Best Craft Beer Bars for Buckeyes Fans in Columbus, Ohio

Being a fan of watching the Ohio State Buckeyes football games at Columbus, Ohio area bars doesn't have to involve drinking mass-produced yellow beer. Sports and craft beer work wonderfully together and Columbus football fans have choices when it comes to watching the Buckeyes on the big screen.

Barley's Smokehouse and Brewpub - 1130 Dublin Road, Columbus 614-485-0227
Ohio State grad and Columbus resident Janet Elder gave me the best reason to head to Barley's Smokehouse and Brewpub to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes every week:

"I like to watch the Ohio State games at Barley's Smokehouse because no matter where you sit, you can see a large screen TV and drink really good beer."

Known to local beer fiends as The Smokehouse, Barley's offers craft ales brewed by the godfather of Columbus micro-brewing, Scott Francis and award-winning barbecue smoked by Executive Chef Oscar Bickerdt, Jr.

In addition to their own beers, Barley's Smokehouse and Brewpub offers a wide variety of rotating guest ales on tap and in bottles. Craft breweries from around the country such as Dogfish Head, Bell's Brewery, Goose Island Brewing Company, Abita Brewing Company and Lagunitas Brewing Company have all found their way to The Smokehouse.

While the menu at Barley's Smokehouse has recently changed, most of the appetizer standbys are still available such as Mildred's Sauerkraut Balls, Skillet Nachos and the awesome smoked and grilled wings! Huge salads, wraps and a good variety of vegetarian options in addition to Barley's traditional barbecued beef, pork and chicken dishes will satisfy any Buckeye game-day appetite.

Winking Lizard Tavern - 1380 Bethel Road, Columbus 614-451-2647
Bil Swartz has a favorite bar for every event and it's the Winking Lizard Tavern. Several big-screens throughout the sports bar and patio and a great selection of craft beers, as well as occasionally opening for breakfast for a noon game makes the Winking Lizard Tavern a great place to watch the games for Buckeye fans that enjoy good beer.

Home to the Columbus area's World Tour of Beers, the Winking Lizard provides the largest variety of craft beers from around the world in the city. Any style of beer can be found on tap and in bottles and the World Tour features 200 beers. Each month, the Lizard features a keep-the-glass special.

The Lizard has a huge pub-grub menu with great wings and incredible pizza. Burgers, sandwiches and a wide variety of appetizers guarantee no one will go hungry. Plus, for those who need to carry their laptop with them while they are watching the Ohio State Buckeyes play football, the Winking Lizard Tavern has free Wi-Fi. Fans who like to sit outside on the huge patio can still watch the game on several televisions.

Both Barley's Smokehouse and Brewpub and the Winking Lizard Tavern maintain a Facebook presence to keep fans up to date on the newest beers, specials and coming events.

Barley's Smokehouse and Brewpub Facebook Page
Winking Lizard Tavern Facebook Page

Official Websites: Barley's Smokehouse and Brewpub
Winking Lizard Tavern