
Music is such a significant part of Cincinnati's culture that it gave rise to the slogan, "The City that Sings." Whether you prefer country, rock, blues, jazz, R& B, or hip-hop, you'll find it at these lively music venues around Cincinnati.
342 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
No, it's not a figure of speech. Ludlow Garage was originally an auto shop that became a legendary rock venue in the 1970s, hosting acts such as Santana, The Kinks, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, and Allman Brothers Band. After stints as a restaurant, yoga studio, and hardware store, the Garage was reborn in 2015 as a gastropub with a menu of upscale bar food and once again offering live music. Upcoming shows include The Wallflowers (August 23), jazz legends Spyro Gyra (September 10), and Joan Osborne (September 24). Pub hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 4 - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, brunch is served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 - 9 p.m.
1345 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
MOTR Pub is devoted to showcasing performing arts in all forms. In addition to live shows by cutting-edge musical acts, MOTR features open mic nights for comedy and writing, with no cover charge for any event. Each month, the works of a different local artist are displayed around the dining area. A light menu of burgers and munchies is available. Writer's Night is every first and third Wednesday of the month at 9 p.m. Other events include Comedy Night every fourth Thursday at 9 p.m., The Midwestern Swing (September 3), and Spoils with the Fairmount Girls (September 9). Most shows have no cover charge. MOTR is open from 4 p.m.. - 2:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday.
1404 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Across the street from MOTR is its sister venue, the Woodward. Both facilities have the same ownership, and several musical acts have started out at MOTR and "graduated" to the larger venue. The Woodward made its debut in 1913 as a silent movie house but couldn't survive the Great Depression. Like Ludlow Garage, the Woodward went through various incarnations over the decades until its grand reopening in 2014. Future shows include Built to Spill (August 22) and Carriers with Speaking Suns and Christian Nicholas Gough (September 30), but the Woodward still honors its roots as a movie house with periodic screenings and film festivals.
936 Hatch St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
For more than 60 years, The Blind Lemon has been a Cincinnati institution. Words almost can't do justice to the experience, beginning with a descent down a narrow passageway that opens onto a charming brick courtyard with an oversized fire pit. The indoor bar is also rich in atmosphere, with a classic tavern decor and eclectic collections of model airplanes, campaign buttons, and other quirky memorabilia. The Lemon, as it's affectionately known, has been visited by celebs such as George Clooney and hosted a birthday party for David Crosby. Visit the website for the current schedule. Hours are 5 p.m. - midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Friday, 3 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. - midnight Sunday.
1225 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
With a name like Memorial Hall, you know a venue is bound to be special. Built in 1908 as a monument to Cincinnati's war veterans, the stunning 556-seat Memorial Hall features Tiffany chandeliers, marble staircases, and decorative murals. The hall also serves as a mini-museum with displays of artifacts related to local civic and military history. Over the next couple of months, you can enjoy shows as diverse as Girl Named Tom (September 1), Herb Alpert & Lani Hall (September 19), and A.J. Croce playing the music of his father Jim (October 5).
2621 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
View this post on Instagram
If you have to move when the beat grabs you, Bogart's is your spot. With a colorful past that includes vaudeville shows and German film screenings, Bogart's today is a spacious yet intimate music venue that provides plenty of space to get up and dance. Capacity is approximately 1,500 people with three viewing levels along with six bars. The Premium Seating program offers reserved seating and amenities such as in-seat cocktail service and dedicated concierge. Upcoming events include The Afghan Whigs (September 11), Stryper (September 12), and The Prince Experience (September 23).
4579 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Perhaps the best description of The Comet comes from an online article about the best music venues in Cincinnati: "a grungy little slice of Brooklyn ... without the attitude or $12 cocktails." This old-school dive bar is beloved for its incredible Mexican food and the intriguing lineup of reggae, garage rock, punk, bluegrass, and avant-garde bands. De facto house band Comet Bluegrass All-Stars performs every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. The Comet is open 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. weekdays, 2 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - midnight Sunday.
1314 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
The name conjures up an aura of mystery, and Ghost Baby definitely has the vibe of a private hideaway. Several flights of stairs lead to an underground bar with a darkly elegant ambiance. The atmosphere and live music lineup helped land Ghost Baby on Esquire's recent list of "Best Bars in America." Visit the website for the schedule of performers. Ghost Baby opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday.
1901 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Schwartz's Point brings European style and sophistication to the Cincinnati music scene. The cobblestone building, flickering candles, and cozy space make you feel as though you're in a private home or club. Jazz is the main event at Schwartz's Point, whether straight-ahead, smooth, be-bop, avant-garde, or fusion. A small soup-and-salad buffet is available, along with craft cocktails like Tito (Puente) Mojito and Chet (Baker) Basil. Be sure to catch upcoming shows with the Melvin Jackson Trio (August 26), Phil DeGreg's Trio Brasilliero (September 10), and jazz violinist Luca Volipiano (September 18). Hours are 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
Where's your favorite spot in Cincinnati to bust a move?

Beat the Midwest heat with a refreshing beverage to celebrate National Daiquiri Day on Tuesday, July 19. Whether you prefer frozen or on the rocks, you can't go wrong with daiquiris at these great bars and restaurants around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
1313 Old River Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113
There's no mistaking the main attraction at Frozen Daiquiri Bar & Restaurant. Inspired by a daiquiri bar he visited in Miami, owner James Cleveland has fulfilled his dream of bringing the concept to Northeast Ohio. In addition to peach, strawberry, and mango, options include a Margarita daiquiri, mystery flavor, and Frozen Way with all flavors. Pair your choice with an order of boneless or bone-in chicken wings, available in 10 different sauces. Hours are 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. weekends.
2200 S. Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
View this post on Instagram
Just as the name promises, you'll feel like you're part of a secret club when visiting Quintana's Speakeasy. The first floor is a barber shop that's a throwback to the classic days of a place where customers make business deals and discuss sports. Head to the hidden bookcase passage in the back that leads upstairs to the bar. Be sure to order the Hemingway Daiquiri with light rum, lime and grapefruit juices, and Luxardo liqueur. Check the website for information about live music shows and special events such as "Prohibition 101 - Learn Hands-On Classic Craft Cocktails." Quintana's Speakeasy is open Tuesday through Saturday from 3 - midnight.
4866 Richmond Rd., Cleveland, OH 44128
Mexican restaurants might make you immediately think of Margaritas, but they also mix a mean daiquiri at Don Ramon. Choose from six different fruit flavors that come by the pint, jumbo-size, small pitcher, or large pitcher. The food menu features a wide range of traditional Mexican favorites, from nachos and fajitas to burritos and enchiladas. Customers love the spacious dining room with soft lighting, delightful Mexican music, and friendly servers. Hours are 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily except Sunday when closing time is 9 p.m.
26 W. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065
View this post on Instagram
The vibe at Huli Huli Tiki Lounge & Bar is so authentic that you'll feel the tropical breezes blowing through your hair. Part of the fun is the drink presentation, with colorful glasses holding traditional flowers and parasols. The pineapple daiquiri gets a little extra kick from spiced syrup. Try the signature Tiki fries, tossed in a house spice blend and topped with Kalua pork, Bang Bang sauce, and pineapple salsa. Watch their Facebook page for information about special rum tasting events. Huli Huli is open 4 - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 - 10:30 p.m. Friday, 1 - 10:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 - 9 p.m. Sunday.
839 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43214
Craft cocktails meet New England seafood at Kai's Crab Boil. Their namesake meals come with your choice of seafood, boiled in one of three different sauces and spiced in five levels, from "No Heat" to "OMG." Combos include two types of seafood and three add-ons, ideal for sharing. Daiquiris come in strawberry, pineapple, and mango, with three sizes available. Hours are 4 - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, noon - 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday.
985 W. 6th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
View this post on Instagram
Old-school cocktails get a contemporary update at The Bar at Echo Spirits. Founders Nikhil Sharoff and Joe Bidinger have a mission to create artisan spirits that honor history and flavor. The drinks are bestowed with charming names that are as inventive as the recipes. A Bell Through the Night is a daiquiri for "lovers of meadows and witchy things," made with Echo Spirits rum, jasmine cordial, honeysuckle, and lime. Need some time to decide? Order a Snaquiri, a miniature daiquiri made with bartender's choice. Feel free to bring in off-site food or purchase from one of the food trucks that are usually on hand. Hours are 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday.
22 E. 14th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
One customer aptly described the ambiance at Lost & Found OTR as "a work of modern pop art." The bar is housed in a four- to five-car garage attached to a home in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Funky furnishings and accessories, including the colorful mural in the front patio bar, are almost all works of local artists. Stop in Wednesday through Sunday for "Easy Hour," with special pricing on pitchers of daiquiris, mules, and Margaritas, as well as snacks and sandwiches. Follow them on Facebook for details about comedy shows, dance parties, and other special events. Lost & Found OTR is open 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and 2 p.m. - 2 a.m. weekends.
300 E. Seventh St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
Daiquiris and pizza? It's a match made in heaven at Rosie's Cocktails & Pies. Rosie's brings East Coast tomato pie-style pizza to Cincinnati. Specialty pies include the popular Tie-Dye, with a pinwheel of pesto atop the tomato and mozzarella. There's even a breakfast pizza, topped with ham, sausage, bacon, spinach, and egg. The menu also includes several pasta dishes, paninis, and salads. OGPD, Rosie's spin on a daiquiri, mixes pineapple rum with ginger liqueur, pineapple, and lime. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.
122 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Spacious and stylish, Igby's proudly proclaims that "the drinks are cold, but the hospitality is warm." The 7,500-square-foot Civil War-era building features two floors of bars, with balconies around the atrium for good visibility. Each level also has an outdoor balcony, one facing Sixth St. and the other with a bit more privacy. Giggle Water is their take on a daiquiri, featuring a blend of Bacardi Dragonberry Rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and tiki bitters, topped with Prosecco. Small and large charcuterie boards make tasty companions to the craft cocktails. Hours are 4 p.m. - midnight Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
If you went back in time to a Roaring Twenties speakeasy, what would be your classic cocktail of choice?

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just a casual fan, it's easy to discover a wide array of wine selections throughout Cincinnati and surrounding areas. Many of these wineries also have food, live music, and other events that locals and tourists absolutely love. To give you an idea of the many selections available, we've put together some of our favorite wineries in the area.
6955 Plainfield Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236
As one of the largest wineries in the state, Meier's Wine Cellars has a wide range of selections that include Cabernet franc rose, Concord, Catawba, and Sangria. Feel free to bring the kids along because they can enjoy a variety of fruit juices like apple or raspberry. This winery has been around since 1890 and has won many awards encapsulating more than 30 different types of wine that they produce and make available to the public.
3077 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211
View this post on Instagram
Started in 1973, this family-operated winery has been a winemaking hotspot in Cincinnati since its inception. Henke Winery is considered by many locals to be the best wine shop in town and is the perfect place for both residents and visitors. While you're checking out the awesome variety of wines, you can also indulge in Cincinnati cuisine that includes pizza, spaghetti, mussels, and smoked salmon salad while listening to local artists and music. Bring the entire family and have a heck of a good time!
11069 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45252
Come by this incredible winery and feast your eyes on more than 500 vines spread across 32 acres! The Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant has won multiple awards and wine competitions over the years, but its true claim to fame for many residents is the amazing art and wine festival featured every September. In addition to their wine tasting tours, we suggest you drop in for the craft show held on Mother's Day, the rib dinner available every Thursday, the Sunday picnic lunches, and the occasional outdoor bonfire.
2276 US-22 & OH-3, Morrow, OH 45152
View this post on Instagram
Valley Vineyards may just be home to the quintessential Cincinnati winery tour. While you're there, you'll be able to taste several types of delicious wines and beers while trying out a few of their dishes and meeting some of the friendliest people in the state. You can also enjoy a self-guided tour of the cellar and learn winemaking skills giving you more insight into why wine tasting is such a phenomenon. Add steak cookouts, live music, and comedy nights, and this is a one-stop shop for entertainment, food, and drinks.
4011 Allston St., Cincinnati, OH 45209
Oakley Wines changed hands not too long ago, and it definitely shows. You'll now find a fresh, modern ambiance paired perfectly with the current selection of affordable wines. Each wine tour revolves around a specific theme such as spring wines, California wines, and classic varietals. And if you're up for a little mystery in your life, you may want to check out their blind tastings routinely scheduled for locals and visitors.
1215 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
The entire menu of the 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab is a tasting menu, offering different selections depending on the season. The staff has been very well-trained in wine tasting, allowing patrons ample opportunity to converse with an aficionado or two. Located in the Over-the-Rhine area of Cincinnati, other features include live jazz on Thursday nights and a different type of tasting in the mornings consisting of hot and iced coffees.
128 W. Elder St., Findlay Market, Cincinnati, OH 45202
This Findlay Market storefront is a bit unique, to say the least. If you do some food shopping before checking out the wine selections, the owner of Market Wines may just take a look at what's in your bag and suggest the best wine to pair with your food. The weekly weekend tastings are quite popular with the locals, but you can also stop by every Tuesday night to try out some samples without a big crowd.
6136 Campus Ln., Cincinnati, OH 45230
View this post on Instagram
If you're looking for variety, you can't do much better than Water Tower Fine Wines. Their facility is home to approximately 2000 wines, including around 130 international sparkling wines and 135 champagnes. Every tasting includes hors d'oeuvres, and you can sign up for their newsletter to always know what they're sampling on any given day. Their location now also features beer on draft in case you want to change things up every once in a while. If you like the spot (which you surely will), feel free to rent it for a special event!
111 E. 12th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Located in Cincinnati's historic OTR neighborhood, the Revel OTR Urban Winery is one of the most flexible wineries in Ohio. Not only does it include a wide selection of handcrafted wines that you'll be able to sample, but it also features live music and other events on the weekends. And if you're so inclined, you can rent out the newly reconstructed rooftop patio for a private party of your very own.
Which incredible wine tasting opportunities in Cincinnati will you dive into?

When you think "bourbon," the first place that comes to mind is probably Kentucky. But with all due respect to our neighbors across the river, Ohio has plenty to offer when it comes to the most American of spirits. In every corner of the Buckeye State, you'll find great bourbon bars where you can sip your favorite whiskey neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a unique craft cocktail. Let's all raise a glass to the best bourbon bars in Ohio!
2767 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
It's hard to imagine a better hangout for bourbon aficionados than the Whiskey Bar. With its straight-to-the-point name and welcoming speakeasy vibes, it's a perfect place to sit and sip awhile. And with over 400 varieties of whiskey on deck, it's unlikely you'll run out of spirits to sample. The Whiskey Bar also has a friendly, easy-going staff of bartenders who are always happy to help you find the perfect bourbon for any palate. This is definitely a hidden gem in the Cleveland area.
2063 E. 4th St., Cleveland, OH 44115
View this post on Instagram
Offering one of the best bourbon collections in Northeast Ohio, Society Lounge is a staple of the Cleveland bar scene. With its stylish interior and Roaring 20s-inspired atmosphere, drinking here almost feels like stepping back in time. Society lounge is best known for their expertly-mixed craft cocktails (bourbon fans should sample the 'Death in New York') and prohibition-era ambiance, but they also offer a huge selection of spirits. Expect to be able to choose from 30-plus bourbons at any given time, and with a healthy selection of rye, scotch, and gin to boot.
8003 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
The Bourbon Review named Oak & Embers one of the best bourbon bars in America in 2019, and they definitely know what they're talking about. This hole-in-the-wall in Chesterfield is all about the three B's: bourbon, barbecue, and beer. They serve an amazing selection of bourbon and craft beer to go with their smoky, savory pulled pork, beef brisket, and baby back ribs. And if you're in the mood for a cocktail, try one of their bourbon-centric signature mixed drinks. The "Follow the Smoke" is made with Makers Mark bourbon, Campari and Dolan sweet vermouth smoked with hickory.
36 E. Gay St., Columbus, OH 43215
View this post on Instagram
You'll find no shortage of great whiskey bars in Columbus, and the Buckeye Bourbon House is definitely one of the best. Their bourbon shelf is a thing of beauty, and they're always highlighting new and exciting bourbons, including a lot of small-batch spirits made right here in Ohio. They have over 50 whiskeys and bourbons to choose from, as well as crafty cocktails and a menu of elevated pub grub. They even offer bourbon flights for those who want to savor the different flavors. Buckeye Bourbon House also made Bourbon Review's ranking of the best bourbon bars in the Midwest for 2021.
843 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Over 300 whiskeys are just waiting to be sampled at the Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge, a High Street hangout that might just offer the best bourbon selection in Columbus. This cozy, intimate space is the perfect place to enjoy drinks with friends and enjoy the Prohibition-themed decor. In addition to a deep roster of bourbons, the Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge offers an incredible array of signature cocktails that run the gamut from approachable and sweet to bitter and spirit-forward. You'll never run out of new flavors to try here, but if you want a basic Old Fashioned made just the way you like it, this is a great place for that too.
1380 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
View this post on Instagram
A beloved staple of Columbus' Grandview Heights neighborhood, Barrel & Taps has everything you need for a good time. They always have a well-curated selection of bourbon ready to pour and craft beer on tap, and the indoor bar and outdoor patio each invite guests to stay awhile and enjoy themselves. There's a good chance there will be a food truck or two on-site if you get a little hungry. And with regular events like trivia nights, live music, and yoga on the patio, there's pretty much always something fun going on at Barrel & Taps.
1051 Goodale Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212
Having been awarded Best Creative Cocktails two years running in 614's ColumBest poll, High Bank Distillery Co. takes drinks seriously. Bourbon is featured in cocktails such as the End of Anxiety, which pairs nicely with the restaurant's many shareables. We're partial to the Crispy Brussels with sweet chili glaze and Shrimp Tacos with adobo marinated shrimp. In addition to Grandview, the owners of this bar and eatery are scheduled to open a second location in the Gahanna/New Albany area this year.
3934 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Cincinnati is just a stone's throw across the Ohio River from Kentucky, so it should come as no surprise that the city has a lot to offer bourbon aficionados. The Littlefield is a great example. This hip Northside hangout features an eclectic interior and a breezy patio space, along with a great bourbon selection and plenty of local craft beers on tap. They make great cocktails too, like "The Fergus," made with bourbon, balsamic vinaigrette, ginger beer, and basil simple syrup. The Littlefield is also known for their elevated pub fare and Sunday brunch, which always includes vegan and vegetarian options alongside staples like burgers and shrimp-and-grits
1201 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
You might never have guessed that biscuits and bourbon went together, but you will after visiting Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey. Their biscuit plates and biscuit sandwiches are to die for. Try the Rosewood—Korean fried chicken, house-made kimchi, and Gochujang BBQ between two golden, butter biscuits—and chase it with a house cocktail like the Boomtown Gold Rush or the Gold Fashioned. Boomtown always has around 50 varieties of bourbon, scotch, whiskey, and rye as well, and their whole vibe revolves around a creative take on classic American frontier food and drink.
251 Calhoun St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
Known for being a great happy hour hangout, Hop Scotch Craft Beer & Whiskey is the perfect place to grab a drink after work. They have a huge selection of bourbon and whiskey, along with plenty of excellent craft beer. The staff behind the bar is reliably friendly and knowledgeable, and weekly specials like karaoke and mix-and-match craft beer buckets, there's always a good time to be had. Hop Scotch has 100-plus varieties of whiskey and a menu of staple pub fare like wings and flatbread pizzas.
Ohio offers no shortage of great bourbon bars. What's your favorite watering hole?

Fizzy, often fruity, and just a little bit sweet, hard seltzer is quickly becoming a favorite drink among those who prefer a lighter flavor profile when indulging. Cincinnati seltzer lovers are in luck: The city is home to some of the most popular hard seltzer producers in the state, and many of its bars serve at least one brand. The following nine bars are some of the best places to enjoy a happy hour hard seltzer in and around Cincinnati.
18 W. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, OH, 45202
Full of gleaming glass and sophisticated wood paneling, Sundry and Vice is a small old-fashioned bar with a classy, almost academic atmosphere. Its front window looks almost like a curio cabinet. Inside, patrons can sit atop the tall leather-covered bar stools and order drinks with captivating names like the Clover Club, the Jade Effect, and the Miracle Finnish.
In addition to their cocktail menu, Sundry and Vice also serves a pair of highballs made with classic New York Seltzer. You can choose from either mezcal mixed with Root Beer seltzer or vodka mixed with Peach Soda seltzer.
7885 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249
View this post on Instagram
Named for the day Ohio was founded (March 1, 1803), the March First Brewery is extremely proud of their state and heritage. This company produces the locally beloved Astra Hard Seltzer line of products, which was named to celebrate Ohio's under-recognized contributions to the field of space exploration.
You can visit the brewery and stop by the on-site bar to sample a few flavors of Astra seltzer drinks, including Bomb Pop, Red Cream Soda, and Crush. March First also serves plenty of food to accompany their drinks, including sandwiches, chips, and delicious fresh pizzas straight from the stone ovens of their pizza kitchen.
2940 Highland Ave. #230, Cincinnati, OH 45212
Part bar and part bowling alley, Fowling Warehouse might just be the best place in Cincinnati for hard seltzer lovers. In spring 2021 they hosted Cincinnati's very first Seltzer Fest, a celebratory exhibition with nearly a hundred different types of hard seltzer from local and national brands on tap.
Fowling Warehouse also offers a wide selection of hard seltzer from local partners year-round. One particularly fun menu offering is their Mystery Seltzer, an order which will get you one random can of hard seltzer from a selection of over 30 flavors. This can be a fun way to get your hard seltzer fix without limiting yourself to the same old standby flavors you always go for.
27 W. 7th St., Covington, KY 41011
View this post on Instagram
Prefer to sip your drinks in the cool, refreshing night air? The Rooftop is an open-air bar that has recently opened on top of the Braxton Brewing Company building. With 5,000 square feet of space and plenty of on-site amenities to enjoy (including lounge-style seating, umbrellas and canopies, a grassy lawn area, and more), this establishment offers a relaxed setting and an incredible view of Cincinnati's skyline.
The Rooftop's extensive drink menu includes four flavors of VIVE hard seltzer, including Sunrise Punch and Southern Punch. The fruity profiles of these picks matches perfectly with the bar's breezy atmosphere. Be sure to visit when the weather is good for the best possible experience!
2800 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206
Woodburn Brewing is a modern bar with a deep respect for its historical roots. The company chose to use phoenix iconography in its branding to celebrate the resurgence of Ohio's brewing culture in recent years. Now, they have become an integral part of this thriving sub-culture. The owners have gone the extra mile to create a diverse entertainment experience to complement their enticing array of drinks. The bar regularly hosts events like trivia nights, live performances, and even yoga classes on the premises.
On top of their artisan beer, this bar also serves several flavors of Astra hard seltzer, including Pink Lemonade and Baja Blast. They also offer Blackberry Breeze hard seltzer from Ohio's own FigLeaf Brewing Company.
793 E. McMillian St., Cincinnati, OH 45206
View this post on Instagram
Thanks to its offbeat location, The Comfort Station is one of the most distinctive bars in the Cincinnati area. The building was originally built as a public restroom and bathhouse back in the early 1910s and was recently converted into a commercial bar space by the same team that founded Sundry and Vice, another bar on this list. Patrons still enter the bar using the original Women's room door, an excellent touch that makes your visit feel unique from the moment you walk in.
This bright and intimate bar is all about fostering connections, and patrons are encouraged to bring outside food and stay a while if they want to. As for drinks, most are handcrafted cocktails that you won't find anywhere else. For instance, the bar's signature Mass Communicatin' hard seltzer cocktail blends the fruity flavors of strawberry and citrus with more complex notes of ginger and amaro.
1727 Logan St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom is a relatively recent addition to the Samuel Adams Brewery, but it has already grown a considerable local following. With both indoor and outdoor spaces for mingling and a growing clientele, this is an up-and-coming social spot for the city's younger crowd.
The bar's menu is largely focused on promoting their fresh-brewed Samuel Adams beer, but they also offer some Truly Hard Seltzer (one of the other brands owned by their parent company, the Boston Beer Company) and other drinks. Try a few different options as you relax in one of their leather-upholstered armchairs or admire the rustic barrel wall that pulls together their dark wood décor.
2804 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206
View this post on Instagram
Anjou is a very new bar that the owners decided to open after seeing so many of their favorite hangouts close during the 2020 pandemic. While it is still working to establish itself as a recreational venue, its bright, airy atmosphere gives it a unique appeal that should help it to stand out from the local competition.
Anjou serves Braxton Brewing's VIVE Dragonfruit and Mango hard seltzers as part of their lineup of local beers and spirits. The light fruity taste of these drinks goes perfectly with the cheery surroundings, but make sure you don't visit too late – the bar's doors close by midnight at the latest.
3210 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226
If you prefer a casual atmosphere while you're out on the town, Millions Café is the place for you. This modest-looking dive bar serves an impressive selection of hard seltzers from both local and national brands, including Astra, Truly, and White Claw.
You can sip your drink while listening to music from the live DJ, participating in the bar's weekly trivia night, or just chatting with your fellow patrons. This bar is known to be very laid-back, so it's a great hangout spot for people who don't usually spend much time in Cincinnati's nightlife scene.
Which Cincinnati bar will you be sipping hard seltzer at next Friday night?