Here are some locally-owned sports bars that specialize in just that sort of thing:
Hinders Sports Bar & Grill
902 W. Main St., Tipp City
Website | Facebook | Call (937) 667-4433
Why it rates: You have to love an establishment that serves sandwiches bigger than most mouths (I said most). They offer daily drink specials aimed at the football fan to go with a colorful atmosphere.
What fans are saying: "This place is one of the reasons I'm ruined on wings — they are just too good. The wings are big, not overly fried, and succulent." (Thomas Cairns, Google)
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Patterson Pub 970 Patterson Road, Dayton
Facebook | Call (937) 296-9476
Why it rates: Tucked away where Kettering, Oakwood and Dayton all give each other the eye, this has long been a Cleveland Browns haven dating back to the days of Taggart's.
The pub sells Browns Club memberships for $25 according to its FaceBook page. The membership includes a custom designed t-shirt, discount drinks during games, burgers, hot dogs and a nacho bar during games and a chance to win two tickets to the Bengals vs. Browns game on the party deck.
What fans are saying: "Very positive, laid-back atmosphere!! Great liquor selection and prices!" (Rachel Wiseman, Google)
Clancy’s Tavern
5514 Burkhardt Road, Dayton
Facebook | Call (937) 256-9333
Credit: Photo by Sheri Sine
Credit: Photo by Sheri Sine
Why it rates: A giant room with games in the round to go with stellar bar food. You may not believe it, but people actually come here just to eat and not watch football. Then there's the nearly 30 beers on tap along with their bucket beers specials.
Game-day Specials:
Aluminum Bud and Bud Light bottles are 5 for $12.50 until 9 p.m.. Amaretto Sours are the drink of the day each Thursday ($3.50) and Bloody Mary’s are Sunday’s drink during football season. ($3.50).
What fans are saying: "A great place to gather with fellow Bengals fans. Lots of good eats and good times. It's not only a great place to watch the game, but also a good place to watch other games, too!" (Ken Hallum, Bengals.com/fanzone)
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Bunkers Sports Bar & Grill
893 E. National Road., Vandalia
Website | Facebook | Call (937) 415-0185
Why it rates: The bar is literally surrounded by television screens, so there's no missing a play… unless you get caught up trying to read all of the more than 40 beers on tap that rotate regularly.
The menu is chock full of great American bar fare, included their much-heralded wings. But you should do yourself a favor and get there early enough (starting at 8 a.m.) for their ginormous breakfast portions.
What fans are saying: "Best place ever! Love their food. Love watching the Browns and Buckeye games..." (Lisa Ford Jennings, Facebook)
Tuty's Bar & Grill
3982 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn
Facebook | Call (937) 426-4266
Why it rates: This place, a popular hangout for Wright State students and Wright-Patt employees alike for decades since 1972, was reborn in 2006 following a devastating fire that destroyed the old structure a year earlier. Tuty's came back better than ever, embracing the craft beer wave and becoming home to the Beavercreek Browns Backers. It's also home to the BLTMEC: bacon, lettuce, tomato, egg and cheese.
Hungry and thirsty on a Monday night? Watch the NFL game while dining on half price pizzas and $3 drafts and bottles.
What fans are saying: "Great atmosphere! Other than it being a Browns establishment, Who Dey!!!! In all seriousness I had the pleasure of enjoying an order of perfectly cooked traditional hot wings alongside a delicious Dogfish Head 61 IPA. The wings arrived at just the right temperature to compliment the ice cold & crispy imperial pale ale." (Abril Cardell, Google)
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Geez Grill & Pub
5481 Far Hills Ave., Kettering
Facebook | (937) 439-0001
Why it rates: The Cleveland Browns playbook takes less time to read than the menu at Geez. Like pizza? They have it. Spaghetti? Got that too. Burgers? Yep. Steaks and prime rib? Definitely. There's always free popcorn and the staff is hard working and friendly.
What fans are saying: "Love Geez Grill & Pub. Been going there for years, family owned and operated. Great atmosphere, food and people (burgers are awesome). Would recommend this place to anyone, in fact I have!" (Kathy Gates Anderson, Facebook)
Other places to consider:
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