
No matter who you root for, early February is when all sports fans come together to celebrate the biggest event of the year. With football's game of the year just around the corner, now is the time to figure out where you'll be watching.
Many sports bars across Northeast Ohio offer a comfortable viewing experience, a fun atmosphere, and of course, all the wings and beer you need, an essential part of any game-day experience. If you're looking for some great places to check out, here are some of our top recommendations.
834 Huron Rd. E, Cleveland, OH 44115
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One of the most popular sports bars in Cleveland, The Clevelander Bar & Grill is a lively and fun place to watch any sporting event. You'll find more than 10 flat-screen TVs, so you can get a great vantage point from anywhere in the house. Happy hour is from 8 to 9 p.m., and almost everything is $2. An excellent beer list and plenty of creative cocktails complement upscale bar food and classic American fare. This place fills up quickly on game days, so be sure to get there early.
6007 Brookpark Rd., Parma, OH 44129
If you're looking for a sports bar with some personality, you'll definitely want to try Characters Sports Bar & Grill. This friendly neighborhood hangout has some of the best wings in town and a huge draft beer selection. The bartenders are very friendly, and the service is great. There is a large, comfortable bar area and plenty of TVs. Enjoy numerous drink specials throughout the week and great deals for the big game. This is the sports bar for you if you want to have a nice dinner and watch the game.
222 S. Main St. #1B, Akron, OH 44308
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Located near Canal Park, Barley House is a popular sports bar downtown. The bar and restaurant has more than 30 big TVs, a rotating list of 30 craft beers, and some of the best service in town. The restaurant is large, so there will be lots of space available on Feb. 12. Order some wings, nachos, or pretzel sticks to snack on during the game. You'll want to come back during warmer months and take advantage of their patio!
426 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304
An excellent sports bar on the University of Akron Campus, Score Draft Room is the place to be. One of the best parts about this place is the atmosphere. With a younger crowd and plenty of drink specials, the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Cheap but delicious bar food is available to order. If you're planning to go for the big game, get there early. The place fills up quickly, especially for popular events.
3314 Warren Rd., Cleveland, OH 44111
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If you're looking for a laid-back game day spot, try Third Place. With some great bar food, craft beer, several big-screen TVs, and plenty of space, you won't find it hard to make yourself right at home. Pool tables and arcade games are available to play during halftime. While Third Place serves some good pizza, it's the wings that are the highlight of the menu. Make sure to check their website for food specials throughout the week.
370 Paul Williams St., Akron, OH 44311
Those who love sports and beer will love watching the game at 69 Taps. Named after its impressive draft beer system (which features 69 different beers), this place is a great option on any game day. Beers are available by the pitcher, and the food menu features some great burgers and bar food. The Big Jake Burger is definitely worth a try. It's a classic cheeseburger loaded with Jake's Secret Sauce. Grab some friends and play pool, darts, or a variety of other games upstairs. This bar and taproom draws an energetic crowd on game days!
750 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44115
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Forty draft beers, 60 cans, and plenty of big-screen TVs make this popular bar in downtown Cleveland a great place to watch any sporting event. You'll love the vibrant atmosphere at City Tap Cleveland, especially during a big game. If you're hungry, we recommend The Viking Burger, grilled in garlic parmesan wing sauce and topped with house-made guac, mayo, and swiss cheese. Or opt for one of nine different flavors of wings.
1214 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
This sports bar/entertainment center in the Warehouse District is a prime destination on weekends, and watching football's biggest event here will be a blast. A whopping 32 big-screen TVs, 24 draft beers, skeeball, and other arcade games make Dive Bar a great time. An all-request DJ hosts the evenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and during select special events.
Where will you watch the big game around Northeast Ohio this year?

One of the great things about living in Columbus is that you can find an outstanding meal in every corner of the city, but few neighborhoods pack as many delicious dining destinations into one area as the Italian Village. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a full day of culinary adventures, there's sure to be a fantastic, local restaurant with your name on it. Feeling hungry yet? Read on to discover nine distinctive destinations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Italian Village neighborhood of Columbus.
1031 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43201
If you're looking for the most popular place to grab breakfast, sweet treats, and a delicious morning coffee, then Fox in the Snow is the place to be. The menu here is short and sweet yet still features something for everyone. Start your day with something healthy like the house-made granola with fresh blueberries, enjoy a gourmet breakfast sandwich, or satisfy your sweet tooth with one of many tempting treats from the bakery. Finish your meal with one of their excellent coffees, lattes, espressos, or teas.
995 N. 4th St., Columbus, Ohio 43201
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When you're in the mood for something sweet and savory for breakfast, the team at Drunch Eatery + Bar has you covered. In addition to all of the breakfast standards that you know and love, the menu here boasts some items that you won't find at every breakfast spot. The chicken and waffles with cheddar, Tabasco, and maple syrup are one great example. Of course, you can also enjoy a huge selection of frittatas, breakfast bowls, french toast, flatbreads, and more.
680 N. Pearl St. #1518, Columbus, OH 43215
Everything on the menu at Tasi Cafe is prepared with fresh, local ingredients sourced from Ohio farms and crafted with love. This is the place to find elevated takes on your favorite breakfast dishes, from the tempting Challah French Toast to the classic breakfast burrito prepared with only the best whole ingredients. It's the perfect place to visit when you're in the mood to splurge on an extra-nice breakfast, with a great mix of healthy and decadent choices on the menu. Be sure to check out the drinks selection, which includes some outstanding teas from local suppliers.
951 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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With sandwiches, salads, bowls, brick-oven pizzas, and burritos, Northstar Cafe has something delicious to suit your every mood. This is also a great place for an outing with friends, thanks to the unique menu of creative craft cocktails, international wines, and locally produced craft beers that you can find at the in-house bar. Can't decide between breakfast and lunch? Northstar Cafe also offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday.
851 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215
One of the great things about the dining scene around Italian Village is that there's something for everyone, including some outstanding options for plant-based meals. Naturally, everything on the menu at this cafe, bar, and bakery is vegan-friendly, but you certainly don't have to be vegan to enjoy the excellent food served here. Settle in for a meal in the beautifully decorated cafe, or pick a sunny day to enjoy a healthy, delicious lunch on the backyard patio.
936 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
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Pizza is never a bad choice for lunch in the Italian Village neighborhood, and GoreMade Pizza consistently serves up some of the top-rated gourmet pies in all of Columbus. In the past, you may have enjoyed their pizza at local farmer's markets and events. Now GoreMade Pizza has a great brick-and-mortar location, serving up delicious, creative pizzas with a huge selection of fresh toppings sourced from local farms.
1086 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
Can't decide what you want for dinner? That's no problem when you visit Budd Dairy Food Hall, where you can find a meal for every taste and mood. Recently named one of the 10 best new food halls in the country by Fodor's Travel, Budd Dairy Food Hall is the first food hall in Central Ohio and has quickly become a local favorite. Whether you're in the mood for Hawaiian poke, delicious Southern gumbo, or a unique craft cocktail from one of three bars in the food hall, this is a place where you can satisfy nearly every culinary craving.
792 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Known for its soups, shareable plates, sandwiches, and fresh, flavorful entrees, TownHall is the perfect choice when you're in the mood for a healthy meal that doesn't sacrifice on deliciousness. The selection of broths and soups is perfect for warming up on a crisp winter evening, while dinner plates like the New Zealand Grass Fed Strip are ideal for recharging after a busy day. Be sure to check out the dessert menu, which features some healthy, flavorful keto-friendly, dairy-free, and vegan desserts.
850 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215
Italian Village is also home to some of the best craft breweries that Columbus has to offer, including the popular Hoof Hearted Brewery and Kitchen where you can enjoy a tasty meal paired with a truly unique, bombastic selection of locally produced craft brews. With daily happy hours, a fun, sometimes zany atmosphere, and friendly, personal service, this is an ideal choice when you want to unwind with an outstanding meal at the end of the day.
With so many excellent places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it will take more than one visit to Italian Village to try them all! So, where you will you find your next marvelous meal in this Columbus neighborhood?

Do you believe that bacon should be one of the five basic food groups? Indulge to your heart's content on Friday, December 30, when the country celebrates Bacon Day. Discover many creative uses for bacon at these wonderful restaurants in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
West Side Market, 1979 W. 25th St., Stand C4, Cleveland, OH 44113
How do you improve on perfection? For the staff at Toney's Baloney, it means pairing bacon with another iconic food. But watch out, you may get hooked on their strips of candied bacon wearing robes of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate with a peanut butter drizzle. Candied bacon also comes in other forms, such as whimsical mustache-shaped "pops." The latest addition, bacon covered in Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, might be the ultimate breakfast food. West Side Market is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
12900 Lake Ave., Unit 2, Lakewood, OH 44107
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At Summer House, they're not content with bacon that just tastes good. Their Clothesline Bacon, featured on the brunch and dinner menus, is equally fun to eat. Dry-aged bacon, steeped in a mixture of Ohio maple syrup and scratch-made apple cider vinegar, hangs from a miniature clothesline over a bed of bread-and-butter pickles. Add in the incredible views, and eating bacon at Summer House is a true treat for the senses. Hours are 3 - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 - 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.
2710 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
"Breakfast for dinner" takes on a whole new meaning at Touch Supper Club. Their Bourbon Breakfast Martini starts with a cocktail of bourbon, sweet vermouth, butterscotch, and maple-infused simple syrup. It's topped off with a maple-infused pancake and slice of candied bacon. Classic supper club vibes complete the experience. Hours are 5 - 10 p.m. Tuesday, 5 - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
1788 W. 5th St., Columbus, OH 43212
Tater tots aren't just for kids. The whole family will love these dressed-up nuggets at Jimmy V's Grill & Pub. Crispy tots, made fresh in-house, come topped with bacon, Cheddar, smoked Gouda, and pepper jack. A side of Buffalo ranch adds a finishing touch. Bacon also stars in Jimmy V's twist on a BLT that includes grilled salmon served on a pretzel bun. Hours are 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m., seven days a week.
138 Graceland Blvd., Columbus, OH 43214
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The starters at Pat and Gracie's Kitchen & Tavern are so tempting and delicious that you may never make it to the main course. Everyone's favorite, macaroni and cheese, is combined with bacon and deep-fried in bite-sized pieces. Double down on cheesy goodness with a side of cheese dipping sauce. Another inspired appetizer features diced caramelized onions, smoked bacon, cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan cheese blended into a smooth dip and served with Lavosh crackers. P&G is open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended to 11 p.m.
143 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43215
The Walrus Kitchen & Public House uses bacon to elevate traditional comfort food to a new level. Start your day with a Candied Bacon Melt, topped with an egg and cheddar cheese and served in a Belgian waffle sandwich. For lunch, the Candied Bacon Grilled Cheese with tomato slices keeps customers coming back for more. The Walrus is open daily from 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.
1200 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Nation Kitchen & Bar came onto the Cincinnati culinary scene in 2015. It took only a couple of years for their bacon burger to be acclaimed as best in the state, while national publications have also included it on lists of top burgers around the country. This delicious burger gets some Southern flavor from cheddar cheese, apple slaw, and Memphis BBQ sauce. Bacon also makes an appearance on the Hangover burger, along with goetta, ham, and fried egg on a bagel. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
3356 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
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Sweet and savory is a popular food trend that satisfies nearly every taste. One of the finest examples is the popular maple bacon donut found at family-owned Holtman's Donuts. Other bacon-centric variations in their revolving repertoire include chocolate maple bacon, bourbon maple bacon, and blueberry maple bacon. Hours are 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
1135 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
While thick, fluffy waffles may be their signature item, Taste of Belgium makes great use of bacon as well. On the Beltucky Hot Brown, bacon joins roasted turkey, Gruyère, tomato, and Mornay sauce atop a waffle. For the McWaffle and Brunch Burger, a split waffle stands in for English muffins and bread on these sandwich-style dishes that also include bacon. Taste of Belgium is open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
Bacon is appropriate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in both food and drink. What's your favorite way to use bacon?

Foodies of Ohio, your dream has come true! You can literally eat and drink your way across this great state with food and beverage trails spotlighting a wide range of dishes, drinks, and cuisines. Indulge in mac & cheese in Northeast Ohio, sip on lattes in Columbus, or bite into tacos in Cincinnati. Which trail will you head to first?
Who says tacos are just for Tuesdays? With almost two dozen wonderful Mexican restaurants, you can enjoy this classic favorite any day of the week along the Taco Trail. The flavors are so authentic that you'll close your eyes and think you're south of the border. Earn points each time you check in at a location and build your total to receive prizes such as a bottle opener/keychain, shot glass, and t-shirt. Visit the website to have the passport delivered straight to your smartphone.
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Mac & cheese is truly comfort food, deeply satisfying to body and soul. You may be surprised by the variety you'll find along the Mac & Cheese Trail in Cleveland. Try mac & cheese topped with smoky BBQ meats, or have it piled on top of hot dogs and French fries. A couple of locations even offer creamy vegan versions.
Mamma mia! Get your fill of pizza, pasta, and pancetta when you follow the Italian Food Trail. Follow the delicious aromas to more than 60 Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and markets. Many of these locations are family-run, serving food made with original recipes passed down over generations. Just don't ask them to share any of their secrets! Visit the website to get your digital passport.
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Get up bright and early in the morning to hit the Columbus Coffee Trail. You'll have no shortage of caffeine to fuel your visits to these two dozen charming cafés, bakeries, and coffee shops. Most locations carry an irresistible selection of pastries, so the route is a tasty way to satisfy your sweet tooth as well. Four stops earn you a t-shirt. Hit every location to receive a coffee mug. Visit the website to get your digital pass.
Sample some great adult beverages made with the highest-quality ingredients on the Columbus Distillery Trail. The capital city is home to a number of distilleries producing award-winning whiskey, gin, vodka, and bourbon. There's even a "brewstillery" offering craft beer along with spirits. Each site has a specialty Trail cocktail, such as the Side by Side Daiquiri. Check in at four stops for a Simple Times Mixer and visit each one for a t-shirt. Head to the website for your digital pass.
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Do you dosa? Find the answer to this culinary question with a trip along the Columbus Tikka Trail. Indian food incorporates cardamom, cayenne pepper, cumin, and other flavorful spices for a unique taste. Most restaurants let you choose your own level of heat on a scale of one to five. Many also feature buffets so you can try several different dishes. For the record, dosa is similar to a burrito, with a thin rice pancake that can be wrapped around different fillings.
For the month of July 2022, Ales for Trails served as a fundraiser for the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network, referred to as the CROWN. While that event has ended, the trail can still be followed by beer lovers who want to sample a variety of brands and styles. The 10 stops along the way represent the leading microbreweries that make Cincinnati a star in the craft beer movement. As you make your way, you're also roughly following the route planned for the CROWN as Cincinnati's first urban trail loop.
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When it comes to fine whiskey, Kentucky bourbon is the gold standard. Explore the quality and versatility of this iconic spirit through the 19-stop route of the B-Line. The line-up includes five craft distilleries and eight bars, all of which are named in the Bourbon Review's list of "Best Bourbon Bars in America." Rounding out the trail are six restaurants where bourbon complements their menus of Southern, Creole, and BBQ cuisine. Check in at two locations of each of the three types of establishments and receive your choice of gifts, such as a B-Line t-shirt or engraved Glencairn glass. Visit the website to download the digital B-Line Guide.
What's not to love about tacos? They're fun to eat, they accommodate meat-eaters and vegetarians, and they're great with beer or soft drinks. Cincinnati's Taco Trail is lined with lively and colorful restaurants where you can try a never-ending variety of flavors and types. Styles range from authentic, served simply with onions and cilantro, to gourmet, with creative fillings such as grilled salmon or carmelized cauliflower.
If you were creating your own culinary trail, what food or beverage would be highlighted?

If you've never had a bowl of iconic Cincinnati-style chili, you don't know what you're missing. This city has been known as the chili capital of the world since the early 1900s when Macedonian immigrants Tom and John Kiradjieff founded the city's first of many chili restaurants. Today, there are dozens of great local dining establishments where you can order a bowl of Cincinnati chili any way you like it.
If you're new to Cincinnati chili, you'll find it's unlike any other chili you've had. It's often sweet and able to be customized just to your liking. When it comes to Cincinnati-style chili, you typically order it multiple ways: 1-way is chili only, 2-way adds spaghetti, 3-way adds cheese, 4-way adds onions or beans, or 5-way adds onions and beans.
If you're in the mood for a warm bowl of chili this fall, here are eight places where you can order it Cincinnati-style:
4920 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45238
One of the most popular restaurants in Cincinnati, Price Hill Chili is a family-owned and operated establishment on the west side. This comfortable, neighborhood-style restaurant serves some of the best 5-way chili in the city. Order it in a bowl (any number of ways), a Coney dog, or a chili cheese sandwich. Plus, add a side or a salad to go with it. The restaurant is also attached to Golden Fleece Lounge, a nice cocktail bar where you can have a drink and watch the game.
3005 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45225
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A '40s-style diner serving some of the best Cincinnati-style chili around, Camp Washington Chili is worth checking out for both the food and decor. The recipe behind this chili has been kept secret for over 60 years and is a large reason behind this restaurant's success and longevity. The restaurant has become a local landmark with both the interior and exterior resembling a 1940s-style diner. The 5-way chili has been featured on numerous food television series. Plus, the diner is open 24 hours a day except Sunday, so you can enjoy a bowl of chili almost any time you'd like.
580 Walnut St. S700, Cincinnati, OH 45202
If you're downtown and interested in grabbing a quick bowl of chili for lunch, swing by The Silver Ladle. This fast, casual restaurant allows you to create your own chili. Choose from a number of bases, including spaghetti, French fries, tortilla chips, or mixed greens. Then, pick your chili (beer, chicken, Cuban black bean). Finally, top it off with cheese, onions, jalapenos, sour cream, and more. They also serve other soups, sandwiches, and salads. Enjoy your lunch indoors or out on the patio when weather permits.
290 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
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You can't list Cincinnati chili destinations without mentioning Skyline Chili. What began as a single chili restaurant on Price Hill overlooking downtown is now one of the most popular places for locals and tourists to order a bowl of authentic Cincinnati 5-way chili. The chili is very sweet, so you may want to spice it up with some jalapenos or hot sauce. The original restaurant is no longer open, but the city has many old-school locations, including this one on Ludlow Avenue.
2601 W. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45204
What better way to experience Cincinnati than by digging into a bowl of hearty chili while taking in panoramic views of the downtown skyline? You can enjoy this exact experience at Incline Public House, a great local restaurant located at the top of Price Hill, on the site of the former incline. This restaurant's chili is phenomenal, and they serve many classic American entrees and pizzas as well. There is also an extensive craft beer and bourbon menu. It's a great place for a date!
310 Mt Zion Rd. Ste. 4, Florence, KY 41042
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Another great chili chain that was started in Cincinnati, Gold Star Chili was founded in the Mt. Washington neighborhood in 1965. Today there are many locations around the area, including this one in Florence, KY. This chili comes with a mountain of cheddar cheese, plus onions, beans, and spaghetti if you choose. Or, add chili to one of their delicious burgers for an unbelievably tasty dinner. Dine in or grab your chili to go through the drive-thru.
6032 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213
5-way chili, chili cheese fries, Coney dogs, and more, Pleasant Ridge Chili Restaurant has all your chili favorites. This old-timey diner has a variety of comfort food as well as some of the best chili in town. They also serve some delicious breakfasts! Dine in or order your chili to go and serve it during your upcoming holiday dinners. This restaurant is open until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, so it's a great place to stop for a late evening snack. Affordable prices, no-frills service, and great food, it's a true Cincinnati staple.
9525 Kenwood Rd. Suite 5, Blue Ash, OH 45242
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Among the many varieties of chili on the menu at Blue Ash Chili is a "6-way" Cincinnati-style chili with chili, spaghetti, beans, onions, cheese, and fried jalapeno caps. This unique local restaurant also features the No Freakin' Way Challenge. If you can eat 2.5 lbs. of spaghetti topped with 2.5 lbs. of chili, 2 lbs. of shredded cheese, and 1 lb. of jalapeno caps in 60 minutes, then your meal is free. If not, you'll be featured on the Wall of Shame!
Where will you warm up with a delicious bowl of chili around Cincinnati?