Community and “third spaces,” those spots between home and work and/or school, are more important than ever. The third spaces in Greater Cincinnati’s neighborhoods are where we all go to disconnect from busy, everyday life things and reconnect with loved ones and neighbors or just to relax solo in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Neighborhood bars make excellent third spaces. These are the bars — and they can include dive bars, sports bars, pubs, etc. — that place value and emphasis on being together as a community and relaxing over good, cheap drinks; live music; or games like pool, darts and even board games.
Keep scrolling for 20 of the friendliest neighborhood bars in Greater Cincinnati.
Monk’s Cove
Mt. Adams is about 700 miles from the nearest ocean beach, but Monk’s Cove offers a little island oasis in the middle of the city. This beachy pub offers a brand-new patio, daily happy hour specials (including their Jello syringe) from 4-7 p.m. and unlimited popcorn. And if you’re the kind of person who always finds the dog to hang out with at parties, you’ll love the furry bar staff member, Schnookums the golden retriever, who’s usually at the front door to greet guests. 1104 St Gregory St., Mt. Adams.
Uncle Leo’s
Formerly BarBar, Uncle Leo’s opened near Findlay Market under new ownership in late 2022. The name is both a Seinfeld reference and a nod to co-owner Leroy Ansley’s nieces and nephews’ name for him. Uncle Leo’s retains much of the character and decor that made BarBar unique: the antique Art Deco mirrored bar with pink built-in lights, the full-sized canoe above the bar and the mounted moose head. But it also took on a new identity with a plethora of vintage signage, some sports memorabilia and a cast-iron pot belly stove among other personal touches that have patrons toasting to its quirky, yet inviting atmosphere. The drink menu revolves around classic craft cocktails like gimlets, margaritas and martinis, and the Cousin Jeffrey special is a staple and consists of a bottle of Coors Banquet and a shot of bourbon or tequila. 1709 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.
Big Chill
Big Chill is your one-stop destination for adult beverages, soft-serve ice cream and good company. Despite the name, Big Chill’s atmosphere is anything but icy, and you’ll feel warmly welcomed by the friendly bartenders and patrons as soon as you step inside. Wife-husband duo Hannah Wheatley and Evan Wallis opened this “chill” bar in the heart of College Hill in late 2022 after moving to the neighborhood and falling in love with the community. While they both wanted to use their combined bartending experience to craft delicious cocktails, like the slushies with rotating flavors or their Kentucky Buck (bourbon, lemon, strawberry, bitters and ginger beer), they noticed the number of families in the area and decided to include a walk-up ice cream window as well. Enjoy your time here in the cozy bar area or in the sunshine out on the big patio. 5912 Hamilton Ave., College Hill.
C & D Northside
All are welcome at C & D. This Northside dive offers pool, Friday night Euchre, happy hour specials, Dungeons & Dragons nights, vinyl nights and more. The drinks are cheap, the bartenders are friendly, the bar is no-frills and there’s a chill back patio — everything you want out of a good neighborhood dive. And if you enjoy a good meme, follow them on Facebook. 1714 Hanfield St., Northside.
The Belle and the Bear
This neighborhood dive bar is known for its live music and affordable drinks, but the space itself is electric, with a poster-lined ceiling and neon-glowing stage, plus helpful bartenders and friendly crowds. Come for the live music or karaoke nights, or earlier for the generous happy hours. Beers on tap include classics like Bud Light and Blue Moon, but you’ll also find some local brews like Truth from Rhinegeist and Reba from Fretboard. 8512 Market Place Lane, Montgomery.
The Crow’s Nest
Opened in 1895 by husband and wife Mike and Mary Crow, The Crow’s Nest is one of the oldest drinking establishments in Cincinnati. And like any good Irish pub, their claims to fame are their delicious fish sandwich, affordable beer and patrons and bartenders who have never known a stranger. Come on Friday and Saturday nights for live music or Tuesdays for open mic night. Outside, you can gather around the fire pit with a strong drink or play a game of cornhole. 4544 W. Eighth St., West Price Hill.
Binski’s Bar
When Binski’s Bar opened in 2023, it did so with the goal of being Camp Washington’s communal watering hole. The bar sits in a bright green building from the early 1900s that was originally a saloon and boarding house (wink wink). An Old Style sign hangs outside — “a signal to anyone in Chicago you’re about to walk into a great bar,” says owner Kiel Erdelac. Inside, visitors will find some classic bar staples like a CD jukebox, darts, rotating drink specials and a community that makes you feel welcome. 2872 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington.
Joey’s Roadhouse
A classic roadhouse and motorcycle bar, Joey’s is off the beaten path, but it’s worth the trip. The bar is a classic dive, with friendly bartenders and regulars who all seem to know each other, but are happy to talk with newcomers too. You’ll often find someone playing music out back or at the back of the bar, or a group of friends playing a game of pool. The space is snug, but all the better for catching up over a drink or making small talk with your barstool neighbor. 10308 Burlington Road, Springfield Township.
Arlin’s Bar & Garden
This is Clifton’s Gaslight District’s neighborhood pub for the thinking man or woman. Have a beer on the big back patio and beer garden or enjoy live music and bar food. The no-frills atmosphere includes a pool room, plus tons of beer taps, sports on TV and a jukebox. Though the bar has changed names, there’s been a drinking spot at this location since the 1890s. 307 Ludlow Ave., Clifton.
Pirate’s Den
You’ll always have a good time with your mateys at Pirate’s Den. This West Side sports bar is open for lunch and dinner and prides itself on its wings and drinks. If you’re a sports lover, they’ve always got the latest game on their 20-inch flat screens, or you can play pool or darts. And on Friday and Saturday nights, they feature live music from some of the best local bands around. 3670 Werk Road, Green Township.
Stanley’s Pub
This low-key dive is a favorite spot for live, eclectic tunes along the river. They feature live music throughout the week, with stages both inside and outside, that draw both regulars and those hoping to rock out to some local, Grateful Dead-style jam bands. 323 Stanley Ave., Columbia Tusculum.
Bramble Patch
The Bramble Patch is where you want to go when you just want a cheap drink in a laid-back space that’s more like a friend’s basement than a dive bar. Grab a beer, put your favorite classic rock song on the jukebox and shoot a few games of pool with your buddies, or head outside when the weather’s nice to enjoy the patio. 6768 Bramble Ave., Madisonville.
Fries Cafe
Fries Cafe is a legendary dive bar that’s been slinging drinks to University of Cincinnati students, Clifton residents and more for almost 100 years. The bar is laid-back and offers an uncharacteristically large outdoor space (at least for Clifton). Hang out on deck, enjoy some live music or play cornhole while enjoying a local craft beer — Fries’ specialty. The bar also offers daily deals, including happy hour drinks and after-9 p.m. shot specials. 3247 Jefferson Ave., Corryville.
Free Parking
Go straight to Free Parking; do not pass “Go.” This board game and neighborhood bar, where you can turn your friends into enemies over an intense game of Monopoly, aims to be a welcoming space where guests of all ages can enjoy a wide variety of board games, along with drinks and bites, in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu features specialty cocktails named after Monopoly spaces along with a selection of pub-style food, including sharables like pretzels and beer cheese, wings and a brisket flatbread, as well as handhelds like burgers and chicken sandwiches. They also offer a weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with offerings like breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, platters and more. While Free Parking is family-friendly, it’s still a bar and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and not all the games in its game library are kid-appropriate. 6200 Hamilton Ave., College Hill.
Jocko’s Pub
Jocko’s Pub owners Kathy and Ron Jacimine say they made it their mission to make their bar the best place to hang out, listen to some live music, enjoy a cold drink and just have a good time. You can stop by Jocko’s after work for happy hour during the week, take part in open mic nights on Wednesdays or stop by and hear local bands play on Friday and Saturday nights. They also have some great game-day specials when the Reds and Bengals play. 4862 Delhi Pike, Delhi.
Keller’s Cheviot Cafe
If you just want a casual place to hang out and grab a beer, Keller’s is the spot. This convivial watering hole in Cheviot is your quintessential West Side bar: No fuss, good drinks, pool, darts and the Bengals game on TV. 3737 Glenmore Ave., Cheviot.
Gas Light Cafe
This Pleasant Ridge eatery and drinkery has been a neighborhood staple for generations. Behind the bar, there’s a large list of local, domestic and craft drafts on tap, and what goes well with a cold draft of your favorite beer? The half-pound Gas Light Burger , the cod tail fish sandwich with tartar sauce and lettuce ($10) or the Homemade Chili with cheese and onions ($7). 6104 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge.
Augie’s Tavern
“Good people, good service and cheap beer,” as one review of Augie’s Tavern reads, is the best way to describe this small dive bar in downtown Reading. Boasting the best selection of ice-cold beer in town, Augie’s also has wine, cocktails and bar games, including two Keno machines. Stop in to watch a Reds game, or take part in their daily card drawing game for the chance to win big. 201 Walnut St., Reading.
Hap’s Irish Pub
Named after its former owner’s nickname, “Happy,” Hap’s calls itself “the most authentic Irish pub you will find outside of the Green Isle,” boasting itself as the biggest Guinness distributor in the area. The bar is no-frills, and the company is top-notch. Whether you want to pick up a casual game of darts, play a song on the jukebox or enjoy the dog-friendly outdoor patio, a visit to Hap’s is bound to be a great craic (a good time). 3510 Erie Ave., Hyde Park.
Dew Drop Inn
Located on the edge of Hamilton County, between Harrison and Miamitown, you’ll find the quiet neighborhood of Blue Jay and its neighborhood gem, Dew Drop Inn. A full-service bar, Dew Drop Inn also serves up fantastic hand-tossed pizzas, hoagies and appetizers. Play a game of darts, a round of pool or sit out on the covered patio and watch a sand volleyball match while enjoying your drink and pie. 8956 Harrison Pike, Blue Jay.