These area pubs are exactly as described — comfortable and cozy gathering places to have a drink and shoot the breeze with the regulars and neighbors you may have never met. Don’t feel obligated to dress over-the-top or spend half of your weekly — or bi-weekly for many of us — paycheck on an outrageous four-course meal. Enjoy good company, friendly service and the “public house” ambiance.
Village Tavern
9390 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513-793-7882
A historic neighborhood watering hole in the heart of Montgomery. There is something to do at VT every night: trivia, karaoke, live bands and various DJs make this the place to be seen.
Arlin’s
307 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-751-6566
The Gaslight District’s neighborhood pub for the thinking man or woman. Have a beer on the back patio or enjoy live music and bar food.
Arthur’s Cafe
3516 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-871-5543
Arthur’s is one of Hyde Park’s favorite neighborhood taverns. If you’re looking for more than just a beer and the average pub fare, this is the right place. Let burger madness ensue.
The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch St., Mount Adams, 513-241-3885
Cavey, cozy and inviting, the Lemon is Cincinnati’s tribute to a Hobbit pub. A selection of hot drinks and live acoustic performances only add to the ambiance.
C&D Cafe
1714 Hanfield St., Northside, 513-541-9881
An old-school bar offering free popcorn and beer that’s cold. The in-ground fire bit and the selection of locally brewed draft beers will be sure to warm you up.
Gaslight Café
6104 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-631-6977
A comfy Pleasant Ridge gem that’s more café than bar. The burgers are excellent and the rest of the menu is pretty darned good too.
Mainstrasse Village Pub
619 Main Street, Covington, 859-431-5552
The microbrew Mecca of Mainstrasse Village. The pub offers enough beer for anyone to find a new favorite and plenty of room for the billiards.
Maury’s Tiny Cove
3908 Harrison Ave., Cheviot, 513-662-2683
Step back into the ’50’s in this classic café with red padded booths and lots of hardwood. Steaks, bbq chicken and other first-class food litter the menu at this Westside gem.
Milton’s Prospect Hill Tavern
301 Milton St., Liberty Hill/Mount Auburn, 513-784-9938
Prospect Hill’s neighborhood joint is chatty, diverse and full of character. A great place to have beer, relax and chat it up with the regulars.
Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch St., Mount Adams 513-621-3666
One of the city’s most picturesque taverns with lots of wood grain, class and photos of famous patrons. Once a speakeasy, this establishment has transformed into the charming place it is today.
The Pub at Crestview Hills
2853 Dixie Hwy., Crestview Hills, Ky., 859-426-7827
Extensive beer selection, quality bar food menu and trivia nights make The Pub a go-to spot for many.
The Pub at Rookwood Mews
2692 Madison Road, Norwood, 513-841-2748
Like its sister Pub in Crestview Hills, the Rookwood location brings the regulars back with the staples of a great neighborhood bar: beer specials, food and fun.
Silverton Café
7201 Montgomery Road, Silverton, 513-791-2922
Massive double deckers, an enthusiastic sports scene, spirits and fun. Either catch a live band or show everyone your own skills on the karaoke machine.
Stanley’s Pub
323 Stanley Ave., Columbia-Tusculum, 513-871-6249
A favorite spot for live, eclectic tunes along the river. Local and out-of-town bands alike rock Stanley’s. This, along with cheap drinks makes Stanley’s an area favorite.
