In the summer of 1969, Columbus Dispatch columnist Johnny Jones published a list of downtown restaurants compiled by Helen Goodfleisch of New Albany. At the time, she was secretary to Ohio Attorney General Paul Brown.

Her list contained what she believed to be all the restaurants within a two-block radius of the Statehouse, and she had tried them all.

Here is the list, with its commentary. Some places were so well known that they did not need an address. (And, for context, Dave Thomas had yet to open his first Wendy’s; that step was still a few months away.)

Black Angus on Gay Street – Delicious sandwiches.

Bonanza on Lynn St. – Very popular and reasonable.

Buckeye Room (5th Floor, Lazarus) – Good rate and dessert included – Relaxing atmosphere.

Chintz Room (5th Floor, Lazarus) – Prices slightly higher than the Buckeye Room.

Club in the Hartman building – Love their peanut burgers.

Colonial Room (1st floor, Lazare) – Good food, reasonable.

Compass Points (Top Floor at Sheraton) – Expensive.

Congress on 4th Street – Delicious veal cutlet sandwiches.

Copper Stove on West State – Tiny place but good food.

Yard on East State Street – Nice little place you step off.

Curley-Q on Lynn Street – You always have to wait, they are so popular.

El Marcado (1st floor on Sheraton) – Their little Sheraton salad is to die for.

Fountain (Front Street Level, Lazarus) – Quick and inexpensive service.

Green’s Dime Store – Quick Service.

Hayes on Gay Street – Who doesn’t love Hayes?

Highland Grill (west basement, Lazarus ‚- Very good.

Hummel’s (Basement of New Huntington Building) – Popular place, great food.

Jack ‘n Benny – Where else can you find such great corned beef sandwiches?

Jose’s at 74 E. Gay St. – Small place, I think Jose is Cuban and trying to get by.

Keg Room in Gay and High Streets – Daily specials, reasonable and good food.

Klein’s – Everyone loves Benny, including me.

Kresge at State and High Streets – Has a very good manager.

Kuenning’s – One of my favorite places.

Maramor – Another of my favorites.

Marzetti – Good but expensive.

Mill’s – If you’re not careful it can get really expensive.

Paoletti – Has the best cheese omelet in town.

Parker Steak House – Similar to Bonanza.

Patio (4th Floor at The Union) – Lovely and relaxing place.

Tin Mug – Good but expensive.

Pub on West Gay Street – The most delicious fried onion rings.

Red Lion (Neil House) – Another of my favorites for their ham sandwiches.

Ringside – I love Clem’s human-sized sandwiches.

Saber Lounge (on South High Street near Town Street) – Offers delicious tuna sandwiches.

Small Fry (on East State Street near High Street) – Quick and inexpensive service.

Stand (blind stand in the basement of Statehouse) – Efficient service and good food.

State-4th – Good service, reasonable prices.

Masonic Temple – Another of my favorite places.

Tick-Tock (on East Gay a few doors east of the Sheraton) – Quick service, great food.

Top-of-the-Center – One of the most beautiful places in town.

Town House (on South 4th Street near Broad Street) – Quick service and great food.

Town & Country Room (Neil House) – Very good food.

Union Store Basement – Delicious food, quick service.

Webster’s (North 3rd Street near Long Street) – I think they have the best and cheapest burgers in town.

Woolworth Dime Store – Counter Service.

YWCA – Relaxing atmosphere, great food.

Collaborator Linda Deitch was the Dispatch Librarian for 25 years.