Columbus is one of the most underrated sports cities in the United States, yet outsiders frequently point to our lack of NFL, NBA, and MLB teams as a sign that we’re not a sports town.
But we beg to differ.
Columbus Blue Jackets fans are perhaps the most loyal in the entire NHL… we’ve stood by our boys in blue with almost nothing to show for it, yet we continue to show up to home games and bring that home-ice advantage.
Crew fans sell out literally every single home game, and Nordecke (the Crew’s superfans) brings unmatched energy to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. They even #SavedTheCrew from being relocated to Texas!
Not to mention Ohio State gamedays, which make an NFL tailgate look like a Little League picnic… Columbus is a sports town through and through.
But if you are a Columbus transplant (we mean that in the most loving way possible) or you just aren’t sure where to catch your favorite teams, let us guide to you the best sports bars for every type of sports fan.
And if you need help discovering all the best places to eat, drink, and more in Central Ohio, check out our newsletter here so you never miss a thing!
Best Bars to Watch All Sports in Columbus & Central Ohio
The Ohio State Buckeyes
See our full guide to the 10 Best Bars to watch the Buckeyes here.
NFL
Cleveland Browns Bars in Central Ohio
Shakers Public House: An official Capital Area Browns Backers bar (50+ TVs, incredible wings, pizza, and more)
Meister’s Bar: Home of the Grandview Browns Backers ($1 Cans on Thursdays, Unreal Deep Dish Pizza)
Cardo’s Pizza & Tavern: Official home of the Picktown Browns Backers (Award-winning pizza, delicious sandwiches, and other pub fare)
Dempsey’s Food & Spirits: Centrally located downtown and an official Browns Backer bar (Burgers, sandwiches, cool merch, and more)
Pittsburgh Steelers Bars in Central Ohio
Gresso’s: Not an official Steelers bar, but cordially known as THE Steelers Bar in Columbus (Tons of Steelers decor, delicious pub fare and mozzarella sticks, inside the old mayor’s house)
Coaches Bar & Grill: Another “unofficially official” Steelers bar. Get there early or you won’t get a seat! (Southwestern American and classic pub fare)
Cincinnati Bengals Bars in Central Ohio
The Pub in Gahanna: A classic watering hole known as the home for the Columbus Bengals Nation (12 TVs, pool table, cornhole, and more)
Mugsy’s Pub and Patio: Deemed an official watch party spot for the Bengals in Hilliard (Pool table, darts, and TVs)
Chicago Bears Bars in Central Ohio
Andon’s Pub: Large Dublin pub known as the home for the Columbus Ohio Bears Backers (Burgers, homemade chips, breakfast buffets, and more)
Ledo’s Tavern: A hidden gem tucked in the Old North (Darts, pool tables, pinball, and pizza by the slice!)
MLB
Cleveland Guardians
Woodland’s Backyard: Known for their volleyball leagues, Woodland’s is also a great spot to watch some Guards Ball (big TVs, duckpin bowling, arcade games, Mexican food)
Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs
No official bars. See NFL Bars or General Sports Bars for potential coverage.
NBA
Cleveland Cavaliers
The following bars are all listed as Great Lakes Brewing Cavs Bars.
- Hollywood Casino Columbus
- The Walrus
- Short North Pint House
- Pastimes (Grandview Yard and Crosswoods)
- Smash Park (Pickleball, Axe Throwing, Duckpin Bowling, and so much more)
NHL
Columbus Blue Jackets
R Bar Arena: Steps away from Nationwide Arena, this is a great hockey bar that also serves as THE pre-game or post-game stop (30+ TVs, CBJ-themed items, patio)
Old North Arcade: An official Blue Jackets watch bar (Pinball, arcade games, and TVs)
Plank’s Bier Garten: Another official Blue Jackets bar, located in the Brewery District (Famous sweet pizza, old school vibe, TVs)
See the Blue Jackets’ official bar partners in Central Ohio here.
MLS
Columbus Crew
Land-Grant Brewing Company: Located within walking distance of ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, home to Nordecke watch parties with tons of seating and TVs (Local brews, dedicated fanbase, pre-and-post-game hangout)
Betty’s Bar: Just steps away from the field, pregaming at Betty’s is a rite of passage for Crew fans (Miniature fireplace, pool table, covered patio, pub fare)
See the Crew’s official bar partners in Central Ohio here.
Premier League and International Football
Fado Irish Pub (Easton): The HQ for just about any Premier League match (Delicious chicken, 24 hour ribs, pub fare, and more)
Arsenal
Pointe Tavern: Home to the Columbus Gooners, this bar comes alive during Arsenal matches (Tons of TVs, arcade games, pool tables, Bazemore Pizza Company operates the kitchen)
Liverpool
McClellan’s Pub: The official home of Liverpool’s Official Supporters Club (Extensive Whiskey and Bourbon list, happy hour, and more)
Tottenham
Grandad’s Pizza & Pub (Hilliard): Home of the Columbus Spurs, the Official Supporters Club of the Tottenham Hotspurs (Columbus-style pizza, opens early for games, and more)
Manchester United
Dempsey’s Food & Spirits: Centrally located downtown and an official Manchester United Watch Party Bar (Burgers, sandwiches, cool merch, and more)
Golf
X-Golf Columbus: A golf simulator with food, drinks, cocktails, and more (TVs all over, large simulator screens, and more)
MMA/UFC
DraftKings Sports & Social: 37-foot wall of TVs showing all types of sports, constantly advertising upcoming UFC cards (No bad seat in the house, good cocktails, and more)
General Sports Bars
Parlay Sporting Club + Kitchen: A spot in the Short North with great views of virtually every and any game (100+ TVs, half-price happy hour, giant mozzarella sticks)
JT’s Pizza & Pub: 3 locations across Central Ohio, recently named the 3rd best sports bar in the nation by Bovada Sportsbook ($4 32 oz Yuengling drafts, dozens of TVs, delicious Columbus-style pizza)
The Walrus: Not a pure sports bar, but still has 24 TVs and shows live sporting events frequently (30 beers on draft, downtown location)
Pastimes Pub & Grill: Caters each experience to their customers, offering Ohio State Football & Basketball viewing, Columbus Crew & Blue Jackets games, Cleveland Browns and Guardians games, Cincinnati Bengals and Reds games, as well as PGA Tour events and NFL Sunday Ticket (30 wing flavors, daily specials, 5 locations across Central Ohio)
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