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Yelp Names OTR Nightclub Ghost Baby One of "10 Outrageous Dining Experiences" in America

Ghost Baby's spooky, underground atmosphere and drink menu are what put it on the list, says Yelp.

Apr 27, 2023 at 10:42 am

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Photo: Aparna Avasarala

Ghost Baby

An underground (literally) nightclub in Over-the-Rhine is getting some recognition for being one of America’s coolest dining destinations.

A recent Yelp article named Cincinnati nightclub and music venue Ghost Baby as one of its “10 Outrageous Dining Experiences." In the article, Ghost Baby appears alongside other gems like New York City’s Trinity Place – a restaurant inside a former bank vault that may have been owned by Andrew Carnegie – and Chicken N Pickle in North Kansas City, Missouri, where you can eat and play a couple rounds of pickleball.

At Ghost Baby, guests can expect an immersive experience with art, design, cocktails and live music. The subterranean nightclub is located several stories beneath Vine Street in a 170-year-old lagering tunnel that was once used by Champion Brewing. 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 the bar.

“Named for the haunted space it calls home, Ghost Baby isn’t just a big draw for lovers of the supernatural. It’s also a swanky hot spot for evening cocktails and entertainment,” writes Yelp. “The experience starts at the speakeasy-style entrance, marked by purple globe lanterns. Descend four floors into a mid-1800s tunnel, formerly used for chilling and storing beer—where you’ll find lavish booths, glam crystal chandeliers, and of course, the dramatic arched ceilings of the tunnel interior.”

Ghost Baby in Over-the-Rhine Named One of 'The Best Bars in America' by Esquire Magazine: “The drinks are much better than need be, except, I suppose, for the Bud Light, a lager kept around for old times’ sake."

To quote Yelper Brittany B., “This place is like stepping into another world.”

The otherworldly aspect of Ghost Baby is enhanced by its multiple rooms, including The Den in the back, which is hidden behind a velvet curtain. The reservations-only space features lamplit tables and a stage where you can be entertained by musicians, cabaret artists and comedians.

Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Make Condé Nast Traveler's "23 Best Places to Go in the U.S in 2023" List: The magazine points to the bourbon culture in Northern Kentucky in particular as a reason to pay a visit to the Tri-State.

Yelp also points to the nightclub’s drinks as a major draw. Ghost Baby’s menu features plenty of libations – from wine and beer to spirits (of the alcoholic variety), cocktails and mocktails, as well as tableside champagne. They’ve also got a few light bites like charcuterie.

In June 2022, Esquire Magazine also included Ghost Baby in its "Best Bars in America" list. The magazine describes this list as “25 worthy locations for a big night out.”

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

Slideshow

These are Some of Greater Cincinnati's Most Beautiful Bars and Restaurants

Wódka Bar1200 Main St., Over-the-Rhinefrom the team behind cult-favorite Babushka Pierogies, Wódka Bar carries an ambitious selection of vodkas, stocking over 50 types, including Polish and Ukrainian brands that are lesser known in the United States. It also offers a streamlined Eastern European-inspired menu of bites ranging from pierogies to a Polish sausage platter or stuffed cabbage roll. Inside the intimate space, patrons will be enveloped by deep Prussian blues and rich golds, luxe velvet upholstery and distressed plaster walls, elegant wood paneling and all the intricacies of Eastern Orthodox architecture.

Somm Wine Bar3105 Price Ave., East Price HillFood and wine are perfectly paired at Somm, and the outdoor patio with its fountain, Edison-bulb string lights, fire table and meticulous landscaping is the perfect spot to enjoy them. This Incline District wine bar and restaurant has over 80 kinds of wine to choose from and a menu ranging from charcuterie boards to the Somm burger to filet mignon.

Alice1432 Main St., Over-the-RhineThis colorful cocktail bar doesn’t take its name or inspiration from the one of Wonderland fame, but the spot is just as charming and beguiling. Located in an old garage warehouse, Alice stands apart from the other bar options in the area with colorful industrial vibes and clever cocktails like the Smoke and Mirrors (tequila, house sour, lime and pepper tincture) or the Dinner Party (vodka, green tea, ginger, orange, lemon and bitters).

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge1432 Vine St., Over-the-RhineThis intimate, 1940s-inspired lounge has the perfect ambiance for a romantic night out or even just a solo date. Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge offers an inclusive approach to wine culture, focusing on minority and women winemakers and producers. They offer 40 wines available by the glass or bottle, including eight on tap, and curated flights, cocktails, spirits and charcuterie boards – the best combination to nosh on while listening to live jazz, soul, hip-hop and R&B music.

Alcove1410 Vine St., Over-the-RhineStuffed with live greenery from Urban Blooms and living feature walls, Alcove creates a secret-garden-like feeling. Designers also focused on integrating the rich history of the building into its design. Old photos and news clippings sit framed along the walls, telling a story of a building that has seen many lives since its construction in 1873. The space also features a "lush outdoor patio space for lounging and dining,” and in the event loft on the third floor, there's even a massive chandelier made of ferns. Their drink menu also features housemade cocktails utilizing herbs grown in Alcove's greenhouse bar and MadTree’s own brews.

Son of a Butcher Steakhouse7630 Gibson St. STE 110, Liberty TownshipWith an aesthetic and design described as “Alice-in-Wonderland-meets-Baroque,” it’s no wonder Yelp said Son of a Butcher Steakhouse, a.k.a. S.O.B., was one of the five most-photographed places in Cincinnati in 2022. The food, with menu items like USDA Prime cuts, wagyu, caviar and shaved truffles, also photographs like a delicious dream.

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About The Author

Katherine Barrier

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 oversees the digital and social media strategies, edits web and print content and writes for the dining and arts...