Central Core
AliveOne
941 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, 513-721-6977
Drinks we’re known for: A great beer selection with eight premium beers on draught and an elaborate micro brew collection of about 75 beers.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Our famous $2 Tuesdays with specials on domestics, import beers and micro brews along with DJ Matt Joy in the basement.
Truly unique about us: Our “live album” jukebox has a broad range of music greats, both new and old, with 100 albums to choose from.
Andy’s Mediterranean Grille
906 Nassau St., Walnut Hills, 513-281-9791
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Lunch and dinner specials and Happy Hour deals.
Truly unique about us: Collection of hookas you can use for enjoying various flavored tobaccos after your meal. Belly dancers on weekends.
Arlin’s
307 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-751-6566
Drinks we’re known for: Randal’s famous Bloody Mary’s on Saturday and Sunday until 7 p.m. and Amy’s bachi-blue shot. We have more than 15 beers on draft, import and local.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: $1 Miller Lite and $2.50 Killians on Mondays; $1 Bud, Bud Lite and Miller Lite on Tuesdays; $2.75 import bottles on Wednesdays; $2.75 well drinks for ladies on Thursdays; breakfast starting at 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and again Saturday mornings. $1.75 PBR bottles every day.
Truly unique about us: Outside patio welcomes smokers and pet owners; food served every day and late night on Fridays; great burgers; Nintendo Wii.
Blind Lemon
936 Hatch St., Mount Adams, 513-241-3885
Blue Rock Tavern and Speakeasy
4114 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-6644
Drinks we’re known for: $2 PBR; frozen margaritas; $1.25 Colt 45 longnecks on Thursdays; $2.50 whiskey and vodka drinks.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Tuesday night karaoke with Will Corsen; hosts the Tristate’s largest number of bands per year.
Truly unique about us: Brand new outdoor tiki bar and fire ring.
Bogart’s
2621 Vine St., Corryville, 513-281-8400
Boswell Alley
1686 Blue Rock Road, Northside, 513-681-8100
Drinks we’re known for: Excellent Bloody Marys and more than 40 bottled beers. Several draught beers and a variety of shots and tall drinks like that Tropical Rain and Pink Panther.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Karaoke on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; love music on Saturday and a late night menu on Friday until 4 a.m.
Truly unique about us: The best outdoor patio in town with secluded dining and acoustic performers on Friday and Saturday evenings. Full bar open during the spring and summer months.
Brew House
1047 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, 513-961-9058
Drinks we’re known for: A wise choice of beers served at optimum temperatures.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Just name it.
Truly unique about us: Friends; it’s a great gathering place.
C&D Cafe
1714 Hanfield St., Northside, 513-541-9881
Drinks we’re known for: Lou’s Bloody Mary with spicy green beans.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: DJs Thursday and Friday nights; karaoke on Saturday night.
Truly unique about us: The only vinyl juke box in Northside.
Christy’s Rathskeller & Biergarten
151 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-281-3600
Drinks we’re known for: German beer on tap; great “Black Widows” and “57 Chevy” mixed drinks.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Open biergarten on St. Patrick’s Day; Tuesday night trivia; music/DJ/karaoke nights.
Truly unique about us: Huge, covered, outdoor biergarten with bocce ball and cornhole; basement rathskeller with TVs, pool, darts and board games; great home-cooked food (dinner Tuesday-Saturday and lunch on Friday).
City View Tavern
403 Oregon St., Mount Adams, 513-241-VIEW
Drinks we’re known for: Thick, rich and spicy Bloody Marys created by former bartender Al Federman.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Opening Day we open early and have dolla’ dogs and cheap beer all day; RiverFest/Labor Day we have a party (by reservation) from 6 p.m. until after the fireworks are over, where we offer a special menu, drink specials and “party favors.”
Truly unique about us: We’ve been slingin’ beer since 1875 and flippin’ great burgers since 1947. Our CD jukebox gives you eight plays for a dollar, and has a very eclectic mix of music genres. A panoramic view that stretches from Bellevue to downtown Cincinnati and can be enjoyed from inside or outside on the deck.
Club Bronz
4029 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-591-2100
Drinks we’re known for: The home of “The Nonta Bomb,” named for our No. 1 hot female bartender Nonta, and the “Slick Rick,” named for our No. 1 male bartender Ricky. Many beers and a huge variety of flavored vodkas.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Decorated for all major holidays, with a buffet to enjoy; New Year’s Eve grand breakfast buffet has become a staple; Ladies Night Thursdays; Boys Night Sundays; and “Wasted Fridays” with Hip Hop and Top 40.
Truly unique about us: Everyone is welcome: gay, straight, black, white, boys, girls and everything in between. The best karaoke in town; drag shows; live entertainment and, of course, our fabulous climate controlled smoking courtyard with full bar and an outside stage.
The Comet
4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-8900
Drinks we’re known for: We serve seasonal drinks.Winter is hot local cider with rum and Grand Marnier. Summer we make homemade lemonade and add tequila to create the “Tequila Sol.” Available all year is our own “Irish Ass,” made with homemade ginger ale and Jameson.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Sunday evenings The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars play 7:30-10 p.m. We also have rare beer tappings several times a month.
Truly unique about us: The people who show up to eat burritos, drink good beer and listen to good music whether it’s live or on our juke box. We also have a vintage black and white photobooth.
Crowley’s Highland House Cafe
958 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, 513-721-7709
Drinks we’re known for: Our own lager draught beer; specialty drinks like the T-Bone special on weekends.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: St. Patricks’s Day, Labor Day fireworks and other events.
Truly unique about us: Cincinnati’s oldest Irish bar, established in 1937 by Bill Specs Crowley.
Dana Gardens
1832 Dana Ave., Norwood, 513-631-2337
Dukester Supper Club
7733 Reading Road, Roselawn, 513-761-2300
Drinks we’re known for: Specials to go with live music and great food.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: SpokenWordSoul Thursdays, Jazz Funk Sundays and Happy Hour Fridays in between.
Truly unique about us: Live entertainment from some of the best in local and national artists and performers; safe, fun entertainment with some of the best soul food Cincinnati has to offer.
Fries Café
3247 Jefferson Ave., Clifton, 513-281-9002
Drinks we’re known for: We have a large selection of craft beers in our bottled beer selection as well as on tap. And, we have a constant rotation of seasonally limited beers on draft.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: We host the Annual Clifton Beer Fest where hundreds of different beers are available to try for $1 or $2. We also host parties, potlucks and cookouts on our large outdoor back patio.
Truly unique about us: Before opening as a bar in the 1930s, Fries Cafe was a Kroger grocery store. We have a free shuffleboard table, dart boards, and plenty of pool tables.
Gaslight Café
6104 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-631-6977
Drinks we’re known for: We don’t specialize in anything in particular, we specialize in all.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: A St. Patrick’s Day second to none; Great Corned Beef and Cabbage as well as authentic Irish Stew. Green people everywhere. Ancient order of Hibernians frequent the place.
Truly unique about us: A place to have fine food and drinks at reasonable prices, where friends meet for good craic (fun). Our TVs, juke box and darts don’t dominate the experience.
Gordo’s Pub and Grill
4328 Montgomery Road, Norwood, 513-351-1999
The Greenwich
2442 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills, 513-221-1151
Drinks we’re known for: We are best known for our Greenwich Long Islands (two varieties: “regular” and “high-test,” which uses top-shelf liquors). We also feature a potent variation on a “Sex on the Beach,” which our patrons jokingly refer to as a “Butt Naked.”
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Long known as a Jazz nightspot, The Greenwich has sponsored a Wednesday open mic for poetry and music over the past 10 years. The current installment is called “Midnight Sun Cafe” and is hosted by local spoken word performer “ElaMent.” A new Sunday open mic, more focused on music and performance theatre, has gained rapid popularity and is entitled “Purple Lotus: Features.” We also host a monthly rotation of local musical artists on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Truly unique about us: The Greenwich is an arts, entertainment and cultural venue in the truest sense. Our second floor art gallery, “Upstairs at The Greenwich,” features visual art exhibits by student, local and regional artists. Moreover, in recent years we have gained recognition for hosting tremendously successful forums for numerous political events: fundraisers, debates, etc.
Holy Grail Tavern & Grille
13 W. Charlton St., Corryville, 513-961-2200
Drinks we’re known for: Our signature Blueberry Beer brings people from all over the area just to have this cold beverage. We have 22 beers on tap and a shot of the night each night.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Happy hour Tuesday-Friday; Thursday, Friday and Saturday night specials on draughts, bottles and shots. College Night with a DJ covering two floors and a deck.
Truly unique about us:. The largest bar on UC’s campus and the closest in proximity to Fifth Third Arena and Nippert Stadium, making it the place to be before all Bearcat games. We have a full kitchen.
Incline Lounge at The Celestial
1071 Celestial St., Mount Adams, 513-241-4455
Drinks we’re known for: An extensive wine selection, signature martinis and cocktails.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Half priced appetizers on Sundays; Happy Hour Monday-Friday; Monday Industry Night; Thursday Ladies Night; Friday and Saturday live music.
Truly unique about us: An upscale, elegant lounge with an amazing view of downtown Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and the Ohio River.
The Indian Mound Cafe
5226 Montgomery Road, Norwood, 513- 631-3010
Drinks we’re known for: Six beers on tap including Shock Top, Sam Adams, Goose Island and their seasonal beers. All are served in a frosted glass.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: A large outdoor patio features live music. We host a yearly golf outing that includes food, drinks and prizes, and of course a little friendly customer competition. Check us out on Facebook groups under “I love the Indian Mound Café.”
Truly unique about us: Three rooms consisting of a main bar area, an XU themed room and a UC themed room. We also have darts, shuffleboard and seven large TVs for catching all your favorite sports.
Longworth’s Tavern
1108 St. Gregory St., Mount Adams, 513-651-2253
Drinks we’re known for: Whether you’re looking for a cheap draft beer, a shot of patron or a bottle of Cristal, we have it.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Free pool and jukebox on Monday, karaoke on Tuesday, live music on Wednesday, DJ on Thursday and DJs and bands on Friday and Saturday
Truly unique about us: Two huge patios, full lunch and dinner menu and six nights of entertainment a week
Mac’s Pizza Pub
205 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-241-MACS
Drinks we’re known for: The most draught beers in Clifton (20), 75 types of liquor and 75 types of beer, including local microbrews Mt. Carmel and Listermann. We also have drinks called “Irish Viagra” and “Irish American,” in honor of Mac (the owner).
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Tuesday Kaoroke Night. $2 draughts Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Well liquor on Saturday $2 and Happy Hour specials all day Sunday. Live Music every Friday and Saturday. Clifton Bar Association pub crawl the third Thursday of every month. All you can eat Pizza Buffet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Fridays.
Truly unique about us: Voted best pizza in Clifton by UC students. Best place to watch UC sports (16 TVs and official bar of UC Alumni Association). Ranked 7th Most “Vegan-Friendly Pizzerias in U.S.” by PETA. Our Vegan Pizza is on Christ Hospital’s “Heart Healthy” List. Brand new back patio.
The Mad Frog
1 E. McMillan St., Corryville/Mount Auburn, 513-784-9119
Mayday
4227 Spring Grove Ave., Northide, 513-541-0999
Drinks we’re known for: Our Dark N’ Stormy is our take on a delicious Caribbean drink, served properly with Ginger Beer instead of Ginger Ale. Our $10 bottles of champagne are popular.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Live music every weekend, but we also have Zodiac Suite (psychedelica, soul) on Tuesdays, Drunk Bastard Bingo on Wednesdays and Spinclub (electro-clash, indie dance night) on Thursdays. We offer a new special shot every day, and our happy hour prices are amazing.
Truly unique about us: The space itself is awesome — a converted factory with two huge patios outside. Free pool and ping pong and our gourmet hot dogs are delicious.
Mecklenburg Gardens
302 E. University Ave., Corryville, 513-221-5353
Drinks we’re known for: An incredible selection of beers in bottles and draft, including imports from Germany and around the world.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Our happy hour (3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday) has half-off appetizers and $1 off all bar drinks; free shuttles rides to all UC football and men’s basketball games.
Truly unique about us: We’re the oldest restaurant and only authentic German in Cincinnati. It’s always Oktoberfest here.
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
6111 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-531-0700
Drinks we’re known for: Eighteen beers on tap from around the world. Come try a Blacksmith (Guinness layered over Smithwicks).
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Open at 7 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day to serve breakfast. Live Irish Music every Saturday and awesome Sunday Brunch.
Truly unique about us: We have the longest running Trivia night in the area every Tuesday evening.
Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch St., Mount Adams 513-621-3666
Drinks we’re known for: Our, margaritas. We have double margaritas for $6, so two for the price the one basically.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Monthly drink specials, including $3 drafts for the month of February. The owner was one of the main organizers of the Mount Adams Reindog Parade, so we participate pretty heavily in that.
Truly unique about us: The building has been here for about 100 years. It was a restaurant and bar before Prohibition, and then when Prohibition came around the bar shut down. But it was rumored it was a Speakeasy during that time. The bar was reopened right after Prohibition was repealed, calling itself the Mount Adams Grill, and it was awarded the first liquor license in Ohio post-Prohibition. About 17 years ago they were redoing the bar and in the ceiling they found a bottle of whiskey that is believed to have been from Prohibition. Only two people have ever tried that whiskey.
Mt. Adams Pavilion
949 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, 513-744-9200
Drinks we’re known for: The Double Decker: a shot of Stoli Peach Red Bull and cranberry. The first bar to sell Cherry Bombs in Cincinnati. Frozen drinks are available on the decks during warm weather, served in coconuts. We also offer outstanding VIP bottle service.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Half Price Happy Hour every Friday in the winter until midnight.
Truly unique about us: An incredible view of downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with four decks. We host great local and national DJs. Unique murals painted on the walls by artist Jeff Zimmerman of Chicago.
Murphy’s Pub
2329 W. Clifton Ave., Clifton Heights, 513-721-6148
Drinks we’re known for: Shamrock Bombs, Murphy’s exclusive Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Whiskey, a variety of Irish Whiskeys and $1 beers every day.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Open at 5:30 a.m. for St. Patrick’s Day offering free Green Breakfast. Mystery import/craft beers for $1 on Wednesday. Souper Friday Happy Hour with free homemade soup, $1 well drinks and $2 16oz stadium bottles. Longest Happy Hour allowed by law every day.
Truly unique about us: Free hotdogs & popcorn everyday. Six dart boards (free) and two pool tables. Low prices and spontaneous live entertainment.
Northside Tavern
4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-3603
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Happy Hour Monday-Saturday; Margarita Mondays; $2 Beer Tuesdays.
Truly unique about us: Great live music venue with no covers; late night Northslice pizza window. CityBeat Readers voted us Best Bar/NightClub and Best Pool Hall. CityBeat staff also featured the Tavern’s new back room and monthly DANCE_MF Saturdays.
Oakley Pub & Grill
3924 Isabella Ave., Oakley, 513-531-2500
Drinks we’re known for: 61 different beer selections, with new varieties all the time. All import and craft beers are $2.75 on Sundays.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: On Mondays we have 40-cent wings and $2 beers; trivia on Tuesdays; Burger Mania Wednesdays with $2 beers.
Truly unique about us: Our food is traditional bar food but made without any shortcuts — the burgers, Grouper Sandwich and Buffalo Chicken Wrap lead the way. An inviting and comfortable atmosphere welcoming to groups or the individual.
Quatman Cafe
2443 Quatman Ave., Norwood, 513-731-4370; second location at 224 West Main St., Mason, 513-229-0222
Drinks we’re known for: Local favorites on tap including Hudy Delight and Christian Moerlein.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: A great meal at a great price. We don’t give you a bill — just come to the register and tell us what you had.
Truly unique about us: Serving homemade chili and soups, fresh sandwiches, awesome burgers and cold beer since 1966.
The Rookwood Bar & Restaurant
1077 Celestial St., Mount Adams, 513-421-5555
Drinks we’re known for: Pre-prohibition era cocktails and modern twists on the classics. When you order a cocktail, you can expect it to include hand-crafted, house made ingredients (syrups, bitters and the like) as well as traditional methods and lore associated with each individual cocktail.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Happy Hour is 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and includes $2 off draft beer, $5 cocktails and $6 glasses of wine. We also frequently feature special events (such as a family style chicken fry) accompanied by a drink special.
Truly unique about us: Housed in the original Rookwood Pottery factory, the Rookwood bar offers an authentic piece of Cincinnati history that can’t be experienced anywhere else. Enjoy your cocktail inside a kiln or just relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy the one-of-a-kind ambience.
Sidewinder Coffee
4181 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-8321
Drinks we’re known for: Our infamous coffee cocktail menu includes classics like Hot Buttered Rum — made with real butter — and Irish Coffee, as well as our own concoctions like the Black Forest Mocha or the Sacred Cow Martini.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Happy Hour seven days a week from 4-8 p.m.
Truly unique about us: Our 12-foot-long turquoise blue leather couch, our awesome hot mess staff and our pet bunny, Patrick Swayze, that lives in the courtyard.
Sitwell’s Coffee House
324 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-281-7487
Drinks we’re known for: A large selection of drinks including award-winning milkshakes and exotic European liquors. Some of our most popular choices include the Erotica Latte, Milky Way Malt and the Multiple Orgasm.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Michael McIntire and Marmalade Brigade play 8 p.m. Mondays; Musical showcase featuring local musicians and DJs followed by an open mic on Wednesdays. We also showcase a different visual artist each month.
Truly unique about us: One of the most unique, international, eclectic crowds you will find. This place is perpetually and organically shape-shifting all the time. We were also America’s first Internet cafe.
Sonny’s All Jazz Lounge
1227 California Ave., Bond Hill, 513-242-4579
Drinks we’re known for: Long Island Iced Tea and Apple Martini.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Men’s night on Tuesdays and ladies nights on Thursdays featuring $2 drinks and Phil Tucker spinning your favorite tunes. Karaoke with Evelyn on Wednesdays. DJ Gorgeous George every Friday and Saturday. Live jazz jam session featuring Mike Wade and the Ambassadors.
Truly unique about us: Complimentary happy hour food each weeknight from 5-8 p.m. Outdoor patio.
Sonny’s All Blues Lounge
4040 Reading Road, Paddock Hills, 513-281-0410
Drinks we’re known for: Long island iced teas and apple martinis
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Karaoke with Evelyn Monday night; ladies night featuring $2 drinks 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays with DJ JB, DJ Fly Troy; DJ Janice Friday and Saturdays; and live blues with open mike with Sonny’s All Blues Band featuring Lonnie Bennett.
Truly unique about us: Great pool table, video games and jukebox. Tthe first Sunday of each month from April through November we host a Blues Fest featuring four or five on the top blues bands from the region.
Stockyard Cafe
3112 Spring Grove Ave., Camp Washington, 513-591-2233
Drinks we’re known for: Yager Bombs and Stockyard Specials like The Grass Is Greener Shot and Stockyard Juice.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Open Mic every Thursday and Live Music, mostly new bands, on weekends.
Truly unique about us: The bar has been in Camp Washington since the 1890s with its heritage and name relating the actual stockyards that were located across the street.
Tap & Go
950 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, 513-381-3584
Drinks we’re known for: An excellent draft selection highlighted with local favorites Hudy Delight and Christian Moerlein’s OTR and Helles. Our draught also includes Guinness, Strongbow, Bass, Blue Moon and a rotating microbrew. A variety of shots.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: We’re open for live rugby games, including the 6 Nations tournament. We have excellent drink specials during the games, so come out and watch your favorite country battle it out in a great rugby atmosphere.
Truly unique about us: We are a rugby themed bar, with rugby jerseys and pictures decorating the walls. We are always showing rugby or international soccer on our TVs and have a pool table and patio. We also have trivia available every night.
Uncle Woody’s Pub
339 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, 513-751-2518
Drinks we’re known for: We have a Shot Wheel that offers fun for the customer with 16 different shots, including ‘bartender’s choice’ for some creativity.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Test Tube Tuesday, $3 Burgers & Team Trivia Wednesday, Karaoke Thursday, Sip & Slide Friday with Gold Fish Races and Dance & DJ Saturday.
Truly unique about us: We have created a home away from home atmosphere for students, professors and alumni serving delicious burgers as seen on Regis & Kelly.
Downtown
Arnold’s Bar and Grill
210 E. Eighth St., Downtown, 513-421-6234
Drinks we’re known for: A large variety of local beers. Arnold’s has Christian Moerlein’s OTR, Lager House and seasonal selections on draft, and Hudy 14-k and DeLight, Burger, and Little Kings in the can and bottle.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: A popular spot before and after downtown parades, including a take off point for the Bockfest parade. And the Cincinnati Dancing Pigs play the first Saturday of the month. Arnold’s is the only bar they book.
Truly unique about us: The atmosphere, ambiance, tradition and history. Arnold’s is the oldest bar in the city and one of the oldest in the country.
Below Zero Lounge
1122 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-9376
Drinks we’re known for: Houses one of the Midwest’s largest vodka collections with over 100 vodkas. Featured vodkas are served at 6 degrees Fahrenheit. If you aren’t into vodka alone, frozen cosmos, pina coladas and margaritas are available.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Below Zero offers the “Best Karaoke in Town” with host Will Corson on Thursdays. Legendary drag queen PennyTration hosts “Penny Candy” with all night DJ requests on Fridays. And “Sundays Show tunes” features video clips from Broadway, musicals and comedy clips.
Truly unique about us: You just never know who you’re going to be standing next to. A Broadway Star? Tony or Grammy award-winning celebrities? A true East meets West Coast atmosphere often referred to as Sex and the City-like.
BlackFinn Restaurant and Saloon
19 E. Seventh St., Downtown, 513-721-3466
Drinks we’re known for: Skilled bartenders serve up a large selection of liquors and beers on draft ranging from Miller to Guinness.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: College Night Tuesdays, Burgers and Beer Night on Wednesdays, Thursdays are VIP appreciation night with $2 U-Call-It’s from 9-11 p.m., Fridays feature Ciroc Vodka specials on bottle service in the Suite lounge and half price happy hour drinks Monday-Friday.
Truly unique about us: BlackFinn is actually two clubs in one. The pub plays music ranging from ’70s to current chart toppers and Suite, BlackFinn’s lounge/dance club, features Cincinnati’s DJ’s J-CRU, Idenity and DJ Haze from Model Citizen Sound.
Blue Wisp Jazz Club
318 E. Eighth St., Downtown, 513-241-9477
Drinks we’re known for: We have a list of drinks that are blue or are related to something blue i.e. a Blueberry Martini or the “Blue Wisp.” When the seasons change, so does the drink selection.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: The 16 piece Blue Wisp Big Band plays Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. Every Friday enjoy Happy Hour with former Cincinnati Reds B3 Hammond Organist Jack Doll and his trio, and late night Friday listen to Blues singer Del Williams. Saturday evenings feature The Blue Wisp Young Lions, an 18-and-under Jazz band handpicked from schools all over the Tristate, along with guitarist Steve Barone and bassist Eddie Felson.
Truly unique about us: The Blue Wisp is the only Jazz Club in Cincinnati that offers live Jazz seven nights a week. With the best local and national acts around, you’d have to travel to Chicago or New York City to find a club that presents the same quality and variety of music.
Bootsy’s
631 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-533-241-0707
Cadillac Ranch
41 E. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-621-6200
Drinks we’re known for: Specialty drinks include the Pear…fect 59 Cadilla, Mango Ranch Martini and the Orange Escalade Cosmo, along with local microbrews.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Happy Hour: $2 domestics, wells and house wines 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Live acoustic entertainment on Tuesdays and DJs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Truly unique about us: A fun, dynamic environment serving authentic, All-American cuisine in a Rock & Roll atmosphere. Large outdoor patio and a mechanical bull.
The Cricket Lounge at The Cincinnatian Hotel
601 Vine St., Downtown, 513-381-3000
Drinks we’re known for: The “Boz”mopolitan, named after the Cricket Lounge’s own bartender “Boz” Haller. The “Boz”mapolitan is his own master concoction containing Absolut Mandarin, Grand Marnier, orange juice and cranberry.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Happy hour every day from 4-7 p.m. and a live Jazz trio every Friday and Saturday. The restaurant’s full menu is available until midnight every day as well.
Truly unique about us: The original Cricket Restaurant first opened with The Palace Hotel in 1882 and was its premier restaurant and lounge. After many years, the Cricket became the local hangout for journalists from The Cincinnati Enquirer next door to the hotel. When the hotel reopened as the The Cincinnatian in 1987 after a multi-million dollar renovation, the premier restaurant was renamed to reflect the hotel’s original name, The Palace, and a new Cricket Lounge was placed atop the lobby stairs.
FB’s
126 W. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-246-4333
Drinks we’re known for: We are known for our funky, one-of-a-kind signature drinks and martini’s all made from original recipes and created from fresh ingredients. Our most popular to date is definitely our Blueberry Love Soda.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: We run a standard Happy Hour on all our weekdays from 4-8 p.m. On Tuesdays we host PROJECTMILL DJs and have an alternative dance party in the living room. On Wednesdays we host Wino Wednesday with $9 bottles of our house “FB’s” wine all night and live acoustic sets from local musicians like Drew LaPlante and friends, Kristen Keys, Ian Mellancamp, and the Wade Baker Jazz Collaboration. Thurday nights we transform again with an all-night happy hour and a rotation of guest DJs featured in our living room. On the weekend we feature unique bottle service options in the living room with a Table Side Mixology option. Also during the weekend our sister club, “The Rabbit Hole,” is open in the basement. This space provides a unique dance environment hosting several of the areas top DJs along with a slew of celebrity DJ appearances.
Truly unique about us: We have the best jukebox in town and one of the most unique experiences both in terms of service and environment.
Grammer’s
1440 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-8300
Drinks we’re known for: An array of local, national and international beers and a variety of mixed drinks, all reasonably priced.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Daily happy hours, Tuesday Movie Night, Thursday Night DJs and Wiffle Ball Wednesdays in the summer.
Truly unique about us: Old-school ambiance — Grammer’s was established in 1872 — and diverse patrons.
Hamburger Mary’s
909 Vine St., Downtown, 513-421-MARY
Drinks we’re known for: Hamburger Mary’s is known for its original and creative collection of signature drinks, with an ever-changing drink menu.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Monday is Movie Night, Tuesday is Ham-Bingo, Wednesday is Ladies Night, Thursday is Boy’s Night, Friday is Mary-oke and Sunday is Open Mic Night with industry specials. In addition to all of these theme nights, Mary’s has a long list of upcoming events including Gay Pride Weekend.
Truly unique about us: Hamburger Mary’s is the most diverse restaurant and bar in Cincinnati. We have a very mixed clientele and we welcome everyone.
Havana Martini Club
441 Vine St, Downtown, 513-651-2800
Drinks we’re known for: Havana is known for its handcrafted martinis, which have held the title of “Best Martini” by CityBeat readers for eight years running now.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Salsa music and free salsa lessons are synonymous with Havana. Free salsa lessons are given on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Fridays at 9 p.m. A salsa DJ continues to mix it up until 1:30 a.m. both nights. And a 12-piece Latin band performs on the first Saturday of every month.
Truly unique about us: Havana Martini Club is family-owned and operated. We have over 30 delicious martinis and a great selection of craft beer, wine and cigars.
In Between Tavern
307 Sycamore St., Downtown, 513-621-7009
Drinks we’re known for: The In Between Tavern is known for cold beer and great food.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: The tavern is open before and after Reds home games and events at U.S. Bank Arena.
Truly unique about us: It is the closest bar to Great American Ball Park and it has an outdoor patio.
Lodge Bar
35 E. Seventh St., Downtown, 513-721-9400
McCormick & Schmick’s
21 E. Fifth St., Downtown, 513-721-9339
Drinks we’re known for: All of our cocktails
are hand-made with fresh squeezed citrus juices and pure fruit purees.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: O Nati’s
Irish Pub on Fountain Square March 13, 2010 and Dollar Oyster Night on Thursdays. Join us for Buck-a-Shuck.
Truly unique about us: An assortment of menu items such as Baja Fish Tacos, Crab and Artichoke Dip and half-pound cheeseburgers with fries for $2.95 4-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Mainstay Rock Bar
301 W. Fifth St., Downtown, 513-721-ROCK
Drinks we’re known for: Simply put, big ass beers. Traditional domestics and imports are available, and for the craft enthusiasts enjoy a wide selection including Delerium, La Fin Du Monde, Don De Dieu and more. Specialty drinks include the Mainstay Lay, Krak Whore, Groupie, Nirvana, Rehab and Tight Leather Pants.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Live bands play on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. DJ Davey C spins infused Rock on Tuesdays and Stuart MacKenzie (of Lions Rampant) hosts Karaoke Night every Sunday.
Truly unique about us: Mainstay is more than just a party. Call it a den of iniquity, a place where bad decisions are not just made but encouraged. Come with Rock & Roll swagger; leave your tie at the door.
Milton’s Prospect Hill Tavern
301 Milton St., Liberty Hill/Mount Auburn, 513-784-9938
Mr. Pitiful’s
1323 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-369-0202
Nada
600 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-721-6232
Drinks we’re known for: We are known for our Latin inspired cocktails, including the most popular Pink Grapefruit margarita. It is made with Madisono’s Sorbet, which gives it a wonderful creamy texture and an exciting sweet and tart flavor.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: We have happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. with half price appetizers and drink specials in the bar. The big events we’re known for are Cinco de Mayo and our Nadaween Halloween party.
Truly unique about us: Our bartenders use nothing but fresh ingredients. For example, all of our margaritas are made with freshly squeezed lime juice and agave nectar. We have two bars that are both offer the full dining menu. We also have a wood burning fire pit to sit and drink by, as well as a great patio for summertime dining.
Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub
625 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-564-9111
Drinks we’re known for: Nicholson’s is known for its selection of over 80 single malt scotches, 24 draft beers, two cask-conditioned beers and over 30 bottled beers. We were named by DRAFT Magazine as one of the Top 150 Beer Bars in the U.S. in 2009 and 2010.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for:
Nicholson’s Happy Hour runs 3-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Tuesday is also “On Tap Tuesday” with $4 Imperial Pints. Wednesday is “Ladies Night” with $2 off wines by the glass and martinis in our Beverage Bible. Thursday is “Wine Down Thursday” with 30-50 percent off bottled wine. Friday is “Irish Friday” with $4 Guinness, Smithwick’s and Harp. Monday is “Quiz Night” with half price Fish & Chips during the quiz, free gift raffles and gift certificates for the winner.
Truly unique about us: We offer beer and single malt scotch selections that you can’t get anywhere else in Ohio or possibly the United States. Our staff prides themselves on their knowledge and hospitality.
Palomino
505 Vine St., Downtown, 513-381-1300
Passage (coming soon)
601 Main St., Downtown, 513-621-9900
Drinks we’re known for: We’ll have a supreme selection of wine, beers and liquor. Each drink tells a story: The Imperial, Blood Brothers Mojito, Bombay Bikini Martini, Bollywood and more.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: We’ll offer happy hour specials and plan on hosting celebrity and charity events in the future.
Truly unique about us: Infused with structural surprises and eclectic decor, Passage creates an atmosphere unique to itself. Upon entering the lounge, the first encounter will be a massive fireplace secret passageway serving as the grand entrance. The decor is a clever mixture of Imperial British influences and contemporary twists, highlighted with Indian fabrics and mysterious lighting. A private party area will be found in the “secret vault” by those who are lucky enough to discover it.
Righteous Room
641 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-381-4408
Drinks we’re known for: The Ginito is one of our most popular drinks. We have a specialty cocktail menu that changes seasonally. We offer a nice wine selection by bottle and glass, and an excellent craft beer selection with microbrews on tap or in the bottle.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: We have happy hour 4-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday with half price drinks. Sundays are Service Industry Nights with $3 Absolut Cocktails and $1.50 Miller Lite 16-oz. bottles.
Truly unique about us: The inside features original artwork commissioned by local artists Shawna Guipp and Paul Coors, as well as David Ellis of New York. If you look closely at the bartop, you will find the original script of the Book of John etched into it. There’s also an open-air urban patio with DJ booth and mosaic tile bar.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
10 Fountain Square Plaza, Downtown, 513-621-1588
Drinks we’re known for: Brewmaster Mitch Dougherty makes the best hand-crafted beers in the city.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Happy hour is 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and features $2 pints, well drinks and house wines as well as $5 appetizers.
Truly unique about us: We’re a brewpub that makes its own beer, and Fountain Square is right outside our front door.
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
700 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-784-1200
Drinks we’re known for: We have an extensive list of Single Malt Scotches, Single Batch Bourbons and a wine list with over 700 different bottles. The bartenders at Jeff Ruby’s have also written their own martini list with the most popular being Lori’s Diamond, a delicious blend of White and Dark Chocolate Godiva, Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream and whipped cream.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Jeff Ruby’s offers live entertainment five nights a week, with the headliners being Airwave on Wednesday night featuring Ted and Dixie Karas, and Kelly Red and the Hammerhead on Friday night. We also offer half-priced martinis on Saturdays after the Aronoff Center’s Broadway shows are finished.
Truly unique about us: Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, you can get one of the best steaks in the Midwest and impeccable service from bartenders Lori North and Maria Semes.
Tonic on Fourth
127 W. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-721-1345
Drinks we’re known for: We handcraft our ingredients featuring house made bitters, liquors, tinctures and tonic. Our mission is to revive the lost art of mixing drinks, striving for balance in every glass. Tonic is approachable alchemy driven by bartenders with a nod to the past when mixing cocktails was a craft.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday with $5 signature cocktails and $5 wines by the glass. Ladies Night every Thursday with half off well cocktails and $1 off drafts.
Truly unique about us: We are a true craft bar. All mixers are made in-house. We feature an ice program that is unique to the region with ice cubes that are perfect cubes so beverages are chilled not diluted. And our Master Sommelier Steven Geddes is the only Master Sommelier in Cincinnati. He is also the only working chef and certified master sommelier in the world.
Velvet
314 W. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-621-2582
Drinks we’re known for: We own know for our Velvetini, which is a tropical punch flavor martini. We are also known for carrying all three bottles of Ace of Spades, which is an high quality champagne that is endorsed by Jay Z.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Friday we host Passion Fridays where ladies get in Free until 11 p.m. and our Velvetinis are $5 all night. Saturday nights are promoted by Top Shelf Entertainment. Sundays are Social Sundays where ladies get in free until 11 p.m. and our Velvetini is only $3 all night.
Truly unique about us: The club makes you feel like you’re no longer in Cincinnati with two areas to dance in, two bars, over 30 TVs in the club, including the restrooms. We have over 12 VIP tables or booths with individual LCD HD TVs.
Washington Platform
1000 Elm St., Downtown, 513-421-0110
Drinks we’re known for: Serving Cincinnati’s original Oyster Shooter, and the coldest bottled beer in town.
Promotional nights or events we’re known for: Home of Cincinnati’s Original Annual Oyster Festival, Fall Crab Carnival, Summer Wing Fling, Friday Night Clambakes and the popular Second Sunday New Orleans Jazz Buffet.
Truly unique about us: Family owned and operated since 1986, serving great food and drink and celebrating Cincinnati’s history in a restored turn-of-the (20th) century saloon.
