Dickmann's Sports Barn & Brew

A Fort Wright institution since 1977, Dickmann's Sports Barn & Brew has been family-owned from the start. Richard Dickmann came on with his father in 1994 and took over solo in 2003, evolving what was once a neighborhood bar with peanut shells on the floor into Northern Kentucky's go-to sports destination. The wings — particularly the Barnburner — earned best-in-region recognition from the Cincinnati Enquirer and the reputation has stuck. Dickmann also founded Smoke Justis in Covington's Roebling Point District, which tells you everything you need to know about how seriously he takes the food side of this business. More than 35 flat screens inside plus four on the outdoor patio, sand volleyball, a solid craft beer tap list, and a full menu that goes well beyond bar snacks. It's always busy. There's a reason for that.