Where to Eat and Drink Before and After a Blue Jackets Game

January 18, 2017

Columbus loves its Blue Jackets hockey, with fans gathering in the Arena District to cheer on their team and enjoy great good and drink.
This February you’ll find even more reasons to celebrate with the return of the Blue Jackets’ Winter Park. Set up in the McFerson Commons, the park features an outdoor skating rink and the Mad River Mountain Tubing Hill.
If you’re heading to Nationwide Arena for hockey this year, be sure to pre- or post-game at one of these spots nearby!
You’ll find terrific eats inside Nationwide Arena itself, and around the Arena District there are plenty of options, from burgers at Ted’s Montana Grill and pizzas at Boston Pizza, to craft beer and pub favorites at Gordon Biersch and creative Mexican fare at Nada, to Italian at Buca di Beppo and a carnivore’s heaven at Rodizio Grill.
Plenty of quality local food and drink is within walking distance of the Arena. The Flatiron Bar + Diner features a terrific selection of cocktails and craft beer to go with chef’s creations like Szechuan wings, jambalaya, steaks, and that popular Flatiron burger.
Just down High Street, Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus pairs their house brews with upscale pub classics in a beautiful historic building. Sip their Dark Force Lager or Three Frogs IPA while you savor chorizo nachos, scallop linguini or fish and chips. Or try their sizzling rock filet, served with a hot rock so you can cook your meats to preference. Bonus: before or after the game, find the Elevator’s 13th Floor Taproom on Fourth Street, where you can knock back a couple more pints of beer in the brewery itself.
The Barley’s Brewing Company brewpub is a go-to spot for sports and craft beer aficionados alike. They serve some of the most drinkable beers in Columbus, from their Scottish Ale to the Blood Thirst Wheat made with blood oranges. They’re best enjoyed with grilled wings, sauerkraut balls, burgers and sandwiches. Bonus: head upstairs after the game for more craft beer and arcade games at Brewcadia.
If you’re in the mood for burgers, Bareburger has you covered. They’re known for featuring free-range and organic meats in their burgers, from traditional beef and chicken to more unique choices like elk, bison, duck and wild boar.
Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails has long been a comfort food haven, serving pot roast, creamy mac and cheese and meatloaf to go with loads of craft beer and cocktails. Cozy up in a booth for food that feeds your soul.
Don’t let the night of entertainment end when the clock runs out! Stroll down to Pins Mechanical Co. to play classic games like pinball and duckpin bowling. Enjoy cocktails, beers and treats from Por’Ketta food truck.
Where do you like to begin and end a night at a Blue Jackets game?

January 6, 2017 by Nicholas Dekker
From the Experience Columbus Blog