Ah, Cincinnati — the city that has a little bit of something for everyone: an impressive downtown, plenty of things to do and see, and a real estate market to fit just about any budget. If you're thinking about moving to the Queen City of Cincinnati but would like to know about all of the best bars in the area, this article is for you. We've jam-packed 16 of the best bars in Cincinnati into this article and have included all of the reasons each of them made the list. Happy bar hopping!
Via Vite is a Zagat-rated wine bar and Italian bistro located in Cincinnati's Fountain Square. The executive chef of Via Vite was born and raised in Italy and puts his own knowledge to use in all of his authentic dishes. This wine bar and restaurant is highly regarded across Cincinnati and features an extensive wine list from around the world. Via Vite is located downtown, at 520 Vine Street, Cincinnati, 45202, and can be reached by calling 513-721-8480.
Yelp: 335 reviews, 4-star rating
The Moerlein Lager House is the place to go if you love beer and homestyle cooking. The Lager House features a fantastic outdoor view of the city — you can even see the Roebling Bridge and the Reds' stadium from the deck — as well as over 100 different beers and a private dining area. Check out this local favorite at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, 45202, or give them a call at 513-421-2337.
Yelp: 515 reviews, 4-star rating
While there are a lot of great sports bars in Cincinnati, many locals would argue that the best one is Adriatico's. Adriatico's features New York style pizza, a ton of flat screen TVs and dozens of beer on tap. The bar also has locally-brewed beer. Adriatico's was also named one of the best pizzerias in the U.S. by a few well-known Chicago food critics. You can find Adriatico's at 113 West McMillan Ave., Cincinnati, 45219, and can call the sports bar at 513-281-4344.
Yelp: 106 reviews, 3.5-star rating
There are a lot of great whiskey bars in Cincinnati, but one of the greatest has got to be The Rookwood Bar & Restaurant. The Rookwood is a sophisticated and historic whiskey bar and restaurant where you can have your dinner cooked in a real brick kiln. The Rookwood even hosts wedding celebrations and private events. You can find it at 1077 Celestial St.,
Cincinnati, 45202, and you can call The Rookwood at 513-421-5555.
Yelp: 313 reviews, 4-star rating
Myrtle's Punch House is a cocktail bar with a unique interior; the booths are carved from stone, and there is beautiful hand-painted art on the walls. Myrtle's specializes in tasty alcoholic punch bowls, and you can share your bowl with as many friends as you'd like. Myrtle's even has an indoor fireplace and several lounge areas. Myrtle's Punch House is located right by the University of Cincinnati, at 2733 Woodburn Ave., and can be called by dialing 513-834-8589.
Yelp: 84 reviews, 4.5-star rating
Zip's Cafe is a casual bar with a quirky yet cozy atmosphere and comfort food. This mom-and-pop-style bar is very well-received by locals, and even features a toy train that zips around the bar. Zip's is located in the Mount Lookout neighborhood, at 1036 Delta Ave., Cincinnati, 45208, and can be reached by calling 513-871-9876.
Yelp: 253 reviews, 4-star rating
Sundry and Vice is a sophisticated cocktail bar with a unique focus on "apothecary" drinks — such as the "King's Remedy" and the "Foxglove." The bar features classic cocktails, house cocktails, and a few draft beers to boot. Sundry and Vice is located at 18 W 13th St., Cincinnati, 45202, and can be reached at 513-721-8423.
Yelp: 84 reviews, 4.5-star rating
Neons Unplugged is a great place to relax, enjoy live music, eat, and have a couple of drinks. Music can be enjoyed and drinks can be had on the massive brick-walled outdoor patio. Neons is located Over-the-Rhine, at 208 12th St E., Cincinnati, 45202, and can be called by dialing 513-827-9361.
Yelp: 244 reviews, 4.5-star rating
The Pavilion is a gigantic bar situated on the highest point in Cincinnati — Mount Adams. If you like to sight-see, enjoy the view from up top, and have always dreamed about drinking a long island on the roof of a bar, this place is for you. The Pavilion has several stories, a large outside drinking and dancing area, a large inside dance floor, rooftop seating, and live music. The Pavilion is located at 949 Pavilion St., Cincinnati, OH 45202, and the phone number is 513-744-9200.
Yelp: 48 reviews, 3-star rating
Terry's Turf Club is part-bar, part-restaurant, and is extremely famous in Cincinnati. Terry's has been featured on the Food Network and is a little on the expensive side, but if you love beer and oversized burgers, you shouldn't pass this one up. Terry's is located at 4618 Eastern Ave., and can be phoned at 513-533-4222.
Yelp: 515 reviews, 4-star rating
Arnold's is a massively popular local bar that was built way back in 1848 and established in 1861. You would be hard-pressed to find a local who doesn't know about Arnold's and hasn't been there at least once. Located in the heart of downtown, Arnold's has a full American-Italian lunch and dinner menu, a very nice outdoor patio, and is the oldest bar in Cincinnati. You can find it at 210 E. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH, 45202, and you can call Arnold's at 513-421-6234.
Yelp: 203 reviews, 4-star rating
Taft's is an older establishment named after William Howard Taft, and is great for day drinking because of its lovely sandwiches and salads, as well as its bright-and-sunny atmosphere. Taft's was converted from a former church. Taft's Ale House is located at at 1429 Race St., Cincinnati, 45202, and you can call the bar at 513-334-1393.
Yelp: 258 reviews, 4.5-star rating
The Blind Lemon is another Mount Adams bar, and features a quaint and romantic low-lit atmosphere, a beautiful garden patio decorated with tons of greenery, a wide array of cocktails, and soothing live music. There is even a fireplace in the bar. The Blind Lemon is located at 936 Hatch St., Cincinnati, 45202, and can be phoned by dialing 513-241-3885.
Yelp: 111 reviews, 4.5-star rating
Boba Cha might not be the type of bar where you can drink alcohol, but it's one of the best bars in Cincinnati. This locally-owned juice bar is located in the heart of downtown and features smoothies, tea, fruit slushies, iced coffee, and yogurt-based drinks called "snow drinks." This juice bar is very well-received around Cincinnati and is a must-see if you enjoy fruit smoothies and tea. Boba Cha is located at 1606 Main St., Cincinnati, 45202, and can be called by dialing 513-421-9111.
Yelp: 62 reviews, 4.5-star rating
The Below Zero Lounge is considered an LGBT bar, but everyone is welcome. Below Zero is a club and bar featuring cabaret performances, a sophisticated atmosphere, and great mixed drinks. Below Zero Lounge is located at Over-the-Rhine at 1120 Walnut St., Cincinnati, 45202, and can be called by dialing 513-421-9376.
Yelp: 56 reviews, 4-star rating
The up-and-coming Lachey’s Bar opened a little over a year ago and is already a local favorite. Lachey's features signature cocktails, comfort food, casual drinking and dining, and flat screen TVs. Lachey’s Bar is located at 56 E 12th St., Cincinnati, 45202, and can be called at 513-275-0740.
Yelp: 153 reviews, 3.5-star rating
