17 Best Bars In Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati has a thriving nightlife scene with the emergence of new cocktail bars, craft breweries, and event venues alongside a plethora of incredible eateries. Whether you want to enjoy a cocktail at a chic rooftop bar or enjoy a few brews while cheering on the home team, we have rounded up the best bars in Cincinnati to enjoy your favorite liberation.

Best Cocktail Bars In Cincinnati

Somerset Bar

A lush oasis adorned in relics found from around the globe makes the ideal backdrop for sipping tropical cocktails. Somerset has quickly become a favorite of locals and visitors as it offers an exotic escape without leaving the city.

Ornate decor can be found throughout the establishment, including statutes, lamps, paintings, and furniture. Cozy up in a garden gazebo, grab a seat on one of the plush couches or rent the top of the double-decker bus. In addition to an incredible cocktail menu, they offer a great local beer selection, wine, and mocktails. Keep in mind that there is no table service and they do not provide food at the moment. However, food trucks often make their appearance. 

The name Somerset comes from a rural country in England called Somerset. Its name means “Home to the people of Summer.” After visiting this bar, it will become a getaway you will want to visit all year round.

Address: 139 E McMicken Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Homemakers Bar

Homemaker’s Bar is a retro bar in the heart of Over-the-Rhine (OTR) in Cincinnati, serving up cocktails with fresh handmade ingredients focusing on aperitifs, digestifs, and bitters. Whether you go for spritzer hour, Tiki Tuesday, Funky Fridays, or Live Music Saturdays, the scene at Homemakers is one of community celebrations with a touch of your mother’s house!

Address: 39 E 13th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202

Longfellow

Another great place to grab a cocktail in OTR is Longfellow. This modern bar has a rustic feel with brick walls to accompany its full bar.

They serve up scrap sandwiches (which are excellent), hot dogs along with a variety of other accompaniments. Longfellow offers indoor and patio seating, but the indoor space is relatively small and can get busy during peak weekend hours.

Bonus: Venture to the bar room behind Longfellow that features Ohio’s largest rum selection, proper absinthe service, along other classic liberations. The bar room is temporarily closed because of the pandemic with hopes to open soon.

Address: 1233 Clay St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Japp’s – Since 1879

What started as a hair and wig store in 1879 has become one of Cincinnati’s most beloved bars. Legendary mixologist Molly Wellmann took over Japps in 2010, creating specialized cocktails from the 1700s-1950s. Nearly every drink has a unique story or history about it.

Japp’s often features live music, which pairs nicely with the eccentric decor. 

Fair warning, it is going to be hard to leave here without getting two different cocktails.

Address: 1134 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Low Spark

Immediately when you step into Low Spark, you think neighborhood bar. Low Spark was named after Traffic’s 1971 song, “The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. The bar features a 70’s vibe complete with a giant tropical fish tank. 

Our recommendation: Try their craft cocktails; you can’t go wrong with any of them!

Address: 15 W 14th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Sundry and Vice

Any apothecary themed-bar will immediately rank in our top bars in Cincinnati. Having a pharmacist in the family makes visiting here even more special. Grab a stool at the counter while the mixologists craft you a delicious liberation.

Stepping into Sundry and Vice will feel as if you have stumbled upon a soda shop from days of old. The vibe carries throughout the bar, from plush booths, the tin ceiling, and antique lighting to the vintage apothecary bottles and prescriptions.

Address: 18 W 13th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Lost & Found OTR

We discovered this gem during the pandemic because they deliver booze boxes with craft cocktails to your home. After enjoying the craft liberations at home, we ventured to their brick and mortar once we could. Lost & Found is in OTR and offers guests a pop of modern featuring artwork from local artists. They have a great happy hour they deem “Easy Hour” with cocktail pitchers, wine, and beer specials.

Lost & Found offers guests indoor seating, outdoor seating, or booze bags to go!

Address: 22 E 14th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar

Venture across the river to Covington to Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, where they feature over 600 bourbon and whiskey bottles. Not only can you enjoy this favorite neat or on the rocks, but they also specialize in bourbon cocktails. They offer non-whiskey cocktails, craft beers, and wines and enjoy them at the bar on their small outdoor patio.

Address: 629 Main St, Covington, KY 41011

Unique Places To Get A Drink In Cincinnati

Think outside of the box with these unique bars in Cincinnati to grab a drink out. Add in one of these excellent Date Night Ideas in Cincinnati for an incredible evening.

Ghost Baby

One of the best places to get a drink is in an underground speakeasy, Ghost Baby. Buried five stories under Vine Street in an old lagering tunnel, Ghost Baby is now a popular spot featuring delicious drinks and live entertainment. Crushed velvet seating, curtains paired with swaggy lamps make this fun date night or evening out with friends.

A few things you need to know before visiting:

• Reservations are a must! Seating at the bar in the front is open; however, you will need to make a reservation to sit back with music at a table.
• There is no sign. Look for the purple lights outside to know you are in the right spot.
• Typically you can only reserve a table in a two-hour time slot.

Address: 1314 Republic St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Blind Lemon

Step into the cozy den of the Blind Lemon, which features one of my favorite outdoor seating areas. Fire pits can be found throughout their garden patio, giving guests the warm-up they need as they sip hot toddies, hot buttered rum, and Irish coffee. The Blind Lemon is a great place to visit during the colder months.

As a staple in Mt. Adams for over 60 years, locals and visitors alike have been enjoying the live music, delightful drinks, and their iconic fire pits. It is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night!

Address: 936 Hatch St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

16-Bit Bar and Arcade

A fun, unique bar in Cincinnati is the 16-Bit Bar and Arcade. Sip on an arcade theme drink such as Pinball Wizard or The Game Over while you test out your skills on a variety of old-fashion arcade games. Play favorites such as Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Burger Time, and more! Grab a few friends and head over to this fun acrade bar for a great time and see who is the Pinball Wizard in your group!

16-Bit Bar has moved in with Pins Mechanical, making it a great rental space for events and parties. Keep in mind; Happy hour is every Wednesday-Friday until 7 PM.

Address: 1124 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Best Rooftop Bars In Cincinnati

Rooftop bars have been popping up all over Cincinnati, with sweeping views of downtown and the Ohio River. If you are looking for panoramic views to compliment your cocktail, give one of these bars a try. 

Vista At Lytle Park

The Lytle Park Hotel is one of the best hotels in the city, with a top-notch restaurant, welcoming lobby bar, and boutique accommodations. The rooftop bar, Vista at Lytle Park, offers guests panoramic views of downtown Cincinnati and views of the Great American Ball Park.

The Vista At Lytle Park menu offers lite appetizers or indulge in a sweet treat by opting for their Creme Brulee Cheesecake.

Address: 311 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Top of the Park at The Phelps

Another excellent hotel bar to discover in Cincinnati is the Top of the Park at the Phelps Hotel. The bar offers commanding views of the city, P&G towers, and the Ohio River, with two levels on the rooftop. It is a cool place to celebrate a special occasion, gather with friends, or escape for a date night.

A unique tapas style menu pairs well with hand-crafted cocktails. Watch the sun go down over the Cincinnati skyline and party in sophistication with near 360 degree views of the city on two levels.

Address: 506 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

AC Upper Deck

Next time you are looking for a scenic spot to grab a drink, consider the AC Upper Deck located at the AC Hotel Marriott by the Great American Ball Park. Not only could you cheer on the home team from the rooftop, you get breathtaking views of the Ohio River.

During the winter months, they offer igloos that guests can reserve. The Upper Deck provides a tapas-style menu giving guests plenty of options for shareable and small plates.

Address: 135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Best Sports Bars in Cincinnati

Not everyone is looking for a chic, hand-crafted cocktail experience in the city. Sometimes you want a sports bar that serves the best wings, draft beer, and good times.

Knock Back Nats

A local favorite and deemed by many the absolute best bar in the city is Knock Back Nats. This neighborhood bar serves up the best-smoked chicken wings along with other Amerian classics. Did I mention the free popcorn?!

Here no one judges you if you order a bud light or Coors and the affordable prices keep guests returning. If you are looking for good food, a good time, along with a low-key atmosphere, this is the perfect place.

Address: 10 W 7th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

O’Byron’s Bar and Grill

Another great sports bar in the Cincinnati area is O’Byron’s Bar and Grill. Located in O’Byronville near Hyde Park, this establishment has been a favorite with locals for many years. Serving up delicious chicken wings, some may even argue the best chicken wings, O’Byron’s has a full menu that offers a variety of classic American dishes.

O’Byron’s is an Irish Bar, so look for traditional Irish dishes such as Bangers and Hash, Reuben Sandwiches, and plenty of taters. There is a second location over in northern Kentucky.

Address: 1998 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208

Holy Grail Tavern

Directly across from the Great American Ball Park is the Holy Grail Tavern. With 31 hi-def TVs, it is the perfect spot to catch any game. Oversized garage doors open up to the patio, making those inside feel like they are at the game. The Holy Grail serves affordable pub fare making it a perfect spot to grab lunch.

Address: 161 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Best Bars In Cincinnati, Ohio