Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of CincinnatiĀ®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are the coolest and which shops are your best bet for dropping a pretty penny. This year, Cincinnati’s robust bar scene welcomed some new spots with delicious drinks and killer atmospheres. From bars with extensive wine lists to those where you can sip on a rock-and-roll-themed drink while listening to guitar-centric jams and a bar that is a historic revival, these are the best new drinking establishments in the Queen City, according to our readers.

Editor’s Note: The No. 5 Best New Bar winner, Ziggy’s, has closed since Best Of Cincinnati voting took place and has been excluded from the following list.

Best New Bar No. 10: Something to Wine About 136 W. Fourth St., Downtown Must-Try: The Markell-Bani Sweet White: A locally made wine from Black winemaker Markell-Bani Fine Wines and Sparkling Beverages. With grapes sourced from Vermont, this wine is sweet, smooth and fruit-forward. Photo: Provided by 3CDC
Mellotone Beer Project 1429 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Mellotone Beer Project is brand new to Over-the-Rhine, but it was already highly anticipated after a sneak peek it held for the community during BLINK. The brewpub just opened in November in the former Taftā€™s Ale House space ā€” a beautiful former church ā€” where it offers three experiences: its restaurant on the main floor, as well as a basement bar, Undertone, that will host live music and an indoor beer garden on the top level. Mellotone has a scratch kitchen, with Brendan Martin, formerly of Boca Restaurant Group, at the helm, and a menu focusing on modern American fare that pairs well with their fresh, uncomplicated beer selection. Photo: Provided by 3CDC
Best New Bar No. 8: Highball Cincy 1834 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Must-Try: Try the signature Pineapple Express highball ā€” crafted with Bacardi Pineapple, pineapple cordial, pink peppercorn and soda. Photo: instagram.com/@highballcincy
Best New Bar No. 7: Free Parking 6200 Hamilton Ave., College Hill Must-Try: This is the only time youā€™ll want to pay a ā€œLuxury Tax.ā€ This aptly named cocktail features vodka, Chambord, lemon and strawberry. Photo: facebook.com/FreeParkingBar
Best New Bar No. 6: Oakley Greens 3065 Vandercar Way, Oakley Must-Try: The Butterfly G&T: A refreshing cocktail featuring butterfly pea blossom-infused Tanqueray Gin, tonic and lime. Photo: Twin Spire Photography
Best New Bar No. 4: Galaxie Covington 815 Madison Ave., Covington Must-Try: Try the Sugar Skull (not pictured) ā€” made with Espolon Tequila, grapefruit, lime, hibiscus and a pinch of salt. Photo: Provided by Galaxie
Best New Bar No. 3: Immortal Vibes 230 Main St., Hamilton Must-Try: The Stevie Ray Vaughn: Wild Turkey 101, brown sugar, orange angostura bitters and a bit of maple syrup. Photo: Logan Turner
Safi | 1410 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Lydia Schembre
Best New Bar No. 1: Bay Horse Cafe 625 Main St., Downtown Must-Try: Bay Horse Cafe is the home of the Hudy Schooner, a 25-oz. glass of locally brewed Hudepohl beer. Photo: Hailey Bollinger