(Credit: David Heasley)

(Credit: David Heasley)

(Credit: David Heasley)

Columbus is filled with unique native businesses that take pride in being a part of this city. So much so that they name menu items in honor of the sports team that has become synonymous with our town. True to Ohio State style, fans don’t turn down a chance to celebrate when it comes to the Buckeyes. Check out these local eateries that serve up their own twist on scarlet and gray:

New to the Grandview Yard, Buckeye Hall of Fame Grill had a responsibility to offer a couple Buckeye menu items. Inspired by the candy flavors, the Buckeye Martini is described as being better than the peanut butter chocolate confection. And not to one-up the Best Damn Band in the Land, but this grill’s menu boasts the Best Darn Burgers in the Land. Naturally, the Buckeye Burger is found here. A fresh ground beef patty topped with mushrooms, caramelized onions, bacon, blue cheese, and their signature mustard horseradish sauce is a meal fit for a champion.

The love for the Buckeye nation travels across Columbus’ many food cultures. Three sushi hot spots in the city serve Buckeye renditions of sushi rolls. The campus bar and Japanese restaurant, Bento Go Go, makes a mean Crunching Buckeye Roll. Unagi, crabstick and candied pecans rolled into eight bites of Buckeye bliss. Not far down the strip, Haiku Poetic Food and Art combines crabstick, eel, masago and pecans to create their own Crunching Buckeye Roll. Going for the touchdown, Otani’s Sushi and Karaoke Bar serves a Buckeye Love Boat for two. A seaweed salad mix to start, assorted sashimi and sushi, seafood tempura, soup, salad and your choice of ice cream should leave you more than satisfied. Otani also serves an Ohio State sushi roll of breaded shrimp, cucumber and masago.

The Bleeding Buckeye Red Ale is a true sign of team fanaticism. The Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus creates the amber colored beer with a great balance of malt and hops. Raise a glass to the upcoming season.

Cup O’ Joe calls Columbus home and in return, its whips up a tasty a Buckeye Latte. Made with espresso, rich chocolate, steamed milk, whipped cream and peanut butter syrup, the Buckeye Latte is the our favorite candy in liquid form. Truly an indulgent dessert in a mug, this creation will boost your OSU spirit – and your energy level.

It would be impolite to pay homage to Buckeye-named food and drink without throwing recognition towards the little bon bon that provided the inspiration for so many. Schmidt’s Fudge Haus sells a Buckeye candy that is not easily forgotten. The description for the delectable bites reads, “These chocolates will make you scream OH-!” Creamy peanut butter dipped into Belgian chocolate, Schmidt’s lives up to the tradition.

Although** Graeter’s Ice Cream** is a Cincinnati native, it has given in to the Buckeye culture in Columbus with its Buckeye Blitz flavor. Using their already rich chocolate ice cream as a base, creamy peanut butter flavor, peanut butter cookie dough pieces and their signature chocolate chips are thrown in. Graeter’s is not the only ice cream haven paying tribute to the Buckeyes. Columbus’ pride and joy of the ice cream industry, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, celebrates the home team tradition with its Buckeye State flavor. Rich and salty peanut butter combine with the crunch of dark chocolate to give comfort to “Buckeyes and Buckeyes at heart.”