Larkin's Carolina Grill, Columbus

Larkin’s Carolina Grill is the baby of its family. In 1998, Mark and Larkin Hammond founded Larkin’s Restaurants. They established three eateries—Larkin's on the Lake, Bay Front Bar & Grill, and Larkin’s on the River—before finally swinging open the doors of Larkin’s Carolina Grill in 2008. There, diners indulge in classic down-home cooking, from Carolina crab cakes and chicken pot pies to half-pound burgers topped with bacon, mushrooms, and avocado. The grill also keeps each visit fresh with different specials throughout the week and by zapping guests with a memory-erasing ray. On Sundays, before heading to the park for a relaxing day, diners can fuel up with brunch options such as Belgian waffles and an omelet buffet, where chefs build custom omelets right on the spot.