Local Cantina - Clintonville
About This Spot
Stepping into Local Cantina in Clintonville feels like finding a beloved neighborhood gathering spot where the buzz of conversation and laughter blends effortlessly with the clinking of glasses. There’s an inviting energy here that strikes a balance—vibrant without feeling overwhelming, lively yet welcoming. Whether you choose a cozy corner booth, a high-top near the bar, or a sunny seat on the patio, you quickly settle into a rhythm that’s both easy and familiar.
This is a place where time slows just enough to savor simple pleasures: the comforting warmth of shared chips and salsa, the subtle zest of freshly crafted tacos, or the satisfying pour of a well-mixed cocktail. The self-serve chip bar invites an interactive kind of dining that feels communal, encouraging pairs and groups to snack and chat without hurry. Around you, the mix of regulars and newcomers creates a down-to-earth vibe, a mosaic of neighbors unwinding after the day.
Local Cantina’s atmosphere is punctuated by the casual hum of bar games and trivia nights, adding another layer of fun that draws in folks looking for more than just a meal. Staff move with genuine warmth and attentiveness, helping take simple moments—like ordering or choosing a seat—and turning them into small, memorable rituals. Even on a rainy evening, the space retains a cozy intimacy that invites lingering, laughter, and the quiet comfort of good company.
Here, food and drink aren’t just the focus—they’re part of an experience that delights through thoughtful touches and familiar flavors, evoking the lively spirit of a Tex-Mex cantina while rooted firmly in the local Columbus community. It’s a neighborhood spot where the everyday meets the celebratory, and where the simple act of sharing a meal carries the kind of warmth you want to come back to.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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No-contact delivery
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Delivery
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On-site services
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Fast service
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Sport
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Happy-hour drinks
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Happy-hour food
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Late-night food
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Vegetarian options
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Wine
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Wi-Fi
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Wi-Fi
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Family friendly
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Groups
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LGBTQ+ friendly
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Transgender safe space
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University students
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Accepts reservations
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Cheques
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 03:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 03:00 PM - 10:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 03:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | 03:00 PM - 01:00 AM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 01:00 AM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
Grant Donnelly 23 Dec 2025
Came here for Wednesday night trivia which was a lot of fun (although I was there was some interaction between teams, as it’s all done through phones). Love the chip and salsa bar and the tacos were great. I especially liked the crispy potato. Cheese dip was delicious and drinks were good too. We also got the churro donuts which were a nice surprise!
Mark Richards 19 Dec 2025
They have tacos and mustache rides. You get what you pay for, reasonable prices. When you’re in the mood, you’re in the mood. Very close to the house, which is nice to walk to. Good taco salad!
Mark B. 06 Dec 2025
Solid food, I had the queso and shrimp fajita. Kind of loud inside but I would come back again.
Nancy Crawford 27 Nov 2025
Disappointed that the rain kept us inside as opposed to eating on the patio but we were tucked away in a corner booth and had a great experience. The server was the sweetest, most helpful waitress. I love the all you can eat, self serve chips and salsa bar! Plenty of options including vegetarian and GF. Plenty of room for dining at a table, booth or the bar. Nice mix of people there that day too. Variety of margaritas, and they only serve beer in the can. Definitely will go back.
Jessica 18 Nov 2025
My experience was so great it had me wishing there was a Local Cantina in Louisville, KY. While looking for a dog-friendly place to eat while waiting to check into our AirBnB, we came across this place and sat outside in the patio area. Merissa was our server and she went above and beyond to give us a great dining experience. She offered to take our children's order first so they didn't have to wait long on food and made sure we had everything we needed while dining. Even though we were the only customers seated outside at the time of our visit, we never felt neglected and received friendly and excellent service. The food was delicious and I love being able to try a variety of things at a new place. I had the Crunchweezy, Carne Asada, and Cantina Fish tacos. They were fairly large and after eating serve yourself chips and salsa as well as a shared order of queso I was unable to finish everything, though it was all fantastic. I highly recommend this place. Happy Hour is 3-6 Monday thru Friday and also great specials for Taco Tuesday!
Herman Dolce 07 Oct 2025
Hands down one of the best taco spots I’ve hit in Ohio. From the second we walked in, the vibe was on point—warm, laid-back, and just the right kind of loud that lets you know the food’s about to be fire. We started with chips and queso (a must), and it came out hot and creamy, with the chips still warm and lightly salted—perfect combo. I ordered a mix of tacos: the Korean BBQ taco, the veggie taco, and their signature chicken one. Each one brought a different flavor punch, but that Korean BBQ taco? That’s the one I’d come back for. The portions were solid and everything was fresh—nothing felt thrown together. The tortillas tasted handmade, the slaw was crisp, and the sauces were actually flavorful, not just spicy for no reason. Drinks were on point too. Their house margarita was strong but balanced, and I really appreciated the fresh lime and not-too-sweet mix. Also, major props for the presentation. You can tell they care about the details—the tacos came out looking like something you’d post before you eat (and yep, I did—check out the pics). Service was friendly, quick, and genuine. You could tell the staff actually liked working there, which added to the whole experience. If you’re in town, stop playing and pull up to Local Cantina. Great food, good drinks, dope vibe. Will definitely be back.
Michael Thomson 23 Sep 2025
Great place. Wonderful food and a very walkable place for dinner. Great vibes! Best part is the staff- real people living real lives. We come here a lot and we will be back. New deal- $5 rebate on my Long Brew. Basically - free drink. Taco Tuesday's are the best. My server Maria was top notch.
Brandon Strunk 21 Sep 2025
Queso is a must, as so many have mentioned. The chips are possibly the best chips that exist. At least on earth. Carnitas taco - decent, get the one with the pineapple slaw/salsa Barbacoa taco - the beef was watery and was more like a shredded beef crock pot kind of deal. The elote topping stole the show on this taco. Very good, consider getting a different taco with it or just as a side. General Tso's cauliflower taco - actually my favorite one. Executed quite well. Nashville hot chicken taco - not spicy to the point of disappointing. Like, not even black pepper spicy. Not even jalapeno sans the ribs and seeds. Ron Burgundy quesadilla was tasty. Mac n cheese is shells with queso - good but don't assume your kids will eat it. Wife said the blood orange marg was real good.