Some bars just know how to bring a little intellectual fun to a night out. From classic trivia nights to unique arcade games, these places have it all. So pull up a chair, order a drink and get geeky.
The Famous Neons Unplugged – For trivia nerds
This eclectic place has one of the best trivia nights in town, along with one of the best drink selections as well! They offer 10 rotating drafts, 135 craft bottled beer and in-house vintage beers in addition to domestic favorites. For those who like to mix it up a little, Neons creates specialty cocktails every day. For now, their cozy and homey interior will keep you warm through the winter, but be sure to check out their string-light-lit back patio in the warmer months — you can even bring your pets along for the ride! Monday nights are trivia nights at Neons and if that’s not enough excitement for you, they even have giant Jenga to play.
208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-827-9361, wellmannsbrands.com/neons. $.
Over-the-Rhine Brewery District Tours – For history nerds
If you’re anything of a history buff, you’re going to love these tours through the pre-Prohibition-era breweries of Cincinnati. Not only will you get to explore the historic buildings, you’ll also get tours of the cellars and underground tunnels that were at the heart of the Cincinnati brewing scene decades ago. Some of the places featured on this tour include the Sohn/Cliffyside Brewery (opened in 1846), the Hudepohl Brewery (founded in 1850) and the Christian Moerlein Brewery, which is among the top 5 largest pre-Prohibition breweries in the country. Explore the beer-stained history of the Queen city with these incredible tours.
cincinnatibrewerytours.com. $.
16-Bit Bar+Arcade – For video game nerds
With more than 50 classic arcade games from Donkey Kong to Pac Man, this throwback bar is one of the geekiest places in the city. The best part? If you drink, you play for free! The bar even continues its ’80s and ’90s theme into their “old school” and “new wave” cocktails. Drinks like the Hulk Hogan (vodka + lemonade + original bomb pop popsicle), the Cheech Marin (Espolon Reposado tequila + lime + agave nectar + orange zest + salt) and the Pam Anderson (Malibu rum + peach vodka + cranberry juice + pineapple juice + lime juice + grenadine) will keep you juiced up and ready to beat high scores all night. And if you haven’t had enough by the time you leave, they even sell nerdy apparel to suit your every need.
1331 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-1616, 16-bitbar.com/cincy. $$.
