I will be going to Columbus for the NCAA Tournament games this weekend (GO SLU!). I’m staying in the DoubleTree downtown by Nationwide Arena. It looks like there are a number of decent beer spots within walking distance. I’m looking for suggestions on the essential ones, though, as well as any food spots that we shouldn’t miss. We’ll be arriving Thursday afternoon and staying through Saturday morning if SLU loses and Sunday night if SLU wins. Hopefully it’s the latter so we get to drink more local beer. For beer place suggestions, I’d appreciate any input on whether the places are good ones to watch games at or not (i.e. a decent amount of TVs to watch the games). Cheers, Peter
Best walking distance location for great beer and food will be Barley's. http://barleysbrewing.com/downtown/index.htm The TV situation there is not ideal, however.
Best Happy Hour would probably be Bodega http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/13916/?view=beerfly Would probably be a bit of a hike but excellent selection and prices during HH, and if the weather is nice you won't mind the walk at all. Again, not the most ideal spot for TV watching.
I'm not sure but there may be a winking lizard in Columbus. Good selection of micro draft beer, good screens, and the food is good.
Both Barley's and Bodega have some TVs, but neither are really a "sports bar". There's a Gordon Biersch almost attached to the arena. Haven't been to the newly opened 3 Legged Mare right there as well. Brother's Bar & Grill is dirt cheap and has a million TVs but not big on craft beers. Bar Louie might be a good happy medium....and it's right there in the thick of things. If tequila is your thing the Park St. Cantina has tequila flights. And the one non-alcohol must have recommendation is Jeni's ice cream in the North Market. Keep in mind the Arena District will be PACKED all weekend long, especially since it's St. Patrick's Day weekend. Tons of activity planned for the area.
Definitely go to Jeni's Ice Cream. You're going to think I'm crazy, but there is a place called "Dairy Family" on the corner of W. 5th ave and Highland that has a decent Craft selection that almost nobody knows about. Also, there is a Taco truck in the parking lot called "Junior's Tacos" that has some amazing mexican food. Take High Street north to 5th (there is an american apparel on the corner) and turn left (west) go about 4 blocks and on the right you will see Dairy Family. The place looks (and really is) SUPER shady. but the craft beer selection is good, the tacos are fantastic, and if you are planning on going to Bodega, it's just around the corner.
Park St Tavern. Good place to watch games, 2 dozen mostly craft handles, and some bottles. Also within short walk to arena. Bodega for Happy Hour is great. And I strongly recommend the beers from Columbus Brewing.
Although it doesn't have the greatest reputation here on Beer Advocate, try World Of Beer ( http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/27561 ).. It is a pretty large sports bar that basically only sells craft beer. It is a few blocks south of downtown in the Brewery District. The have around 40 taps and several hundred bottles. Since you are coming from out of state, I assume they will have some stuff you can't get. Worth a try in my opinion, considering most others have replied without much consideration of your desire to watch March Madness!
Oh I forgot to mention. Go to Thurman's in German village. There is usually a wait but you have to go and get a Thurman burger. GET THURMANATED!
I go to bodega consistantly at least once a week. I'm actually heading that way to go to Columbus Brewing Co. in about 20 minutes. Heard they have a triple ipa on tap, well see about that! I'll let ya know how it is!
Thanks for all the help, everybody. Look forward to some Columbus drinking. I hope SLU wins so I can stay an extra two days.
Columbus Brewing Company has several tvs usually tuned to sports, good if you're sitting at the bar, but CBC is not a sports bar. Might not have the sound on?
If you like hockey, go to Rail Bar in the arena district. THEY HAVE A FREAKING PENALTY BOX YOU CAN SIT IN AND DRINK!
