Mama's Pasta N Brew

This place owns the moniker of being lead dawg in the world of counter-culture on the Ohio State / High Street corridor.  And it's not even on High Street.

Mamas Pasta 'N Brew after nightfall makes me think I've been thrust into a Sam Spade private dick novel. Down the alley is where the dame in RFMPs can be rescued but not before a sleazy rendevouz just two steps away from a dimly lit street lamp - a wet kiss and an ass squeeze away from time in the county jail cell.  Don't forget to order me that plate of gooey spaghetti, no meatballs.

A fraternity brother founded Mamas PNB while I was in college.  The first rendition allowed patrons to buy mugs with our names on them, hang 'em up on the wall and use them to drink brew.  That has changed but in the little back alley off High visitors still get home-cooked italian food, a restricted but good choice of brews and a snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug environ.  And going along to boot is that unmistakeable rainbow sign that looks like a high school cheer project.

I lean in the direction of the spaghetti mentioned earlier.  It's simple, the noodles big and the sauce just plain red tomatoey!  The garlic bread is a 3-slicer, always warm and buttery.  Friends of mine like the veggie sub.  Eh.... it ain't my style.  Always, always the plain spaghetti.

Mamas Pasta 'N Brew will seem desheveled to the newbie, feel like you've come home to roost if you're a patron and forever (let's hope) stand the test of time in its hush-hush world of alley way meet-to-eats at OSU and in Columbus.  

Shhhhh...... is that a gun in your pocket or are you just picking up the tab?

I love Mama's. It is simply a solid, neighborhood bar. While it looks super sketchy -- down an alleyway on the OSU campus -- it is one of my favorite places to be.

I go there about twice a week for lunch. The food is good, stick to your ribs Italian fare. Terry (the owner) does a great job taking care of business. He's a great cook and a fun guy to talk to. You can tell that he loves what he does. This love and dedication is evident at Mama's.

Further, everything is very reasonably priced. You get a pretty good bang for your buck.

My only issue is that sometimes the bathrooms can be...well, kind of gross. But it is a dive bar men's room, what do you expect?

While they might not have the highest quality or larges selection of beverages, Mama's is the kind of place where you could go just to hang out. If you can find it, give it a try. It's like being at home.

love mama's! its just an OSU classic. best alleyway bar you can find. its a great place to chill out w/a cheap brew, and the food is better than you would think! and again, its cheap!