15 LGBTQ+-Friendly Bars in Greater Cincinnati

Old Street Saloon

13 Old St., Monroe
Say it with us: Rural. Gay. Dive. Bar. Old Street has served (and served) the Monroe-area community for decades. There’s something magical about the ebb and flow of a glamorous dive bar. Dusty stage lights illuminate queens, kings and all kinds of performers. Some in the crowd match the occasion, faces beat to the gods, others appear to have just gotten off work at a local farm or factory. Whether your order is a bay breeze or a Bud Light, a lemon drop or a whiskey shot, there’s no wrong way to do Old Street. And just because Old Street is a tiny suburban-rural dive bar doesn’t mean the talent isn’t outstanding — the weekly Saturday night drag shows are always a 10/10, having attracted the best-of-the-best queens and kings from Dayton, Cincinnati and beyond for nearly 30 years.

The Flock

927 Race St., Downtown
A new, laidback LGBTQ+ ultra-lounge hatched in downtown Cincinnati last summer after Ignite Entertainment turned its former bar, The Birdcage, into The Flock. Owner Juan Imeroni said he wanted The Flock to marry the vibe of The Birdcage with the intimacy of a lounge. Plush seating, backlit tables, lounge spaces and a lowered ceiling along the bar were added along with aviary-themed decor and accents. This low-key hangout hosts smaller entertainment acts ranging from drag shows to burlesque.

Rosie’s Tavern

643 Bakewell St., Covington
For more than a century, there’s been a bar with a pressed-tin ceiling and stained glass windows at W. Seventh and Bakewell streets in Covington’s Mainstrasse Village. For two decades, Rosie’s Tavern has been a dive bar that welcomes everyone, gay or straight — that intersection even has rainbow crosswalks. Inside, a dozen barstools face the fully stocked bar — six taps and shelves of liquor and spirits. No food (just chips and nuts), but friendly bartenders will point you to good dining nearby. The pool table is ready and waiting, and drinks are very affordable, especially on Mondays.

Tillie’s Lounge

4042 Hamilton Ave., Northside
Tillie’s Lounge is the life of the party in Northside, offering delicious cocktails, a friendly atmosphere where all are welcome and a plush, luxurious Old-World-style that feels upscale without being stuffy. Every day at Tillie’s features a special theme, with Service Industry Night on Mondays, TuesGAYs with a special Showtunes and Stitch & Bitch Happy Hour, Bear Night on Wednesdays, DJs on Thursdays, karaoke on Fridays, DJ dance parties on Saturday and the laidback Sunday Fundays.

Home Base Tavern

2401 Vine St., CUF
Woman- and LGBTQ+-owned Home Base Tavern makes you feel at home when you step in. This dive bar has a familiar, cozy feel — a Cheers-esque vibe where everyone knows your name, but make the cast gay — with its pressed-tin ceiling tiles, rainbow decor and friendly bartenders. Tuesday nights are home to karaoke or stop in Wednesday nights for $2.50 domestics and free pool.

Bar 32

701 Bakewell St., Covington
Covington’s Bar 32 has all the fun and come-as-you-are-ness of your favorite dive bar mixed with a welcoming, inclusive vibe where a Kentucky “y’all” truly means ALL — it’s even got a rainbow-colored crosswalk just outside its doors. The cocktails are creative, strong and reasonably priced, and the pool table is calling your name.

Bloom OTR

1120 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
Inclusive nightclub Bloom OTR offers an ultra-friendly and happy-go-lucky space that allows you to blossom into your truest yourself. Emma Nurre, part owner and director of operations at Bloom, says the goal of the bar is to play off the history of the building, creating a safe space that also offers drinking, dancing and drag performances. In addition to the nightclub revelry, the bar also offers a weekly Sunday drag brunch.

Crazy Fox Saloon

901 Washington Ave., Newport
Kick back at this cozy neighborhood dive bar that aims to make itself a safe and fun place for everyone. Crazy Fox Saloon offers good, strong drinks (try the Bloody Mary sometime) and casual bar fun like darts and pool, and the regulars are great at making newcomers feel welcome.

Alice

1432 Main St., Over-the-Rhine
This charming, colorful cocktail lounge is a great place to just “chill + boogie” with no judgment. Alice hosts discotheques and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights , as well as other unique pop-up events throughout the week. It also stands apart from the other bar options in the area with colorful industrial vibes and clever cocktails like the Pink Ranger Margarita (blanco tequila, lime, strawberry syrup, coconut cream and coconut milk) or the Gemini Season (gin, elderflower liqueur, vanilla-rose syrup, lemon and champagne).

The Orbit Room

1833 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
An upscale yet cozy neighborhood bar, The Orbit Room is located in the historic Apotheke building at the corner of Vine and Findlay streets. There’s always something fun happening there, whether it’s live music, drag shows, improv comedy or even a book club. For indulgence purposes, try one of The Orbit Room’s signature cocktails along with a plant-based meal from neighbor Essen Kitchen.

Chameleon

4114 Hamilton Ave., Northside
Come for the pizza and drinks and stay for the vibe at Chameleon. This bar/restaurant beckons you in with neon-light-plastered windows and the sounds of fun spilling out into the street with events like karaoke, live music, comedy and open mic nights. Did we mention the pizza? Chameleon whips up delicious pies, from your classic pepperoni and cheese to some incredible veggie concoctions like the Bianca (roasted asparagus, marinated Brussels sprouts, mozzarella, whipped ricotta, parmesan, greens and herb oil).

Queen City Exchange

32 W Court St., Downtown
Buy, buy, buy and drink, drink, drink at this stock market-themed bar. Queen City Exchange, which is LGBTQ+-owned, has 41 beers on tap – all of whose prices fluctuate based on demand. A beer can go anywhere between $3.50 to $9 depending on how bargoers are feeling about it that night. The bar also hosts monthly happy hours for Cincinnati-area Episcopal LGBTQIA+ individuals, friends and allies.

OTR Stillhouse

2017 Branch St., Northside
The OTR StillHouse is an LGBTQ+-owned distillery, winery and brewery in one. Located in a former 1890s ice manufacturing warehouse, the smaller front facade belies a massive outdoor space. They also host lots of fun events like karaoke, live music, singer-songwriter nights and FC Cincinnati pregame and watch parties.

Main Event

835 Main St., Downtown
Main Event is *the* main event when it comes to LGBTQ+ lounges, show bars and nightclubs in downtown Cincinnati. Dance the night away, enjoy a drag show or just enjoy a drink and the atmosphere. Main Event also occasionally hosts drag talent nights with an open stage. Keep an eye on their social media for the dates.

Bar 901

901 Race St., Downtown
Bar 901 is an unassuming corner neighborhood bar tucked away in downtown Cincinnati offers strong, affordable drinks and friendly bartenders. The atmosphere is perfect for a low-key, laidback night drinking with friends. Grab a seat at the bar to watch TV or a seat by the window to people-watch.