Experience · Columbus

Downtown Columbus Arts & Dinner Date

Kick off your evening with an engaging cultural experience at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, setting a sophisticated tone. Then, treat yourselves to a refined Southern-inspired dinner, followed by an optional, relaxed rooftop drink to cap off the perfect date night.

A 4-hour Columbus evening plan for couples — Me Encanta Modern Mexican Cuisine, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 11th and Bay Southern Table.

Duration: 4h 10m
Cost: $75–$200
Stops: 3 stops
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 0.7-mile driving route
Best time: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for: Couples · Friends · Solo

Start Plan

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The plan

1Me Encanta Modern Mexican Cuisine(1 hr)→
2RiverCenter for the Performing Arts(1 hr 30 min)→
311th and Bay Southern Table(1 hr 30 min)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 0.7 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Columbus instead of crossing town between them. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at 11th and Bay Southern Table — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, and solo who want a planned Columbus outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
1 hr
Me Encanta Modern Mexican Cuisine
Food & Drink
What to do — Start your evening with fresh, modern Mexican small plates and handcrafted cocktails.
Scout Side Quest
Study the menu in secret and guess each other's top choice before either of you speaks.
0.4 mi · 8 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Take a short walk down Broadway to the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.
2
1h 30m
RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
Arts & Culture
A grand hall & 2 smaller theaters host symphony, ballet, Broadway musicals, comedy & special events.
What to do — Experience a live performance, from symphony to Broadway musicals, in the grand hall of the RiverCenter.
Scout Side Quest
Before the lights dim, pick your favorite architectural detail in the hall and see if your date noticed the same one.
0.3 mi · 6 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Head to 11th and Bay Southern Table for dinner, a short walk away.
3
Optional 1h 30m
11th and Bay Southern Table
Food & Drink
Southern classics get a modern twist at this rustic-chic bistro & bar with indoor & outdoor seating.
What to do — Savor modern Southern cuisine in a rustic-chic setting, offering a perfect end to your cultural evening.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Columbus itinerary for couples?: Yes. It's built for couples, friends, and solo and runs about 4 hr 10 min across 3 stops, starting at Me Encanta Modern Mexican Cuisine.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 4 hr 10 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Columbus itinerary cost?: Roughly $75–$200 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.7 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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