This Former Ohio Gas Station Became One Of The State’s Most Talked-About Restaurants
A former gas station serving breakfast fame sounds like a tall tale, but Ohio loves a good glow up with a side of pancakes. I pulled up to Katalina’s in Harrison West and instantly understood why people talk about it like it’s Columbus gossip with syrup on top.
Right on 1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, this little spot still wears its old-school bones proudly, only now the “regulars” are folks clutching coffee and plotting their order like it’s a friendly sport.
The first time a friend described Nutella-stuffed pancake balls to me, I pictured a prank and a napkin shortage. Then I tried them, and suddenly I was the one recruiting new believers with the urgency of a breakfast evangelist.
Add the sweet-and-spicy bacon, the Mazatlán pork and egg sandwich, and those walls you can draw on while you wait, and you’ve got a place that turns a morning meal into a Columbus ritual.
If you like your brunch with personality, this converted station is ready to fuel your day, minus the pump.
From Fuel Pumps to Fork and Knife
Walking up to Katalina’s for the first time, you can still see hints of its former life as a gas station. The bones of the building tell the story of its past, even as vibrant colors and artistic touches have completely reimagined the space.
Owner Kathleen “Katalina” Day took a chance on this unusual property in the Harrison West neighborhood. What others might have seen as a demolition project, she envisioned as the perfect canvas for something entirely new.
The compact footprint that once served drivers now welcomes hungry diners looking for something beyond typical breakfast fare.
The transformation wasn’t just about slapping paint on old walls. Every detail was carefully considered to honor the building’s history while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Original features blend seamlessly with modern touches, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
This adaptive reuse project became a neighborhood landmark almost overnight. People love a good comeback story, and this building’s journey from abandoned station to beloved restaurant captures that perfectly.
The Legendary Pancake Balls That Started It All
Let me be clear about something right from the start. These aren’t your average pancakes rolled into spheres.
Katalina’s Original Pancake Balls are fluffy, golden orbs with a surprise center that oozes out when you break them open.
The signature version comes stuffed with warm Nutella, creating a combination that’s both breakfast and dessert rolled into one. Each order arrives with a generous pour of maple syrup on the side, though honestly, the filling provides plenty of sweetness on its own.
I’ve watched grown adults get genuinely excited when their order arrives at the table.
Beyond Nutella, the menu rotates through seasonal flavors that keep regulars coming back to try something new. Dulce de leche is another crowd favorite, offering a caramel-like richness that pairs beautifully with the light, airy pancake exterior.
Some guests have mentioned that occasionally the filling can be sparse, but when done right, these little spheres are absolute perfection.
They’ve become so iconic that people plan entire trips to Columbus around trying them.
Sweet and Spicy Bacon That Steals the Show
Forget everything you think you know about bacon as a side dish. At Katalina’s, the sweet and spicy bacon isn’t just an accompaniment.
It’s a main event that deserves its own spotlight.
Each strip gets coated in a glaze that balances sugar and heat in a way that keeps your taste buds guessing. The bacon itself is cooked to that perfect point where it’s crispy without being brittle, chewy without being undercooked.
One bite delivers sweetness, the next brings a gentle kick of spice that builds gradually.
I’ve read countless reviews where people admit they ordered extra servings to take home. Some regulars confess they come specifically for this bacon and build their entire meal around it.
The kitchen has clearly perfected the ratio of sweet to spicy, creating something that enhances rather than overwhelms.
Pair it with any of their egg dishes or sandwiches for a combination that elevates the entire plate. This isn’t garnish bacon.
This is bacon that demands attention and deserves every bit of praise it receives.
The Mazatlan Pork and Egg Sandwich Worth the Hype
Some menu items develop cult followings, and the Mazatlan Pork and Egg Sandwich at Katalina’s has achieved legendary status among Columbus breakfast enthusiasts. One regular I spoke with orders four or five at a time for his entire office because his coworkers won’t stop requesting them.
Slow-roasted pork forms the foundation, tender enough to pull apart with a fork but substantial enough to satisfy serious hunger. Roasted red peppers add a subtle sweetness and slight char, while creamy aioli and fresh avocado slices provide richness without making the sandwich feel heavy.
The bread holds everything together with just the right texture, sturdy enough to contain the fillings without becoming soggy.
What strikes me most is how well-balanced each component is. Nothing dominates.
Nothing disappears. Every bite delivers the full spectrum of flavors working in harmony.
The pork’s savory depth plays beautifully against the bright peppers and smooth avocado.
Multiple reviewers have called this the best sandwich in Columbus, and after trying it myself, I understand why that claim doesn’t feel like hyperbole.
Breakfast Tacos with a Latin Twist
Breakfast tacos appear on plenty of menus these days, but Katalina’s version carries the Latin-leaning influence that runs through much of the menu. These aren’t just scrambled eggs thrown into a tortilla.
They’re thoughtfully constructed with layers of flavor that reflect genuine Latin American cooking traditions.
Fresh ingredients make all the difference here. Local sourcing means vegetables taste like vegetables, not watery afterthoughts.
The tortillas have that slightly charred edge that comes from proper heating, though some guests have noted they occasionally arrive cooler than ideal. When everything comes together correctly, though, these tacos deliver a morning meal that feels both comforting and exciting.
What I appreciate most is the seasoning. Too many breakfast tacos rely on hot sauce to provide all the flavor.
At Katalina’s, the fillings themselves carry depth and complexity before you ever reach for additional condiments. Spices are balanced, proteins are well-seasoned, and every component contributes something meaningful.
Visitors from Texas have given these tacos their seal of approval, which speaks volumes about their quality and authenticity.
An Interactive Dining Experience with Markers and Walls
Most restaurants discourage guests from drawing on the furniture. Katalina’s hands you paint markers and practically insists you leave your mark.
Every available surface inside this converted gas station has become a canvas for customer creativity.
Tables, walls, and even parts of the ceiling showcase doodles, messages, and artwork from visitors spanning years. Some people sketch elaborate designs while waiting for their food.
Others simply scribble their names and the date. A guest from Philadelphia mentioned how the space reminded her of a beloved local spot back home, and she added her own contribution to the ever-growing collection.
This interactive element transforms a simple meal into a memorable experience. You’re not just eating breakfast.
You’re participating in an ongoing community art project that connects you to everyone who has sat in that same spot before. Kids love it, but adults get equally absorbed in adding their personal touch.
The restaurant embraces this chaos beautifully. Rather than looking messy, the layers of creativity give the space character and warmth that no professional decorator could replicate.
Cozy Atmosphere in a Surprisingly Small Space
The compact size of Katalina’s catches first-time visitors off guard. From the outside, you might assume there’s more room inside than actually exists.
The former gas station footprint doesn’t allow for sprawling dining areas, and seating inside remains limited.
But somehow, this tight space works in the restaurant’s favor. Instead of feeling cramped, it creates an intimate atmosphere where conversations blend together, and strangers become temporary neighbors.
The colorful artwork covering every surface draws your eye upward and outward, making the space feel bigger than its actual square footage.
When the weather permits, the outdoor patio expands capacity significantly. Multiple reviews mention the ample outside seating that accommodates larger groups when sunshine and mild temperatures make al fresco dining appealing.
Inside or out, the vibe remains relaxed and welcoming.
Yes, you might wait for a table during peak weekend hours. But the turnover moves steadily, and the staff does their best to seat people efficiently.
The coziness that some might initially perceive as a drawback actually contributes to the neighborhood charm that makes Katalina’s feel special.
Farm-to-Table Commitment with Local Ingredients
Behind every dish at Katalina’s lies a commitment to sourcing ingredients from local vendors and small producers. This isn’t just marketing talk.
You can taste the difference that fresh, high-quality ingredients make in every bite.
The restaurant’s ownership has made conscious choices to prioritize local partnerships over cheaper alternatives from large distributors. Their purple potato hash features produce from nearby farms.
Their proteins come from regional suppliers who maintain higher standards. Even their coffee comes from local roasters who share their values.
This approach does result in higher menu prices, something the restaurant acknowledges openly. Rising food costs have impacted all restaurants, but choosing to support small local businesses adds additional expense.
Some guests find the prices steep, while others appreciate knowing their money supports the broader community.
The quality speaks for itself. Vegetables have flavor.
Meats taste like they came from animals raised properly. Everything on the plate reflects the care taken in selecting ingredients.
For diners who value knowing where their food comes from, Katalina’s delivers transparency and quality worth the investment.
Friendly Staff Who Genuinely Care
Great food only takes you so far when the service falls flat. Fortunately, Katalina’s pairs its creative menu with a team that consistently earns praise for warmth and attentiveness.
Multiple reviews specifically mention staff members by name, always with glowing compliments.
Monica appears frequently in customer feedback, with guests highlighting her friendly demeanor and welcoming attitude. Ian gets called out for doing a great job serving tables.
The entire team seems genuinely happy to have people there, creating an atmosphere where you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just another ticket to fill.
The ordering system can confuse first-timers. You seat yourself, then place your order at the counter rather than with a server at your table.
Once you understand the flow, it works smoothly. But staff members patiently explain the process to newcomers without making anyone feel foolish for not knowing.
Even when the restaurant gets slammed during busy weekend rushes, the team maintains their composure and friendly service. That consistency matters and contributes significantly to why people return again and again, beyond just the food itself.
Recognition from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
National recognition came calling when Guy Fieri and his Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featured Katalina’s. That Triple D stamp of approval introduced this Columbus treasure to audiences across the country and cemented its status as a destination worth seeking out.
The exposure brought waves of new visitors eager to try the food they’d seen on television. Long-time regulars noticed the increased crowds but generally agreed the attention was well-deserved.
The restaurant handled the spotlight gracefully, maintaining quality even as demand increased significantly.
For many travelers passing through Ohio, the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives feature serves as their introduction to Katalina’s. They make special stops during road trips specifically because they remember seeing it on the show.
Some become instant converts who plan future visits around coming back.
The national platform validated what locals already knew. This quirky converted gas station serves food that holds its own against breakfast spots anywhere in the country.
The recognition feels earned rather than lucky, a natural result of years spent perfecting recipes and creating an experience worth talking about.