With the Reds … technically … in pursuit of a National League Wild Card berth, FC Cincinnati holding onto a potential playoff spot in MLS, and football season right around the corner, here’s some of our favorite dive (or dive-esque) bars in the area to watch sports this fall.
I want to get something out of the way, too. There are a bunch of dive bars in Cincinnati. If you clicked on this story, then you’re well aware of the city’s illustrious bar culture. BUT, I only have so much time and my fingers hurt from typing all day, so I’m cutting this list off at eight.
Knockback Nat’s
10 W. 7th St. in Cincinnati‘s Central Business District
If you’re looking for a place at the perfect intersection of sports bar and dive bar, I think this may be your spot.
Knockback Nat’s is near the old Macy’s headquarters, so it’s pretty easy to get to if you live Downtown. It’s a great place to park yourself and watch the Reds and Bengals. On game day, Knockback Nat’s draws strong crowds, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Even when it’s not game day, you can still find sports on the TVs. It also has a full menu, so you can sober up before you stumble back to your apartment.
Kitty’s Sports Grill
218 W. 3rd St. in Cincinnati‘s Central Business District
This place exudes Bengals fandom. When football season rolls around, Kitty’s turns into one of the city’s hubs for a Bengals game day. The massive tiger mural painted on the outside of the bar only adds to the vibes.
It’s right across the street from Paycor Stadium, so if you step out to smoke a cig, you’ll be starting right at The Jungle.
Last thing I’m going to mention is the massive BBQ smoker. You can get wings, pulled pork, BBQ chicken – whatever your heart desires. Who Dey.
Village Pub
619 Main St. in Covington
Prominently located along Main Street in Covington’s Mainstrasse Village, Village Pub has been a staple of Northern Kentucky’s dive bar scene since its inception in 1995.
Village Pub is a haven for faithful Cincinnati sports fans in Northern Kentucky, as the bar’s walls are plastered with historic Reds and Bengals memorabilia. Village Pub does not have beer taps; instead, it offers customers a selection of seltzers, cheap domestics, and craft beers from two fully stocked fridges.
Don’t worry, folks, if you don’t like beer, Village Pub still serves cocktails and other mixed drinks.
Village Pub doesn’t have a food menu, but it does have a popcorn machine, which is honestly pretty fitting. If you really wanted to, you could gorge on free popcorn while throwing back Miller Lites. I’m not saying you should actually do this, but it’s an option. Consider it. In the back of the building sits another one of Village Pub’s key draws – its pool tables, which are frequently occupied by regulars and visitors alike.
O’Malleys in the Alley
25 W. Ogden Pl. in Cincinnati‘s Central Business District
This place is the quintessential definition of a Cincinnati dive bar. It’s got pretty much everything you can ask for in terms of a divey bar to watch sports.
It’s got the history to back up its reputation, as O’Malleys in the Alley is the second-oldest bar in all of Cincinnati. Sports fans in Cincinnati have been watching Reds games at O’Malleys for generations, so it’s no wonder why this place has such a cultural pull within the city.
The drinks, the Irish theme and its location in a literal alley are pretty obvious; I mean, it’s called O’Malleys for God’s sake! The dim lighting, the tightly crammed-in booths, and lanterns hanging off the wall all add to the appeal. It also gets bonus points for its close proximity to Paycor Stadium and Great American Ballpark.
Hometown Heroes Sports Cafe
640 6th Ave. in Dayton, Kentucky
Located in the small Northern Kentucky river city of Dayton, Hometown Heroes has been one of the prime spots for sports fans also searching out a bite to eat.
Hometown Heroes’ menu is stacked full of classic bar favorites, including hot wings, burgers, cheesy tots, fries, wraps, sandwiches and much more.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Greater Cincinnati sports bar without its spiritual connection to the Reds and Bengals. But like other Northern Kentucky bars, Hometown Heroes has a particular affinity for the Kentucky Wildcats. The bar prominently features replicas of Kentucky’s eight national basketball championships on the wall.
Although, now that I think about it, the only team the owners and patrons probably care about more than UK is their hometown Dayton Green Devils. I think that’s pretty fitting, honestly.
The Pony OTR
1346 Main St. in Cincinnati‘s Over-the-Rhine
The Pony has fantastic food. Are you a sandwich person? Good. Are you also a fish-and-chips person? Excellent. You’re gonna fit right in here.
Sure, this is a little neighborhood-y and a little divey, but I’m not going to split hairs.
The real question is, can you watch a game here? Yes, you can, especially if you’re a Bills fan—the bar is known as a gathering place for Buffalo sports lovers. Don’t quote me on this, but the wooden tables are probably bolted down, so I wouldn’t try anything brave, Bills Mafia.
Dive Bar
2608 Short Vine in Cincinnati’s Corryville neighborhood
Can a place be a true dive bar if your theme is a Dive Bar? Yes, if you stay true to the soul of the concept.
Located near the University of Cincinnati’s campus in Corryville, Dive Bar caters more so to students and residents of the neighborhood, but that doesn’t detract from the experience. Founded in 2011, Dive Bar has become a staple for people in its community.
Dive Bar is great for a more chill sports-watching experience. Sometimes, you don’t need all the bells and whistles. You just want to lock in with a beer and some food. Dive Bar will give you that experience.
Pilot Inn
3921 Edwards Rd. in Norwood
This place has character. It feels like somewhere your Dad probably went to in the 70s or 80s, which is a total compliment.
You know you can tell a dive bar is cool when the building’s storefront is half stone, half siding, and has a red awning that marginally keeps the smokers dry when it rains.
This place has everything you need: a bunch of liquor, beer, a pool table, TVs to watch games and a mishmash of different types of chairs.
Its vintage hanging sign tells you what this place is all about in three words: BEER, FOOD, WHISKEY. Hell yeah, brother.
