
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
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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?

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
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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?

The weather is getting colder, the leaves are changing color, and Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. For most people, a filling turkey dinner is central to a Thanksgiving celebration. If you have a small family or a busy schedule, you may not want to spend all morning in the kitchen. Luckily, several excellent Northeast Ohio restaurants will be offering takeout and to-go meals on Thanksgiving Day. Here are a few top choices.
1210 Winesburg St. Wilmot, OH 44689
Amish Door Restaurant is another great place to purchase a homemade Thanksgiving dinner. They charge per person, so you can buy as many or as few meals as you like. Each dinner includes roasted turkey, ham, and all the classic sides. They can package it up family-style if you have a larger order.
Amish Door Restaurant is especially known for its desserts. The Pumpkin Roll is a great option for those who want an alternative to pie.
1015 Edison St., Hartville, OH 44632
View this post on Instagram
Hartville Kitchen is a welcoming, family-friendly restaurant and bakery that offers takeout Thanksgiving meals. They usually offer three dinner options for groups of 6, 12, or 24. You can choose between ham and turkey as your main entree. Each dinner also includes mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, gravy, cranberry salad, rolls, and green beans or corn.
Thanksgiving dinner isn't complete without pie! Order from Hartville Kitchen, and you'll also get fresh-baked pies with your meal. Choose from pumpkin, apple, mixed berry, and pecan. Place your order online so your order is ready on Thanksgiving Day.
17112 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
If you eat vegan or plant-based, or if you're simply trying to reduce your meat consumption, Cleveland Vegan is a great place to pick up some Thanksgiving meals. They make everything from scratch, in-house. Choose between two different dish sizes, which feed 4-6 or 8-10. You can order each dish a la carte.
Top Thanksgiving dishes at Cleveland Vegan include walnut-stuffed mushrooms, gluten-free tater tot casserole, and cinnamon pecan cupcakes.
7138 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718
View this post on Instagram
Buehler's Fresh Foods is a local Ohio grocery store chain that sells fresh, locally grown foods in a relaxed setting. They sell prepared Thanksgiving dinners that you can purchase cold and heat up at home.
Buehler has a few different options. You can purchase their dinner for two and enjoy a small, intimate Thanksgiving celebration. Or, purchase larger portions of a la carte dishes to host a larger meal for family and friends. Don't forget to take home an apple or pecan pie, too. They're baked in-store, and the scent fills the market.
1390 W. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Mallorca is a unique Spanish restaurant in downtown Cleveland. They don't make a traditional Thanksgiving dinner but offer some unique twists on Thanksgiving favorites. Guests love their chorizo pinenut stuffing, for example. Their turkey dinner also includes delicious mashed sweet potatoes.
Mallorca will offer their Thanksgiving dinners for dine-in and takeout on the special day. You can also purchase desserts a la carte. The pumpkin cheesecake is divine!
8803 Brecksville Rd., Cleveland, OH 44141
View this post on Instagram
If you're looking for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for one, then Creekside Restaurant is the place to go. This local favorite serves incredible takeout meals with all the fixings. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and aim to make a modern twist on the classics.
The turkey at Creekside Restaurant is always tender and juicy. Guests also rave about their fluffy mashed potatoes and cornbread sausage stuffing. The meals are picked up cold, but detailed heating instructions are included.
7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Buying Thanksgiving dinner from an airport hotel may sound strange at first, but Embassy Suites has a fabulous restaurant. They prepare and sell Thanksgiving meals that you can pick up curbside. Pick yours up hot on Thanksgiving Day or cold the day before Thanksgiving.
Meals from Embassy Suites are designed to feed 6-8 people. Each kit includes a whole, roasted turkey, au jus, cranberry relish, buttermilk mashed potatoes, green beans, knotted rolls, and your choice of a pie. You can add prime rib to your order upon request; it comes with a delicious horseradish cream sauce.
2207 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
View this post on Instagram
Maybe you've been to The South Side to watch the game and enjoy some bar food. Thanksgiving dinner is a bit of a departure from their normal fare, but they do a great job preparing and serving it. Each dinner comes with sliced turkey breast, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
The South Side packages all of their Thanksgiving dinners with clear reheating instructions. Buy one dinner for a quiet Thanksgiving or a whole stack of dinners for a relaxed, hassle-free family party.
1700 55th St. NE, Canton, OH 44721
Gervasi Vineyard is a great choice for those seeking a slightly modernized, creative twist on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Their dinners all include delicious turkey breast with white gravy. Their mashed potatoes are made with redskins and garlic, and they'll definitely have you reaching for seconds. Each meal also includes sage stuffing, plus green beans with almonds and cranberries.
Gervasi Vineyard sells family-style dinners, and each package serves 5-6 people. They're sold cold, and heating instructions are included. Order online; the website allows you to select a pickup time.
What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Dining options are limited when you can't eat an ingredient that's present in virtually everything. Whether you're just mildly gluten-sensitive or have a more serious allergic reaction, navigating the dining establishments in your area can be tricky—especially when you've just moved to a new neighborhood. Don't worry, though. If you're looking for a good place to have lunch in Northeast Ohio with safe, gluten-free menu options, here are nine of our favorites.
12200 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106
If you're craving Italian, Mia Bella is where you want to go. Not only is their food delicious, with a Mediterranean flair, but all of their pizza and pasta menu items have gluten-free options. Try the lobster ravioli with spinach, truffle oil, and tomato cream sauce. Or have some gnocchi with roasted garlic and kalamata olives, or pizzas like pepperoni and basil, prosciutto and arugula, and more. If you're going for lunch, be sure to go on Saturday, as they open at noon. But whenever you go, you're sure to have a great meal.
1809 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44301
View this post on Instagram
Ms. Julie's, in Akron, takes pride in their healthy and ethical menu options. The entire menu is vegan, and plenty of gluten-free options are also available. Try their Sloppy Mac—a cross between mac and cheese and sloppy joe, with dairy-free cheese and brown rice pasta. Many of their ordinarily glutenous dishes have gluten-free options as well, including brown rice flour donuts and gluten-free carrot cake with cashew icing. Ms. Julie's has all your favorite comfort foods, made healthy, ethically, and guilt-free. While the restaurant is temporarily closed for renovations, Ms. Julie's should be back in business later this month.
2835 Whipple Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708
First opened in 1983, Gregory's provides Canton with fresh and delicious food with friendly, knowledgeable service. Plus, they have an entire, extensive menu for their gluten-free patrons. That includes burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches with gluten-free bread, waffles and pancakes with gluten-free flour, and more—plus soups, salads, omelets, and other options that are always gluten-free and always delicious. They even have a gluten-free fryer for their french fries to prevent cross-contamination. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gregory's is a great place for a worry-free breakfast or lunch.
23 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
View this post on Instagram
This locally owned lunch spot has a variety of sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and more—all with gluten-free substitutes available upon request. Try their Cuban Quesadilla, with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard in a gluten-free tortilla. Or their BBQ chicken panini with gluten-free bread. And be sure to check out their array of grilled cheeses, like jalapeno popper, cilantro lime, and bacon pickle. They also serve a wide array of coffees, teas, energy drinks, and more. Open until 4 p.m., it's a perfect spot to grab lunch in Akron.
1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
While many of the locations on this list offer gluten-free substitutes, Taza simply has a wide range of menu options that aren't bread-based, making them gluten-free naturally. The shish lamb specialty salad has tomatoes, olives, and feta, with lemon herb vinaigrette or tahini dressing. The mixed grill has a selection of beef, lamb, and chicken. They also have kabobs, kaftas, and other options, many of them served with rice rather than a glutenous side. Be sure to confirm with the staff which items are gluten-free before ordering, but your lunch options here are pretty wide.
2185 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
View this post on Instagram
Dedicated to making food that's both healthy and flavorful, Bam! makes it a point to accommodate a variety of dietary needs and restrictions, including those with gluten issues. If you're looking for a great lunch, try one of their amazing salads, like goat cheese and almond, or hot and spicy pecan. You can order in advance for pickup or delivery or just go in and let them know your dietary needs. They're always happy to help you find something safe and healthy that you'll love.
4223 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH 44708
If you're looking for simple and delicious casual dining, Pete's Family Restaurant in Canton is a great option. Their gluten-free options aren't labeled on the menu, but ask your server, and they'll help you find something you'll love. Customers rave about their gluten-free pasta dishes, from spaghetti marinara to chicken alfredo, rotini, and more. And they prepare their gluten-free items separately from the rest of their menu to avoid cross-contamination.
5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
View this post on Instagram
This Mediterranean eatery features a wide variety of gluten-free offerings on its menu, all clearly labeled as such. Try one of their charcuterie boards, with various cheeses, fruits, honey, and roasted nuts. If you want something more substantial, go for the chicken avgolemono, poached with dill, parsley, lemon, and golden rice. Or try the Tuscan kale salad with pickled red onions, cherry tomatoes, and garlic-herb breadcrumbs, which can be made gluten-free upon request. Some of their menu offerings come with crackers, for which they also have gluten-free substitutes. Overall, Astoria Cafe is very accommodating to its gluten-free patrons and eager to help you find a lunch dish you'll love.
Which delicious, gluten-free menu options do you want to try?