Hidden gems near Ohio State offer new places to sip, shop and socialize

Siena Kessler
Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:47:05 +0000
Arts & Life, Instagram Page, News, art, arts & life, Bada Bean Bada Booze, boutique, Buckeye Bound, campus, charm, charm bar, coffee, Columbus, Daydreamer, flower child vintage, Hidden Gem, high street, Italian Charm Bar, lane avenue, music, ohio state, ohio state university, pochettely, Rambler, shop, shopping, students, The Lantern, university, university district, weekend

Clothing Underground. Credit: Cassandra D'Angelo | Sports Photo Editor.

Daydreamer Cafe. Credit: Cassandra D'Angelo | Sports Photo Editor.

Pochettely and P25 Cafe. Credit: Cassandra D'Angelo | Sports Photo Editor.

Bada Bean Bada Booze. Credit: Cassandra D'Angelo | Sports Photo Editor.

An herb and sea salt bagel and mint lemonade from The Lox Bagel Shop. Credit: Cassandra D'Angelo | Sports Photo Editor.

Flower Child Vintage. Credit: Cassandra D'Angelo | Sports Photo Editor.

As students return to campus, many are trading in crowded chains and fast-fashion retailers for spaces that feel more personal to them.?

Around Ohio State’s campus, a handful of coffee shops and boutiques are blending aesthetics, affordability and individuality — offering students new places to socialize.

Read on to discover more unique places to find your place in Columbus.?

Bada Bean Bada Booze

Located at 231 E. 1st Ave., Bada Bean Bada Booze offers a twist on the traditional campus coffee shop. The cafe doubles as a nightlife spot, giving students a space that transitions from daytime studying to evening socializing, according to its website. During the day, the cafe serves as a casual study destination, while at night it shifts into an energetic bar environment.

Menu standouts include its dulce de leche syrup, which makes their coffee shine, often paired with their banana bread or breakfast burrito for a more filling option. In the evening, the menu expands to include a long list of classic cocktails, a rotating selection of wines and a weekday happy hour with special deals.

“I remember loving coffee shops as a student — they’re a great space to study and meet up with friends,” Caroline Calhoun, guest experience manager, said in a previous interview with The Lantern. “Ohio State is such a central part of Columbus and its identity — we encourage all students to come to our space.”

The shop also offers a 15% student discount on drinks with a BuckID, according to Calhoun.

Clothing Underground

Clothing Underground, located just off campus at 1653 N. High St., has become a staple for Ohio State students seeking vintage, secondhand and game-day-worthy apparel since opening in 2013.

Known for its wide selection of Ohio State gear, the shop offers a mix of retro and modern pieces such as tank tops, sweatshirts, jackets and other Buckeye apparel. The store also carries a variety of accessories, including an extensive sunglass collection.

Its location just steps from campus and constantly rotating inventory make it a frequent stop for those looking for affordable and unique pieces. While it may be one of the more well-known resale shops in the area, Clothing Underground continues to attract students throughout the year.?

Daydreamer Coffee

Daydreamer Coffee offers a quieter alternative to the busy High Street scene. Located in the lobby of the Rambler apartment building at 222 W. Lane Ave. and known for its natural lighting and relaxed atmosphere, the cafe has become a go-to for students looking for an environment removed from the usual campus rush. Its spacious layout and earthy-toned interior make for a prime study spot, too.

According to the cafe’s menu, signature drinks include the sugar graham latte made with brown sugar, honey and honey cold foam and the sweet treat latte, a cinnamon bun-flavored latte topped with vanilla cold foam and caramel. The menu also features the Daydreamer matcha, made with oat milk and honey syrup.

Flower Child Vintage

Vintage shopping continues to be a major trend among students looking to build a wardrobe that stands out and Flower Child Vintage at 233 E. 5th Ave. has become a staple. The shop features a wide range of clothing, appealing to those drawn to more eclectic and colorful styles.?

According to its website, the store showcases items from the 1930’s through the 1980’s, along with funky art, jewelry, furniture, pottery and more.

For new students especially, finding these off-the-radar places can make a large campus feel a lot smaller.

Pochettely

At 1589 N. High St., Pochettely has gained popularity as an Italian charm bracelet bar. The shop allows customers to build pieces that lean into personalization and self-expression with charms coming in all different shapes, sizes and colors, according to its website.

The space shares a storefront with watch retailer 25 Dials, and the two businesses also recently introduced P25 Cafe, a small in-store coffee spot, that opened July 13. According to the cafe’s Instagram, shoppers can sip specialty drinks, including a variety of matchas and coffee options, while designing their jewelry — turning a typical retail visit into a more interactive activity.

The Lox Bagel Shop

Located at 772 N. High St., The Lox Bagel Shop offers bagels that blend New York and Montreal styles, according to its website.?

The shop serves a variety of house-made bagels with classic spreads and sandwich options, along with specialty sandwiches and rotating flavors, giving students a range of choices. Menu offerings include combinations with smoked salmon, cream cheese and vegetables.?

With its location residing in the Short North, the eatery is a short distance from Ohio State’s campus. Its smaller, fast-paced setup makes it a popular, more upscale grab-and-go option for students.