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.
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 our amazing vendors. In the case of rain, movies will be shown inside at Railhouse.
June 1: Lyle Lyle Crocodile
June 15: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
June 22: Back to the Future
June 29: Top Gun Maverick
July 6: Christmas in July – Elf
July 20: The Goonies
July 27: The Sandlot
August 3: Black Panther Wakanda Forever
August 17: The Super Mario Bros Movie
Summer Series Live Music at East Market
Enjoy live music on Fridays from June 9 – August 25, 2023 at 7 pm at East Market in Railhouse Bar. Check the events calendar for full schedule.
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
KOSŌ: Korean fast-casual
Yellow Brick: Pizza
The Plant Gays: Shop offering indoor house plants, fresh flowers, home accessories, furniture, and more.
Too Good Eats
Yellow Brick: Pizza
American Nut Co.
Just Chicken
Nola Daq Shack
The Bearded Baker
Saba Middle Eastern Grill
Masa Mexican Grill
East Market
212 Kelton Ave
Columbus, OH 43205
Upcoming Trolley District Plans
The Mechanic Shop/CBC Taproom
Columbus Brewing Company will open their second taphouse in a 13,000 sq ft building adjacent to the market in what was known as the Mechanic Shop. It’s expected to include a restaurant, taproom, and private tasting area, as well as on-site brewing equipment for smaller test batches.
The Brass Shop, Power Plant Building, and East Car Barn
The other building on the property are slated to house office space, retail, a fish restaurant, Local Cantina Mexican restaurant, and more.
Trolley District Apartments
An apartment building housing 102 apartments across the street. These are expected to be available for lease by June 2023.
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Events TBA 2023
Trolley Before the BOOM!
TBA 2023, 3 pm – 8 pm. Join us at East Market for Trolley Before the BOOM.. Party inside and on the Patio and Switch Yard. Bring a chair if you like and stay awhile!
Meet Santa at East Market
December 27, 2022 from 12:30 pm- 4 pm.
Santa will be upstairs on the mezzanine to visit with kids and take photos. There will be fun activities and live music to spread holiday cheer!
One of Santa’s reindeer will be outside from 12 pm – 3 pm. Which one will it be? Stop by and visit!
Come early for Brunch with the variety of foods available from the East Market Vendors. Hot chocolate will be available for sale along with some other specialty cocktails for Mom and Dad at The Railhouse.
Look for Mark the Market Elf
Mark The Market Elf is still on a mission to make sure you’re being good, and getting up to trouble himself! Be on the lookout for Mark when you visit the market. Snap a pic and tag The East Market, the closet vendor, and share with #EastMarketElf for a chance to win giveaways!
New Years Eve Party
December 31, 2022
There will be a special ticketed NYE Party. Details to come. Follow on Facebook for announcements.
New Years Day Brunch
January 1, 2023
Railhouse is open on New Year’s Day at 12pm with complimentary biscuits & gravy, waffles, and sausage links for brunch!
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