Best Bar in Cincinnati for Watching Football: The Filson
Cincinnati is a football town through and through. Whether you’re a die-hard Bengals fan or just love the excitement of watching the game with friends, finding the perfect spot to catch all the action is key. If you’re looking for the best sports bar in Cincinnati with a great atmosphere, upscale vibes, delicious game day food, and cold drinks, look no further than The Filson.
Situated in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, The Filson offers everything you need for the ultimate game-day experience. From its modern sports bar vibe to its prime location near Bengals stadium, it’s no wonder that The Filson is quickly becoming the go-to spot for football fans. Here’s why The Filson is the best bar in Cincinnati for watching football, and why you should make it your game day headquarters.
A Modern Sports Bar in Cincinnati with Upscale Vibes
The Filson isn’t your average Cincinnati sports bar. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. The modern sports bar vibe is perfect for fans who want to watch the game in style without sacrificing the lively energy that makes game days so exciting.
The bar is equipped with multiple large HD screens, strategically placed so you won’t miss a single play, no matter where you’re seated. The spacious interior, combined with a sleek design and comfortable seating, makes it an ideal setting for game days. Whether you’re grabbing a stool at the bar or settling into one of their plush booths with friends, The Filson ensures everyone has a prime spot to catch the action.
Best Sports Bars to Watch the Game in Cincinnati: Why The Filson Leads the Pack
Cincinnati is home to several sports bars, but The Filson stands out as the best sports bar to watch the game in Cincinnati. The upscale yet approachable environment makes it a perfect spot for groups of friends, solo fans, or even families looking to enjoy a game together.
One of the main reasons why The Filson is the best choice is its proximity to the action. This restaurant at The Banks near Bengals stadium is the perfect pre-game or post-game stop. If you’re heading to a Bengals game at Paycor Stadium, The Filson offers the convenience of being close enough to walk to and from the stadium, making it an ideal gathering spot for both home and away games.
Game Day Food in Cincinnati: The Filson’s Menu
No football game is complete without great food, and The Filson delivers some of the best game day food in Cincinnati. Whether you’re looking for shareable appetizers or hearty meals to keep you fueled through four quarters, their menu has something for everyone.
Shareable Starters for the Big Game
Start your game day feast with one of The Filson’s standout appetizers. The Big Dipper Nachos is a fan favorite, featuring Grippo’s seasoned fry dippers piled high with chili, cheese, onions, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, and pico de gallo. It’s the perfect plate to share with friends as you cheer on your team.
Another must-try is the Übersize Pretzel, toasted with everything seasoning and served with beer cheese and a ham spread—ideal for munching on while keeping your eyes on the game. For those craving something with a kick, the Ky Sticky Ribs—flash-fried baby back ribs coated in bourbon sauce—are guaranteed to satisfy your game day cravings.
Hearty Sandwiches and Mains
If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, The Filson’s sandwich offerings hit the spot. The Colonel DB’s Crispy Chicken sandwich is a game-changer, featuring a marinated and fried chicken breast coated in Grippo’s BBQ chip flour, then topped with Black Forest ham, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, mayo, and honey mustard. It’s a crunchy, savory treat that pairs perfectly with a cold beer.
Another standout is the locally made Mettwurst Sausage, served on a toasted bun and available “Nati Style” with chili, cheese, and onion or “OTR Style” with sauerkraut, tomato, mustard, and onion. These hearty sandwiches will keep you energized through every touchdown and field goal.
For those looking for classic game day eats, the Wings are a must. Choose from Buffalo, Bourbon Hot Honey, or Grippo’s dry BBQ Rub, all of which are served crispy and packed with flavor.
Best Bar Near Bengals Stadium: The Filson’s Prime Location
One of the best things about The Filson is its prime location as a bar near Bengals Stadium. Situated just a short walk from Paycor Stadium, The Filson is an ideal spot for Bengals fans to gather before, during, and after the game. Whether you’re heading to the stadium to watch the game live or looking for a place to enjoy the action with fellow fans, The Filson’s proximity makes it a no-brainer.
On game days, the atmosphere at The Filson is electric. Fans clad in orange and black fill the bar, creating a high-energy environment that mirrors the excitement of the stadium. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a win or commiserate over a tough loss, all while enjoying great food, cold drinks, and unbeatable service.
Best Restaurant in Downtown Cincinnati for Watching Sports
When it comes to the best restaurant in downtown Cincinnati for watching sports, The Filson is at the top of the list. Not only does it offer a top-notch game-watching experience, but it also serves up restaurant-quality dishes that elevate the traditional sports bar fare.
If you’re in the mood for pizza, the Deluxe Taco Pizza is a unique and flavorful option, featuring seasoned ground beef, cheddar, jalapeños, black beans, and fresh pico. Or, try the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, which combines alfredo sauce, buffalo chicken, mozzarella, bacon, and ranch for a bold twist on a classic.
For seafood lovers, the Shrimp & Grits—with jumbo shrimp, cheddar grits, Smithfield ham, corn salsa, and asparagus in a light Creole sauce—is a game day delicacy that you won’t find at your average sports bar. Paired with one of The Filson’s craft beers or specialty cocktails, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy while watching your favorite team.
Drinks That Pair Perfectly with Football
Of course, no football-watching experience is complete without the right drinks, and The Filson’s drink menu has something for everyone. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or prefer cocktails, The Filson has you covered.
Beer lovers can choose from a wide selection of local brews, such as Rhinegeist Cheetah Lager or MadTree Phantom Forest Juicy Imperial IPA. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of their Beertails, like the Stadium Shandy or the fruity The Arrangement, which combines Miller Highlife with strawberries and grapefruit.
For cocktail fans, The Filson’s signature drinks are a must-try. The Filson Flyer is a refreshing blend of bourbon, strawberry, grapefruit, and bitters, while the Bengals Crush offers a tangy twist with Tang-infused tequila, triple sec, and Giffard Vanilla. These specialty cocktails are crafted to keep you refreshed throughout the game.
The Filson is Cincinnati’s Top Restaurant for Football Fans
From the upscale sports bar atmosphere to the unbeatable game day food and drinks, The Filson is the best bar in Cincinnati for watching football. Whether you’re there to catch the Bengals game or simply want to enjoy the excitement of football season with friends, The Filson offers everything you need for a memorable game day experience.
With its prime location near Bengals Stadium, modern vibe, and top-tier menu, The Filson is the go-to destination for sports fans in Cincinnati. Make sure to stop by on your next game day and see why it’s the best spot to watch football in the city.
