Playing cornhole in the backyard with friends and family is fun, but many people in the greater Cincinnati area have found that playing cornhole at one of their favorite taverns is even better.

For the Back Porch Saloon in southwestern Ohio, combining a restaurant/bar with cornhole courts has been a win-win proposition. The saloon has enjoyed an increase in business, and the customers have found a place that’s as lively and relaxed as…. well, your back porch.

I was introduced to cornhole at the Back Porch by my friend, Laura, who wanted to “go do something,” not just sit around inside a dimly lit bar. She gathered a group of friends and soon the tiki bar at the edge of the cornhole courts was the new hot spot among her group of twentysomethings.

Mike, a recent transplant from Chicago, had never heard of cornhole before going to the Back Porch and laughed when he heard the name.

“I thought Laura was joking,” he said.

But after watching a game or two, he was intrigued enough to want to try playing himself, and has since made a habit of stopping by the Back Porch to play, or even just watch the action.

“Having cornhole courts has been great for business,” says owner Jim Schmalz. “The courts are always full.”

The Back Porch originally opened in 1972 with a small porch off the back that seated 44 people. It’s grown over the years so that the porch area is now larger than the interior. One porch area is enclosed, though the windows are usually wide open and the breeze blows through.

Off that porch is the larger back porch that extends in tiered levels down to the tiki bar and four cornhole courts permanently set up in its back yard area. Cornhole bags are available at the bar, though the play can be so constant that the bags are rarely off the boards.

Outdoor dining tables are arranged at one end, leaving plenty of room for players to move around without fear of people walking through the middle of their games. The only reason anyone not playing cornhole might wander past is if they are on their way to the sand volleyball courts. Otherwise, the players have room to play, and anyone who wants to watch can sit and sip their drinks or eat their meals by the tiki bar.

The cornhole courts aren’t only occupied by young adults, hanging out with friends. Families play, too, as well as groups of co-workers, novices, and those skilled at the league level. The courts are open any time the restaurant is open. At night, the courts are well lit, and the fun continues.

“Cornhole is for everybody. It’s unique in that regard,” says Schmalz.

“We have a lot of regulars,” he continues. “Playing cornhole gives people something to do while they’re hanging out. And it’s a lot safer than horseshoes. It doesn’t hurt to get hit with a beanbag the way it would a horseshoe.”

All jokes aside, providing cornhole courts has paid off for the Back Porch Saloon. And they’re not the only ones. Taverns around the country are setting up cornhole boards at their establishments.

Some restaurants, such as Sharks Restaurant & Billiards in Kansas City host cornhole leagues. They may not charge a fee to join the league, but they’re sure to have steady customers for the 8 or 10 weeks that the league runs.

Cornhole tournaments have also become a lucrative business for the taverns that sponsor them. Many charge $30 or $40 team entrance fees, such as Corners Restaurant in Jupiter, Florida, where the double elimination tournament offers cash prizes.

The Blind Moose Restaurant in Maineville, Ohio hosted its first cornhole tournament over the July 4th weekend, offering a $1000 first place prize.

Blind Moose owner and tournament organizer Eric Schauer was enthusiastic about the event.

“Cornhole is a great game that almost anyone can play. The popularity has grown so much from a backyard game into an event like ours. A first prize of $1000… it is amazing!”

A $1000 prize for tossing a bag into a hole is pretty amazing for the team that wins. But they’re not the only winners. A two-day tournament is good for business. Participants imbibe in refreshments not only while they’re playing, but also as they cheer on other teams, wait for the end of the tournament, and during the victory parties that naturally ensue after that.

“Winners always have to buy losers a beer,” Laura told me. “Tournament or not.”

Playing cornhole at backyard barbecues will always be good fun. But playing cornhole at one of your favorite hang-outs? It’s a win-win proposition for everyone.