Cincinnati’s bar and brewery scene reflects the city’s creativity, history, and innovation. You can find anything from craft cocktail lounges to historic breweries. Each establishment on this list offers a distinct experience shaped by atmosphere, drink selection, and service style. The city’s establishments provide excellent opportunities for locals and visitors to explore new flavors and settings.
Exploring the best bars Cincinnati offers means experiencing not only high-quality drinks but also the unique character of each neighborhood. This guide highlights some of the best bars Cincinnati has to offer.
The Blind Lemon
The Blind Lemon in Mount Adams is known for its intimate, courtyard-style atmosphere. The interior is filled with eclectic décor, while the outdoor patio provides a comfortable and secluded space. It has been a staple in Cincinnati’s nightlife for decades.
The drink menu focuses on classic cocktails prepared with precision. Specialty drinks are paired with an extensive wine and beer list, ensuring there are options for every preference. Live music often complements the setting, and the bar maintains a fire pit during winter, making it a distinctive place to enjoy an evening out year-round.
The drink menu focuses on classic cocktails prepared with precision. Specialty drinks are paired with an extensive wine and beer list, ensuring there are options for every preference. Live music often complements the setting, and the bar maintains a fire pit during winter, making it a distinctive place to enjoy an evening out year-round.
Sundry and Vice
Sundry and Vice, located in Over-the-Rhine, brings a vintage apothecary aesthetic to the cocktail bar experience. The interior design includes antique medicine bottles and period-style furnishings, emulating the vibe of a Prohibition-era speakeasy.
The cocktail list is inventive, with house creations highlighting seasonal ingredients and creative pairings. Bartenders are skilled in both traditional recipes and custom creations. Sundry and Vice is often recognized as one of the best bars Cincinnati residents recommend for those interested in crafted drinks.
The cocktail list is inventive, with house creations highlighting seasonal ingredients and creative pairings. Bartenders are skilled in both traditional recipes and custom creations. Sundry and Vice is often recognized as one of the best bars Cincinnati residents recommend for those interested in crafted drinks.
Rhinegeist Brewery
Rhinegeist Brewery has become a defining part of Cincinnati’s beer culture. Housed in a former warehouse, the brewery offers expansive space with industrial charm. Accessible by stairs or elevator, the spectacular rooftop bar gives views of the city skyline, adding to its appeal.
Rhinegeist focuses on craft beer, with an extensive list of IPAs, lagers, and seasonal brews (the Truth IPA is responsible for much of its sales). Limited releases keep the menu fresh, and the ample space allows for group gatherings. The bar has housed a dinosaur skeleton, underscoring its uniquely eclectic vibe.
Rhinegeist focuses on craft beer, with an extensive list of IPAs, lagers, and seasonal brews (the Truth IPA is responsible for much of its sales). Limited releases keep the menu fresh, and the ample space allows for group gatherings. The bar has housed a dinosaur skeleton, underscoring its uniquely eclectic vibe.
The Lackman
The Lackman is located on Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine. It is a stylish yet approachable bar emphasizing a carefully curated selection of craft beer, wine, and cocktails. Its intimate size makes it a good option for smaller groups or quieter evenings.
The rotating beer list highlights regional and national breweries, ensuring frequent updates for regular guests. Cocktails are crafted with detail, balancing classic recipes with modern twists. The Lackman’s reputation for quality and consistency secures its place among Cincinnati's best bars.
The rotating beer list highlights regional and national breweries, ensuring frequent updates for regular guests. Cocktails are crafted with detail, balancing classic recipes with modern twists. The Lackman’s reputation for quality and consistency secures its place among Cincinnati's best bars.
Ghost Baby
Ghost Baby is located underground in a restored 19th-century lagering tunnel beneath Vine Street. Its location and design create a distinctive setting unlike anywhere else in the city. The bar blends historic preservation with contemporary style.
Guests can enjoy craft cocktails, a curated wine selection, and live jazz performances. The atmosphere emphasizes exclusivity and sophistication. Ghost Baby's unique space and upscale approach make it a standout destination in Cincinnati’s nightlife.
Guests can enjoy craft cocktails, a curated wine selection, and live jazz performances. The atmosphere emphasizes exclusivity and sophistication. Ghost Baby's unique space and upscale approach make it a standout destination in Cincinnati’s nightlife.
Japp’s Since 1879
Japp’s is a well-known cocktail bar housed in a historic building in Over-the-Rhine. The bar is recognized for its dedication to classic cocktail preparation, with a menu that covers drinks spanning more than a century.
The interior design reflects the history of the building, while the bartenders bring expertise and precision to every order. For those who appreciate traditional cocktails made with authenticity, Japp’s provides one of the most consistent experiences in the city.
The interior design reflects the history of the building, while the bartenders bring expertise and precision to every order. For those who appreciate traditional cocktails made with authenticity, Japp’s provides one of the most consistent experiences in the city.
Tiki Tiki Bang Bang
Tiki Tiki Bang Bang is a hidden speakeasy disguised as a video rental store. After entering, guests are led into a creative bar space inspired by filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. The unique theme and design provide a memorable backdrop for cocktails.
The drink menu is playful and inventive, with cocktails named after Tarantino films and characters. The immersive theme makes this bar stand out, offering a distinctive experience for those who enjoy novelty alongside quality drinks.
The drink menu is playful and inventive, with cocktails named after Tarantino films and characters. The immersive theme makes this bar stand out, offering a distinctive experience for those who enjoy novelty alongside quality drinks.
MadTree Brewing
MadTree Brewing, located in Oakley, is another important player in Cincinnati’s brewery scene. The expansive taproom is designed for large gatherings and includes an outdoor beer garden. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it popular year-round.
MadTree produces a wide range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specialties. The brewery also emphasizes sustainability and community involvement, adding depth to its appeal. For beer enthusiasts, it is one of the most notable destinations in Cincinnati.
MadTree produces a wide range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specialties. The brewery also emphasizes sustainability and community involvement, adding depth to its appeal. For beer enthusiasts, it is one of the most notable destinations in Cincinnati.
Ready for a Move to Cincinnati?
Like its bar scene, Cincinnati real estate offers many nuanced experiences, from historic houses to modern abodes. The right neighborhood for you depends on what kind of lifestyle you are seeking. And one of the best ways to find your niche is by visiting Cincinnati’s best bars.
Are you ready to make your next move in Cincinnati real estate? Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a cherished property, the journey starts with the right agent by your side.
Contact The Julia Wesselkamper Group today to schedule a consultation and experience firsthand how their expertise can turn your real estate dreams into reality.
Are you ready to make your next move in Cincinnati real estate? Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a cherished property, the journey starts with the right agent by your side.
Contact The Julia Wesselkamper Group today to schedule a consultation and experience firsthand how their expertise can turn your real estate dreams into reality.
