My Bartender
Cincinnati stands out as a dynamic small city, thriving in the Midwest United States. With beloved college and professional sports, a celebrated arts scene, and even an iconic chili recipe, there is so much to love about The Queen City.
Whether you like a funky, eclectic cocktail bar or a sophisticated and elegant space for a nightcap, there is something for everyone in Cincinnati.
MadTree Brewing
Phone: 513-836-8733
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MadTree Brewing offers two sophisticated yet casual locations to enjoy their craft beers. The Alcove Bar and Restaurant lies in the historic Over the Rhine district in Cincinnati.
Open seven days a week, this location offers all MadTree beers as well as artisanal cocktails and sustainable wines. Enjoy dinner seven days a week and a weekend brunch menu, featuring all farm-to-table ingredients.
Visit the Oakley taproom for a low-key outdoor drinking experience. Open seven days a week, enjoy wood-fired pizzas and beers like a Beluga Juice Pale Ale or Axis of Darkness Imperial Stout.
16-Bit Bar+Arcade
1124 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-964-7746
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At 16-Bit Bar+Arcade you can combine classic arcade games with craft beers, signature cocktails, and delicious wines. Happy Hour occurs every weekday from 4 to 7 p.m.
If you are drinking at this Main St. Cincinnati Bar, you get to play for free! Enjoy all of your childhood favorites like Donkey Kong, Popeye, Rampage, and NBA Jam along with local and domestic craft brews.
Or if cocktails are more your speed, enjoy themed cocktails like the Gintendo, Game Over, and Pinball Wizard.
The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-241-3885
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Pay special attention to the address of The Blind Lemon because this quaint Cincinnati bar is tucked deep inside the Mount Adams neighborhood.
A locals’ favorite for decades, this bar offers a wide beer selection and memorable signature cocktails. Online reviews rave about the overall ambiance at The Blind Lemon.
Both indoor and outdoor seats are equally nice, with a cozy pub-like interior and a large outdoor courtyard. Most nights feature live music for guests to enjoy.
Somerset Bar
139 E McMicken Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-270-5982
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Somerset Bar is my go-to recommendation for the best bars in Cincinnati, Ohio. This one-of-a-kind location features treasures collected from the founders’ adventures all over the world.
Check out this Over The Rhine bar’s homemade liquor infusions, like oregano vodka and pineapple-ginger tequila. Pair them with the bar’s globally-inspired street foods.
Lost & Found OTR
22 E 14th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-834-8441
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Another Over The Rhine bar heavy on amazing vibes is Lost & Found OTR. If you are looking for a killer cocktail, I definitely suggest this casual neighborhood bar. Creative ingredients like beets, dill, and apricot jam all appear within these unforgettable mixed drinks.
Stop in for this bar’s near-trademarked Easy Hour for a simplified food and drink menu at a great price. Try Lost & Found’s grilled cheese for the perfect late-night bite.
Sundry and Vice
18 W 13th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-721-8423
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Sundry and Vice provides the perfect atmosphere for an intimate date night drink or a quiet nightcap after a play or concert.
A wide array of expertly-crafted cocktails made with authentic ingredients appear on both a cocktails and draft cocktails menu.
The atmosphere of Sundry and Vice is best described as a conversation bar, with a dim, intimate interior. If you’re looking for a sophisticated stop during a night out this Cincinnati bar fits the bill.
Longfellow
1233 Clay St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-307-4379
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Like others of the best bars in Cincinnati, Ohio on this list, Longfellow strives to offer a comfortable neighborhood bar experience.
However, that doesn’t mean the drinks aren’t elevated! Craft cocktails impress all visitors to this bar, especially when combined with Longfellow’s creative small bites menu.
Kick back even more with Longfellow’s Other Room, a small annex bar located behind Longfellow. Enjoy Ohio’s largest rum selection and more eclectic drinks at this casual location.
Wódka Bar
1200 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-381-3739
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Let your pure imagination run wild in this Eastern European-inspired vodka bar. The stained glass and vintage tiles make this place feel like you have stepped into a small European bar.
In addition to spirits popular in Hungary, Poland, Belarus, the Czech Republic, and other nations, a menu of traditional favorites also celebrates this heritage. Try the pierogies, borscht, and stroganoff with a flight of infused vodkas.
Homemakers Bar
39 E 13th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-394-7559
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There’s always something fun to try at the retro-cool Homemakers Bar. If you adore a gin and tonic as I do, stop by this Cincinnati bar for a fresh spin on this classic cocktail every Sunday.
Homemakers Bar does not serve its own food but hosts the best local food trucks. If you’re not super hungry, snack on pickles made in-house.
Japp’s – Since 1879
1134 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-381-0674
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This Over the Rhine cocktail bar focuses on mastering the best classic cocktails from the 1700s to the 1950s. Expert bartenders explain the story behind each drink to bring the legacy of the cocktails and the Japp’s experience to life.
Enjoy a perfect Manhattan, negroni, or Boulevardier. Or explore Japp’s signature cocktails menu, featuring contemporary cocktails integrating trendy ingredients like green tea and cold brew.
Low Spark
15 W 14th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-371-5722
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Step into the groovy 1970s at Over the Rhine’s Low Spark. This casual neighborhood bar features a tropical aquarium in its eye-catching decor, combined with checkered tile, retro-orange upholstered bar chairs, and a shiny gold ceiling.
Enjoy a wide selection of beers, wines, and contemporary craft cocktails. Be sure to spend time with the bar’s extensive bourbons, whiskeys, and scotch.
Final Thoughts
Cincinnati prides itself on being a small city with a big heart. Nothing communicates this reputation better than the best bars in Cincinnati, Ohio.
If you’re looking for great deals on drinks, the city is full of awesome happy hour spots as well!
If you are looking for a welcoming neighborhood bar, every spot on this list fits that bill. Drink creative cocktails, dynamic craft beers, and sustainable wines at these spirited bars in The Queen City.
Best Bars in Cincinnati
- MadTree Brewing
- 16-Bit Bar+Arcade
- The Blind Lemon
- Somerset Bar
- Lost & Found OTR
- Sundry and Vice
- Longfellow
- Wódka Bar
- Homemakers Bar
- Japp’s – Sine 1879
- Low Spark
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