Cincinnati Nightlife • A Complete Guide

Welcome to Cincinnati’s #1 nightlife guide.

On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Cincinnati. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.

Enjoy!

Cincinnati is a vibrant, animated, and fantastic city located on the northern side of Ohio. Being the economic hub of the mist Midwestern region, this city beams a lot about American history and culture. In addition, the residents of Cincinnati are head over heels in love with sports, especially baseball and football. Nicknamed Queen City, this beautiful place is the perfect amalgamation of American culture and vacation.

So before you plan your vacations, let us look at the complete guide about this wonderful city, its nightlife, best places to be, top restaurants, bars, clubs, festivals, events, etc.

A little bit about Cincinnati

Cincinnati streamlines everything about a luxurious American holiday, ensuring that you have nothing but an ultimate vacation. However, Cincinnati is much more than just a city. Perhaps there is no other American city that overloads with the sense of extreme hospitality, unlike this one.

Cincinnati craves to rest because they are always ready to give a lasting impression on the tourist through their amazing culture, history, exotic architecture, and their ability to overload a person by the sense of pure Ohio purity.

The local people in Cincinnati are some of the kindest, and the friendliest people you are will ever encounter. Traditionally, people here would always treat you with a smile in a pub or at a park, ensuring that the local Cincinnatians’ warmth touches your heart. 

Food alone should be the reason for you to travel to Cincinnati. To all the foodies worldwide, this city has some of the most delicious cuisines one could ever taste. The city’s food influences take inspiration from Irish, Greek, Asian, and African heritage, making the cuisine life incredibly diverse.

Nightlife in Cincinnati

Looking for a nightlife filled with creative cocktails, one of a kind breweries, a hyper-energetic crowd, and endless night activities? Then Cincinnati is a perfect place for you.

The nightlife at Cincinnati takes a heavy influence from the nearby region, such as Kentucky. In addition, the city has a huge number of German immigrants who brought to the city their brewing heritage, making it a one-stop destination in Ohio for high-quality beer. Not just for beer, Cincinnati is known to hold some of the best creative cocktails in the world, including some of the most award-winning cocktails. 

If you can talk about live music and dance endlessly, then Cinncinati would love you. Live music zones such as Hardrock casinos and Neons are among the hottest places to be during a late-night party. And also, if you look forward to a vintage video game-themed bar and pub, then 16 – bit can be a good spot to be. 

Best late-night restaurant in Cincinnati

The city is home to many locally-owned restaurants and bars where the kitchen is open until midnight serving a huge option on appetizers, salad, pizzas, and seasonal brews. So let us know have a look at the best late-night restaurant in Cincinnati.

Zula Bistro

Zula Bistro

That is the best romantic place for date night. This beautiful late-night restaurant is an outstanding place for a relaxing evening with your partner. Zula is a very modern deluxe restaurant located in the center of Downtown Cincinnati. This restaurant cum bar is known to host some of the finest menu and an extensive wine list for everyone. Some of the best food from the menu are Rare Seared Scottish Salmon made out of avocado, scallions, citrus-basil vinaigrette, Beef Carpaccio made out of potato croutons, pecorino, and balsamic, and lastly the Charred Calamari. 

Best from the bar

Craft Beer Drafts: Belgian White Ale – A subtle bouquet of citrus, yeast bread, coriander & cloves. Wheat flavor blanketed in citrus tones | Honey Nut Brown Ale – Seven malts, three hops, and hundred pounds of local wildflowers. 

Cocktails: The Smack Your Momma – Tequila, Amaretto, Orange Juice, and Soda | Moscow Mule – Ginger infused Vodka, Lime and Fever-Tree Ginger Beer.

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am

Full Menu: 5:00-10:00 pm

Flat Bread & Desserts until 11:00 pm

Friday – Saturday: 4:00 pm – 1:30 am

Bar Open 4:00 pm

Full Menu 5:00-11:00 pm

Flat Bread & Desserts until midnight

(Closed Sunday & Monday)

Address: 1400 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Website: https://zulabistro.com/ 

Phone: +1 513-744-9852

The Eagle

The Eagle

The Eagle is known for serving some of the best all-natural fried chicken and other southern foods in the middle of Cincinnati. Here, each guest enjoys wholesome food in an ambiance filled with amazing music and a party-like atmosphere. This rustic eatery is a place that would give you a very romantic feel for your evening. The Eagle is also the local’s favorite, thanks to its amazing service, great fried chicken, and live music. No just for this scrumptious flavor, The Eagle is known to offer generous portion size with a fair price making your expenditure for a Cincinnati evening totally worth it.

Best from the menu

  • Fried Chicken served with spicy hot honey 
  • Fried Chicken BLT served with fried chicken breast, mixed greens, bacon, avocado relish, jalapeno honey mayo, tomato, rustic Italian bread. 

Best from the cocktails

  • Maple Bacon Old Fashioned and Eagle Iced Tea

Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Tuesday 4 pm to 11 pm | Friday – Sunday 11 am to 12 am

Address: 1342 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Phone: +1 513-802-5007

Website: https://www.eaglerestaurant.com/ 

Yard House

Yard House

To those interested in trying out some of the most innovative food in Cincinnati, yard house is the perfect place for you. Yard House is a very high-end sports bar chain that offers the fantastic option of food and drinks all over America. Cincinnati’s Yard House is a local favorite because of its convenient location near Smale Riverfront Park that witnesses countless spectators. The food and the stop service here are excellent and have been recognized by many of the food critics in town. If your evening needs to be filled with the right amount of coziness and amazing live music, then Yard House is one place you should not miss. 

Best from the menu:

  • Chicken Nachos made with pinto beans, shadow, Monterey Jack, cilantro, green and red sauce, crushed avocado, house pickled jalapenos, onion, and sour cream. 
  • Cali Roll Stack, their in-house crab, is made out of crispy rice cake, pickled ginger aioli, sweet soy ginger, masago, avocado, baby cucumber, tomatoes, and serranos. 

Best from the bar:

  • Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider and Bavik Super Pils.

Address: 95 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Phone: +1 513-381-4071

Website: https://www.yardhouse.com/locations/oh/cincinnati/cincinnati-the-banks/8344?cmpid=br:yh_ag:ie_ch:loc_ca:YHGMB_sn:gmb_gt:cincinnati-oh-8344_pl:locurl_rd:1042 

Bakersfield

Bakersfield

This very cozy restaurant offers the best tacos, tequila, and whiskey to the customers for an authentic Mexican street feel. The service here is great, making the evening atmosphere alive and ensuring your mood is spent with the best flavors the whole time. Even if it is not for the food or the drink, people-watching here is nice because the ambiance is just unique. Also, local food critics have always tagged Bakersfield as the one place in Cincinnati with authentic Mexican food, especially their tacos.

Best from the menu:

  • MilanesaTorta – a chicken cutlet served with black beans, salsa verde, arugula, and avocado lemon mayo
  • Papas & Chorizo Tacos served with potatoes, peppers, chorizo, pickled white onion, crema, cilantro

Best from the bar:

  • Pomegranate Paloma made with Tres Agaves Silver, Pama, pomegranate, lime, agave, grapefruit Jarritos
  • Up in Smoke made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Olmeca, Altos Plata, Velvet Falernum, pineapple, agave nectar, fresno, pepper, and Angostura Bitters

Hours: Mon-Thurs 4 pm-11 pm | Fri–Sat 11 am-12 am | Sun 11 am-11 pm

Address: 1213 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Phone: +1 513-579-0446

Website: https://www.bakersfieldtacos.com/ 

Best late-night bars to visit in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is known for hosting some of the best late-night bars in Ohio. Here are our top favorites: 

16-Bit Bar+Arcade

16-Bit Bar+Arcade

Looking for a night that defines every existing definition of nightlife fun, then welcome to 16 – bit bar. This is the perfect place to unleash your inner child as an adult in every possible way. It would be a shame not to mention this fantastic bar as one of the best late-night bars available in Cincinnati. With over 50 class 6 on the floor to play, this arcade come bar is just the place for someone who wishes to spend the night with laughter, enthusiasm, revisiting childhood memories, and an amazing cocktail. Tagged as the best place to go with friends or colleagues after work 16th – bit bar arcade is the perfect amalgamation of arcade games and booze. 

Best from the Game: 

Monster Bash, Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Stargate, Spy Hunter, Tapper, and Mortal Combat

Best from the Bar:

  • The Game over made with eight different liquors, lemonade, sprite, and Hawaiian punch.
  • Hulk Hogan made with Blueberry vodka and lemonade

Hours: Mon-Weds: 4PM-12:30AM | Thurs: 4PM-1:30AM | Fri: 4PM-2:30AM | Sat: 12PM-2:30AM | Sun: 12PM-12:30AM | (21+ after 7pm)

Address: 1124 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Phone: +1 513-964-7746

Website: http://www.16-bitbar.com/ 

Sundry and Vice

Sundry and Vice

This is a no-reservation-needed please that offers glorious flavors when it comes to a cocktail. Sundry and Vice is the perfect combination of culture and fun coming together, saluting the American cocktail tradition. This well-appointed cocktails pot gives you all the vintage feel that is needed for a holiday. With great quality staff and you need cocktails, this apothecary-themed cocktail bar has won several awards for being the best gathering place in Cincinnati.

Best from the Bar:

  • HONEYED WORDS made with Scotch, Lemon, Cantaloupe, Bitter Aperitivo, Saline, Mint, and Turkish Figs.
  • FOLK HERO made with Bonded Bourbon, Lemon, Espresso Liqueur, Raspberry, Oloroso Sherry, Smoked Rhubarb
  • THREE FINGERED JACK made with Banana-Infused Rum, Lime, Coconut Syrup, Espresso Liqueur

Hours: Monday & Tuesday – CLOSED | Wednesday & Thursday 4pm – 1am | Friday 4pm – 2am | Saturday 2pm – 2am | Sunday 2pm – 12am

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

Phone: +1 513-721-8423

Website: https://www.sundryandvice.com/ 

MOTR & Woodward

MOTR & Woodward

This is a very intimate bar that hosts some of the best live-music bars in the city. Established in the year 2010, this of the kind bar has music flowing within its walls for seven nights a week for free. So if you would like to enjoy some of Cinti’s best music, then MOTR & Woodward serves you all the food purposes. Apart from promoting local art and music, this place also promotes the city’s artistic treasures to some of the most influential people around. And also, they charge a $1 discount on all drinks during Happy Hours. 

Best from the Menu: 

  • MOTR BLT made with Hardwood smoked bacon, romaine, chipotle mayo and tomato on toasted wheatberry and served w/ tater tots.
  • Black & Bleu Burger made with Hand-packed Angus beef with bleu cheese, our blackening seasoning, beer-battered onion ring, romaine, tomato, pickle & chipotle mayo on a toasted bun

Hours: Bar Hours – Wed-Sat, 4 Pm-2 Am | Sun, 10 Am-2 Am

Kitchen Hours – Wed-Sat, 4 PM-1 AM | Sun Brunch Menu, 10 AM- 2 PM

Address: 1345 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Phone: +1 513-381-6687

Website: https://www.motrpub.com/ 

Best Breweries to visit in Cincinnati

The brewery scene in Cincinnati is amazing and one of a kind both in terms of quantity and quality. Here is the list of some of the best breweries to visit in Cincinnati. 

Listermann Brewing Company

Listermann Brewing Company

An impressive selection of craft beers, wine, and cider can be found at Listermann Brewing, founded by Dan and Sue Listermann. So it’s no wonder that this brewery is a favorite among Cincinnatians with its unique flavors that have won them several awards at beer shows. 

Hours: Taproom hours Sunday – Thursday 12 pm – 9 pm | Friday and Saturday 12 pm – 10 pm

Address: 1621 Dana Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45207, United States

Phone: +1 513-731-1130

MadTree Brewing

MadTree Brewing

The trendy neighborhood of Oakley is home to MadTree, another popular brewery in Queen City. A wood-fired pizza bar with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, offering some o the city’s impressive beer selections. Galaxy High, Happy Amber, Lemon Basil Blonde Ale are some of its best taps. 

Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 Am – 11 Pm | Friday 11 Am – 12 Am | Saturday 10 Am – 12 Am | Sunday 10a M – 11 Pm

Address: 3301 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209, United States

Phone: +1 513-836-8733

Website: https://www.madtreebrewing.com/taproom/ 

Rhinegeist Brewery

Rhinegeist Brewery

Established in the year 2005, this wonderful brewery comes together with a positive mindset to offer the city the most satisfying beer and cider. This home brewing company gives access to every Cincinnatian and ideal weekend over a positive appetite for nightlife. The name of the company translates to “Ghost of the Rhine,” dedicating the brewery to the historic location in the Over the Rhine Brewery District in Cincinnati. With varieties of local beer and amazing outdoor seating, this ambitious brewery is the epicenter of Cincinnati’s nightlife. Their best Seasonal beer is Andromeda (Pale Ale), Hustle (Ale), and Cloud Harvest 04: Tamarama (Unfiltered Juicy IPA 6.5% ABV). Barrel-Aged Kettu (Baltic Porter) is another drink that cannot be missed. 

Hours: Monday – Thursday 3 pm TO 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 12 pm to 12 am | Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm

Address: 1910 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Phone: +1 513-381-1367

Website: https://rhinegeist.com/ 

Best Festival and Events to attend in Cincinnati

Be it from a food festival or an art Cincinnati has an impressive range of festivals and event that happens throughout the calendar. Here are some of the best festivals to participate in when in Cincinnati.

Celtic Fest Ohio

Celtic Fest Ohio

Perfect day to celebrate Irish tradition and culture. The city is filled with Guinness, mead, and cider, and locals dance to the tune of Scottish pipes and drums. 

Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival

Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival

This event is very diverse as it marks the end of slavery in the United States. Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival is a family-oriented festival that holds a lot of history, story-telling, live music, and African-American folk crafts. 

Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights

Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights

The Cincinnati zoo hosts the Festival of Lights every year in their botanical garden making every Cincinnatian look forward to the holiday season. The Cincinnati zoo festival of flight is an annual event and a local favorite that makes the city look more than magical and less than heaven. For every Cincinnati, this festival is the perfect start for the Christmas spirit. 

Cincinnati Music Festival

Cincinnati Music Festival

This is one of the hottest festivals in the city. Every summer at the Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati music Festival is America’s greatest and premium summer music festival that attracts 1 million music lovers for two nights and days of endless festive entertainment.

Summerfair

Summerfair
Artist Billy Tacket carefully flicks and slings paint onto his canvases to create his paintings during Summerfair Sunday June 4, 2017.

This is one event that the 80 desperately waits for during the summer. This is one of the largest fine art and craft festivals, which is held in Coney Island, featuring some of the best paintings and artworks ranging from fiber would work to metalwork. 

Cincinnati Pride Parade & Festival

Cincinnati love to embrace love irrespective of their gender. With the 2-hour parade, drag shows, live music, and the true spirit of Ohio, the city comes alive in the most colorful way possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cincinnati a beautiful city?

The city of Cincinnati is magical and a beautiful city. With a stunning skyline, world-famous history, amazing nightlife, one-of-a-kind culture, friendly people – everything about this Ohio city reflects nothing much beauty. 

What is Cincinnati known for?

Cincinnati is home to the Cincinnati Reds, the first baseball team in the country. The city is also known for its child, art, theatre, orchestra, ballet, and iconic greek influence. 

Does Cincinnati have a good nightlife?

Nightlife in Cincinnati is diverse. The city comes alive at the dot of 7 pm when bars, pubs, restaurants, and theatres open its door for some of the finest nightlife in the country. 

Is Cincinnati a safe city for girls?

Cincinnati is considered one of the safest cities to visit if you are a solo female traveler. However, few neighborhoods, such as South and North Fairmount, East Price Hill, should be avoided. However, despite that, it is a pretty safe city to travel to. 

Is Cincinnati romantic?

Everything about Cincinnati is romantic. This city is the perfect place for a date night, from amazing cityscape to gastronomically blessed food, friendly atmosphere, and the Ohio charm. 

Is Cincinnati an expensive holiday city?

Cincinnati is considered to be the home of some of the most expensive accommodations in the country. However, if one plans their holiday with the right mind, the city can serve you well for the budget. The simple trick is to book your hotel, flights in advance. This ensures that there are no last-minute search charges applicable.

Conclusion

There is so much more to Cincinnati than any blog post would ever write about. Bridged with cultural diversity and history, the city has been welcoming to the tourist of massive numbers for its amazing breweries, incredible food scene, hyper-energetic sports fanatics throughout the calendar. This alone makes Cincinnati one of the most affectionately lovable places to be around in Ohio. 

Midwestern states and cities have the reputation of being boring. But Cincinnati debunked all the stereotypes. Also, being the home ground for many of the countries’ finest sports teams, this city also has equal fanatics when it comes to their gastronomy scenes. From Skyline chili to an impressive variety of ice cream shops, Cincinnati Cincinnati compiles the perfect holiday for you.

Above listed restaurant bars and clubs offers you an exclusive space reserved for a fantastic nightlife scene which may not come as easy as you think. These well-known places in Cincinnati need your arrival at the earliest so that this historic city can show its massive hospitality in the most diverse way possible.

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