Cincy’s beer and bourbon traditions are holding strong at these spots
Cincinnati has made aname for itselfas a culinary powerhouse , thanks to a Brobdingnagian grasp of traditions that form the metropolis ’s roof of the mouth . And when you expand outside the urban center to include the whole Cincy region , you add in Northern Kentucky ’s flavors . That pass to the area ’s bar scene : Thanks to German beer cultivation , southerly - style Bourbon dynasty along The B - Line ® in Kentucky , and an urban craftiness brewing fit , Cincy is one of the proficient cities for grabbing a drink . For a feel at some of the most unique places to pour a beer or sip whiskey on the rocks , tally out our roundup below :
Wiseguy Lounge
If you were gon na obliterate a mob - theme bourbon and cocktail speakeasy , what business would you select as the front ? If you answer “ a pizza pie joint , " then you ’d be correct . Goodfellas Pizzeria play server to their not - so - occult alter ego Wiseguy Lounge , a bar that takes Bourbon dynasty in earnest , with fix in both Kentucky and Ohio ( as well as others across the Midwest ) . The interior decoration might seem intimidating at first , thanks to dark wood and leather sofas , but the stave are happy to wait on with find the perfect bourbon to suit your humor . Plus , Goodfellas , unlike a true phoney business , actually serves up an excellent slice of New York - style pizza .
Rhinegeist Brewery
Rhinegeist interpret to " spectre of the Rhine , " which makes sense given its location in the Over - the - Rhine Brewery District in Cincinnati right . Yes , you read that correctly : there is aBrewery District . Cincinnati is a city build by German immigrant , who bring their love of brau to the Midwest , and Rhinegeist carry that custom along today . The brewery ’s story combines a love of old - school brewing with a background in West Coast - pep up brews that dispute the tasting bud . Nowadays , they ’re known for their cathedral - esque saloon situate on the former dry land of a pre - Prohibition brewery . During the summer , you could savor in the views while sipping a pour of their famousBeer For Humans , an easy - imbibition ale that hold up local philanthropic gift .
Northern Row
As a compounding breweryanddistillery , Northern Row has a superfluity of options . Located ( where else ? ) in the heart of Over - The - Rhine , Northern Row point to please all comers , and they do a pretty good job of it . With a sizable beer list including rotating seasonals , gang - pleasing food menu ( crybaby commode pie , mushroom-shaped cloud Philly sliders … ) , and spirits from local distiller Five Stories , there ’s something for everyone here . And with a classic industrial - meets - artisanal interior , aficionados and casual beer lover will get hold themselves right at domicile .
Hofbrauhaus
Named and styled after Munich ’s most renowned beer hall , Hofbrauhaus is Cincinnati ’s bona fide take on the Bavarian bier experience . Their brews still abide by the German Purity Law of 1516 that dictates which ingredients can be included , and their food fare covers the German classic : giant pretzel , wurstl , schnitzel , and more . It ’s a big , communal experience that also host regular bands and social events while proudly uphold Cincy ’s beer traditions .
Smoke Justis
With the shibboleth of “ smooth bourbon , smoked meats , ” Smoke Justis make relaxation gravely . A Covington sport tavern identify after a local baseball caption , Smoke Justis pore on Kentucky favorite : Think rib basket , barbecue fry box , and plenty of beer , bourbon , and smoky flavors . They ’re also known for their brunch , thanks to entrees served up in mould - iron skillets and a in earnest loaded Bloody Mary . If you ’re craving Kentucky BBQ to cap off a taste tour , this is the place to get your fix .
New Riff Distilling
Just over the river in Newport , Kentucky start up TheB - Line , the Cincy region ’s connection to Kentucky ’s Bourbon dynasty and distilling culture . One of the must - attain stations on this Bourbon dynasty tour of duty is New Riff distilling , a new - school approach to one of the earth ’s oldest liquor . Their Bonded duty tour will take you through every step of their distillation process from grain to barrel , and that ’s still just the lead of the iceberg . New Riff tender an regalia of event for the draw a bead on cognoscente , from tasting sessions , blending workshops , to division on justwater . Whiskey grind , this is your stop .
Second Sight Spirits
Second Sight aims for a more atmospherical experience for anyone search a dram on the rocks . Founded by two production engineers who worked in Vegas showbiz , Second Sight contribute a whimsical , slightly occult vibration to the midland decor of their Ludlow , KY taproom . However , they take their whisky just as seriously as anyone , and proudly feature argumentation of bourbon , various rum ( admit a cerise variety ) , and even a hazelnut liqueur .
OTR Stillhouse
If you thought Bourbon dynasty production was a Kentucky - only manufacture , think again . Over - the - Rhine ’s own Knox Joseph Distillery is house within the OTR Stillhouse , a combination saloon , amusement locus , and still . It ’s also possible to grab a trash of local wine and beer on site , as they ’re a demonstrate winery and craftiness brewery as well . Just a few blocks from the urban center ’s streetcar route , you may catch a show at their indoorandoutdoor stages while enjoying any variety of drink ( but be sure to essay their award winners : James Scott Blended Whiskey and Golden Gin ) .
Courtesy of Visit Cincy
Courtesy of Visit Cincy
Courtesy of Visit Cincy
Courtesy of Visit Cincy
