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5 Columbus breweries for watching the NCAA Tournament

Keep your drinks local while watching the NCAA Tournament at these five local breweries in Columbus, Ohio.

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Jackie O’s will be celebrating its 18th year anniversary during the basketball games. | Photo via @jackieoscolumbus

The 2024 NCAA Tournament tips off on Thursday, March 21, and these local breweries are offering a spot to sip down while watching.

What makes a good brewery for watching basketball? In our opinion, there’s a winning formula: Ample seating, good food, strong drinks, and plenty of TVs. These spots are known for being busy throughout the day, so get there early and prepare to watch the demise of your bracket with a beer in hand.

Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall, 200 Kelton Ave.

This 13,000-sqft taproom offers multiple rooms, a patio, 24 taps of craft beer, and a full food menu. Keep things classic with chips and queso during the games, or pair an IPA with a cacio e pepe pizza.

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Sip a brew by the fire pit at CBC Beer Hall. | Photo via @cbcbeerhall

Endeavor Brewing and Spirits, 909 W. 5th Ave.

In addition to light and crushable beers like the Alpacalypse Pilsner, this brewery doubles as a distillery. Try locally made spirits, such as vodka, gin, and rum in craft cocktails.

Jackie O’s On Fourth, 171 N. 4th St.

This is one of the newest bars in downtown, and it offers a two-story patio — if the weather is permitting. Either way, the Athens-born brewery offers craft beer + it collaborates with “Goood Friends” for Midwest-style takeout food.

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Land-Grant is known for using its blow-up screen for sporting events and movies. | Photo via Land-Grant Brewing Co.

Land-Grant Brewing Co., 424 W. Town St.

Whether you are bellying up to the bar, sitting by the fire on the patio, or on a bench in the beer garden, there’s no bad seat here. Plus, treat yourself to a freshly smoked pulled pork sandwich from Ray Ray’s Hot Pit, the permanent food truck on site.

Taft’s Brewpourium, 440 W. Broad St.

We are firm believers that pizza can cure all busted bracket blues — especially a New Haven-style slice from Taft’s. It’s better known as “apizza” at the brewery, and all variations pair nicely with a light and refreshing Cold Boy Lager.

Did we miss our shot at your favorite brewery? Send your suggestions our way and we’ll add it to our list.

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