Top 5 sports bars

As the weather cools, many will come in from the outdoors. But it won't just be the shivering that will bring them inside in hoardes. It will be the game. In fact, during college football season, pro football season and, for some, fantasy football season, many will adopt a home away from home field at their favorite sports bar.

Food and drink specials abound, and a fraternity of equally passionate strangers clad in jerseys await. And better yet, there's sure to be no shortage of working televisions.

In honor of football season, it's time to take a look at some of our favorite sports bars in town. If you haven't been to one lately, check out the action — and more importantly, a game — for yourself.

1. Buffalo Wild Wings

• Basics: Multiple area locations
• Why it rates: With more than 10 locations scattered around the area, BW3's is our pick for a top sports bar in town. Combination sports bar, wings joint and friendly neighborhood hangout, each space offers different hours, atmosphere and amenities. But all are home to some of the best boneless wings in town. Along with numerous TV screens strategically placed for you to catch the big game no matter where you're sitting, the late-night kitchen hours will help those fighting hunger pangs long after many other sports-themed bar cooks have called it a night. Say what you want, but the number of locations, the knowledge that there will always be a game on TV and the affordable food make these spots a sports-fan staple.
• Hours: Vary by location
• Web site: www.buffalowildwings.com

2. Cadillac Jack's

• Basics: Multiple area locations
• Why it rates: Revving up the sports bar scene is our No. 2 pick, Cadillac Jack's. Step into the newest location on Springboro Pike, and you'll think you're in Vegas baby! There's more energy in this space than if you'd group a dozen small bars together. The nearly wall-to-wall TV screens make it nearly impossible to miss the big game or a NASCAR race — you pick the sport, they've got it covered. While the locations are not all under the same management, each shares basic elements, including menu items. The older locations, while not offering nearly as many sophisticated visual features, are comfortable. But if you're going to plan a visit, we suggest the newer locations in Beavercreek and Centerville. A common feature to Cadillac Jack's is the wings, although the prices and sauces vary slightly by location. Each location offers a full bar and a variety of beers on tap to help you fuel your way through game day.
• Hours: Vary by location
• Web site: For the Beavercreek, Fairborn and Centerville locations, visit www.cadillacjackssportsbar.com

3. Fricker's

• Basics: Multiple area locations
• Why it rates: At Fricker's, as with many sports bars, it's all about the wings — the perfect food to match with any game-day activity if you ask us. Depending on your mood, there's a sauce for you, 10 in all, ranging from BBQ, Hot, Frickin' Kicker to the ultimate Frickin' Killer and a few in-between. All locations have TVs a-plenty airing the sporting event of the season from Major League Baseball to the NBA. Fricker's newest and now largest area location in Troy boasts more than 9,000 square feet of family fun. Although you may not think about soup at a sports bar, Fricker's Frickin' White Chicken Chili is thick like a casserole, packed with chicken and quite a delicious deal at $3.49. Also keep in mind that each Tuesday brings a 35 cent wing deal that draws crowds, so don't be surprised if a line greets you at the door.
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. seven days a week for food service. The bar stays open until 2:30 a.m.
• Web site: www.frickers.com

4. Beef O'Brady's

• Basics: Multiple area locations
• Why it rates: Beef O'Brady's sports a family friendly atmosphere that's sure to be a hit with kids of all ages, making it our No. 4 choice of sports bars in the area. The food, extensive beer lists and its many, many TV screens scored a touchdown with the Lounge Lizards. While not open as late as some other sports bars, if you're in the mood for a family friendly place to watch the game, this is it. With daily drink specials for parents and a Tuesday night promotion where kids 12 and younger eat free from 4 to 7 p.m. with an adult meal purchase, this is a great place to watch a sporting event with the kids in tow.
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays
• Web site: www.beefstogo.com

5. Little York Pizza and Tavern

• Basics: 4120 Little York Road, Vandalia [Map], call (937) 890-6700
• Why it rates: Rounding out our top five is Little York Pizza and Tavern. It's a little tricky to locate, but well worth the effort. Little York Pizza and Tavern is an entertaining stop for two to 50 of your friends looking to watch the game or to play pool if the game goes a little off course. Don't forget to sample the terrific pizzas — the barbecue chicken and Sicilian pizzas are standouts — or any of the other tasty treats on the menu.
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday
• Web site: www.littleyorktavern.net

— Alexis Larsen and Craig Schrolucke, the Lounge Lizards