It seems like just last week we were cheering on the Buckeyes and singing the chorus of Carmen Ohio, but it's once again time to dig out your gray and scarlet for football season! The Buckeyes never fail to impress, and their on-field success draws hordes of fans to support them at home and on the road. Of course, this means the pre-game tailgating festivities are some of the rowdiest in the country. Here is everything you need to know about tailgating for a Buckeyes game, but in short, the goal is to arrive early, cheer loudly (for the correct team, mind you), and have a blast. Go Buckeyes! Where to Go
Snagging an invite to a friend's tent or tailgating party is one of the most common ways to celebrate, but if you aren't sure where to start, here are some of our favorite venues in the stadium vicinity.
Hineygate was a popular pre-game party and a Buckeyes tradition since 1984, but was unfortunately shut down in 2009 after Ohio State purchased the Holiday Inn, where it was held. Buckeyes fans won't be silenced that easily, however, and the venue has since moved to the Varsity Club. The tailgating extravaganza, now dubbed the "Crank it Up Party," still draws more than 10,000 party-goers over the course of game day, and remains the world's largest (and in our opinion, best) tailgating party in the country. It is something every Bucks fan should experience at least once.
The Bier Stube has served Columbus since 1966, and despite the drastic change in the surrounding area, maintains its historic charm. Here, you'll find an impressive array of beer on draft at low prices, and plenty of locals celebrating before, during and after the game.
This Irish-inspired bar is located just across from South Campus Gateway, and serves more than 125 different beers. Make your choice and join your fellow Ohio State fans in the bar area or on the large outdoor patio.
The Little Bar has a big reputation for its rowdy game day shenanigans. Enjoy free-flowing beer and well drinks all day long as you get ready for the big game. When it comes time for kickoff, head outside to watch from the big screen!
This dive bar has been a favorite among locals for years — and for good reason. It remains one of the absolute best sports to watch the game (or any sporting event, for that matter), in an upbeat, friendly environment. Cheer along with the crowd, and enjoy a top-notch selection of drinks and bites. What to Wear
Supporters of the opposing team are bound to get a little bit of flack — so you best be wearing gray and scarlet to avoid any confusion. Here are the best shops to stock up on your apparel for game day (and every day).
You are bound to find the best Ohio State products right at the source, which is why we always recommend The Ohio State University football stadium gift shop. You might pay a little more, but you can ensure your gear is authentic. Plus, shopping around for tee shirts, hats, tees and even stamped toilet paper in the campus gift shop is an experience in its own right.
Find officially licensed gear for The Ohio State University all year round at Buckeye Corner, located on Polaris Parkway. This store carries the standard tee shirts, hats, sweatshirts and more, but you will also find rare memorabilia, collector's items and more.
Conrad's College Gifts never fails to impress with its wide selection of shirts, mugs, pet accessories, party supplies and more. Plus, the prices will likely be a bit lower here than at the campus gift shop. Stop by for all of your tailgating needs, including football bead necklaces, mini footballs, koozies, seat cushions, foam fingers and more! Where to Stock up for the Party
If you're partying at a friend's house or hosting a tailgating extravaganza by the stadium, you will definitely need some grilling supplies, some seven-layer dip, some peanut butter and chocolate buckeyes, and plenty of beverages. Here are some nearby shops to keep in mind.
2801 N. High St. For chips, dip, and other necessary groceries, Giant Eagle is your best bet. Conveniently located near campus, this supermarket offers frequent sales and rewards programs, which will help you save money on your weekly tailgates.
2770 N. High St. This smaller, neighborhood market is known for its broad selection of healthy and organic foods, but also gives Columbus locals the resources they need for easy weeknight meals and game day treats to please, including coupons and recipes. It's the perfect place to stock up on a few locally sourced brats and burgers for game day.
2971 N. High St. What's a tailgate without good beer, anyway? Lineage is one of our favorite spots to grab a pint with friends before the game, or get a growler filled on the way to our chosen venue. Lineage serves up flavorful and innovative beers on tap, and earned a spot on our list of the best breweries in Columbus. Note, you probably won't be allowed to bring glass into the stadium area, but a full growler from a local brewery is a great option for a laid back party at a friend's house.
Campus State Liquor Store
2465 N. High St. You won't find a better beverage selection within miles of campus, and the service is tough to beat. The staff is happy to provide you with recommendations, be it for yourself or for a large crowd. How to BehaveWearing the school colors might not be enough for your fellow fans. You will also have to hoot, holler, and act the part if you want to be truly accepted into the fray. Here are some rules of thumb to follow while you're rooting for the home team.
Follow the Rules
Nothing ruins the party quite like getting kicked out of it. If you're celebrating in or near the stadium, you will want to read up on the official list of school policies here.
Sing Carmen Ohio (and Sing it Loudly)
This catchy tune wasn't created as the official Ohio State song. In fact, it was written by freshman Fred Cornell in 1902. Still, it remains the only school song still in existence, and truly represents the spirit of Ohio State students. Expect a chorus (or a few) to break out at football games. Study the lyrics here so you are well prepared.
Know the Buckeye Battle Cry
You may not realize it, but you have a big job as a fan. Your responsibility is to terrify the other team with your thunderous cheering and perfectly executed Buckeye Battle Cry.
Show up to the Game
Tailgating is fun and all, but remember the reason you're doing it! Make sure to support your team properly by cheering them on at the stadium, or with fellow fans in a local sports bar. If you did actually snag tickets, try to get there early! The crowds getting into the stadium will be thick, and you will want plenty of time to find your seat (and grab a snack) before the game starts.
Vintage furniture is a classic way to liven up your space. Antiques typically come with an interesting history (which is fun to share at dinner parties), but they also offer the chance to make them your own. Amy Cabilovski, a native of Westerville, Ohio, has a passion for bringing vintage furniture to life. With a background in graphic design and roots in the furniture business, it just seemed natural to combine her passions — and thus, Edwin Loy Home was born. Her shop, which specializes in home decor and artisan furniture, is celebrating its five-year anniversary this year, and has expanded to a second location in Delaware. We spoke to Cabilovski about her journey with this local treasure so far, and what she plans to do next.
Even if you're not planning to buy anything, meandering through a farmers' market is an experience in and of itself. You'll smell bright flowers, sample freshly baked pastries, and get to rummage through the piles and piles of fresh produce that the farmers are showcasing. A conversation with one of these farmers can reveal so much about their passions, their hardships, and about why shopping local is always the best way to go. Martin Stehli, owner and founder of Blueberried Alive, is one such farmer. A born-and-raised Ohio native, Stehli has drawn a lot of support from his family and the surrounding community to make his dream of growing and selling fresh blueberries a reality. We spoke to him about his Columbus roots, the beginnings of his blueberr...
Columbus is not lacking in incredible food options. In fact, our beloved town is quickly climbing the charts as one of the best foodie towns in the nation, featuring trendy upscale staples, food trucks, and local haunts alike. Even surrounded by all of these incredible choices, there are some days when nothing hits the spot quite like a big, greasy burger topped with all the fixin's. On those days (which occur more often than we'd like to admit), we hit up one of our 10 favorite burger joints in Columbus, so we decided to share the love. From elegant and trendy to just plain delicious, there's a burger for everyone on this list. Enjoy!
Cozied up in an alley in downtown lies a century-old tavern serving up some of the best burgers in town. The Ringside Cafe, which has been around since 1897 (wowza), is a little taste of history in an otherwise modernized, urban area. The dining area is decorated with charming memorabilia from days gone by, including antique paintings and stained glass windows, and features a friendly, pub-like ambience that invites you in to stay awhile.After you've ordered a pint, move on to the "Heavyweights" section of the menu. Here, you'll see an impressive list of burgers, all named after famous wrestling champions — the Oscar de La Hoya, with roasted red pepper, provolone and garlic aioli, is our favorite.
Oliver's
26 North High Street, Columbus Oliver's manages to be cozy, accessible, elegant, and low-key all at once — we suspect the intimate booths and exposed brick walls have something to do with it. Once you've settled down in your seat of choice, the next step will be to choose a burger, which is not a simple task. The menu features seven choices, all wildly different, and all wildly impressive. One that catches our eye is the poutine burger, topped with crispy cheese curds and a rich bourbon demi glace…yes please.
If you're looking for a burger experience that's a bit more elevated, Third and Hollywood is your place. The dimly-lit dining room is perfect for a romantic date night, and the menu features chef-driven, cleverly-crafted comfort food with an urban twist. Start your meal off with some whole grilled artichokes or an iron skillet of cheddar herb biscuits before moving on to the main event. The Hollywood Burger is your target, and features Niman Ranch brisket and chuck ground in-house daily, topped with cheddar and served with french fries. This is honestly one of the most beautiful meals we've ever seen, which is why it made our list of The Most Instagram-Worthy Meals in Columbus.
Flipside
3945 Easton Station, Columbus
Excuse us for the pun, but the burgers at Flipside really are worth flipping over. The namesake "Flipside" Burger is made with two-year-aged cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, charred red onions, balsamic vinegar and house-made BBQ sauce. Pair that with your choice of hand-cut fries (options range from chili-cheese to truffle) and a milkshake, and you've got a meal that's tough to beat. All of this is served up with a smile in chic, rustic digs — perfect for casual hangouts and date nights alike.
We didn't think we'd live to see the day a meatless burger made a top-ten list, but today is that day. Eden Burger opened in early July on North High Street, and has already made a splash in the Columbus food scene with its creative combinations and fun atmosphere. Carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike will swoon over the hearty cheeseburgers, fried pickles, milkshakes and hand-cut fries — all plant-based, all organic, and all delicious.
Melt Bar & Grilled
4206 Worth Avenue, Easton Gateway, Columbus
OR
840 North High Street, Columbus
This iconic Ohio chain might be famous for its drool-worthy grilled cheeses, but burger seekers will not be disappointed. Most of the stacked sandwiches at Melt Bar & Grilled are piled high with meat anyway, and the cheeseburger is no exception. This beauty is a mouthwatering collision of two American classics, and features a freshly ground steak burger nestled between two melted layers of cheese and grilled, buttery bread. It's sure to have you cheesin' in no time.
O'Reilly's Pub
2822 North High Street, ColumbusO'Reilly's Pub is a local gathering place that you just can't help but love. The venue itself is about as old school as it gets, with leather booth seating, low lighting, and a long wooden bar serving as the centerpiece. The kitchen, which is open until 11:30 nightly, whips up no-frills, inexpensive burgers that are simply mouthwatering. Enjoy it in the bar or outside on the patio during the warmer months.
This cheerful burger joint never fails to impress with its hearty burgers, thick shakes, and a la carte sides. The burgers are all made with locally sourced, grass-fed beef and served on a sesame seed bun, and come in standard and large sizes (always get the large). We recommend the Red White & Blue burger, which comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle — and we always add that bacon because 'Merica.
Gahanna Grill
82 Granville St., GahannaSince 1939, Gahanna Grill has grown its reputation for friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere, and straight-up great food. The restaurant has recently become popular for hosting one of the best St. Patrick's Day parties in town, but the incredible burgers make it a go-to destination year round. Take, for instance, the Beanie burger. The classic stack of beef, bacon, tomato, lettuce homemade slaw may include typical ingredients, but tastes well above average. This is thanks to the expertise of local legend Beanie, who ran the kitchen at Gahanna for a long time, and can still be found hanging around the dining room from time to time!
The Thurman Cafe
183 Thurman Ave, Columbus
Of course no list would be complete without an oversized, toppings-loaded burger from Thurman's. Since 1942, this spot has earned a reputation as one of the best burger hot spots in the state — not only because of the expansive burger menu (more than 20 to choose from), but also because of the high quality ingredients and welcoming atmosphere. If you're up for a challenge, square up to the Thurmanator, which includes two 12-ounce burgers, sautéed mushrooms, onions, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, banana peppers, mayo and three kinds of cheese. You might need a few friends for this one.
Bareburger
4560 North High Street, Columbus
OR
463 North High Street, Columbus
This New York-based chain might be big now, but it started from humble beginnings. With a hope, a prayer and a love for burgers, a group of friends from California decided to open up a sustainable, locally sourced burger joint in Queens. 15 years later, the restaurant has expanded from its small, run-down ex bakery to locations across the world, including two right here in Columbus. If you're looking for a fresh, organic burger served up with a smile (and a side of fries of course), look no further than Bareburger.
Bon Appétit!
We know you're probably craving a burger now. Sorry about that. Here's a map to easily find the most convenient burger spot!
We respect your concerns about privacy and value the relationship that we have with you.
Like many sites, we use cookies on our website to collect information to help improve your browsing experience. The cookies that we use allow our website to work and help us to understand what information is most useful to visitors.