Wild Fan From NY Coming to Town...Looking For Good Time

[Nick in New York]

Hi all!

No, I'm not one of those opposition fan yahoos that's going to make a total donkey out of himself in the stands, but the wife and I are heading to Columbus for a weekend without the kids - and we're taking in Nationwide Arena and the Blue Jackets v. Wild game Saturday night. 

I'm wondering where we should head pre-game for a little nosh and a couple pops before the game.  I'd like to take in the atmosphere around the rink if possible and chat with some locals.

Any suggestions (or warnings!) would be greatly appreciated!

Best,
Nick in NY

[Nate]

Been a little while since I've been out on the town Downtown C-Bus.  There are a few bars close to the Arena.  There is also the Brewery District on the south side of downtown (the arena is on the north).   

Warnings....I wouldn't go to far away from "Downtown" either way without getting on a free way. 

Where are you staying?  Downtown or in one of the suburbs? 

[Nick in New York]

Staying downtown, less than a mile from the arena. 

Sounds like the weather might be wintry...does that mean find a place as close to the rink as possible and just stay there until game time?