Whether it’s June and Pride Month or any other time of the year, Cincinnati knows how to celebrate queer joy. Throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are bars that offer safe, inclusive spaces to be your truest self, free from judgment, whether you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community or you’re an ally. These Greater Cincinnati LGBTQ+-friendly bars offer everything from a chill dive hangout to stunning drag performances and places to dance the night away. Keep scrolling to see some of the best bars for LGBTQ+ folks.

Old Street Saloon 13 Old St #B, Monroe Say it with me: 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. While the weekly Saturday night drag shows are always 10/10, it’s worth planning ahead to show out for the bar’s annual drag pageant, Miss Old Street. This year’s pageant will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30 with the theme “From Sunshine Days to Boogie Nights.” Just because Old Street is a tiny suburban-rural dive bar doesn’t mean the talent isn’t outstanding. Old Street has attracted the best-of-the-best queens and kings from Dayton, Cincinnati and beyond for nearly 30 years. (Madeline Fening) Photo: Aidan Mahoney
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 West 7th 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. Pool table is ready and waiting, and drinks are very affordable, especially on Mondays. (Rick Pender) Photo: facebook.com/RosiesTavern
SOLAR: Sober Pre-Pride Day Disco When: Saturday, June 21 from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Where: Tillie’s Lounge, 4042 Hamilton Ave., Northside What: Get in the Pride spirit at this one-of-a-kind, booze-free party, featuring dancing and music from DJ Castle. Tillie’s will be crafting mocktails from their brand-new menu and other non-alcoholic options for the sober, sober-curious and sober-supportive. Who: Tillie’s Lounge and Northside NOW Why: “Because partying with pride doesn’t need a pour.” Photo: The Buckeye Flame
Best LGBTQ+ Bar No. 10: Home Base Tavern 2401 Vine St., Clifton Heights Photo: facebook.com/HBT Home Base Tavern
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. Photo: facebook.com/bar32covky
Bloom OTR raised $3,000 for the victims of the deadly shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs. Photo: Gunner Hollin via Instagram, BloomOTR
Best LGBTQ+ Bar No. 4: Crazy Fox Saloon 901 Washington Ave., Newport Photo: facebook.com/The-Crazy-Fox-Saloon
“I saw your mom last night at one of CityBeat’s horniest bars.” Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Orbit Room | 1833 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: The Orbit Room Facebook
Best LGBTQ+ Bar No. 8: Chameleon 4114 Hamilton Ave., Northside Photo: facebook.com/chameleon.comedy.club
No. 5 (TIE) Best New Bar: The Flock 927 Race St., Downtown Editor’s Note: As of June 2024, The Flock has returned to being The Birdcage. Photo: Ignite Entertainment
No. 10 Best Overall Bar: Queen City Exchange 32 W. Court St., Downtown Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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. Photo: facebook.com/otrstillhouse
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. Photo: Google Maps
Leather Pride Night 8 p.m.-2 a.m. June 23 There’s no better time of year to celebrate your kinkier side than during Pride month. Break out your best leather gear and join your friends for this spicy event at Bar 901. Leather and fetish gear are encouraged but not required. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. June 23. Bar 901, 901 Race St., Downtown, cincinnatipride.org. Photo: facebook.com/newbar901