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Cincinnatians like to drink, and sometimes we like to be classy about it. To keep up with the demand, plenty of hip cocktail bars have opened up around the Queen City. With that comes plenty of Yelp reviewers with lots of opinions. These are the top 25 best cocktail bars in the Queen City according to Yelp.
*All quotes are taken from Yelp reviews.
25. Liberty’s Bar & Bottle
1427 Main St., Over-the-Rhine
“Nice draft list, including Equilibrium MC2 Hazy IPA. Best beer I’ve had in a while! Nice atmosphere, dog-friendly.” — Andrea W. Photo: Facebook.com/Libertys-Bar-Bottle24. Lola’s Coffee and Bar
24 W. Third St., Cincinnati
“Lola’s has been updated a lot lately and is so cool with a ton of new options. The cocktail menu has some really interesting options and everything I’ve tried had been out of this world (the Cincinnati storm is my favorite!). The pastries are omg amazing, and every time I come in they have new options. I could drink a lavender matcha latte every day, and they have a rewards program to every tenth drink is free so I just might! A great addition to downtown, and an awesome choice for a local coffee shop.” — Sami B. https://www.facebook.com/lolascincy/photos/?ref=page_internalThe outdoor rooftop patio at Vista Photo: Hailey Bollinger22. e19
1905 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine
“A wonderfully welcoming place. My partner and I had a blast at Taylor Swift night. The cocktail menu is very nice, I usually get a martini when I come. A great place to take photos at as well.” — Maggie S. Photo: Hailey Bollinger21. Longfellow
1233 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine
“The menu is thoughtful and complementary to the well crafted drinks, and the prices are completely reasonable. Come early and grab a table outside for some incredible people watching.” — Dustin H. Photo: Hailey Bollinger20. Below Zero Lounge
1120 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
“Love this place and it’s owner. It’s the best, in every way. I no longer live a half block away, but that doesn’t change my love for Below Zero. I’ve spent special nights here, from engagement parties to both of President Obama’s election nights!” — Lynne S. Photo: Hailey Bollinger19. The Fix Coffeehouse and Bar
648 E. McMillan St.,Walnut Hills
“What a cute cafe with friendly baristas and best of all great coffee! Came here to do some work and there was plenty of seating. I ordered a cappuccino and worked for a few hours and the place remained fairly quite and there was ample seating.” — Jenny C. https://www.facebook.com/thefixcoffeebar/?ref=page_internal18. Night Drop
1535 Madison Road,East Walnut Hills
“This is such a cool, chill spot. It’s low key, dark and romantic if you’re into that. It’s a gin bar so keep that in mind but I didn’t have any issue finding something to love on the drink menu. I had the Ladybird and I wanted at least three more because it was delicious. I’ll definitely be back!” — Ashley F. Photo: Hailey Bollinger17. HomeMakers Bar
39 E. 13th St.,Cincinnati
“I think it’s a really cool spot! The decor on the inside is a fun retro vibe, and I’m a fan of the outdoor seating area. Good drink menu with some yummy cocktails/wine drinks, and a unique food menu with snacks to share.” — Marieke S. Photo: Hailey Bollinger16. Tokyo Kitty
575 Race St., Downtown
“I wish I could live at this place! I definitely recommend a private room. It’s so fun to have your friends able to cut loose and be silly karaoking without a room of strangers staring back. The drinks delivered by robot via the ceiling is too fun!” — Megan N. Photo: Hailey Bollinger15. The Globe Covington
12 E. Fifth St., Covington
“Great vibe. Great drinks. Super friendly bartender. Good set up to respect social distancing also. Highly recommend the frozen drinks although not typical of a bourbon bar. They were very very tasty!” — Joe S. Photo: Hailey Bollinger14. OTR Stillhouse
2017 Branch St., Over-the-Rhine
“Fantastic venue with delicious cocktails. Perfect location in OTR. Was really impressed at the variety and thought the food was really unique.” — Arti M. https://www.facebook.com/otrstillhouse/Comfort Station
793 E. McMillan Ave., Walnut Hills
From the team behind OTR’s Sundry and Vice comes Comfort Station. Opened in late June, this cocktail bar is located in a century-old Walnut Hills rest area. Without much signage outside, guests enter via the original women’s room door — now painted a beautiful bright blue — into an industrial and airy space with skylights, inventive cocktails and a living plant wall. A back patio and lounge creates an indoor/outdoor feel.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger12. The Hannaford
619 Madison Ave., Covington
“Nice bar, good drinks, and some nice seating areas. We met a friend and stayed a couple hours. It’s nice we could order food from next door. Great selection of bourbons.” — S W. Photo: Hailey BollingerSaeso
1208 Sycamore St., Pendleton
If you’re looking for an otherworldly escape without leaving the city, or a cocktail menu that takes the work out of ordering, Saeso might just be your new neighborhood bar. Christy Wulfson and Michael Guilfoil, the duo behind the petite Pendleton bar, created a space where they’d like to sit and enjoy a cocktail and invited you to join. You can linger, say yes to that second drink and bask in the terracotta glow. The bar recently teamed up with local taco pop-up Pata Roja to transform the patio into a taco haven, as well as shifted their back bar into “The Cantina,” offering margaritas, house cocktails and a variety of cervezas to pair with your meal — enjoyed for dine-in or to take and enjoy at home.
Photo: Brian Rineair Photo: Brian Rineair10. Lost and Found OTR
22 E. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine
“Very cool spot in the middle of OTR. Drinks were very eclectic. Somewhat higher priced, but makes sense for high quality ingredients. I had the Neptune yards and really liked it!” — Miranda R. Photo: Hailey Bollinger9. Somerset Bar
139 E. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine
“Fabulous atmosphere and lovely drinks that were priced right.
Really enjoyed the slide wall. Will return.” — Lu K. Photo: Hailey BollingerJapps Since 1879
1134 Main St., Over-the-Rhine
Mixologist, historian and bar owner Molly Wellmann specializes in classic cocktails with informative origin stories. At Japp’s, she and her bartenders also specialize in “nonnys.” “I have so many customers that come in that love to drink but don’t want to drink alcohol,” Wellmann tells CityBeat. And she always makes sure to have something for them besides a Coke or orange juice. Alcoholic or not, all drinks at Japp’s are crafted with housemade simple syrups, fresh herbs, berries, juices and different floral waters. Photo: Hailey Bollinger7. Cooper & Flame
1115 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“Copper & Flame exceeded our expectations – food, drink selection and space were amazing! We had 13 people and they reserved a space upstairs for us that was just perfect. Staff was also very friendly and accommodating.” — Ashley S. Photo: facebook.com/Copper & Flame/6. Overlook Lodge
6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge
“We use to live in the neighborhood years ago. Love the place. Staff is great and the craft cocktails are wonderful.” — Richard R. Photo: facebook.com/Overlooklodge/5. La Ofrenda
30 Findlay St., Over-the-Rhine
“Fun ambiance and tasty palomas! Staff was super friendly and even went out of their way to chase me down the street when I left my umbrella.” — Julie L. Photo: Hailey Bollinger4. Arts’ On The Ave
2141 Central Ave., West End
“Such a cute creative place — the artwork and decor are fabulous! Drinks are good. Servers are engaging. Good music. Great bar!” — Amelia O. https://www.facebook.com/Arts-OTA-1927770543903827/No. 2 Best New Bar: Ghost Baby
1314 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine
This subterranean nightclub/music venue opened beneath the streets of Over-the-Rhine last winter. The venue holds 160 guests and is located several stories below Vine Street in a 170-year-old lagering tunnel formerly used by Champion Brewing (beer was aged and cooled in lagering tunnels before the advent of refrigeration). The historic, dimly-lit space, which has been vacant since the 1850s, features soaring ceilings with stone archways and decor that is adorned with “crushed velvet and unpredictability,” according to a release. Guests can expect an immersive experience with art, design, cocktails and live music.
Photo: Aparna Avasarala Photo: Aparna Avasarala2. Cobblestone OTR
1132 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
“Great cocktails and beer selection. Awesome, friendly bartenders!!! DOG FRIENDLY!!!!! Our dogs love to come here! “Love the atmosphere! Great for a date or with a group of friends!!” — Melissa L. Photo: Paige Deglow1. Sundry and Vice
18 W. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine
“Really fun cocktail bar in Cincy. Fun, cool vibes with interesting, artistic cocktails that actually taste good. Would definitely go back!” — Betsy K. Photo: Hailey Bollinger