USA TODAY poll names best sports bar in nation, and Ohio chain is No. 1

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This regional chain of restaurants centered mainly in Northeast Ohio has been named the best sports bar in the nation, beating out bigger franchise names like Buffalo Wild Wings (which originated in Columbus, Ohio) and Dave and Busters.

The Winking Lizard Tavern topped the list for best sports bar in the USA TODAY Sports Readers' Choice Awards for 2026. The bars, nominated by an expert panel and ranked by USA TODAY Sports readers, heighten the gameday vibes as premier hangouts, according to the results.

These establishments "turn the spotlight on that perfect experience and then some, standing out on a national scale as fan favorites."

Here's what the awards had to say about the Winking Lizard.

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Ohio's Winking Lizard named the best sports bar in the nation, per USA TODAY Sports Readers' Choice Awards​

The Winking Lizard has 15 restaurants, mostly in the Akron-Canton-Cleveland area per its website. One bar is in Columbus.

Here's what the Readers' Choice Awards had to say about the sports bar:

"Since the first Winking Lizard Tavern opened its doors in 1983 in Northeast Ohio, this locally owned establishment has been serving up wings, burgers, ribs and pizza paired with a selection of over 100 beers and an extensive whiskey lineup. From nonstop sports on wall-to-wall TVs to the most innovative craft beer and bourbon selections in the country, the Lizard is where great food, great drinks and a home-away-from-home atmosphere come together."

The company expressed its gratitude to those who voted on social media.

"To every loyal fan who voted, cheered us on, watched games with us, and made us your go to spot for game day action…THANK YOU!" The Winking Lizard wrote in a May 20 Facebook post. "This win belongs to ALL of you!"

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The best sports bars in the nation​

According to the USA TODAY Sports Readers' Choice Awards, these are the top 10 sports bars in the nation:

1. Winking Lizard
2. Beef O'Brady's
3. Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill
4. Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
5. Chickie's and Pete's
6. Sports & Social
7. Carolina Ale House
8. Buffalo Wild Wings
9. Dave and Buster's
10. Cosm

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Is this Ohio sports bar the best in nation? USA TODAY readers say yes

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