Kosher Food and Drink

This week, I was in Columbus, Ohio for a youth sporting competition (I coach the team). I go pretty much every year, and it gives me a chance to see what’s new and kosher in the small Jewish community of Columbus. Columbus has had some ups and downs in terms of kosher establishments, but Buckeye Kosher should be commended in trying to keep a variety of kosher establishments open for the community.

One more recent addition to the Columbus kosher scene is Saba Middle Eastern Grill (212 Kelton Avenue, Columbus, OH 43205; (614) 377-0974; sabacolumbus.com; under Buckeye Kosher supervision). Saba opened up in 2023, in the historic East Market. East Market is in the “Trolley District”, in a converted trolley barn. It’s a very, very cool location, with a bunch of food vendor stalls, some shared table space, an arcade upstairs, a brewery next door, and even some history to look at. This is a model I’ve seen used in other spots (the Water Park in Crystal City coming to mind), but not quite as nicely as East Market has pulled off. Parking availability is maybe the only critique – you may have to park in the secondary lot, which is a short walk away.

So, we’ve established that this is kind of a great space. But what about the actual restaurant?

First things first: expectations in check. This is basically a take-out joint. You can eat there, but I would wager most people don’t. I don’t mind that; it’s in theme to where they are. Ordering is simple: you walk up, give them your choices, and wait for your food. If no one else is there while your food is being made, they chat with you. It’s a wonderfully personal experience.

First of all, pricing is surprisingly reasonable, and below what I’m used to locally. Further, every single thing I’ve ordered from them was top notch. I didn’t take pictures because I felt like the take-out appearance isn’t great by the time it makes to the hotel, but here’s some high points:

• The Moroccan cigars are hand-made, and they are delicious. The “we fried something from the box” that I’ve gotten elsewhere is not what they do here.
• The pitas are stuffed with meat, and if anything, they probably put too much of the salads in there with them. Said proteins are also really, really good, and the pulled beef works surprisingly well.
• The fries are cheap, and they don’t skimp. They’re not particularly special, but not getting killed on a side’s pricing is a novel experience.

Seriously, if you are in Columbus and need some kosher food, you owe it to yourself to go to Saba. The location is excellent, the pricing is great, and the food is much better than it has any right to be. I’ve been there a few times, and every single time, I’ve walked away impressed. I hope the residents appreciate it as much as I do!