These bars offer everything for the area music connoisseur from smooth Jazz to bust your eardrums Rock. Find local favorites or broaden your horizons as you discover a new international sensation. Explore the great food, drink specials, diverse music and varying ambiances of Cincinnati’s live music scene.
MOTR Pub
1323 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-MOTR
A heavy dose of live music, including traveling bands, local art and a quality kitchen. The menu features burgers that are as trendy as the venue itself; don’t miss out on this gem in a community that is quickly becoming the entertainment heart of Cincinnati.
Bogart’s
2621 Vine St., Corryville, 513-872-8801
Uptown’s premier live music venue features local, national and international acts. Six bars and three levels assure the crowds will be rocking and the beers will be flowing.
The Comet
4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-8900
It’s crowded for a reason: Big ass burritos, the retro photo booth and some of Cincinnati’s best live music are just a few of the draws. Weekly events for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts give an indication of the abundance of music genres that perform at Comet.
Longworth’s Tavern
1108 St. Gregory St., Mount Adams, 513-651-2253
With six nights of entertainment, it’s always a party here. Food and drink specials Monday-Friday and the scenic view from atop Mt. Adams, what else could you possibly desire?
Madison Theater
730 Madison Ave., Covington, 859-491-2444
One of Northern Kentucky’s favorite spots for live acts. This historic venue’s three full-service bars and 1,200 person capacity make it one of the biggest and best places to catch a show.
Mayday
4227 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-541-0999
A terrifically crazy Northside bar with live music, outdoor patios, hip theme nights and more. The gourmet hot dogs should be enough to draw you in while the vintage-inspired rooms and warmth of good company will keep you coming back.
Mainstay Rock Bar
301 W. Fifth St., Downtown, 513-721-ROCK
Downtown’s rough and rowdy Rock ’N Roll den of iniquity (or something like that).
Northside Tavern
4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-3603
Northside’s and one of the city’s favorite spots for live Indie Rock and other performances. Never a cover. Northside Tavern has a variety of beers and weekly karaoke nights to compliment the free, live shows.
Whisky Bar
537 East Pete Rose Way, 513-721-WBAR
More than 90 types of whiskey, scotch and bourbon, whiskey cocktails and a “Whiskey Hall of Fame,” with photos and quotes from famous whiskey drinkers such as Mark Twain and Winston Churchill. The restaurant, slated to open on Opening Day, will highlight exotic burgers including bison and gator.
