The Trolley District East Market has emerged over the past year as a must-visit dining and shopping district on the near East side of Columbus.
The Trolley District, located near Franklin Park at the corner of Oak St. and Kelton Ave., is a development created out of abandoned buildings that once housed the city’s trolley car operations.
Once known as the Columbus Electric Car Barn, the 5 building complex dates back to the 1880’s and the plans for the $25 million redevelopment began in 2014. Now that it’s here, it’s time to visit this historical property that coming back to life after nearly 80 years.
The East Market Food Hall and Bar
The East Market is the largest of the buildings, and formerly known as the The West Car Barn.
Similar in style to the North Market, the East Market is a 30,000 square foot space divided up into 20+ food and market stalls amongst 15 tenants, two bars, and seating and an event space on the 2nd floor.
Events at East Market
Vintage Bike Night
Check out the Vintage Bike Night at East Market Trolley District.
- May 15
- June 19
- July 17
- August 21
Movie Night at The Historic Trolley District
The movies begin at dusk in The Switch Yard. Drinks and dinner will be available in the market for purchase from the vendors. In the case of rain, movies will be shown inside at Railhouse. Details here!
June 5 – IF
June 12 – Mean Girls
June 26 – 50 First Dates
July 10 – Are We There Yet?
July 24 – Mufasa: The Lion King
July 31 – Wicked
The 4th annual Great Bourbon Affair
Saturday, August 23, 2025
The Annual Great Bourbon Affair hosted by 99.7 The Blitz & Country 103.9 featuring the biggest bourbon toast in Ohio! The Switch Yard Party Pass grants you access to a variety of vendors with samples to taste and products to purchase.
At 8PM we’ll raise our glasses for the biggest bourbon toast in Ohio featuring a pour of Buffalo Trace! The outdoor party with Kirsch and Tess will continue until 9PM before moving inside to Railhouse. Tickets/details.
- $10 through May 31
- $15 June 1 – 30
- $20 July 1 – 31
- $25 August 1 – Event Date
Weekly fun at East Market
Happy Hour Specials: Tuesday-Friday 3pm to 6pm
Trivia: Wednesdays 7-9pm
Yoga: select Thursdays 8am to 9am
Live DJ: Thursday’s: 10pm-1am
Vintage Motorcycle Night – Monthly every 3rd Thursday starting 4/17
Friday Night Live: Live Music 8-10PM
Queen of Hearts Drawing Every Saturday: Drawings start at 9pm. Win Prizes and CASH!
Sunday Family Funday: Vendor specials and make your rounds to get all the stamps for a free t-shirt using The East Market Passport! Pick yours up in Railhouse.
Game Day: Catch all your favorite teams here. Every Game, Every Day, Every Time
Vendors and Food at East Market
The Railhouse Bar
One of the anchor bars, The Railhouse, is located on the first floor, and has been serving drinks for the last couple of months! The bar features TVs, open seating, and local beers and spirits. The Railhouse does not serve food, so food can be brought in to be enjoyed in The Railhouse.
Follow on Facebook for trivia nights, live music, happy hours, and other specials.
Switch
Switch is a speakeasy-style bar on the lower level. This smaller bar features higher-end scotches, bourbons and whiskeys, and a secluded, historic feel.
Open: Thursday from 5 p.m. – midnight, Friday from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. Follow on Instagram.
The Butcher & Grocer
The beloved Grandview staple The Butcher & Grocer, and partner-restaurant, Cleaver, is a quality-sourced artisanal butcher shop and restaurant combination that occupies multiple stalls at the East Market.
These include a butcher, a fishmonger, a cheese shop, a green grocery, and a beer and wine shop, as well as space for Cleaver.
Other vendors at East Market
Creole 2 Geaux: Authentic New Orleans cuisine
Taste of Greece and Moroccan Street Food
Winston’s Coffee and Waffles
Buck City Sammies
KOSŌ: Korean fast-casual
Yellow Brick: Pizza
The Plant Gays: Shop offering indoor house plants, fresh flowers, home accessories, furniture, and more.
The Bearded Baker
Yellow Brick: Pizza
Just Chicken
Nola Daq Shack
Saba Middle Eastern Grill
Masa Mexican Grill
More Trolley District Features
The historic buildings of the District, including the Mechanic Shop, Brass Shop, Power Plant Building, and East Car Barn are being transformed into restaurants, retail, and gathering and living spaces.
Leisure Club in the Historic Trolley District is a membership-based social clubhouse with nostalgic décor, retro games and a stocked fridge for members. Learn more about their membership options with lots of amenities. 1610 Oak Street, Columbus
Local Cantina is known for their creative takes on Mexican classics in their 13 locations. 1644 Oak St, Columbus
Columbus Brewing Company – As one of the original craft breweries in Columbus (1988!), CBC fits right in at the Historic Trolley District. The Beer Hall features multiple bars and dining areas, 24 taps and globally inspired food. 200 Kelton Avenue
East Market
212 Kelton Ave
Columbus, OH 43205
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PAST EVENTS
Summer Series Live Music at East Market
Enjoy live music on Fridays at 7 pm at East Market. Check the events calendar for full schedule.
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TRICK or TREAT
Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 12PM to 3PM
Bring the family for Trick or Treat at the market. Collect candy from the market vendors and visit with Sulley and Mike from Monster Inc, and make some halloween decorations in the mezzanine.
Holiday at the Market
Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 11am -2pm – East Market will host their annual Holiday Party. Pictures with Santa and his reindeer!
NYE Party
December 31, 2024 from 9pm – 2am. Inclusive packages featuring: Live music, Drinks, catered food and arcade access. Tickets will go live on 11/1.
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