About

What happens when a bar featuring live music adds a dining area serving American cuisine? You get The Loft!

Our story dates back 30 years, when entrepreneur Buddy Nelms saw potential in Uptown Columbus that other investors overlooked. He transformed a historic building on Broadway into a vibrant music lounge, opening in 1992.

As its popularity grew, Buddy expanded. He kept the second-floor stage for entertainment but added a premier dining destination on the first floor.

Further developments occurred when Nelms added The Loft Studio next door to his restaurant and performance venue. While it’s easy to confuse it with The Loft, remember that The Loft Studio is where you go to record hot tunes, and The Loft is your go-to for hot food and live music.

Aside from its music and food, The Loft is near some of Columbus’ key attractions. Such proximity means you can easily combine a day of sightseeing with a meal and a show. For example, after hiking or biking the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, enjoy a celebratory meal and drinks at The Loft.

Buddy further branched out into the Columbus culinary scene as part of the Uptown Life Group. This investment company has opened sister restaurants, including Mix Market, Mabella, and the Saltcellar, among others.

Whether you come just for the food, the music, or a night of both, The Loft offers a unique dining experience on your Georgia getaway.

Vibe

The facade draws attention on Broadway with its preserved brick exterior and expansive glass windows offering a glimpse into the shotgun-style restaurant.

The interior features a vintage tin ceiling, exposed ductwork, and brick walls. Unique artistic elements, industrial lighting, and wood floors add a contemporary flair to the space.

Aside from the long dining area, the spacious bar with flatscreen TVs lets you watch the game or dine in a more casual setting. The outdoor seating lets you enjoy dining al fresco while taking in the street views.

All these dynamics make for a remarkable meal, whether for lunch or dinner on your Columbus vacation.

The Loft: Menu & Drinks

Where the lunch menu shines is with its Uptown Blues Plate. While also on the dinner menu, these showcase Southern staples on days of the week with your choice of two sides. For instance, Tuesday offers hamburger steak, fried shrimp, or fried chicken cordon bleu. In Southern terms, the Uptown Blues Plate is another way of saying “meat and two.”

Aside from the daily plates, sandwiches, wraps, and 1/2lb Black Angus burgers are available, ensuring that even your pickiest eater has something to choose from.

Moving to the dinner menu, the salads offer healthy yet filling choices. The Tanya features mixed greens, white cheddar cheese, grape tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and fresh red bell peppers. The salad comes with a house-made balsamic dressing and your choice of grilled or fried chicken or shrimp. For an additional cost, add the grilled beef tips.

Moving to the Main Stage, one standout dish that customers recommend is the Unstuffed Chicken. This creative favorite brings together seasoned poultry with spinach and goat cheese. The generous portion comes with mashed potatoes and drawn lemon-butter.

Another praised menu item is the Herb-Crusted Double Cut Pork Chop. This magnificent dish offers a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Served in a roasted shallot and port wine sauce, it comes with a side of cheese grits. Every bite delivers a complex flavor profile.

Regarding adult beverages, The Loft delivers! Mixologists take pride in crafting unique beverages that pair with the cuisine. On those hot Georgia days, let the Twist & Shout Mule refresh with New Amsterdam vodka, ginger liqueur, rosemary simple syrup, and lemon juice with Fever-Tree ginger beer.

Fans of wine will find an impressive list to peruse, as will beer lovers.

The combination of mouthwatering dishes, crafted beverages, welcoming atmosphere, and live entertainment lets you tailor-make a unique Georgia vacation dining experience.

Local Tips

Order take-out and take it back to enjoy in your Casago rental.
Live music and comedy shows are ticketed events; plan accordingly.
Make a dinner reservation to enjoy leisurely before your show time.
The Loft is closed Sunday and Monday.

Staging environment