March Madness isn’t just a tournament — it’s a state of being. It’s buzzer-beaters that defy physics, Cinderella teams that shatter brackets, and fans screaming like they’ve just witnessed a life-altering event. It’s pure, unhinged chaos — and if you’re in Columbus, you need a bar that matches that energy.
If you want a place where the drinks flow as freely as the emotional rollercoaster of a double-overtime game, these are the bars you need to be at when March Madness takes over.
1. The O on Lane
352 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
If you went to Ohio State, you already know. If you didn’t, just know that The O is where sports meet debauchery. It’s packed with students, the drinks are cheap, and when the Buckeyes are playing, the crowd noise could register on the Richter scale. If you’re looking for a seat… good luck.
2. Varsity Club
278 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
An absolute institution. If Ohio State is in the tournament, the energy here is next-level unhinged. There’s a good chance someone will lose their shirt in celebration, and the probability of a table being climbed is high (which isn’t great considering the, well, cozy environment here).
3. Threes Above High
2203 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
This place is the definition of high-volume, high-chaos, high-stakes game-watching. The bartenders move fast, the crowd moves faster, and the game-winning shots are met with absolute pandemonium. Beers are cheap, chants are loud, and you might witness the greatest sports meltdown of all time.
4. The Short North Pint House
780 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
If you don’t show up early, be prepared to stand the entire game — and maybe hug a stranger when a No. 12 seed pulls off a massive upset. The Short North Pint House gets absolutely wild for March Madness, with TVs everywhere, basically infinite drink options, and an atmosphere that feels like a mini sports festival. If you’re looking for pure intensity, this is the spot.
5. Out-R-Inn
20 Frambes Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
A legendary campus bar on Woodruff Avenue, Out-R-Inn is built for March Madness chaos. It’s packed with college kids, has a ton of room, lots of TVs, and enough cheap beer to fuel an entire weekend of heartbreak and bracket-busting celebrations. The energy here is pure March Madness mayhem — if you’re showing up expecting to be able to play pool, all I can say is good luck.
6. Gresso’s
961 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
A Buckeye sports bar that feels like a second home — if your home was filled with hardcore fans, bottomless beer, and absolutely zero chill when a game is close. Expect loud, passionate debates over calls, strangers hugging like long-lost family members, and general sports-induced delirium. (For my fellow Steelers fans, this is also a great spot to catch a frustrating loss or a heart-stopping last-second dub).
7. Zeno’s (And Dick’s Dive)
384 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Zeno’s is one of the best dive bars in Columbus for sports, period. Great TVs, great beer, greatly unhinged March Madness energy. And if Zeno’s is completely packed — which it probably will be — head downstairs to Dick’s Dive, a hidden gem most people don’t even know exists. It’s got fewer TVs, but the vibes are strong and it’s usually not too busy. A perfect escape when you need to emotionally process a brutal buzzer-beater.
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