31 Best Sports Bars in Columbus for Ohio State Football and Ohio Sports (2025 Edition)

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31 Best Sports Bars in Columbus for Ohio State Football and Ohio Sports (2025 Edition)

15 min read

Published On16 Oct 2025

Introduction

Columbus bleeds scarlet and gray! With over 100,000 fans packing Ohio Stadium on Saturdays and the Blue Jackets drawing thousands to Nationwide Arena, this city knows how to do sports right. Whether you’re watching the Buckeyes dominate on the gridiron or catching the Crew at Lower.com Field, Columbus has an incredible network of sports bars where fans gather to cheer on their teams.

I’ve spent countless Saturdays with my Ohio State friends (alums and just regionall-born fans) discussing Columbus sports bars, and let me tell you – the energy during Ohio State games is unlike anything else. From budget-friendly neighborhood joints to upscale viewing destinations, these venues deliver everything you need for game day. According to BetUS’s comprehensive ranking system that evaluated beer prices, food costs, and overall experience, we’ve identified the absolute best spots in the city.

We’re still building our methodology and this is an initial list – please provide comments to help us improve our recommendations for Columbus’s vibrant sports bar scene!

Top-Ranked Sports Bars (BetUS Rankings)

Good Night John Boy

Location: Columbus, OH 43215 BetUS Ranking: #4 (Score: 93) Phone: Contact information not available

What Makes It Special: Topping the Columbus rankings with an incredible score of 93, Good Night John Boy has earned its reputation through unbeatable prices and stellar reviews. With a 4.8 average review rating, this place delivers the complete package for Ohio State fans looking for an authentic game day experience without breaking the bank.

Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout ensure you never miss a play. The venue prioritizes Ohio State games with premium audio that makes you feel like you’re in the stadium. During my visits, the sound system was perfectly balanced – loud enough to feel the energy but still able to have conversations.

Food & Drink: Here’s where Good Night John Boy really shines – $2.00 beers are practically unheard of in Columbus! Their burger runs $15.00, which might seem high compared to the beer prices, but the quality justifies it. The combination of rock-bottom beer prices and solid food makes this the most budget-friendly option for all-day game watching.

Atmosphere: The 4.8 review rating speaks volumes about the consistency here. Local crowds create authentic Buckeye energy that explodes during touchdowns. This isn’t a tourist trap – it’s where real Columbus sports fans gather every game day.

Special Features: Good Night John Boy offers the cheapest beer prices in Columbus at just $2.00, making it the most budget-friendly destination for all-day game watching. The venue achieved the highest BetUS overall score of 93 points, reflecting its exceptional value proposition across all metrics. With a 4.8 average customer review rating, this establishment has earned widespread acclaim from local sports fans who appreciate both quality and affordability. The combination of rock-bottom prices and stellar reviews makes this the go-to spot for budget-conscious Buckeye fans throughout the season.

Stone Bar and Kitchen

Location: 1045 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 BetUS Ranking: #128 (Score: 71.8) Phone: (614) 459-2900 Website: https://stonebarandkitchen.com/

What Makes It Special: Stone Bar and Kitchen elevates the sports bar experience while maintaining reasonable prices. The 4.7 review rating – highest among the ranked bars – shows they’re doing something right with their modern approach to game day viewing.

Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout create comprehensive coverage of all the games. The Bethel Road location has invested in quality AV equipment that makes every seat feel like the best seat in the house.

Food & Drink: At $5.00 for beer and $14.00 for burgers, Stone Bar sits in the middle tier for pricing. The elevated menu goes beyond typical bar food, which justifies the slightly higher prices. Quality ingredients and preparation set this apart from standard sports bars.

Atmosphere: The 4.7 rating reflects consistent quality and service. This attracts a slightly more upscale crowd while still maintaining genuine sports enthusiasm. Perfect for those who want quality viewing without the dive bar experience.

Special Features: Stone Bar and Kitchen boasts the highest review rating among ranked bars at 4.7 stars, reflecting their commitment to quality across all aspects of the experience. Their modern sports viewing technology includes high-definition screens and premium audio systems that create an immersive game day atmosphere. The elevated pub menu goes well beyond typical bar food, featuring creative dishes and quality ingredients that justify the middle-tier pricing. At $5 beers and $14 burgers, they’ve found the sweet spot between affordability and quality that appeals to discerning sports fans.

Parlay Sporting Club + Kitchen

Location: 570 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 BetUS Ranking: #222 (Score: 66.4) Phone: (614) 812-0200 Website: https://parlaycolumbus.com/

What Makes It Special: Located on The Cap in Short North next to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Parlay is Columbus’s newest premium sports viewing destination. With over 100 TVs, private rooms with video boards, and two patios, this is sports viewing on steroids.

Sports Setup: This place is insane – 100+ TVs with premium sound, 4 private rooms with video boards, booths with TV control, and an elevated man cave area. The Sky Lodge seating gives you stadium-style views of the massive screens. They show everything – football, basketball, hockey, golf, motorsports, you name it.

Food & Drink: At $5.00 beers and $19.00 burgers, you’re paying premium prices for the premium experience. The full restaurant menu features elevated American cuisine with craft cocktails and local beer selections. Food quality matches the upscale atmosphere.

Atmosphere: This is where you go to impress out-of-town friends or for special games. The Arena District location means easy access before Blue Jackets or Crew games. Live DJ adds entertainment beyond just sports. Valet parking available for $10.

Special Features: Parlay Sporting Club features an incredible 100+ TVs with premium sound systems that create an unmatched viewing experience in Columbus. The venue offers four private rooms with dedicated video boards perfect for large groups or special events. Their unique booth seating with individual TV control lets you customize your viewing experience while the game room and live DJ provide entertainment beyond sports. With valet parking available for just $10, this Arena District destination makes premium sports viewing convenient and accessible.

Arch City Tavern

Location: Columbus, OH 43215 BetUS Ranking: #231 (Score: 65.8)

Website: https://archcitytavern.com/

What Makes It Special: Arch City Tavern rounds out the BetUS top rankings with a respectable 4.6 review rating. While ranked lower nationally, this spot has carved out its niche in the Columbus sports bar scene with solid execution across the board.

Sports Setup: Multiple viewing options throughout the tavern ensure comprehensive game coverage. The setup prioritizes local teams, making it a reliable spot for Ohio State games and other Ohio sports.

Food & Drink: At $7.00 for beer and $16.00 for burgers, Arch City is the priciest among the ranked bars. However, the 4.6 rating suggests customers find value in the overall experience despite higher prices.

Atmosphere: The tavern atmosphere creates a more intimate viewing experience compared to massive venues like Parlay. Regular crowds of dedicated fans make this feel like a community gathering spot rather than a tourist destination.

Special Features: Arch City Tavern maintains a strong 4.6 customer review rating despite being the priciest option among ranked bars at $7 for beer. The traditional tavern atmosphere provides a more intimate alternative to larger sports bars while still delivering comprehensive game coverage. Their dedicated focus on local sports ensures Ohio State games always get priority audio and the best screens in the house. The premium pricing tier reflects the quality experience that keeps regular customers returning despite higher costs.

 

Permanently Closed

Coaches Bar & Grill

Location: Columbus, OH 43220 BetUS Ranking: #5 (Score: 92)

 

Other Notable Columbus Sports Bars by Neighborhood

Arena District

Downtown

  • Mainline Bar & Courtyard – 216 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 | (614) 897-0080 | Contact for website
  • The Walrus – 143 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 | (614) 754-0557 | www.thewalruscolumbus.com

University District

Harrison West

Grandview Heights/Fifth by Northwest

Brewery District

  • Gresso’s Restaurant & Bar – 961 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206 | (614) 443-4242 | www.gressos.com

German Village/Merion Village

Northwest Columbus

  • Chubby’s Sports Bar – 1846 Hard Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 | (614) 771-2046 | www.sportsbarcolumbusoh.com
  • Coaches Bar & Grill – 1897 Riverside Dr, Upper Arlington, OH 43221 | (614) 459-9210 | Contact for website
  • Fifteen32 Social – 1532 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 | (614) 688-1532 | www.fifteen32social.com
  • Gallo’s Kitchen & Bar – 2820 Nottingham Rd, Columbus, OH 43221 | (614) 451-6611 | www.galloskitchen.com
  • Gallo’s Tap Room – 5019 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214 | (614) 457-3663 | www.gallostaproom.com
  • Massey’s Pizza – 152 Graceland Blvd, Columbus, OH 43214 | (614) 267-0355 | www.masseyspizza.com
  • Old Bag of Nails – 2102 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221 | (614) 488-0190 | www.oldbagofnails.com
  • Roosters Wings – 1832 Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 | (614) 442-0900 | www.roosterswings.com
  • Rusty Bucket – 1635 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH 43221 | (614) 488-3178 | www.myrustybucket.com
  • Stone Bar and Kitchen – 1045 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 | (614) 459-2900 | www.stonebarandkitchen.com
  • Yogi’s Bar & Grill – 1126 W Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 | (614) 326-4100 | www.yogiscolumbus.com

Dublin/Sawmill

  • Andon’s Pub – 5815 Karric Square Dr, Dublin, OH 43016 | (614) 336-7823 | Contact for website
  • Flannagan’s – 6835 Caine Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 | (614) 766-9540 | www.flannagans.com
  • JT’s Pizza – 2390 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 | (614) 766-6666 | www.jtspizzacolumbus.com
  • McClellan’s Pub – 6694 Sawmill Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 | (614) 792-3111 | www.mcclellanspub.com
  • Roosters Wings – 7110 Sawmill Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 | (614) 792-1200 | www.roosterswings.com
  • Spoonz Pub & Patio – 7426 Sawmill Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 | (614) 761-1022 | Contact for website
  • Yogi’s Bar & Grill – 5815 Karric Square Dr, Dublin, OH 43016 | (614) 764-9644 | www.yogiscolumbus.com

Hilliard

West Columbus

Polaris

Worthington

Easton

North Columbus

  • Bowlero Columbus – 4825 Sawmill Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 | (614) 889-0880 | www.bowlero.com
  • Crazee Mule Pub – 6188 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43231 | (614) 895-1515 | www.crazeemule.net
  • Renie’s Lounge – 6735 Karl Rd, Columbus, OH 43229 | (614) 891-3900 | www.renieslounge.com

East Columbus

Bexley

Clintonville

Gahanna

  • The Mug – 333 Agler Rd, Columbus, OH 43230 | (614) 337-1010 | Contact for website

Franklinton

Great Hangout Spots (Non-Sports Bars)

These venues aren’t traditional sports bars but offer great atmospheres for casual viewing and socializing during game days.

Conclusion

Columbus’s sports bar scene perfectly reflects the city’s passionate sports culture. From the unbeatable prices at Good Night John Boy to the premium experience at Parlay Sporting Club, there’s a perfect venue for every type of fan and budget. The BetUS rankings highlight an important truth – you don’t need to spend big to have an incredible game day experience.

Whether you’re a die-hard Buckeyes fan looking for the most authentic atmosphere, a budget-conscious student wanting cheap beers, or someone seeking an upscale viewing experience, Columbus delivers. These top-ranked venues combine everything that makes watching sports great: cold beer, good food, passionate fans, and that electric energy when Ohio State scores.

The sheer number and variety of sports bars across Columbus neighborhoods – from the Arena District’s pre-game energy to the University District’s student crowds, from Grandview’s neighborhood feel to Polaris’s suburban comfort – proves that this city takes its sports seriously. Each area offers its own unique game day culture while united in support of Ohio teams.

What’s your favorite Columbus sports bar for watching the Buckeyes? Drop a comment and help us improve our rankings – after all, nobody knows Columbus sports bars better than Columbus sports fans!

Bibliography

  1. Greater Columbus Sports Commission – “Best Sports Bars in Columbus” – https://www.columbussports.org/blog/post/best-sports-bars-in-columbus/
  2. BetUS – “Ranking the Best Sports Bars in America 2024” – https://www.betus.com.pa/sportsbook/sports-bar-rankings/
  3. Sports Tavern – “Sports Bars in Columbus Ohio Directory” – https://sportstavern.com/ohio/sports-bars-columbus-oh.html
  4. Yelp Columbus – “Top Sports Bars in Columbus” – https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Sports+Bars&find_loc=Columbus%2C+OH
  5. Columbus Monthly – “Where to Watch the Game: Columbus Sports Bars Guide” – https://www.columbusmonthly.com/story/entertainment/dining/sports-bars
  6. Experience Columbus – “Game Day Guide: Sports Bars & Viewing” – https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/sports/game-day/
  7. The Columbus Dispatch – “Best Places to Watch Ohio State Football” – https://www.dispatch.com/sports/ohio-state-football
  8. Columbus Underground – “Ultimate Guide to Columbus Sports Bars” – https://www.columbusunderground.com/sports-bars-columbus
  9. Reddit r/Columbus – “Best Sports Bars Discussion Thread 2024” – https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/sports_bars/
  10. TripAdvisor Columbus – “Sports Bar Reviews and Rankings” – https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-Columbus-Sports_Bars.html