Ratings and reviews
Cliffside Sports Bar Photos
Cliffside Sports Bar Reviews
Cliffside is everything you want from a hole in the wall bar! It's a classic pool, darts and friends type of spot. It's a casual place where you don't need to dress up - just show up as yourself! The bartenders will make sure you've got everything you need.
Let me start by saying if you're looking for a trendy spot with 30 craft beers on tap and infusion drinks, look elsewhere. Cliffside is an unpretentious, chill spot to grab a bucket of beer and some shots with friends. I've been coming to Cliffside since they opened...maybe 10-11 years ago?! I don't get over there as much as when I lived 5 minutes away, but we still make the trip from the near east side from time to time. In all of that time, I've always had good service from friendly bartenders. The beers are always cheap and the shots/drinks are always a good pour. It's a great place to get together with your friends and blow off some steam, catch up, shoot some pool or throw some darts. There are plenty of TV's to catch a game as well. The fact that you can get Casa di Pizza (next door) from the bar is a huge bonus!! I miss having a spot like Cliffside close to home, and will continue coming out here for a good, chill night of good drinks & pizza with our friends!
This to me is a true dive bar. It is full of regulars, old TVs, the same bartenders for years, and it is in a small strip of stores- and I love it! We have stopped in for dinner and a couple of drinks and we've spent 6 or 7 hours in here watching football all day. Either way, it is great. We usually have great service from the bartenders, they are really personable. The food comes from next door at Casa di Pizza which is some of the best pizza in town. It is all handled by the bartender though so you just sit down and place your order and enjoy. There is no food on Sundays though. For a chill night and good food- this is your place!
Cliffside Sports Bar
Cliffside Sports Bar in Columbus, OH is more than just your average local spot. Located at 2978 McKinley Ave, this laid-back venue blends the energy of a true American sports bar with the warmth of a neighborhood diner. Whether you're craving wings during the game or just want a cold one after work, this is where it all happens.
Where to Watch the Game in Columbus: A True Local Favorite
If you're searching for a spot that brings fans together, Cliffside Sports Bar has it down to a science. With wall-to-wall screens, including high-definition projectors and flat panels strategically placed, there's not a bad seat in the house. Sundays feel like holidays when NFL RedZone is on, and the atmosphere is electric.
Local fans know Cliffside isn't just about the big leagues — college football, UFC nights, and even hometown high school games get screen time here. I remember catching a Buckeyes game during my first visit — the place roared like a stadium, but the bartender still remembered my drink.
Staff are quick, friendly, and know the regulars. It's the kind of place where the server remembers you like it’s home. That’s part of the charm that makes people keep coming back, game after game.
Food and Drink That Keep the Crowd Coming
Let’s talk menu. It’s not just fried food and beer — though those are top-notch here. We’re talking hand-pressed burgers, loaded nachos, and house-smoked wings that beat out even some of the BBQ joints nearby. The wings come in varieties like garlic parmesan, honey sriracha, and the fire-breathing “Cliffside Inferno.”
There’s also a comfort-food side to things. You’ll find chicken and waffles, homestyle mac & cheese, and even a rotating weekly blue-plate special that surprises even the regulars. Drink-wise, the tap list features local Ohio breweries, rotating IPAs, and of course, budget-friendly game-day buckets.
And don't sleep on their happy hour. From 4–7 PM, draft beers, well drinks, and select appetizers come at unbeatable prices. If you’ve ever had their $5 loaded fries with an ice-cold pint, you’ll understand why it's a local favorite.
A Community Vibe with All the Right Touches
Cliffside isn’t just a bar — it’s a community hangout. You’ve got pool tables, darts, jukebox tunes, and the occasional live music night that turns the space into a dance floor. They’ve even hosted fundraisers for local schools, veteran appreciation nights, and trivia tournaments that pack the place with regulars and first-timers alike.
It’s not unusual to see families at brunch on Sundays, then return with friends to catch a game in the evening. The location makes it easy to find whether you're a Columbus native or just passing through. Tucked between industrial streets and residential blocks, it feels like a hidden gem only locals know — though it's welcoming to everyone.
Even if you’re not into sports, Cliffside offers that nostalgic, throwback bar feel — one that’s harder and harder to find these days. From the vintage neon beer signs to the handwritten daily specials on the chalkboard behind the bar, it feels authentic in the best way.
Honest Reviews Back It Up
Locals rave about Cliffside for a reason. On platforms like Yelp and Google, the place holds a strong 4.5-star average, and reviews consistently mention the consistency of the food, the friendly staff, and the unpretentious atmosphere. One reviewer wrote: “It’s the kind of place where you go once, and they treat you like you’ve been there forever.”
Sure, some mention the parking lot being a little tight on big game days — but that’s just part of the scene. If anything, it adds to the buzz. Cliffside doesn't try to be a polished gastropub or trendy lounge. It knows exactly what it is — a no-fuss neighborhood bar with great food, better vibes, and the best crowd in town.
For a true taste of Columbus bar culture, you don’t need to look further. Cliffside Sports Bar delivers on food, service, and atmosphere — all while giving you front-row seats to the games that matter most.
10/10 dive bar. Great prices for beer and great prices/pours for liquor. They have 4 pool tables 4 dart boards and a bunch of tvs for sports. Great place if you aren't looking for anything extra just straight to the point dive bar.