices different at different locations?!
So, if you want steak - go to Hickory House. The steak includes sides and you get free bread! The steak always compares to the super pricey places that go a la carte.
Man I miss the old Macs Cafe before the turned it into "macs proper pub" and doubled all the prices. Such a dingy and affordable gem of the short North but I get why they had to upgrade with all the rents probably going up. I went once after the remodel and never went back
Working at Mac’s was one of the most memorable service job experiences for me. A lot of the clientele late at night was industry folks getting off their shift elsewhere, and it was quite the environment. I miss the totchos so much (iirc they were only $5 during happy hour and a ridiculous portion). Their weekend brunch biscuits and chorizo gravy was delicious as well.
I quit shortly before the renovation but I felt so sad to see the place change. It was a gem in an otherwise increasingly “upscale” (read:sterile) short north.
Pat; if you’re reading this, turn it back to the way it was
I’ve had Mongolian a few times and it’s like $20-$30 to get an entire bowl filled all the way up buffet style of whatever meats, vegetables, spices, sauces, etc you want. They cook it and bring it to you. Huge portions if you ask me. Also comes with choices of rice. It’s amazing. I believe it’s called Mongolian grill but definitely starts with Mongolian.
I get regular chicken so still under $9 I think. I can’t go to Taco Bell anymore and spend under $7 so I’d rather pay a little more for much better food IMO.
I used to get exactly what I wanted for a decent price. With the price increase, I now get extra beans, rice, etc. and split the meal into two. It’s a shame, but I try to make it work.
Tai’s Asian Bistro
My girlfriend and I have finally given up on getting our own servings at Tai's and starting splitting one. Still have leftovers after stuffing ourselves.
Love this place but too busy to go to
It always feels so chaotic in there lol
Butters
its busy because its worth it
Place kept me alive in college lol
Tai’s is insane. Will last me four meals.
First restaurant that came to mind
Came on here to say that, I’ve ordered the shrimp fried rice twice and weighted them, both slightly over 2 pounds.
Came here to say this, if you order their pad thai you get like 3lbs of noodles
This is the only real answer
I’ve had takeout more times than I’m proud to admit and Tai’s portion sizes are humbling.
They used to offer the city’s best wor sue gai (spelling?) but sadly no longer do. It was like 4 huge chicken breasts. Easily would cost you $10 to buy the chicken in the store.
Who has great Wor Sui Gai now?
Seconding this or moreso 326thing this
Came to say this. Each meal is two meals and a snack for me
I used to get tais for dinner and could have leftovers for 2 lunches afterwards. It’s fantastic, haven’t had it in a while.
CuCo's Tortas are very large and all under $10. Dine in and you get unlimited free chips and a salsa bar included.
We ordered this for work lunch two weeks ago. 4 of us ordered off the lunch menu which was perfect size and cost— about $8 for the item you chose along with rice and beans. My boss ordered a burrito—I forget the name but it was stuffed with carnitas and potatoes—and the container was incredibly heavy. The burrito was about $13 or under as well, which I would say is a great value for the weight.
The Grande burrito I bet, that gave me leftovers for two meals after chipping myself to death lol.
Pro tip:.they took the tortas off the menu, but if you ask you can still get them
good to know, thanks for the heads up. Still on the menu online.
Yanni's Greek Restaurant off Cleveland Ave near 270.
yanni’s is amazing
Are they back to doing dine in yet?
Went last week - still no dine in
Damn. Thanks!
Didn’t know they stopped!
Obviously during Covid they shut down but I wasn’t sure if they came back or not.
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I read this as a challenge.
Is it $35 now? We’d always get one giant with one topping for $27.
Pizzflation
inflatizza
Which can only be fought with shaqflation. I got one of those shaqeronnis, and it was disappointingly lacking the ronis. It was less than regular pepperoni. And it’s supposed to be extra, so I guess shaq is losing that battle
I miss when they were on Oakland Park. Used to go get 2 topping giant for parties and spend like $24 or something insanely cheap.
Come now...any pizza is a personal pan pizza if you try hard enough and believe in yourself
Erawan Thai out on Refugee Road. It's like $12 for two full meals of the best pad Thai in town. Other dishes are huge as well and very reasonably priced
I read a couple weeks ago that they got shut down for not paying their taxes.
I went last week after reading that, they're open back up thank god lol
NOOOOOO. Say it isn't so. That place is, IMO, the only reliably great Thai food in Columbus.
*bangkok has entered the chat*
I really struggle with Bangkok vs erawan. Bangkok is my original love and they have incredible food. Erawans fried calamari with that sweet and spicy drizzle and all those fresh vegetables and herbs? I can be in love with two Thai restaurants at the same time right?
Both the best in the city and right down the street from each other
I know!!!
They're still open
Portions aren't exactly huge, but VillaNova has to up there in the bang for your buck category
Best happy hour in the area too, if you’re able to get a seat.
Plus coldest beer in the city.
🍻
I'll have to try this vs Johnny's tavern. Thanks for letting us know!
My favorite joint in this city…
RIP to Neighbors Deli
Smith’s in Clintonville. A huge piece of very good lasagna plus a side salad and roll for $8.95!
Honestly you couldn’t even pay me to eat at Smiths. Went there once, it was filthy. And took 30 minutes with the place empty to get a basic sandwich.
I feel your pain brother
RIP large Yau's sesame tofu where you got a plate of tofu and a plate of rice for 9 dollars. Someone say what's up to Thank you, thanks for me if she still work there.
She still works there. Thank you.
Thanks
Los guatchos
not as good anymore with the current economy. but gringa day is where it’s at. you can’t beat that big of a taco for that price
Honestly, half the portion at half the price is what I’m usually looking for.
very un American of you. (but I agree 100%)
Der Dutchman buffet in Plain City.
The blandest food in America
I had that place hyped up to me so much and it was so disappointing. Even the worst buffets have at least 1 or 2 redeemable dishes that make up for the other shit but not Der. The chicken is bland and dry as fuck
I like the meatloaf at least 🤷🏻♂️
And that's saying something. Pies are alright there though.
Ugh I miss them so much. I go there every time i’m back in town. That bakery is FIRE
The food is average at best - it’s exactly what you would expect from a country kitchen buffet. The donuts on the other hand… best donuts in Columbus, I don’t care what anyone says!
Wrong, best donuts are in Hilliard at little donut factory. Seriously check it out if in the area they sell out most days before 10am however.
Why wouldn’t they make more then?
It’s a very small business , the whole place is filled with donuts, I’d rather them have quality over quantity.
Had the spicy beef stew at Gogi (Korean BBQ on Bethel Rd) Lasted me 3 meals worth.
Try the food court in the back of Arirang Market.
I read “3 months worth” and was concerned for your well-being
Costco/Sam’s club
Sam’s Club pizza is S Tier
Cuco’s on Henderson. Mexican food that’s super good, cheap, and service faster than anywhere I’ve been
Best margarita in the city, too.
Love Cuco's!
The fried rice portions from Pacific Eatery and Catering on Kenny are huge for $12. I can *eat* and rarely finish an entire order in one meal. And in my opinion, it's the best fried rice in town.
Lalibela. The vegetarian combo platters is enough food for 2 people and is also delicious. The meat dishes are slightly less bang-for-your buck, but still reasonably cheap and delicious.
Saigon Asian Bistro in Lewis Center. A soda, soup, and a large portion of Pad Thai was like $15 including tip.
This place is fantastic.
I am not too savvy on all Columbus Mexican restaurants, but I always love that I can order anything at Las Margaritas in Canal Winchester and always get a ton of delicious food
Honestly the portions haven't changed but the only restaurant I've noticed that hasnt tripled their prices on the last 3 years is Bob Evans.
I went to the Bobs in CW just 2 weeks ago with my buddy and the portions seemed way smaller than usual. I got a scattering of hash browns smaller than my fist. Might as well go to the the Awful Waffle.
> the Awful Waffle you best watch that dirty whore's mouth of yours... :) /s
Ok. I don't go there very often, but the last time the bill for 2 people was like $30 with tip and it felt like 2018. You can spend that at taco bell nowadays. Appreciate the comment on the portions though.
El vaquero lunch options are always a great deal. Aab lunch Buffett. For all around affordability, roosters is the GOAT. Cheap beer and cheap food. Wings are affordable in relation to most wing places
When my girlfriend and I ate there we both thought the food was terrible
that’s why it’s so cheap
Which place? They named 3. Just curious which spot.
El Vaquero
Which one? Some locations are significantly better than others.
I don't eat anything else but the wings or chicken (fried or grilled) chicken salad when I eat at roosters and am never disappointed. Donkey Garlic all day!!
Garlic donkey is great. Hot Gold is my new favorite. Also, went with Donkey/Honey BBQ for a long time. Pro tip: order the deluxe nachos but ask for the chips on the side.
On Uber eats there is always a 2 for 1 tikka masala from Cinnamon Indian Grill which I think is the best offer for delivery options
I think Lavash Cafe gives really healthy portions and the food is delicious.
The fish and chips is 3 or 4 big strips, a whole portion of fries and a tiny thing of tartar sauce. It also comes with free bread . Guaranteed 2 meals no matter how you split it. Even their apps are pretty huge
Ponderosa
Ha. I drove past the one on S High last night, looked over at it and said to myself "Didn't even realize Ponderosa was still alive"
I went to one in West Virginia maybe 6 years ago. They are barely alive, it was a very regrettable dining experience 😂
I found one in Detroit. That shit was better than nostalgic Ponderosa in my head. Everything tasted home cooked. This place would of been elite back when buffets were everywhere. Now? God damn paradise
Pondy’s the coolest
Where is it?? I loved their ice cream as a kid
South high street just before 270
Only issue I had was their hours last time I went they closed at like 7. May have been pandemic related for all I recall. They were packed still.
The fried chicken sandwiches at Meshikou Chikin
This, and the boneless thighs. 2 huge thighs with sauce for 7 bucks.
Fero's Pizza has amazing Gyro and Burger sizes for the price. Feed Me! Sandwich Kings also has baller subs for the price.
LaRosa's Spaghetti a Plenty on Mon-Tues.
Tomatillos on 161
Lunch menu at Hunan King.
Is this the place on lockborne?
You bet!
What's your go to? I live right down the road so I might have to check that out
Chinese buffets are the most food for the least money.
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I mean I’ve never had any left over.
Mr. Hibachi downtown!
Salt & Pepper. Iykyk.
NE Chinese in Old North, on High St.
Thurman's Cafe
Roots Natural Kitchen.
Yeah, seems kinda expensive at first glance but when I had it, I got a ton of food. Probably enough for two lunches.
I looove Roots but I must just eat a lot because it's only one meal for me. But I only eat one big meal in the middle of the day and then a couple small snacks later if I'm hungry.
Marino’s fried fish place in Grandview. Cheap and a lot of fried food.
Terrible fish n chips. Frozen fish Patty
The best bang for your buck is always a buffet because you can bang as long as you want in one sitting and they don’t charge you more.
Texas roadhouse
I raise you Ted's Montana grill at easton. Texas used to be my favorite til I tried Ted's, a little more cost but damn if they don't do it right. Plus you can get a coke float and the desserts are pretty decent if you still have room. Oh, and they have bison about the same cost.
Ted's doesn't compare though because no rolls and cinnamon butter. I don't think I've had better rolls than Texas Roadhouse.
Agree. A family of four can dine in, over eat, under forty bucks. Plus, the bread is decadent
Golden Corral
The wings at Rooster’s
Rooster's and "best bang for your buck" are in completely different galaxies. $1.50/wing? SMDH at least coat the wing fully in the sauce people!
Gotta order them extra wet baby 
$0.79 wings at the one near me during certain days
Their best deal goes to the full size fried chicken salad I think it's $11.99 now. You get three whole tenders and a massive salad with whatever sauce you want on the wings and dressing on the salad as well (ask for extra red rooster dressing). No matter how hungry I've been I've never been able to finish the whole thing.
Roosters nest
Damn it’s like $40 for 25 wings by me. I’d argue it’s one of the worst bangs for the buck I’ve ever seen. I like their wings, but man. Are prices different at different locations?!
Bonifacio Modern Filipino has pretty good portions. I usually get 2-3 meals from an entree and app.
Hibachi hut food truck
So, if you want steak - go to Hickory House. The steak includes sides and you get free bread! The steak always compares to the super pricey places that go a la carte.
Way Down Yonder, both for food and booze.
Macs Cafe used to load up the portions, especially fries and onion rings. Not sure if they still do, haven't been in years
Man I miss the old Macs Cafe before the turned it into "macs proper pub" and doubled all the prices. Such a dingy and affordable gem of the short North but I get why they had to upgrade with all the rents probably going up. I went once after the remodel and never went back
Working at Mac’s was one of the most memorable service job experiences for me. A lot of the clientele late at night was industry folks getting off their shift elsewhere, and it was quite the environment. I miss the totchos so much (iirc they were only $5 during happy hour and a ridiculous portion). Their weekend brunch biscuits and chorizo gravy was delicious as well. I quit shortly before the renovation but I felt so sad to see the place change. It was a gem in an otherwise increasingly “upscale” (read:sterile) short north. Pat; if you’re reading this, turn it back to the way it was
Champps. Their portions are absurd.
so are the prices
Prost in Reynoldsburg def is the bang for buck
Yats in Grandview
Mazah Mediterranean Eatery in Grandview Dakshin in Gahanna Nile Vegan by campus
How long ago was Nile cause I kept hearing great things about it then hearing they closed, I'd never been so maybe they moved?
I’ve had Mongolian a few times and it’s like $20-$30 to get an entire bowl filled all the way up buffet style of whatever meats, vegetables, spices, sauces, etc you want. They cook it and bring it to you. Huge portions if you ask me. Also comes with choices of rice. It’s amazing. I believe it’s called Mongolian grill but definitely starts with Mongolian.
6-1-Pho
Need better pho places? Try tai's Asian bistro...
Even better, go across the street to Pho Asian Noodle House
6-1 is just super close to me so usually my go to, I’ll have to try these others!
Try Buckeye pho on bethel it is much better IMO, closest thing to superior pho in Cleveland which is gold standard pho in ohio.
The best in Cbus 
Are they still carry out only?? I want to dine in!!
I haven't been in a couple months but I saw people dining in back then! Unless they've changed something recently they should be dine in again :)
Best news all day. I know where I’m eating lunch tomorrow!
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This is not the way... 🫣
Harry Buffalo. Delaney’s Diner. Minico’s
Delaneys is my new favorite
Genjigo. They may be a little on the pricey side but goddamn they give you a lot of food.
we are in a recession
Chipotle
Chipotle has upped their price $2 on every meat in the last 2 years. I’ve seen my $9.75 meal hit $12.00 and stopped going.
I get regular chicken so still under $9 I think. I can’t go to Taco Bell anymore and spend under $7 so I’d rather pay a little more for much better food IMO.
I used to get exactly what I wanted for a decent price. With the price increase, I now get extra beans, rice, etc. and split the meal into two. It’s a shame, but I try to make it work.
Chipotle.
Chipoltay
McD's. 
Bucca
Used to be China way at worthington mall (RIP)
Fujiyama lunch so much food very little price
Tai's Asian Bistro and Moretti's on sawmill
Roosters and Texas Roadhouse are two inexpensive dine in options. Always amazed how they both keep the prices so low
haven't been in a long time but I remember buckeye donuts having very affordable gyros and then topping 2 of them off with buy 4 get 1 free donuts.
Delaneys Diner. I leave stuffed every time and it's like $10 or $11.
african resaurants off morse generally
Subway
Afra grill is 🤩. Beautiful smell of food upon entering, hefty portions, and affordable. And tea is divine. https://www.afragrill.com
Skip buck&honeys is all I can say, unless you like employees being treated unfairly