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Welcome to Parable Cafe

At Parable Cafe, we thrive on crafting unique culinary experiences that nourish both body and spirit. Nestled in the heart of Columbus, our cafe invites everyone—whether working, socializing, or unwinding—to indulge in our beautifully crafted dishes and inventive drinks. With offerings like our beloved salted caramel miso latte and flaky pastries, we prioritize quality and creativity in every bite. Our welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by vibrant decor and friendly staff, making it an ideal gathering spot for all. Proudly black-owned and LGBTQ-owned, Parable Cafe stands as a beacon of inclusivity, serving up not just food, but a shared love for community and connection.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to the vibrant Parable Cafe, a charming culinary gem nestled in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. This multifaceted establishment seamlessly blends the relaxed ambiance of a cafe with the sophisticated offerings of a wine and cocktail bar, creating an inviting space perfect for everyone—from commuters seeking a quick caffeine fix to groups celebrating the end of a long workday with delicious drinks.

Located at 149 S High St, Parable Cafe invites you to experience the art of unconventional gastronomy. As a proud Black-owned and LGBTQ-owned venue, it upholds values of inclusivity while serving remarkable food and drinks in a hip, trendy environment. With amenities like outdoor seating, wheelchair accessibility, and even dog-friendly spaces, it’s a place where everyone can feel at home.

Parable Cafe offers a remarkable range of beverages, featuring an espresso bar stocked with the finest quality coffees, including single-origin options and unique lattes. Indulge in the crowd-pleasing salted caramel miso latte or savor a rich Matcha Rishi ceremonial matcha for a taste of luxury. The cafe also flaunts an enticing selection of pastries that lure customers in with their tempting aromas. Patrons rave about the ultra-flaky chocolate croissant and the mouthwatering egg sandwich, which promise delightful flavors in each bite.

  • Standout Dishes:
    • Chicken Sandwich: Juicy and satisfying, a must-try during lunch hours.
    • Vegan Options: Don't miss the cauliflower Reuben, bursting with unexpected flavor.
    • Seasonal Drinks: Enjoy unique creations like the "6 more weeks of winter" sipping chocolate for a limited time.

Throughout the cafe, a palpable buzz of energy exists, punctuated by friendly faces and attentive service. The staff go above and beyond, ensuring that your visit is as enjoyable as the food and drinks themselves. Many customers highlight the exceptional service, praising the helpful recommendations that make exploring the menu a delightful adventure.

Not just a cafe, Parable Cafe doubles as a community hub where creativity flourishes. You'll find locals reading, working on laptops, or engaging in conversation over glasses of wine during happy hour, showcasing an atmosphere that’s both lively and relaxed. The ambiance is complemented by warm decor and an air of comfort, with plenty of greenery adorning the space.

For those considering a visit, be prepared for a bit of a splurge; while the prices lean toward the higher end, the quality of the food and drinks supports the investment, making it worth every penny. Plus, don't forget the added perk of validated parking in the nearby Columbus Commons Main Parking Garage, making your visit all the more convenient.

As a food reviewer, I can confidently say that Parable Cafe is a vibrant destination where culinary innovation meets a warm community atmosphere. Whether you're looking to indulge in a handcrafted drink, savor artisan pastries, or simply enjoy the company of friends, Parable Cafe promises an experience that will leave you eager to return again and again.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Parable Cafe
Miracle R.
Miracle R.

Super cute.  Amazing customer service. Special shoutout to Jeff, Syn? And Marco who took care of us in some capacity. Drinks-  collins angel hot latte 5/5 and a matcha latte (Collins angel version) 4/5 Food- egg sandwich w/ bacon- soft bread,  thick bacon,  moist. 5/5 and vermonter- turkey apple and cheese pastry. 4/5 flaky,  good filling.  Not the biggest fan of the sesame seeds. Overall clean,  cute,  great music/ vibes. A bit pricey, paid $23 for a pastry and drink. But I look forward to returning and exploring the wine/ bar and live music & after work ambiance.

Emily Z.
Emily Z.

Expensive but worth. I tried the "6 more weeks of winter" seasonal drink, a sipping chocolate with banana, sesame, and ruby chocolate. The ingredients were high quality and the drink was very smooth. I'll be sad to see it leave the menu, but I'm excited for the spring drinks. It's an okay place to study if you don't mind noise--it gets very crowded and the music is loud. Service is good--the cashier kindly recommended me some options when I was looking at the menu. Overall would come back for the quality of the drinks!

Kudakwashe T.
Kudakwashe T.

The pastries were mouthwateringly good. They were soft, sweet, and creamy. The service is fast, friendly, and warm. They pick pastries to fit the flavors and pallet you've got at the time. They also give amazing recommendations and are very kind. The matcha is also tasty. It's creamy and well blended. The ambiance is warm, airy, and pleasant. There's lots of greenery inside and a nice open layout with big windows and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.

Maigen R.
Maigen R.

First time visiting and can't wait to go back! The salted Carmel miso latte was incredible! The chocolate croissant was as big as my head and soooo flakey and delicious. Not pictured but you must get the egg sandwich! The service was great - the gentleman taking orders was so fun. Ambiance = amazing. Can't wait to visit again.

Moe A.
Moe A.

Decided to try the nearest cafe next to my hotel and was not disappointed. Good selection of pastries and drinks. Decent seating. Helpful staff. I got the iced vanilla latte it was really good and well balanced between espresso flavor and their house made vanilla syrup. I also ordered their leek cheese croissant. That one was ok but nothing too special. Overall would come again for sure at least for their coffee!

Kendra R.
Kendra R.

Stopped into Parable Cafe in Columbus on a blustery, cold, snowy day for a late lunch. The cafe was bustling with guests, many working on laptops, but I managed to snag a cozy spot by the fireplace to warm up. Having reviewed the menu beforehand, I was set on trying the chicken sandwich and fries. However, I was surprised to learn that lunch is only served a few days a week, and unfortunately, Tuesday wasn't one of them. My lunch partner and I, teetering on the edge of "hangry," had to find another spot for a meal. Before leaving, I grabbed a chocolate croissant and a poached pear danish to enjoy later. Both were excellent! The croissant was delightfully flaky and buttery, with a generous layer of chocolate on the bottom that elevated the flavor. The poached pear danish was equally satisfying, with the cream cheese filling perfectly complementing the pear. While I was disappointed to miss out on the lunch menu, the quality of the pastries and the inviting atmosphere left a lasting impression. I'll definitely be back to try that chicken sandwich someday! Parking Tip - Parable Cafe validates parking if you park in the Columbus Commons Main Parking Garage on Rich St.

Julia G.
Julia G.

Another really lovely dinner at Parable! Caesar salad is a little heavy on anchovy but I love it that way- just a warning in case you don't prefer that. Best time to come for dinner is during happy hour for $10 wine pours, super generous and interesting wines. We had the Burger, fried chicken sandwich, and the cauliflower Reuben. All were delicious but actually the cauliflower Reuben really stuck out to me- super delicious and flavorful, not something I would have ordered initially but after tasting my friend's I would definitely order. I've been loving coming here for meals, service is always friendly and fast, food exceeds expectations, and I always have great drinks! Yay parable!

Brendan H.
Brendan H.

This place seems to be a higher end cafe. I went on Sunday at 10:00am and every seat was filled. Great unique pastry options and nice lattes. I like that the sesame miso latte was not too sweet and has subtle flavors that hit just right. The prices were high but the quality matched. $40 for a cappuccino, latte, 2 pastries. I loved it and would go back. Must note the men's room being Overtly progressive, the only time I have actually seen female sanitary pads in a bathroom marked "men's". Just an interesting side note.

Nafisa H.
Nafisa H.

Really inventive and creative drinks at Parable. This downtown gem is a bit hard to get to. We only found paid parking right next to it but from other reviews saw you could get a parking voucher from a garage nearby. What I noticed right away were the locals working, reading, and others at the bar enjoying a drink. It was a very lively space which is always a good sign. Pretty simple decor and had a cool minimalist style. The person helping us was great and so friendly. They helped us with our drinks and we ended up getting the Amma's Chai and the Koyo. They asked us if we were visiting and we had a short chat about Sey Coffee in Brooklyn. I was so intrigued by the Koyo as it had gochuang listed in the ingredients. The spice kick was appreciated and delicious. Parable Cafe is a must visit spot for me, if you're staying downtown.