This story is featured in CityBeat's April 17 print edition.
If you’ve visited Hamilton recently, you might’ve noticed the ever-changing downtown area. It’s clear that the city has experienced a renaissance of sorts. New restaurants, attractions and bars are frequently popping up along the main drags of High and Main Street. One of Hamilton’s most recent additions is Immortal Vibes, a bar and vintage guitar experience.
As someone who frequents the downtown area, I’ve seen the ebbs and flows of what Hamilton has gone through. I’ve already noted multiple local staples that have sadly had to vacate from the main drag. When new places open, I try to stay cautiously optimistic as it’s clear it’s getting more difficult to set yourself apart in this market. Sure, anyone can open a bar with remedial success in the area, but what will make them a true fixture in Hamilton? Fortunately, Immortal Vibes manages to set itself apart with both good drinks and a great time that isn’t offered by anyone else around.
Immortal Vibes opened on Dec. 1, 2023, at 230 Main St. The rustic front can be found between Chubby Bunny Bakery and the yet-to-open The 513 Bar. Immortal offers coffee and cocktails, so expect them to be open for service most of the day. The bar also serves local baked goods.
Along with grabbing some drinks at the bar, customers are also welcome to come in and experience the collection of vintage guitars that line the wall at Immortal Vibes. The collection comes courtesy of owner Carter Moore and his business partner. Like a time machine through rock and roll, each guitar gives a glimpse into past music. Each axe is dated from a different era. The collection even showcases guitars from some of the greats like Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. Customers can test and even buy these gems if interested. Being able to plug and play some of these things right off the wall gives you the feeling of stepping into the shoes of some of rock and roll’s greats.
Moore is no stranger to new business ventures. Moore also owns Immortal Canvas, a tattoo shop in the Liberty Fairfield area just off Route 4. His family also owns Chubby Bunny Bakery and Immortal Fitness, which are on the same street as their newly opened bar.
“The original idea spawned from a shop I used to visit when I would do a guest spot in Massachusetts,” Moore told CityBeat. “I’m a tattoo artist by trade, so I would go out there and visit, and next door, there was a luthier [a maker of stringed instruments]. I would stop in and visit the luthier, and it was a really cool place. Then I went back out there the following year and the guy had installed a bar. I was like, that’s genius.”
Moore also mentioned that the concept behind Immortal Vibes brings together his three favorite things: Bourbon, coffee and guitars. He also touched on what it means to him to be such a significant aspect of Hamilton’s revitalization efforts.
“I grew up in Hamilton when it was in its heyday. There were department stores on every corner. Everyone worked downtown; my grandmother worked downtown. I got to see that. Unfortunately, I also watched Hamilton struggle when the businesses moved out and crime went up. Now I’m really excited watching it come back up.”
Despite this being Moore’s first time opening a bar, the feel of Immortal Vibes sure doesn’t feel that way. Moore has been able to curate an atmosphere that’s welcoming yet sophisticated. The feeling suggests an aura of class with a rockstar edge. The brass and brick finishes with the vintage guitars lining the wall create a unique environment that stands out in a somewhat oversaturated market. The music selection also adds significantly to the atmosphere.
The drink selection also adds to the bar's theme. They offer a wide variety of cocktails, some named after famous musicians like the Freddie Mercury or Eddie Van Halen. The menu also includes coffee-infused cocktails. This decision may seem like a neat niche thing, but bringing the bar and coffee side together makes a lot of sense. It makes the overall drink selection feel more cohesive. It also helps Immortal Vibes stand out by offering unconventional cocktails that other local Hamilton establishments do not provide.
It seemed appropriate to start with the coffee. The espresso pull was pleasant and balanced; nothing overly bitter, and the creme was beautiful. Immortal Vibes is a great way to start the day if you're looking for simple, well-done coffee.
Now, how does the coffee work with the cocktails? The Cookie Dough Martini infused espresso, Disaronno, Kahlua, vanilla and bits of cookie dough. It truly is a treat for both coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers. The sweetness was surprising but not overpowering. It also balanced the cookie dough's rich flavors with the vanilla's floral taste. This drink could be recommended for those looking to have a good time who may not love the taste of alcohol, as it’s beyond subtle in this drink. This martini should come with a warning, as consuming multiple would be easy.
Aside from the coffee drinks, the most captivating thing on the menu is the musician drinks. The Jimi Hendrix sits alongside other cocktails like the Freddie Mercury and Carlos Santana. The rum mixture in the Jimi Hendrix is a refreshing experience that delightfully combines pineapple and grenadine. This might be one of the more unique drinks you could try. Somehow, the flavors come together to create a sweet and creamy mixture. It was like a Creme Saver in drink form. How a drink could be complex yet simple in execution is beyond me.
Aside from the multitude of complex drink options, Immortal Vibes also offers more traditional fare. The Blood Orange Baze is one of two house old fashioneds the bar advertises. As a staple of any watering hole, executing this essential well is imperative. Fortunately, Immortal doesn’t disappoint. The Blood Orange Baze offers a simple twist on the classic cocktail with notes of hardy citrus playing nicely with the bourbon. It’s an old fashion that can stand against any in the Cincinnati area.
The cocktails are the highlight of Immortal Vibes, but the service is a close second. The two bartenders were considerate and personable, adding to the welcoming feeling. A bar is only as good as its bartenders, and, luckily, Moore hired the right people for his establishment.
Overall, Immortal Vibes is a significant plus for Hamilton and the Cincinnati area. Its upscale feel, blended with its edge, creates something other bars don’t have: A true rockstar feel with a hint of sophistication. Immortal has something for everyone. The drinks are delicious, and for those looking for a cocktail, or just a latte, this is the spot for you.
“We really do offer something for everybody,” Moore says. “It’s a casual atmosphere. It’s a great place to get together.” Moore also notes that they have live music and other weekly events. If you’re looking for plans, Immortal Vibes could be the move.
Immortal Vibes, 230 Main St., Hamilton. More info: immortalvibes.com.
