The Trolley District and East Market brings dining destination to near East

A new must-visit dining and shopping district has been quietly opening on the near East side of Columbus at 1600 Oak St., and they are ready to fully open – and celebrate!

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 an event space on the 2nd floor.

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.

Open: Thursday from 4 p.m. – midnight, Friday from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. Follow on Facebook.

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 coming to 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
American Nut Co.

Coming soon (will not be open for grand opening)

Just Chicken
The Pit BBQ Grille
Nola Daq Shack

GRAND OPENING of the East Market

Join Laura Lee and the CD 92.9 FM Scene Team LIVE for the Grand Opening of the East Market on Saturday, April 30 starting at 11:30 a.m.

Take a tour of the adaptive reuse of this massive trolley barn featuring 14 local businesses including The Railhouse and lower level speakeasy, Switch. Enjoy entertainment for the whole family with a visit from Columbus Zoo, face painting, a balloon artist, magician, and a DJ after dark.

11am | East Market Opens
11:30am – 12:30pm | Mrs. Boggs Face Painting & Balloon Twisting (Mezzanine near elevator)
11:30am – 1:30pm | Laura Lee and the CD 92.9 FM Scene Team LIVE
1:00pm – 2:00pm | Columbus Zoo visit with animals (Northeast Corner of Railhouse)
2:30pm – 3:30pm | Mrs. Boggs Face Painting & Balloon Twisting (Mezzanine near elevator)
2:30pm – 4:30pm | Mr. Game Room – Video Game Truck (East side grounds of East Market)
4pm – 5pm | Magician Carroll Baker (Roaming on site)
7pm – 11pm | Music by D&M DJ Entertainment (Northeast Corner of Railhouse)
10pm | East Market Stalls Close

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.