50 Best Cocktail Bars near Blue Ash

“I finally got to bring my husband here after dining twice with my son & absolutely loving it, & now he sees what we have been raving about! It has the perfect environment for a nice date night that doesn't break the bank. Our server was pleasant & attentive. I enjoyed the Diver Scallops - hand caught scallops pan seared w/roast butternut squash risotto + grilled Bok Choy toasted pepitas + herbed gremolata + parmesan + crispy fried sage ($36). The scallops were cooked to perfection, as was the risotto. There were so many delicious savory flavors & the Bok Choy added a nice crunch. It was the perfect meal for a cool evening & the portion was perfect. Absolutely worth every penny. My husband had the El Diablo Burger - ghost pepper jack + barbacoa + pico guacamole + shaved lettuce + smoked garlic aioli ($22). I am typically not super into barbacoa, but this burger changed my mind. The guacamole was so creamy & helped balance the heat from the cheese. The meat was tender & delicious, very well-seasoned. Neither of us could get over how amazing that burger was. Would absolutely order again. The menu does change seasonally, but so far I have had nothing short of a 5-star experience & have had something different every time, which is unlike me, but I like that the ever-changing menu gives me that opportunity. Being located in Summit Park also gives diners the opportunity to enjoy all the beauty the park has to offer before/after a nice hearty meal. I know we will absolutely be back again.“

“While on spring break from Raleigh, North Carolina, my son and I made it a priority to visit Nolia Kitchen after hearing about it and Chef Jeff Harris' James Beard Semi Finalist. Located in the vibrant Over the Rhine neighborhood, known for its local restaurants and shopping, we planned our early dinner around this exciting hotspot.As we arrived at Nolia around 5pm, we were warmly greeted and promptly seated. The host was both kind and efficient, while our server impressed us with their sweet demeanor and extensive knowledge of the menu. Though we had already perused the menu, our server still took the time to share some additional offerings. With our choices in mind, we placed our orders, which included the following:- Gulf Oysters (6) from both the East and West Coast- Cauliflower- River CatfishTo complement our meal, I indulged in the delightful Goretti Park cocktail.Each dish was served with care and precision. My son particularly enjoyed the East Coast Oysters, while the cauliflower, accompanied by raisins and honey (we asked for it on the side), left a remarkable impression. Personally, my favorite was the catfish, paired with crawfish and grits. The combination of flavors was truly exceptional.During our visit, we were fortunate enough to meet Chef Jeff himself. He graciously shared his vision for the restaurant, adding to the overall amazing experience.Thank you, Chef Jeff Harris and team, for providing us with a memorable dining experience at Nolia Kitchen, worthy of your James Beard recognition.“

“I’ve been to mid city about 5 times, it was amazing the first time I went and every time I go it gets better. The staff are amazing people! They have nailed both food & service. When you eat here, they make every guest feel special. Just this week I went to a high end restaurant in Cincinnati and was treated like an inconvenience because I had an infant with me. Then I came to mid city and they were so accommodating of the baby. They knew who we were right when we walked in, they gave us a huge table with plenty of space, kept saying how glad they were we came, it was pouring rain outside so they gave us towels to wipe off, they helped us to our table, even helped carry the car seat. That’s how you run a restaurant. There’s a reason they have a 4.9 star rating on Google, it’s because I don’t think 5 star is possible.“

“We came in for my wifes birthday, while in Cincinnati. Samantha went above and beyond to make our experience exceptional. Her recommendations on food, we couldn't stop eating. The stroganoff was rich and creamy and my steak was cooked perfectly. A night we will remember.“

“This place was so cool!!! Pictures do not do it justice. You are just in this little greenhouse oasis in the city, drinking the coolest drinks. Everyone around is nice because it's such a great place that everyone is in a good mood. The bartenders are effortlessly cool and speedy. I will definitely return“

“I've enjoyed coming to VV so much that I've made it a part of my weekly routine. I've been for a morning coffee, lunch, and dinner. They do a great job serving across all three areas of their menu.I'd highly recommend calling ahead for a reservation for lunch and dinner.“

“We were in Cincinnati for a bowling tournament so we decided to check this place out. Can't say enough great things about this place. Some of the best tacos I've ever had. Understand you're getting a crafty and creative take on tacos and not the traditional thing and you'll be just fine. The OG Margarita I had was delicious and the skull glass was pretty cool. I had two different tacos that, while pricey, were definitely delicious. I had a bananas foster dessert taco and that also did the job. The flavors are very creative and the portions are pretty solid. Our server, Jordan, was attentive and knowledgeable. We are a group that can be tough on servers in a joking and sarcastic way and he handled it well. Our experience overall was pretty amazing and I'd love to visit one again. Being from Chicagoland the closest we can get is Indianapolis, so we'll see!“

“It was busy, but understandably. Parking is always horrid at the location I visited. The food was good! I think for $13 the crown jewel could have a bit more lobster. My vegetarian street tacos were incredibly greasy/oily but overall a good flavor.Vegetarian options: There are two or three decent vegetarian selections aside from a cheese taco or Quesadilla. There are a few options but not many. I do know, as a vegetarian, I hate finding meat in my veggie taco from not cleaning the grill or something of that sort. I have not found this to be the case here. That is well respected.Parking: There is paid parking all around location using meters. There’s also a couple parking garages that many use due to not being able to find parking. We ended up parking in front of the district and walked about 4 blocks to grab our take out and go. It wasn’t a bad walk, just more chilly than desired.Kid-friendliness: There was nothing I noticed that wouldn’t be kid friendly. There were kids right outside waiting and playing as soon of the street was closed for outdoor dining.“

“Popped in before dinner for drinks on Friday night. Parked right out front of the spot and breezed in. After being warmly greeted by the host, we parked at the bar. The place is beautiful. Love the design choices and the blue notes. A big table carved into the back wall looks great for a group. The drinks take awhile for the staff to make, so prepare yourself. However the wait is definitely worth it. Loved every drink we had. The French 75 was light and crisp. The Peardon my French was tasty and not overly sweet. I'm not a huge rum person but would highly recommend the hibernation sour. The bit of salt and spice was fantastic. Can't wait to come back. I want to try their daytime coffee and food menu.“

“Jeff Cole was amazing with the tour. Great atmosphere and the history of the building and area was appreciated. His effort of making us feel welcome made the difference from other distilleries we have toured in the surrounding area. Great Bourbon and drinks…the 1944 is a must try. The “Speakeasy” portion of the tour is classic and beautiful. We are looking forward to another visit in the near future.“

“Visited Rosie’s Italian Kitchen. Cannot believe it took us so long to check it out. Our server Austin gave very good suggestions and everything was outstanding ! We had the Arancini and Fried Lasagna bites to start and then the Honey Pie! Perfect blend of sweet heat . We also split the Cannoli Cookie with a scoop of vanilla gelato . Forgot to get a photo as we dug right in. We also met the Manager Alex and Kitchen Manager Victor who were so welcoming and made us feel like family . Already planning when we can go back !“

“Emillie was a great server! Let's start with the great things. We did apps and sides. Dumplings were so good but broth was phenomenal !!! Burrata and tomato jam was basically an amazing caprese, sooo good. We also had truffle mushrooms which we added to dumpling broth, YUM! and also had the perfect broccoli with just an ok aioli. Was unimpressed with crab avocado toast, not worth the expense. Have had a a lot of crab food options s and this underwhelmed. My husband is a brownie sundae officianato and he seriously loved the s'more brownie dessert. Overall, great food and sat outside away from a noisy interior on a Friday night.“

“Nice addition to the fountain square area. Cool looking space and nice menu. Food was good, service was spotty and could use more help. Waiters were in the weeds. The cocktails were small for the price. Wine menu was ok. I'll try it again.“

“Nice wine selection. We had a really nice Brunello. Halibut special and mussels were excellent. Tuna tartare was very good as well. Paella was very good, but the portion was rather small. I was in a cheeseburger mood, but unfortunately was disappointed. the hamburger was dry and flavorless. The bun was stale and burnt. I had to eat it with a fork and knife because the bun literally crumbled when I picked it up. I didn't say anything, because it is probably my fault for ordering a burger with nicer entrees on the menu. Emma was our server and was wonderful. She was super friendly and on the spot whenever we needed her. We will definitely be back.“

“Best damn pizza in the tristate area. I've never had a bad experience, and I always regret not getting multiple pies at a time. Amazing crust, fresh sauce and not overly greasy like a lot of other places around here. A bit expensive but it's worth it, I promise.“

“What a wonderful way to spend a Friday afternoon. Anjou was a lovely find with top notch cocktails. Our bartender (more like STARtender), Madison was a terrific mix of friendly and knowledgeable, and made some excellent drinks for us. We started with a She-Wolf and Panacea Stelvio, followed by A Ghost of Time and Killing Moon. This place alone may be worth a trip back to Cinci ?“

“You can't beat their prices. All the food is delicious. Can you get a lot. Bartender super attentiveParking: I would highly recommend it, the beers are tall and cold. Friendly staff. The food is plentiful, priced very reasonably. And a lot of it. Excellent place to visit. And the people that go there are very friendly“

“Decided to stop here on our trip with our 2 kids, 5 and 3. The staff were all very friendly and the food and beer were great. We used the QR code to order food and drinks from my phone and it worked great. We tried the dill pickle pizza and the kids had chicken tenders and fries, and it was all fantastic. The staff brought our kids a paper with a scavenger hunt on it. It was not easy, even for an adult, but my kids loved it and it gave them something to do. I found myself looking around for the stuff just as much as my kids. The owner ended up helping us find a couple of the items and he was super friendly and talked to us for a bit. I would definitely go back!“

“i never leave reviews on places, but i genuinely loved it so much that i had to. the environment was so calm and welcoming and very cozy. the employees were SO nice, and on top of that, i had easily the best matcha latte i’ve ever had. highly recommend this place for a chill hangout or to get some work done :)“

“I had an amazing experience at Pins recently. The service was excellent, great vibe from the staff, specifically Andy who provided over the top service and some great conversation to top it off. Would highly recommend going to Pins for your next group outing“

“Cute decor. Really filling and tasty arepas. We had the giant with beef, chicken, and chorizo. The spice was just right and it was more than I could eat alone. The veggie arepa with plantain and black beans was really good also. The fresh salsas were a great addition. The service was quick and friendly“

“My love and I got the fromlettes. And the deviled potato skins. The whole meal was amazing. The Bartender was extremely friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming despite it being busy like a modern diner/brunch spot should be.“

“We have been to York Street Cafe for dinner several times, but never went there for brunch. I would highly recommend it. Food was very good and price was appropriate. The presentation of the food was very attractive (got the brunch board). I really like the ambiance of this place.“

“I love this place. The atmosphere is the best I've seen in a long time, and the live music is fantastic. The drinks are a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. I'd love to try more things on the menu, and I'd definitely recommend this place to a friend.“

“We had a birthday celebration of six personnel tonight and it was an excellent experience. A reservation was made and we had no wait time to be seated. The waitress was the owner’s sister and she was very courteous with excellent customer service. This was my first time and when I come back in town will make repeat visit. You get plenty of food and some had to take to go containers. Kudos to the chef tonight.“

“One of my favorite bars in cincinnati!! Their cocktail menu doesn’t miss!!! Pictured is their spring 2023 menu and I ordered the ‘Table talks’ from it! I was fascinated by all the different ingredients for the drink. I’m a gin drinker so I naturally lean in that direction. I felt like this drink was either going to be a miss or an absolute favorite no one between. IT WAS AMAZING!! And come on the little milk jar glass, obsessed!! I still think about this drink sometimes and hope it makes it back onto the menu soon. If you can’t find a current drink menu, trust me there will be something you like when you go in! If not the bar staff is so nice and are so attentive to make sure you are served a drink you will love “

“Me and my partner’s favorite bar! Super funky vibes all around and fun events held here every few weeks. Bartenders are super personable and are the reason I can’t limit myself to one drink in a night— whoops. The drinks rotate often and always have something tasty for everyone, even your non-drinker buddies. Also the caesar salad slaps“

“Really enjoyed this niche spot for drinks. Beer flights available along with cocktails. Friendly staff. A good selection of beers , with some that are not at the main brewery that is right around the corner. Just a comfortable atmosphere.“

“What a great small business that feels like they really know their customers. Get hand-picked favorites to go with their incredible local-sourced, locally made cheese selection. from the novice to the connoisseurs you won't make a bad choice.“

“This is my second time coming to Yuca for brunch. I love how bright it is inside! I came in around 10 am and there was no wait time. I ordered the Fajita Greens, which I didn't have high expectations for because well salads for brunch is not my go to. The server asked me how I wanted my steak, and I was pleasantly surprised (Usually restaurants just have a default for the steak in a salad). The salad itself was great! The tortilla strips gave a nice crunch; the dressing was light and flavorful; and the steak was nicely cooked. I paired it with a mimosa. (You can also choose to get just a bottle of Prosecco with juice for $30). I was left feeling full, but not overly full where I would need a nap. On Sundays, the restaurant hands out flowers to the females! This is a nice little touch. If you like tequila, they have a vault, which opens up and you can see the tequila they have. It's a solid brunch in my opinion.“

“Hidden gem in Newport, KY right across the river from downtown Cincinnati...excellent list of private single barrel Bourbons that pair great with their excellent selection of cigars. Easy going ambiance and great service. Kudos to Ms. Summer and Mr. Dallas.“

“I never have a bad experience coming here. The coffee is one of a kind in cincinnati and the vibe is super chill and relaxing. I love coming here to get the banana nut bread latte while doing some homework in one of the booths! I wish they would add more food/bakery items every time I come on they are almost fully gone but that’s the only downside I still love this place!“

“Went to Saeso for the first time last night and I can't wait to go back. Very cool space with good tunes and good decor. They spin vinyl so you'll hear some cool stuff. The exposed brick looks classic. I think a great bar shouldn't be too big, and this is a tighter space. The drinks were also fantastic. I was really impressed with the cocktail menu, a cool mix of classics and innovations. The espresso martini was a 10/10. We sat at the bar and the service was great, very efficient and friendly.“

“The ambiance and live music are nice.Service is speedy.Drink prices are bourbon are high across the board, but everything seems to be around $15 minimum, even pours that are $6 at other bars. It's just too high for the selection that they have.The cocktail happy hour is solid.“

“Been to Ripple a few times now and it is always very good. Good food, service, and vibe.I've had the salmon entree, the stuffed poblano peppers, the perogies, and the Sicilian flat bread and each has been delicious.Definitely recommend going.“

“My girlfriend and I ate at this restaurant on 3/30/24. The drinks were delicious...I recommend The Smoke Show. Both cuts of the Australian Wagyu and the side dishes were excellent as well. The decor is eclectic and energetic and the wait staff was attentive and friendly...what a great place for any occasion!!“

“A great warm inviting speakeasy lounge industrial hybrid of a bar right above Goodfellas pizza shop. Grab a slice of pizza and a giant breadstick from below and head upstairs where they have incredible craft cocktails for reasonable prices in a very relaxed and inviting atmosphere with seating anywhere from couches to a classy bar to regular tables that can be pushed together to accommodate larger groups and an outdoor space! The bartenders are always extremely kind, knowledgeable, and great at crafting serious drinks of any sort. We love coming here for low key quality drinks and a quiet warm atmosphere with a touch of leather and wood and class to the air!“

“One of my favorite bars in the area! I loved the dim lighting and comfortable seating. They had plenty of space and the service was great! We got the charcuterie board which was cheap/pretty tasty. Definitely recommend for a chill night out.“

“Our first time visiting! Both bartenders were super nice and welcoming! Drinks were great and the wings were killer! We also tried some fries and a spicy pizza roll all which were amazing! I’m a huge ranch gal and there’s was top tier! Loves the environment and was served super fast! We will for sure be back!“

“I really enjoyed the atmosphere and service. The burger was excellent, but the garden salad with chicken was definitely sub standard. Especially considering the price. It was salad with a very dry, bone in chicken breast on top. It was flavorless and tough. Uncharged 6.00 for the chicken. Not worth it.“

“This is such a fun and immersive place to hang out. Our bartender treated us like old friends and made some solid suggestions from the cocktail menu. Our spritzer flight was unique and amazing and the vibe really made us feel part of a 1970s ski lodge. Thanks Overlook!“

“This was our first time at Parkside. I enjoyed the comfortable atmosphere and The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. We ordered the burgers, fries and salads. All the food was delicious and served quickly and hot. The place was very busy but neither service nor food reflected that. We will definitely go back.“

“Great little corner bar. Proprietor is super friendly. Drinks are delicious with a cozy and calm atmosphere. We had the Venus cocktail that was delicious. Their collaboration with Essen next door is great too. It’s vegan based but totally delicious (coming from a non-vegan).“

“The hostess wasn't too friendly, not welcoming. Our server was good. She could do little more though. The ambient was OK. This place is more like Asian Fusion. The food was OK. They did their own way of making the sushi, katsu plate or fried rice. The only thing I like a lot was the Beef Tataki.Parking: Parking across from Baru - $7/half hour.“

“By far the best meal we’ve had while in Cincinnati! Authentic Latin flavor and great service. We had the plantains with guacamole appetizer, beef and queso empanadas and split the churrasco (steak) with a churro for dessert. Everything was outstanding. For drinks, the margarita was great and I would highly recommend the mezcal manhattan, perfectly balanced and delightful! Treat yourself to Maize, an outstanding place that does everything exceptionally well.“

“My fiance and I hosted a private event here to celebrate our engagement, and the staff was fantastic. Pete, our server, was incredibly helpful and served all of our 80ish guests for four hours straight. Highly recommend this for private events!“

“This is really a nice neighborhood bar. Good crowd, fair bar prices, and a superb outdoor area. However, let’s be honest. The music is often played at an ear piercing volume; to the point where one has to shout in order to maintain a conversation.“

“great atmosphere. even the doors guys make you feel welcome before you step foot into the place. The cocktails offered cover a huge range. I highly recommend you ask for Sam and grab one of her "espresso" martinis. We also had the Magical Mystery. Yet another amazing cocktail! Cannot wait to come back!“

“Cincinnati just keeps impressing me with the wide variety of places to enjoy and once again I have found a spot that I will be coming back to regularly. This place is cozy on the inside, the back patio is secluded and intimate, and the bartender is an angel. The draft and wine selection really blew me away! I had a martini and the best old fashioned I have had in Cincy so far. The bartender, pretty sure she is the manager, knows how to make one hell of a good cocktail and is very knowledgeable about her craft. She alone is worth going in there for honestly. They only serve appetizer/finger foods but it is more than most bars up in Mount Adams have to offer and they stick with the international theme well. The flags inside are a little much but they definitely focus on the 'world' part of World Glass Bar. I highly recommend this for a date spot or even for a group of friends looking for a place to play games and enjoy some tasty drinks you can't find elsewhere. Do yourselves a favor and go check this place out!“

“Cozy neighborhood spot with great cocktails and a small but mighty menu. The olives are a great value, and the egg salad sandwich was very tasty. The bartenders were so friendly, and people came in and out greeting people by name all evening. What a gem!“