Cincinnati's Best Live Music Venue

This Mt. Adams bar, with a three-tiered deck overlooking downtown Cincinnati, is a winner with locals.

Reviews:

• “Great drinks and Amazing View”

Tips: The Pavilion serves food until 10pm.

Mount Adams Pavilion

Casual restaurant on the river serves burgers, sandwiches, wings and salads; live music, volleyball and an outdoor cabana bar available.

Reviews:

• “Great Local Hangout”
• “Best Outdoor Dining”
• “Great outdoor volleyball and service!”

The SandBar

This charming restaurant is a step above the typical neighborhood tavern.

Reviews:

• “CHEZ NOT!!! DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME OR YOUR MONEY!!!!”
• “I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone I know.”
• “High cost, low quality”
• “OVER PRICED – BAD FOOD”
• “Don’t Go . . . You’ll regret it!”

Tips: Chez Nora opens early on Sundays for their weekly brunch.

Chez Nora
email Chez Nora

There’s a pool room, a bustling bar, an updated menu and TV screens blaring everywhere at this spiffed-up old tavern.

Reviews:

• “BOOOOO”

Tips: The bar is well-stocked with draft beers, including Sam Adams, Killian’s, Bass and Bud Light. Beers and wines have reduced prices during happy hour.

Million’s Cafe

Part of the city’s best-known entertainment district.

Reviews:

• “Hot Chicks and Nice Peeps”
• “J-Hall”

Jefferson Hall Saloon

In beatnik-turned-yuppie enclave of Mt. Adams, the Blind Lemon attracts a variety of pub-goers.

Reviews:

• “Great atmosphere”
• “Best little place in the city”

Tips: The bar opened a parking lot to accommodate an otherwise congested Mt. Adams parking situation.

Blind Lemon Cafe

One of the few places left to see touring indie bands and local favorites onstage.

Reviews:

• “The best guy that takes care of the bar!”
• “Great place to watch live music!”
• “the real deal”
• “SGH”
• “Finally I’m Home”

Southgate House

Showcasing big names in pop, rock, folk, jazz and country since 1975.

Reviews:

• “THERE IS NOTHING LIKE BOGARTS!”
• “I feel sorry for the ‘all age’ kids that are forced to go there for shows”
• “Worst place for a consert!”
• “Bogarts Rules!”

Tips: Metered parking is enforced, but free after 6pm Monday-Saturday, and all day Sunday. There are pay lots ($2-$5) on Corry and Glendora. Shields School also has parking ($2-5); open nightly after 4pm and all day on weekends. Don’t park in University Plaza shopping center or you may be towed.

Bogart’s

Strong cocktails and smooth jazz: the perfect combo.

Reviews:

• “Great atmosphere/Fantastic Music”
• “Best Atmosphere and friendly staff”
• “Smokers Welcome”
• “relaxation”
• “Good music,not for romance”

Tips: Looking for some great jazz CDs? Check out Shake It Records in Northside.

Blue Wisp Jazz Club

Northside’s best bohemian bar features an equally unconventional jukebox.

Reviews:

• “Bluegrass & Burritos!”
• “Best burritos and beer selection!”
• “killer beer selection”
• “Enough Already”
• “Northside has it all”

Tips: Fans of the Comet are sure to be record collectors. If that’s you, stop down the street and visit one of the area’s best independent record shops, Shake It.

The Comet