The Alumni Club Sportsbar & Grill

So last fall, the Browns and Steelers were playing a Thursday night game, and I desperately needed to find someplace that carried the NFL Network. My first stop, B-Dubs, was packed to the gills and there was no hope of getting a table.

Then I remembered an unassuming sports bar I had driven past many times but never took the time to visit. I figured that any sports bar worth its salt would carry the NFL Network. So I quickly hurried over to the Alumni Club before I missed the opening kickoff.

Proudly decked out in my new Cleveland Browns hoodie I confidently strode inside. The place was moderately busy with other football fans, but not packed, so I scanned the room for an open table. I noticed a patron wearing black and gold attire. "Ugh, a Steelers fan," I lamented. Then I noticed another. And another. When it suddenly dawned on me... I had just walked into a STEELERS bar. I was the only Browns fan in the entire joint. Would they even serve me? Would I be shunned like a leper? I braced myself for the worst.

I am happy to report that - aside from some good-natured ribbing from the bartender - I was treated graciously, just as any other guest would be. A couple beers and a delicious mushroom & swiss burger later, and this Steelers bar had totally won me over.

I probably won't go back during the NFL season, but if you're a Steelers fan looking for a friendly bar on the east side, you couldn't do much better than the Alumni Club.

I didn't order drinks (as I had plenty before arriving), but I will comment on 1) the awesome and inviting dance floor and 2) the request-accepting DJ. I'm from Chicago and was in Gahanna visiting friends. Had a blast and would definitely return!

The Coors Light was cold and the dance floor was inviting - and actually if my memory serves me right this place was incredibly clean!

Another on the list of stops on our beer crawl, Alumni Club was your typical sports bar - but again, very clean.

The bartenders were friendly and quick to pop the top of my cold beer and even held a great conversation even though the bar was packed.

I don't think I'll be going out of my way to get here (I don't live in the area) but if cheap beer and a few TVs is what your heart calls for, Alumni is your soulmate.