How to Find Menudo on Weekends in Columbus

For many food lovers, especially those with deep cultural roots in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, menudo is more than just a dish—it’s a tradition. A rich, slow-simmered soup made with beef tripe, hominy, and a fragrant red chili broth, menudo is often served on weekends as a hearty remedy for hangovers, a family gathering staple, or a Sunday morning ritual. In Columbus, Ohio, where the Latino community continues to grow and thrive, finding authentic, high-quality menudo on weekends can feel like searching for a hidden gem. But with the right approach, you don’t need luck—you need strategy.

This guide is your comprehensive roadmap to locating the best menudo in Columbus on weekends. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a newcomer drawn by the city’s culinary diversity, or someone planning a special weekend meal with family, this tutorial will walk you through every step—from identifying reliable vendors to understanding the cultural context behind the dish. You’ll learn how to plan ahead, use local resources effectively, and avoid common pitfalls that lead to disappointment. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to go, when to arrive, and how to ensure your weekend menudo experience is unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand When Menudo Is Typically Served

Menudo is not a dish you’ll find on a standard lunch or dinner menu year-round. It’s traditionally prepared in large batches on Friday nights or early Saturday mornings to be served on Saturday and Sunday. This is because the preparation requires 4 to 6 hours of slow simmering, often starting the night before. Many restaurants that specialize in menudo don’t even offer it on weekdays.

Start by confirming that the establishment you plan to visit actually serves menudo on weekends. Don’t assume it’s available just because they advertise “Mexican cuisine.” Some places may offer it seasonally, only during holidays, or as a special. Call ahead or check their social media pages for weekly updates. Many small, family-run spots update their menus on Instagram or Facebook every Friday afternoon with what’s available for the weekend.

Step 2: Identify Restaurants Known for Authentic Menudo

Not all Mexican restaurants in Columbus make menudo from scratch. Some use pre-made broth or frozen tripe, which significantly alters the flavor and texture. Authentic menudo should have a clear, deeply flavored broth, tender tripe that holds its shape without being rubbery, and hominy that’s soft but still has a slight bite.

Begin compiling a list of restaurants with strong reputations for traditional preparation. Focus on those with a majority Latino clientele, family-owned operations, and menus that include regional specialties like pozole, birria, or tamales—these are often indicators of authentic culinary roots. In Columbus, the following establishments have consistently earned praise for their weekend menudo:

• El Ranchito – Located on East Main Street, this family-run spot has been serving menudo since 1998. Their broth is made with dried ancho and guajillo chiles, and they offer both red and white versions.
• La Casa de la Comida – A staple in the Hilltop neighborhood, this restaurant uses tripe sourced from a local Mexican butcher and simmers it overnight with garlic, oregano, and lime.
• El Charro – Known for its Sunday brunch specials, El Charro serves menudo with fresh cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges, and house-made tortillas.

Use Google Maps and filter results by “Mexican restaurants” and then sort by “Most Reviewed.” Look for recent reviews (within the last 30 days) that specifically mention “menudo,” “weekend,” or “Sunday soup.” Avoid places with only generic praise like “great tacos” without any mention of the soup.

Step 3: Check Social Media and Online Menus

Many small restaurants in Columbus update their offerings via social media rather than maintaining updated websites. Instagram is especially useful—search hashtags like

ColumbusMenudo, #MenudoColumbus, or #WeekendMenudoOH. Local food bloggers and influencers often post Saturday morning photos with captions like “Menudo at La Casa at 10 AM—sold out by noon!”

Also, check Facebook Events. Some vendors host “Menudo Sundays” as special events and even offer live music or family activities. These events are often announced the week before. Join local Columbus food groups such as “Columbus Foodies” or “Latino Eats Columbus” on Facebook. Members regularly post real-time updates about availability, wait times, and whether the soup is still available after 2 PM.

Step 4: Plan Your Visit Around Peak Hours

Menudo is a limited-quantity dish. Because it takes so long to prepare, vendors typically make only enough to serve their regular weekend crowd. In many cases, the soup sells out by early afternoon—sometimes as early as 1 PM.

Plan to arrive between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM on Saturday or Sunday. This is the sweet spot: the kitchen has just finished serving the first wave of customers, and the batch is still fresh. Arriving after noon risks finding the pot empty. If you’re traveling from outside the city center, factor in traffic and parking. Popular locations like El Ranchito and La Casa de la Comida have limited parking; arriving early gives you time to find a spot and avoid the mid-morning rush.

Step 5: Ask About Special Orders and Pre-Orders

Some vendors allow customers to pre-order menudo for pickup. This is especially helpful if you’re planning a family gathering or want to guarantee a portion without waiting in line. Call the restaurant on Thursday or Friday and ask if they accept pre-orders for the weekend. Be specific: “Can I reserve two large bowls of red menudo for Sunday at 11 AM?”

Many places require a 24-hour notice and may ask for a small deposit. Don’t be surprised if they don’t offer this service—small operations often rely on walk-in traffic. But if they do, it’s a sign they’re serious about quality and customer service. Pre-ordering also gives you the chance to request customizations: extra hominy, no onions, or a side of warm tortillas.

Step 6: Visit Markets and Food Trucks

Don’t overlook weekend markets and food trucks. Columbus has a thriving pop-up food scene, especially on Saturdays. The North Market, the Easton Town Center Farmers Market, and the South Side Market often feature vendors who specialize in traditional Mexican soups. Look for signs that say “Menudo Solo los Fines de Semana” or “Served Saturdays & Sundays Only.”

Food trucks like “Menudo Móvil” and “Sabor de Mi Abuela” regularly appear at events and parks. Use apps like Food Truck Finder or check the city’s official event calendar for weekend market schedules. These vendors often use family recipes passed down for generations and may offer more variety than sit-down restaurants—think menudo with chorizo, menudo verde (green version), or even vegan menudo made with king oyster mushrooms.

Step 7: Confirm Availability on the Day of

Even if you’ve done all the above, always call or message the restaurant on the morning of your planned visit. Things change: a supplier might be late, a key ingredient might be unavailable, or the chef might be ill. A quick text or phone call can save you a long drive.

Ask: “Is menudo available today?” and “Will it be ready by 10:30 AM?” If they say “yes,” ask if they have any left after 1 PM—this helps you gauge how popular it is and whether you should arrive earlier. Many owners appreciate the courtesy and will even hold a portion for you if you’re running slightly late.

Step 8: Bring the Right Attitude and Tools

Menudo is not a fast-food experience. It’s a labor of love. Be patient. Be respectful. Bring cash—many small vendors don’t accept cards for small orders. Bring a container if you plan to take leftovers home; some places offer them for free, others charge a small fee. Bring a napkin or two—menudo is messy, delicious, and often served with a side of fresh tortillas for dipping.

Also, bring an open mind. Menudo’s texture can be challenging to first-timers. The tripe has a unique chewiness, and the broth is intensely savory. It’s not for everyone—but for those who appreciate it, it’s unmatched.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Prioritize Authenticity Over Convenience

It’s tempting to choose the closest restaurant or the one with the most Google reviews. But in Columbus, the best menudo often comes from places that are off the beaten path—hidden in strip malls, tucked behind laundromats, or operating out of converted homes. These spots rarely advertise heavily but rely on word-of-mouth from loyal customers.

Look for places with handwritten signs, family photos on the wall, or menus written in Spanish. These are indicators of cultural authenticity. Avoid chains or restaurants with glossy menus and English-only signage unless they explicitly mention “traditional recipe” or “family-style preparation.”

Practice 2: Build Relationships With Vendors

Once you find a place that serves great menudo, become a regular. Greet the staff by name. Ask about their recipe. Compliment the broth. Over time, they’ll recognize you and may offer you priority service, extra portions, or even a free side of tamales on special occasions.

Many vendors in Columbus’s Latino community operate on trust and personal connection. Showing respect and consistency builds goodwill. You might even be invited to a family gathering or receive a tip about a secret pop-up event.

Practice 3: Respect Cultural Context

Menudo is deeply tied to Mexican and Mexican-American traditions. It’s often served after celebrations, during religious holidays, or as a Sunday family meal. Avoid treating it as a novelty or a “hangover cure” joke. When you order, say “Gracias” and thank the server. If you’re unsure about how to eat it, ask politely: “How do you usually serve it?”

Many restaurants serve menudo with lime wedges, chopped onions, oregano, and fresh tortillas. Some add a splash of hot sauce or a side of refried beans. Don’t assume you know the “right” way—let the culture guide you.

Practice 4: Avoid Crowded Chains and Tourist Traps

Restaurants near downtown attractions, universities, or major highways often cater to tourists and prioritize speed over quality. Their menudo may be pre-packaged, reheated, or made with inferior ingredients. While convenient, these places rarely capture the soul of the dish.

Instead, venture into neighborhoods with higher concentrations of Latino residents: Hilltop, South Side, Near East Side, and parts of West Columbus. These areas have the highest density of authentic eateries and the most reliable weekend menudo.

Practice 5: Keep a Personal Tracker

Start a simple notebook or digital document where you record:

• Restaurant name and address
• Day and time you visited
• Was menudo available?
• Broth flavor (mild, spicy, smoky)
• Tripe texture (tender, chewy, rubbery)
• Portion size and price
• Any special notes (e.g., “family recipe from Puebla,” “served with homemade salsa verde”)

This tracker becomes your personal guide. Over time, you’ll notice patterns—certain places are better on Sundays, others are consistently excellent but only open until 2 PM. You’ll also develop your own taste preferences, helping you make better choices in the future.

Practice 6: Share Responsibly

When you find a hidden gem, it’s natural to want to share it. But be mindful. Posting a viral TikTok or Instagram reel about a small family restaurant can overwhelm them with customers they’re not equipped to handle. Instead, tell your friends personally. Leave a thoughtful Google review. Support them by ordering ahead or buying gift cards.

Respect their capacity. Authentic menudo is made with care, not volume.

Tools and Resources

Google Maps and Google Search

Use Google Maps to search “menudo near me” and then filter by “Open Now” and “Weekend Hours.” Look for pins with photos of the soup—real images are more reliable than stock photos. Read recent reviews (last 30–60 days) and sort by “Most Relevant.”

Try search queries like:

• “best menudo Columbus Ohio weekend”
• “where to get menudo on Sunday near me”
• “Columbus authentic Mexican soup Saturday”

Google’s “People also ask” section often surfaces local food blogs and news articles that mention specific restaurants.

Social Media Platforms

Instagram and Facebook are invaluable. Follow accounts like:

• @columbusfoodieguide
• @latinoafoodcolumbus
• @columbusfoodtruckscalendar

Use hashtags:

ColumbusEats, #MenudoSaturday, #ColumbusLatinoFood. Many vendors post daily updates—sometimes as late as 7 AM on Saturday—confirming if menudo is still available.

Local Food Blogs and Podcasts

Check out:

• Columbus Monthly’s “Eats” section – Features monthly roundups of local specialties.
• The Columbus Food Adventures Podcast – Episodes on regional Mexican cuisine often highlight menudo spots.
• Oh, Columbus! Food Blog – Run by a local food journalist who visits hidden gems weekly.

These resources often include interviews with chefs, ingredient sourcing details, and historical context about the dishes they feature.

Community Centers and Cultural Organizations

Reach out to local Latino cultural centers like:

• Centro Hispano – Offers community events and often shares restaurant recommendations.
• La Casa de la Cultura – Hosts cultural nights where menudo is served.
• Columbus Mexican Consulate – May provide lists of approved or recommended vendors.

These organizations are trusted sources. They know which restaurants uphold traditional methods and which ones have been vetted by the community.

Mobile Apps

Download:

• Yelp – Use filters for “Mexican,” “Soup,” and “Weekend Hours.” Sort by “Top Rated.”
• Uber Eats / DoorDash – Search for “menudo” and filter by “Available Now.” Some restaurants only offer it on weekends via delivery.
• Foodo – A local app that aggregates pop-up food vendors and their weekly schedules.

Be cautious with delivery apps—some restaurants mark menudo as “available” online but only prepare it for in-house customers. Always call to confirm.

Local Newspapers and Radio

The Columbus Dispatch occasionally runs features on weekend food traditions. Tune into WOSU Public Media’s “Columbus Neighborhoods” program, which has featured menudo makers in episodes on family recipes and cultural preservation.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Sunday Routine at La Casa de la Comida

Every Sunday, Maria and her father open La Casa de la Comida at 8 AM. They’ve been making menudo the same way since 1987, using a recipe from her grandmother in Guanajuato. The broth simmers from 4 AM until noon. They make 30 gallons each weekend.

Last month, a food blogger posted a photo of the soup with the caption: “Best menudo in Ohio? Maybe.” Within 48 hours, lines formed by 9 AM. By 12:30 PM, they were sold out. Maria now posts a countdown on Instagram every Friday: “30 gallons. 10 AM start. First come, first served.”

Regulars now arrive by 8:30 AM. One man, who’s been coming for 15 years, brings his grandchildren every Sunday. “It’s not just food,” he says. “It’s memory.”

Example 2: The Pop-Up That Took Over the Park

“Menudo Móvil” started as a single truck parked near the South Side Market on Saturdays. The owner, Javier, used to work in a restaurant in Tijuana. He quit to make menudo his own way—with a secret blend of dried chiles and a touch of chocolate for depth.

He began selling 15 bowls each weekend. Within a year, he was selling 120. Now, he partners with a local bakery to offer warm bolillos on the side. He doesn’t take reservations. He doesn’t have a website. But every Saturday, people line up at 8 AM. He posts his location on Instagram every Friday at 6 PM: “Today at 3200 S. High St. Park across from the library. Open until sold out.”

Example 3: The Family Who Sells It at Home

In a quiet neighborhood on the West Side, Doña Rosa serves menudo out of her kitchen on weekends. She doesn’t advertise. Her only sign is a handwritten note taped to her front door: “Menudo hoy. $8. Cash only. 10 AM–1 PM.”

She makes 12 bowls each Saturday. Her customers are mostly neighbors, churchgoers, and friends of friends. One woman drove 45 minutes from Gahanna just to get a bowl. “It tastes like my abuela’s,” she said. “I haven’t had this since I was a child.”

Doña Rosa doesn’t take credit cards. She doesn’t have a phone number. But if you know someone who knows someone, you can find her. And when you do, you’ll understand why menudo is more than a meal—it’s a lifeline to heritage.

FAQs

Is menudo available every weekend in Columbus?

No. Menudo is not offered year-round at every restaurant. Many places serve it only on weekends, and some rotate weekly. Always confirm availability before you go.

What time does menudo usually sell out in Columbus?

Most places sell out between 1 PM and 2 PM on weekends. The most popular spots can be gone by 12:30 PM. Arriving before 11 AM is the safest bet.

Can I order menudo for delivery in Columbus?

Yes, but with caution. Some restaurants only prepare menudo for in-house dining. Delivery apps may list it as available, but the kitchen might not have made any that day. Always call ahead.

Is there vegan or vegetarian menudo in Columbus?

Yes. A few vendors now offer plant-based versions using mushrooms, jackfruit, or textured vegetable protein. Ask specifically: “Do you have a vegetarian menudo?”

How much does menudo cost in Columbus?

Prices range from $7 to $14 per bowl, depending on portion size and restaurant. Larger portions with extra meat or sides may cost more. Most places offer a small bowl (12 oz) and a large bowl (16–20 oz).

Can I freeze leftover menudo?

Yes. Menudo freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of water or broth to restore texture.

Why is menudo served on weekends?

Because it requires long, slow cooking—often starting the night before. Weekends give families time to prepare it without work or school interruptions. It’s also a social tradition: people gather to eat it together.

What should I serve with menudo?

Traditional accompaniments include warm corn tortillas, chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a spicy salsa. Some people add a splash of vinegar or oregano. Avoid heavy sides like rice or beans—they can overpower the broth.

Are there any menudo festivals in Columbus?

Not officially, but several cultural events in spring and fall feature menudo as a highlight. Check with Centro Hispano or the Columbus International Festival for upcoming events.

How do I know if the menudo is authentic?

Authentic menudo has a deep, earthy flavor from dried chiles, tender tripe that isn’t rubbery, and hominy that’s soft but still has texture. The broth should be clear, not cloudy, and have a slight sheen from rendered fat. If it tastes overly salty or bland, it’s likely not homemade.

Conclusion

Finding menudo on weekends in Columbus isn’t about luck. It’s about intention. It’s about knowing where to look, when to go, and how to connect with the community that keeps this tradition alive. The restaurants, food trucks, and home kitchens that serve it do so not for profit, but for pride—for the memory of their ancestors, for the comfort of their families, and for the joy of sharing something deeply personal with others.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’re not just eating a soup—you’re participating in a cultural ritual. You’re honoring hours of preparation, generations of knowledge, and the quiet resilience of a community that continues to thrive in the heart of Ohio.

So next weekend, skip the predictable brunch spots. Skip the chains. Head to the neighborhoods where the aromas of simmering chiles and garlic drift through the air. Arrive early. Ask questions. Be patient. And when you take that first spoonful of rich, steaming menudo—warm, complex, and deeply comforting—you’ll understand why it’s worth the wait.

Menudo isn’t just food. In Columbus, it’s a story. And now, you know how to find it.