College bars are the types of places that run the gamut of the bar experience — loud, happening, fun and, often, drunken and messy (probably still fun). The University of Cincinnati’s Clifton Heights is heavily represented by such establishments, while Xavier’s lone hangout is the go-to spot for the private schoolers. The following are eight bars where you can expect to find the leaders of tomorrow taking a load off or, more likely, celebrating their glory years before they know how cruel the real world is going to be to them once they graduate.
Adriatico’s
113 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-281-4344
Whoever pitched the idea of “New York style pizza and sportsbar” near a college campus probably didn’t need to wait long for approval. Adriatico’s new location offers the awesome pizza it’s known for, along with dozens of beers on tap, wings and plenty of TVs.
Dana Gardens
1832 Dana Ave., Norwood, 513-631-2337
Dana’s is the equivalent of the sports-centric basement many of X’s graduates will create once they have homes of their own. For now, it’s the home of all-things-Xavier, where you can watch the Muskie basketball team hoop it up and enjoy pub fare with students and X fans alike.
Dive Bar
2608 Vine St., Corryville, 513-221-0931
Self-described as “not your average hole-in-the-wall,” this new establishment offers 70 different beers and 80 different liquors — about one semester’s worth. There are also hot dog specials, free WiFi, games and TVs.
Fries Café
3247 Jefferson Ave., Clifton, 513-281-9002
True grit with an old-school bar on the first floor and a basement billiards room. Fries hosts the annual Clifton Beer Fest where hundreds of different beers are available to try for $1 or $2.
Mac’s Pizza Pub
205 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-241-MACS
It’s kind of a collegiate Chuck E. Cheese. There are games, live music, sports and food — good food with vegan options. Mac’s pizza has won numerous awards and the rest of its menu ain’t too shabby either.
The Mad Frog
1 E. McMillan St., Corryville/Mount Auburn, 513-784-9119
One of the great dance bars in Cincinnati with live Salsa, hippie music and Reggae. The exterior is painted kind of crazy, and the young people inside regularly follow suit to a variety of live music performances.
Murphy’s Pub
2329 W. Clifton Ave., Clifton Heights, 513-721-6148
A kickin’ neighborhood pub with bar games and team sports, frequently offering free pizza, soup and hot dogs. Murphy’s represents its Irish roots on St. Patrick’s Day, which is a real treat to the nearby students who enjoy a green beer with their breakfast.
Uncle Woody’s Pub
339 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, 513-751-2518
A college student’s rec room dream — long wooden bar, sports on TV and an outdoor patio are tough to turn down during the walk home from class.
