Ringside Cafe   

Arguably Columbus' oldest sports bar, the tiny Ringside is tucked away in a corner of Pearl Alley downtown amid state office buildings and theaters. Finding it is worth the hunt. The dark wood, antique-laden interior harks back to the 1800s. It was a speakeasy during Prohibition, and today it keeps up that slightly risque ambiance with "old school" bachelor and bachelorette parties, "boss roasts" and other traditional (or less so) gatherings. Ringside draws a large number of workers seeking happy hour refuge or just a quiet place to exchange confidences. Among the full menu of nearly two dozen sandwiches and burgers named after various boxing legends is "Andre the Giant," two 8-oz. patties with Swiss and American cheese. The happy hour drink prices are another knockout. Selections include several kinds of martinis, along with the usual alcohol, beer and wine suspects. Plan on making it an early night, though -- the doors close when the sidewalks roll up, usually around 8PM.