Let’s be honest. Most people don’t want to spend $18 on a soggy stadium hot dog and a beer that tastes like regret. Whether you’re pregaming, postgaming, or just pretending you’re going to the game so you can walk around campus and soak up the vibes, these spots are perfect for Buckeye fuel and eats within walking distance of The Shoe.
1. Adriatico’s Pizza
📍 Address: 1618 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
🔗 Website: adriaticospizza.com
Ohio State game days and Adriatico’s Pizza go hand in hand in my mind. There’s just something special about their slightly spicy sauce and that thick Sicilian crust that makes cheering for the Bucks so much better. This spot has it all: beers, a patio, TVs to catch the pregame show (or the whole game if you didn’t score tickets), and even gelato if you’re feeling adventurous.
2. Katalina’s Harrison West
📍 Address: 1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
🔗 Website: katalinas.com
Katalina’s is a fan favorite of students and neighborhood regulars for a reason. Their famous Pancake Balls get all the attention, but the rest of the menu is stacked. That Mazatlan Slow Roasted Pork & Egg Sandwich is one of the best breakfast sandwiches you’ll ever have. The Big Ol Burrito? Absolute perfection before a long day of drinking and screaming at referees.
3. Buckeye Donuts
📍 Address: 1998 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
🔗 Website: buckeyedonuts.com
Whether you’re grabbing a dozen donuts for you and your crew on the way to a noon game or a surprisingly BANGING gyro and fries to soak up the alcohol after, Buckeye Donuts will always be there for you. Plus, the people who work there are genuinely some of the kindest in Columbus. Don’t believe me? Read this.
4. Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace (Campus Location)
📍 Address: 2036 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
🔗 Website: dirtyfrankshotdogpalace.com
Where there’s Buckeye football, there are hot dogs waiting to be devoured. But why settle for stadium dogs when you could feast on Dirty Frank’s? A Wiener Box (two dogs and a side of tots or fries) for $13, a classic Chili Dog for $5, or three corn dogs for $7… and that’s just the beginning. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s way better than anything you’re getting inside the stadium.
5. The O on Lane
📍 Address: 352 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
🔗 Website: theoonlane.com
I’m about to say something controversial… I think The O on Lane has better pizza than the old O Patio did. There. I said it. It’s literally a few hundred feet from the stadium, and the pepperoni pizza scratches an itch in my brain I didn’t know I had. Greasy, cheesy, and built to sustain a long day of drinking and yelling at Michigan fans.
6. HangOverEasy
📍 Address: 1646 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
🔗 Website: hangovereasy.com
I LOVE this place. It’s the ultimate pregame fuel-up spot, but you gotta get there early or you’ll be waiting. I’m talking like 8 AM early. The breakfast is bomb, and the vibes are unmatched. My ideal plan? Eat at HangOverEasy, then waddle over to Adriatico’s to catch the game if you’re not headed inside the stadium.
7. Zeno’s
📍 Address: 384 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
🔗 Website: zenoscolumbus.com
Ahhh, Zeno’s. My neighborhood watering hole. The layout’s cool, the TVs are everywhere, and the food? Highly underrated. If the line’s too long at Katalina’s across the street, Zeno’s will save the day with breakfast burritos and breakfast pizza from 11 AM to 1 PM. Their Buffalo Chicken Wrap is top tier, and the Reuben is cheesy and juicy in all the right ways.
8. Mikey’s Late Night Slice (Campus)
📍 Address: 1839 N Pearl St, Columbus, OH 43201
🔗 Website: latenightslice.com
A local legend. If you’re not ending your night at Mikey’s, did you even go out? Their giant slices and infamous unicorn sauce hit differently when you’re slightly (or aggressively) intoxicated. The crust is basically a unicorn-sauce delivery vehicle… and that’s fine by me. They could very well be higher on this list, but as the newest campus pizza joint of the 3 on this list, #8 ain’t too shabby!
9. Bibibop Asian Grill (Campus)
📍 Address: 1778 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
🔗 Website: bibibop.com
Look, maybe you don’t want to eat like a complete gremlin on game day. Bibibop is the move. It’s build-your-own bowl style, with purple rice, noodles, veggies, chicken or tofu… all that good stuff. It’s light, filling, and just healthy enough to trick you into thinking you’re making good choices.
10. Moy’s Chinese Restaurant
📍 Address: 1994 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
🔗 Website: moyscolumbus.com
Okay, I know Chinese food probably isn’t the first thing you think of for a game day meal, but hear me out: Moy’s is incredible. The food is fresh and flavorful, the Mom and Pop owners are super kind, and the place has a low-key, cozy vibe that hits the spot, especially after your voice is gone from screaming all day. And yes, Buckeye Donuts is right next door if you need dessert.
Final Thoughts Before You Head to The Shoe
Here’s the game plan: hit HangOverEasy or Katalina’s early if you’re smart. Watch the game at Adriatico’s if you didn’t snag tickets. After the final whistle, grab some Dirty Frank’s, The O’s pepperoni pie, or a wrap at Zeno’s. Then wander into Mikey’s for a nightcap slice. Sprinkle in a Bibibop bowl or some Chinese soul food from Moy’s if you want to keep it fresh.
You really can’t lose… unless Michigan wins.
But let’s not manifest that. Please.
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