As you begin to read this, you may think to yourself “why is the sports guy writing about restaurants and food?” I would probably wonder the same thing myself; however what you probably don’t know is that my experience in this particular area holds some water. And by that I don’t mean my social habits at sports bars…well, not totally.

More than half my life has been spent inside restaurants and bars serving up beers, martinis, Jagerbombs, Manhattans and – luckily for me – some of the best food in Greater Cincinnati. For the last three years, I have worked with two of my best friends; two young men who are widely considered top chefs in Cincinnati. Danny Combs, sous chef at Boca in Oakley and Stephen Williams, chef and owner of Bouquet Restaurant and Wine Bar in Mainstrasse Village in Covington. Both establishments are recognized as two of Cincinnati’s best restaurants. So it’s safe to say I’ve had some seriously good food.

As I mentioned, these guys are two of my closest friends. And being the sports fans we are, we frequent many places to eat, drink and watch our teams. I put together a compilation of some of my favorite places in the area to enjoy all three.

The elements of a great sports bar are simple: high-definition televisions, good fare and multiple beer options. I am a total beer snob, so if you’re slinging just Miller and Coors Light on tap, my butt is not anchored to one of your seats.

Molly Malone’s

My first example is Molly Malone’s in Covington’s Roebling area. Ever since I can remember, Danny has tried (and tried) to get me into soccer – specifically the English Premier League. I have to admit, I am opening up to it; and there’s no better place to watch soccer in the Tri-state than Molly’s. In fact, they were featured in a YouTube video sensation showing reactions form across the country after Landon Donovan’s goal for the U.S. Soccer team in the World Cup two years ago. I was in Chicago that day, but from all accounts from friends who were there, it was “a wicked good time.”

Their fare is well above average. The Guinness chicken sandwich is terrific and the beer selection is just above average. I’ve only been disappointed once. When I get a Guinness in a cold glass you have failed that wonderful beer. And being an Irish bar you’ve failed your countrymen. It happened there, which is unacceptable. But again, it happened only once. And for every big soccer match, I come back.

Brother’s

Brother’s in Newport is a hit and miss spot for me. Located on the north end of the Levee, Brother’s has high-def flat screens everywhere and a fantastic list of draft beers. Their selection includes a Great Lakes option, Sam Adams seasonal, Kentucky Ale Bourbon Barrel and Bells Two Hearted – among other craft delights. The latter two beers I mentioned are two of my favorites. The outside patio overlooks Cincinnati’s skyline, which doesn’t hurt. The issues I have are: the food is average at best, and the outside bar has been open only a couple of times – and I’ve been there over twenty times. The atmosphere is terrific, especially if you’re a Kentucky fan. It has been the spot for us Cats fans for big games. I just eat before I go.

Pelican’s Reef

One place I would never dream of eating before visiting is Pelican’s Reef. Giving full disclosure, this was our own neighborhood place when I lived in Anderson Township and have known and remained friends with the owners since it’s inception – when I was in high school. Now it is becoming known as the best affordable seafood restaurant in Cincinnati. No, the televisions are not high-def – however, you can see a TV from everywhere in the bar and the food is absolutely fantastic. I can remember going with my father to the Pelican after his Monday night tennis matches and seeing Tim and Mary Claire Dalton. Then, eleven years ago, John Broshar bought half of the restaurant and the food took off. Every soup from New England Clam Chowder to Conch Chowder to Lobster Bisque is off the chats fantastic. The chalkboard that reads the days special from one end of the bar to the other never disappoints; and they always have the games you want to watch. Lately we ate (with Chef Williams, I might add) a number of great appetizers including a seafood bruschetta with lump crab, creamy asiago and smoked blue cheese topped with a four-cheese blend and diced tomatoes. We all loved it. We always do. Not to mention the fantastic staff. Pelican’s Reef is on Beechmont Avenue, between Five Mile Road and Markley in Anderson. Get there.

O’Bryons

I also recently went back to O’Bryonville and hit up O’Bryon’s. It’s a small place but again doesn’t disappoint. Whether it’s the pork sliders, burgers, spinach salad or wings I have always felt totally satisfied after eating. I’ve seen better beer selections, but certainly had a few I could enjoy. It’s not often you see Left Hand Brewery’s Milk Stout in an Irish bar, but they did – and drew respect. Oh yeah – they have plenty of TVs, too.

Cock & Bull

There is no question my spot on Sunday afternoon to watch my beloved Chicago Bears is the Cock & Bull in the Mainstrasse Village in Covington. Yes, I live and work in the village – but it delivers everything I ask for in a sports bar. Not to mention I can walk to and – more importantly – from there. Every Sunday I can go and ask to see the Bears on one of their dozen high-def flat screens and choose from their 37 beers on tap. The beer selection is second to none. There are food items on the menu that need work, and some that used to be incredible. The Buffalo Wings are decent, but they used to be spectacular – the best in the city, huge and meaty. But other items do hit the mark. You expect an English bar to nail fish and chips, and they don’t disappoint. No one does it like those redcoats. The staff is terrific as well, especially putting up with me contending (loudly at times) that whoever the Bears are playing that week are, in fact, cheaters when they’re penalized. It’s a fact.

These are my spots, places that I like. I’m sure you have some as well. Do them all a favor and give us your favorite spots and tell us why below. Every sports fan loves a great sports bar and we’d love to hear yours.

Cheers!