Columbus knows its way around a game day. The city is packed with incredible sports bars, each with their own signature wings, local brews, and massive screens showing every matchup imaginable. With this much variety, it can be hard to know where to plant your flag. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve rounded up the spots that every true Columbus fan (or anyone just visiting for the game) should experience at least once.
Bernards Tavern
$ | (614) 223-9601 | WEBSITE
We’d happily drink at this friendly downtown bar plain. But the perfectly poured pints and Jonis’s excellent bartending skills launch it into the realm of sports bar royalty—it’s a service and atmosphere combination that’s straight out of the playbook. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself craving another round of pool and Breanna’s quick, attentive service in the middle of the week with an intense desire for this place.
Empire Bar
$ | (614) 626-0631 | WEBSITE
Empire Bar is unassuming in every way. It looks just like any other sports bar and sits among flashier spots in Columbus. But it deserves a lot more than a passing glance. This date-night destination brings together a chill atmosphere with fantastic drinks and good food. Perfectly relaxed, with no pretentious vibe, Empire Bar is the kind of place we’d expect to have a reservation line, but it’s reliably always available for a casual night out or a special occasion.
Burnzie’s Old Trail
$ | (614) 878-9315 | WEBSITE
It’s certainly reasonable to visit this sports bar in Columbus simply for the Reuben and wings with Carolina Gold sauce, but we suggest coming here just for the Burnzie burger with fresh-cut fries. The juicy, perfectly grilled patty is nestled in a toasted bun and topped with crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes that complement the meat as you eat. Go ahead and order this for your main.
Average Joe’s
$ | (614) 878-6978 | WEBSITE
We’d happily snack on these juicy boneless wings plain. But the crispy funnel cake fries and soft pretzels launch the experience into the realm of pub food royalty—it’s a flavor and texture combination that’s straight out of the sports bar heavens. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself craving this place in the middle of the week with an intense desire for that lively atmosphere.
Gallos Tap Room Bethel Rd.
$ | (614) 457-2394 | WEBSITE
There’s a reason why this neighborhood favorite has become a go-to spot: their perfectly crispy chicken wings. No, the wings aren’t some fancy fusion creation, but who cares? They’re merely a vehicle for the sauce that’s so flavorful it could double as a dipping soup. Add a side of those praised pierogies, a basket of pork rinds, and of course, a cold crispy beer, and you won’t find better pub grub anywhere else.
On Tap Pub
$ | (614) 326-1518 | WEBSITE
The self-serve taps at On Tap Pub are one of those features that makes you want to skip the small talk, so you can just get right to them. A chilled glass arrives with a pour of craft beer that looks like it was poured with precision, then a quick scan of your card finds its way to the screen, and a wide selection of brews adds variety. While it’s meant to be enjoyed with friends, this is a justifiable moment to only think about you and your own happiness.
Stone Bar and Kitchen
$$ | (614) 914-5142 | WEBSITE
For years, Stone Bar and Kitchen has been a local favorite tucked away in Columbus, where regulars and newcomers alike keep returning for their incredible steak pizza and perfectly cooked wings. The generously topped, crispy-crusted pies are so satisfying you’ll want to order another to take home. Beyond the fantastic happy hour with half-off pizza specials, the restaurant now offers an equally impressive selection of spirits, beer, and wine to complement the meal.
After enjoying plates of burrata salad or the hearty steak sandwich, you can unwind on their pleasant patio with a drink in hand. It remains as reliable and enjoyable as ever.
8 Ball Sports Bar & Billiards
$ | (614) 436-2948 | WEBSITE
For years on the Columbus bar scene, regulars and newcomers have been gathering nightly for the lemon pepper wings at 8 Ball Sports Bar & Billiards. The perfectly sauced, wet-style wings were so flavorful you had to eat them with extra napkins. In this bustling sports bar atmosphere, the friendly bartenders serve these wings alongside their strong mixed drinks (as well as at their comfortable pool tables throughout the space) all evening long.
Now, after sinking a few shots on the billiard tables, you can enjoy them with a little more atmosphere than you might expect, with some good-looking bar food and a fenced-in patio. They’re still as satisfying as they ever were.
Classic’s Victory’s Sports Bar
$ | (614) 225-1577 | WEBSITE
The hearty pizzas at this sports bar are crowd-pleasing marvels. A generous layer of melted cheese is the base for a pile-on of savory toppings. While a combo of classic pepperoni with crisp vegetables is satisfying on its own, this place is lively, and you should be too. Grab a seat on the heated patio, cheer for the game on the big screens, enjoy the spacious layout with your group, or watch kids happily running around the family-friendly space.
Dawghouse Pizza & Bar
$ | (614) 444-3294 | WEBSITE
There’s a reason why this family-friendly spot has become a Columbus favorite: their signature pepperoni pizza. No, the crust isn’t thick and doughy, but who cares? It’s merely the perfect foundation for that half-meter waterfall of cheese that cascades down when you pull a slice. Add generous toppings, that excellent sauce, and the right balance of crispness, and you won’t find a more satisfying pie anywhere else in town.