After years as a truck, a second-floor pop-up in the Brewery District, and a stand at the North Market, Preston’s Burgers has landed its own brick-and-mortar in Clintonville! They landed a spot in the strip that includes Combustion Brewery and Condado, in the old Buddha Bowl/Blunch storefront.
The space includes a bar and a collection of tables, with dark purple walls and artwork by Adam Brouillette. Customers order at the counter or by using the QR code on their table.
Preston regulars will recognize all the old favorites plus a few new additions: burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken tenderloins/nuggets/wings, sides like fries and mac and cheese, and their popular puddings.
The bonus of Preston having its own location is its full license to offer beer, wine and cocktails to go with your burgers and fried chicken.
The photos don’t do any of that justice, but here are some highlights! If this is your first time, opt for the Classic. You can order them with single or double patties. It shows what Preston does best: simple yet skillfully constructed smashburgers. I still consider them the best in town.
But don’t sleep on the spicy drink. This might be my new favorite: smashburger patties, chili cheese, grated onions, homemade pickles, and sweet/spicy sambal jam.
Their fried chicken sandwiches should not be ignored either. They are crispy and well seasoned. There are the standard versions of chicken sandwich and dipped chicken or chicken mala.
There are plenty of vegetarian options (and gluten-free buns!) available at Preston, and they don’t shy away from portions or flavors. The crispy lion’s mane mushroom sandwich is loaded with pickled onions and shredded cabbage. They also offer fried mushroom nuggets!
And there are easy sides to love like cheese fries and those often elusive fried chilli cheese balls.
Their fried chicken nuggets and fillets are also many. They are tender, juicy and wonderfully seasoned. One of Preston’s unsung heroes.
Preston’s is currently open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.; and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Preston’s: a hamburger restaurant
2973 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 400-1675
Web: www.prestonsburgers.com
FB: Preston’s: a hamburger restaurant
Ing: @prestonsburgers