There’s no doubt Columbus is a sporting town, from the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Blue Jackets, Clippers and Crew, the Arnold plus all the visiting athletic events at the Convention Center or other venues. Whatever the game, local fans and visiting aficionados love making a day of it, grabbing dinner and drinks beforehand, strolling walkable neighborhoods, hitting up a bar or late night eats as things wind down.

LUNCH OR DINNER BEFORE THE GAME

Fried Chicken, Ice Cream, and Everything In-Between at North Market

The historic North Market downtown is a must-stop for anyone getting to know Columbus’ culinary scene. The market hall has helped grow a number of local favorites: it’s the starting point for Jeni’s Ice Creams, it served as Hot Chicken Takeover’s first full location, and kicked off Dos Hermanos, Barrel & Boar, Bubbles Tea & Juice. At North Market you can travel the world without leaving central Ohio: taste everything from Nepali dumplings to Mediterranean fatayers, pierogis to ramen to Somali rice and chicken.

Oysters and Beer at The Pearl

Cameron Mitchell’s signature Short North brewpub is known for their hearty, upscale pub fare like jalapeno corn bread, oysters on the half shell, burgers, braised short ribs, fish and chips. Catching a weekend game? Make reservations for The Pearl’s terrific weekend brunch.

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