Tom and I recently met John and Jackie at Two Rivers Restaurant in Powell, which had only been open for two weeks when we ate there. As you know, Tom and I like to try new restaurants and there are always plenty of new (to us) places to try in the Columbus area.
We were there on a warm evening in August and had our choice of indoor or outdoor seating. The noise level inside convinced us to take an outdoor table. The floor of the restaurant is concrete, which is easy to clean but doesn’t do anything to dampen the noise level. The restaurant was very full, including the seats at the bar. Most of the tables outside were full as well, but it was easier to hear and converse outside.
Two Rivers Restaurant opened on July 17, 2024. It is owned and operated by Chef Michael Frame who was the former head chef at 101 Beer Kitchen, which is another place we enjoy eating. Chef Frame and his family have lived in Powell for 20 years and felt the time was right to open a restaurant in the area. Here is their “about” information from their website:
Welcome to Two Rivers Restaurant and Bar, where culinary excellence meets a vibrant atmosphere. We pride ourselves on using only the freshest ingredients to create scratch-made food that tantalizes your taste buds. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, each crafted with care and precision to ensure a memorable dining experience. Complement your meal with a selection from our extensive wine list, savor one of our locally sourced craft beers, or indulge in a handcrafted cocktail. At Two Rivers, we blend exceptional flavors with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for family meals and everyday celebrations.
The menu is diverse but doesn’t try to do too much. Everyone should be able to find something they would like on the menu. There seemed to be several new takes on old comfort foods and it was hard to choose what to try. We started off by sharing the Burnt Ends Poutine. The poutine was good and the gravy wasn’t too thick – something that is often a problem with American poutine. We all agreed, however, that it needed more cheese curds.
For our entrees, I got the House Chopped Salad with grilled chicken. Jackie ordered Southern Fried Chicken. John got the Pork Carnitas Bowl, and Tom ordered the All American Burger with fries. The food arrived fresh and fast, impressive for such a busy place that hadn’t been open very long. All of us agreed our food was very good. The portions were generous without being too much. In fact, we had enough room left over after our meal that we walked down to Whit’s for some frozen custard.
Two Rivers Restaurant is a nice addition to the restaurants in Powell. The food was fresh and delicious and we would certainly eat there again.