NFL Football: Five sports bars in Fairfield County to watch

FAIRFIELD COUNTY − With football season officially back, local sports bars will see an increase in service on Sundays as fans come out to support their favorite teams.

The NFL football season is upon us, with the Cleveland Browns opening the season by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals by a final score of 24-3 on Sunday in the season's first Battle of Ohio. However, for many fans without NFL Sunday Ticket, finding a spot to watch their team of choice on Sundays can be a challenge.

Here are a few of the spots in Fairfield County to watch your favorite team on NFL football Sundays.

Buffalo Wild Wings

This selection should go without saying, as Buffalo Wild Wings is a national chain with locations in every state. However, with 92 locations, Ohio is the state with the second-highest number of Buffalo Wild Wings chains in the country.

Sep 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) runs with the ball after a catch as Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) defends during the first half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) runs with the ball after a catch as Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) defends during the first half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Wild Wings is a family-friendly location with a selection of TVs that comes second to none. Visitors can come for the food, which is good on its own, but they will be sure to stay for the TVs with NFL Sunday Ticket. For locals looking for the optimal viewing experience, Buffalo Wild Wings should be the top choice, as they have the capacity to show every game on the Sunday slate.

Fairfield County is home to two Buffalo Wild Wings chains, with both Lancaster and Canal Winchester being home to locations. Additionally, there is a chain in Reynoldsburg, giving Pickerington residents a nearby option as well.

Rooster's

Despite Buffalo Wild Wings being a national chain with its fair share of lovers, in Ohio, Rooster's may be the king of sports bars. With over 30 locations in Ohio, this chain is not as big as Buffalo Wild Wings, but is just as, if not more, beloved by Ohio natives.

With food that many people swear by as superior to Buffalo Wild Wings and an array of TVs showing NFL Sunday Ticket, your local Rooster's chain is a great spot to have some good food while watching your favorite NFL team play.

Fairfield County is home to two Rooster's locations, with chains in both Lancaster and Canal Winchester.

Shade on the Canal

For residents of Fairfield County who live near Canal Winchester, Shade on the Canal is one of the best destinations for good food and an array of football games. Despite being a smaller chain than Buffalo Wild Wings and Rooster's, Shade has locations in Heath and Athens in addition to their Canal Winchester restaurant.

Shade offers a good selection of TVs and is able to accommodate guests who are searching for various different NFL games. Their best feature, however, is their menu. One highlight of the menu includes their Wild Fries, an appetizer large enough to serve as a full meal that features fries, boneless wings, spicy cheese, bacon, cheddar, tomato, green onion, and a wing sauce drizzle.

If Buffalo Wild Wings and Rooster's feel too much like a chain for you, visit Shade for more of a hometown vibe.

Shade on the Canal is located at 19 S High Street in Canal Winchester.

Cardo's Pizza and Tavern

Cardo's Pizza and Tavern is a great location for any football fan, but especially those who want to mix things up and order a pizza.

Yelp reviewers gave high praise to Cardo's food, with the pizza receiving nearly unanimous praise. In addition to great food, Cardo's offers NFL Sunday Ticket.

Cardo's Pizza and Tavern is located at 7897 Refugee Road in Pickerington.

Massey's Pizza Sports Bar & Wings

Massey's Pizza Sports Bar & Wings is not comparable to your average Massey's location. While many Massey's locations serve primarily as a pizza shop, Massey's in Canal Winchester serves as a sports bar.

With NFL Sunday Ticket on the TVs and a tasty selection of wings, Massey's Pizza Sports Bar & Wings offers a great Sunday football experience while still having the same Massey's pizza that people have come to know and love.

Massey's Pizza Sports Bar & Wings is located at 6394 Gender Road in Canal Winchester.

Aaron Burd is a breaking news and government reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him via email at AMBurd@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on Twitter @AaronMBurd.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Five spots to watch NFL football in Fairfield County