Ghost Baby | 1314 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Aparna Avasarala

A popular underground lounge in Over-the-Rhine is getting some more national recognition.

Ghost Baby, a nightclub and speakeasy located five stories under Republic Street in a 170-year-old lagering tunnel, was recently named one of the 2025 “Bars of the Year” by USA Today. The list celebrates standout watering holes across the country

This latest honor joins acknowledgments in features by national magazines and publications like Condé Nast’s Traveler, Forbes and earning a spot on Esquire’s list of “Best Bars in America” in 2022.

“These are the places where locals and visitors alike gather for good conversation, warm vibes and a little slice of the city’s character – whether that means savoring a Rusty Nail aboard a simulated flight in Phoenix, chasing an Orange Crush down the beach in Delaware or pairing a salty margarita with a deep-fried hot dog at a Florida dockside bar,” writes USA Today.

“Ghost Baby was conceived as an homage to both history and possibility — a space where time slows, conversation matters, and the senses are awakened,” Josh Heuser, founder and owner of Ghost Baby, said in a press release. “This recognition reflects the vision and dedication of our entire team, and it’s a testament to the creative spirit and cultural depth that thrives here in Cincinnati.”

The bar offers two distinct spaces, The Rattle Room and The Den, that offer their own ambiance and curated musical programming while immersing guests in a blend of Old World charm and contemporary experiences. From the list, Cincinnati Enquirer’s food and dining writer Keith Pandolfi writes, in part:

“The aesthetic is 1920s F. Scott Fitzgerald meets 1980s Bret Easton Ellis. There are disco balls and chandeliers, bistro tables and classic cocktails. The entertainment might be an out-of-town jazz band or the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.”

“At Ghost Baby, our goal is to create experiences that resonate on a deeper level — where atmosphere, sound and service come together to leave a lasting impression,” added Adammichael Gesell, director of hospitality at Ghost Baby. “When guests feel transported and return seeking that same feeling, that’s when we know we’ve done something meaningful.”

You can see the full list of USA Today’s 2025 Bars of the Year here.

Ghost Baby, 1314 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine. More info: ghost-baby.com.

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This article appears in Jul 23 – Aug 5, 2025.

Katherine Barrier is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s journalism program and has nearly 10 years of experience reporting local and national news as a digital journalist. At CityBeat, she...