Food & Drink in Heath

Despite its inland locale, Pappy's Grill on 79 models itself after a seaside paradise in the Florida Keys. The dining room's walls open wide to let in evening breezes, which intermingle with the aromas of seafood and bar classics. In the kitchen, he hand-breads shrimp, beer-batters frog legs, and tops thick-cut bologna sandwiches with a sauce forged from a secret recipe known only to the spies hidden behind his grill. His bartending staff whip up island-style cocktails and fill 120-ounce towers with beer, which patrons can imbibe while keeping abreast of the latest Buckeye games or sporting events.

True to its name, Flags and Beyond doesn't simply stock the stars and stripes. Its catalog boasts colorful banners for both general decoration and holiday cheer. Seasonal flags ring in autumn with images of kittens lounging in a jack-o'-lantern or honor spring with Easter bunnies and painted eggs. Alternatively, a selection of patriotic flags includes classic American symbols, such as the Liberty Bell and a soaring eagle carrying George Washington in its talons. Flags for everyday display proclaim welcoming phrases, from There's no place like home to You are my sunshine! And for added exterior decor, the store carries creative mailbox covers that delight neighbors and mail carriers alike.

Tee Jaye's founders began preparing homestyle meals in 1970, a venture that spawned a string of 24-hour diners stuffed with delicious country fare. An egg-centric medley of dishes graces the all-day breakfast menu, with options such as the barnyard buster ($5.10)—two biscuits, two eggs, and country fries wallowing in a puddle of Tee Jaye's famous sausage gravy—and the sunshine sandwich ($6.95), grilled sourdough trapped under stacks of cheddar, swiss, ham, scrambled eggs, and hash browns. Turn to the lunch-and-dinner menu to find the answer to the sphinx's riddle ("sweet tea") as well as a spread of classic country-kitchen eats, including the chicken-fried chicken ($8.25), homemade meatloaf and dressing ($7.75), and Granny's grandburger ($7.95), a half-pound beef patty served with fries and a choice of three toppings. A tot-thrilling kids' menu ($2.49/breakfast; $3.49/lunch and dinner) and a crisp collection of summer flatbreads ($6.95+) round out the restaurant's dining selections.

The Short Story Brasserie's French-, Cuban-, and American-inspired menu, thoughtfully penned by illustrious executive chef Robert Harrison, earned it a spot in Columbus Monthly as one of 2008's best new restaurants. To begin the meal with decadence befitting Oscar Wilde, cocktail mix masters whip up new and classic aperitifs, muddling fresh mint leaves in mint syrup, lime juice, rum, and club soda to create havana mojitos ($9), and kitchen-forged appetizers such as the rustic flatbread ($10) foreshadow flavor to come. Chef Robert, whose culinary experience includes The Russian Tea Room in New York, pleases diners in the throes of hot and cold comestible cravings with small plates such as the chilly ahi tuna towers ($10) and his steamy signature crab cakes with saffron-mustard aioli ($14). For a larger bite, diners seek out a treasure trove of crispy macaroni and cheese, bedecked with a wealth of lobster and french black truffle ($23). Diners savor a decadent denouement such as the White Cloud, a dreamy mix of espresso vodka, tupelo honey, and milk ($7), and soak in the restaurant's décor, the sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains, rich leather chairs, and granite-topped tables creating an effect elegant enough to shame a yard of satin into spontaneous combustion.

Operating as part of a family of restaurants that includes The Grill's Chophouse and Pappy's Grill, the Grill on 21st Street sets itself apart from its kin by featuring two different bars and a spread of hearty American food. Inside the spacious dining room, visitors fan out on game day or any day to nosh burgers and wings amid a collection of flat screen TVs. Live entertainment frequently ups the restaurant's already festive vibe, as do karaoke nights and daily drink specials.

Formerly an award-winning home brewer, Mike Byrne now oversees the award-winning Buckeye Lake Brewery’s handcrafted beer. Its rotating selection of six beers on tap, which range from a brown porter to an amber ale to a stout, fills growlers at the 42-seat pub. Along with Ohio wine, the brews complement the pub's panini sandwiches and pizza delivered from Pizza Cottage straight to the pub’s tables.

On Mondays, Christian Corner Cafe serves pulled pork and cole slaw. Thursdays, it's meatloaf with mashed potatoes. And on Sundays, the Christian-oriented eatery closes up shop. But any other day of the week, customers can pop into the cozy café for sandwiches, coffee, a full breakfast menu, and baked goods including cakes and muffins. Though all are welcome, this food and drink is served in a Christian-oriented environment, with Bibles and scripture on every table. Christian Corner Cafe is also available to cater.