Here's the deal with Below Zero: It's Awesome! That's all you need to know...but I'll include some luscious deets just to get your blood pumping.
A lot of people judge Below Zero before ever having stepped foot inside and to them I say, lay off the haterade people. You walk in and are greeted with an open air space. You are not clogged in like sardines like at other OTR bars. There are booths along the wall with high tops and there are also two seating areas in the back with couches and big screen T.V.'s where they stream videos from the video jukebox! How cool is that?! Very unique touch.
The place is neat and tidy. I love the high ceilings and the I occasionally break out some serious moves on the dance floor if Spice Girls comes on. They specialize in vodka and even have some vodka that you can get "below zero" temperature! I love getting the frozen drinks as no other bar has them around here. Choose from: Strawberry Daiquiri or Peach Margarita. Â Delish!
And drumroll... My absolute favorite part about Below Zero is the Wii Bowling! I think it is only available on some nights, but if it's slow they might turn it on for you. Great group/party game. Nigel the owner is absolutely fantastic. Nicest guy you'll ever meet. Really cares about his customers and is passionate about his business.
We always have a blast here, and I am so glad I discovered this place because it is a nice change of pace in OTR.
I really wanted to like this place. I always try to give it a shot when I go but it never seems to measure up.
First, here's the good: it's never hard to get in and the drinks are always strong.
It kinda falls down after that.
To me, this is a club that should be packed Thursday through Saturday. I have never seen this place packed.
The only time it even got close to capacity was at an event that was held there for a city publication a while back.
The cabaret upstairs is nice, and admittedly, I've not been there enough to give it a true review.
Overall, Below Zero just seems lacking to me. It needs an injection of energy. A club should feel like a dance riot could take place at any time and all too often Below Zero is more sedate than the ladies of Downton Abbey.
What is there NOT to like about Below Zero? That is unless you're a scared stiff homophobe... but even then...
I've been here numerous times, with the girlfriends, with the gay friends, with the hubby, and each times its awesome. For those that are worried about it being a gay bar... seriously.. get with it. The people here are awesome! Especially the staff. They do really try to make sure you're enjoying yourself, or find a drink you like. With tons of vodka options, how can you really miss?
They are known for their martinis and cosmos, both of which i happen to love! The atmosphere is definitely that of a lounge. it's relaxing and inviting, with plenty of space, or a cozy little corner. If you don't like GaGa or show tunes... you might not have a good time. There are music videos playing along with the music, thats definitely tunes you can dance to. There's an upstairs that has different types of shows going on all the time. But get there early as there's only enough space.
This is a great place to have fun and dance, or to come and relax. Everyone I've ever gone with has enjoyed themselves, and the drinks!
I love this bar! Â There are big, comfy couches to watch bands from, friendly staff, and a diverse crowd. Â Laid-back atmosphere, and they participate in all the OTR festivals (blues fest, zombie crawl, etc.). Â Easy location for parking and access to Main or Vine streets if you want to make it a stop on a longer list of places you're hitting in a night.
Review Source:I absolutely LOVE this place! I have been there several times since 2009. The first time I went was with a girlfriend of mine. I emailed them before we went to let them know it was her birthday and to see if they had any tables that we could reserve. Turns out, it wasn't necessary since the place wasn't ridiculously packed. We thought it would be more of a 'club' atmosphere, but the title holds up. It is very 'lounge-y'. It was super cool of either the owner or manager (I don't remember his name), told me to give his name at the front and he'd have a birthday gift for her. He came out and gave her a music CD, I don't remember which, but it was super awesome of him!
I've been back several times since then. There are two floors. I went upstairs once to see what it was all about, but the shows were over for the night. Maybe one day...
Downstairs they have weekly karaoke, either Wednesday or Thursday, and it is the BEST karaoke I've ever hear. These people can SING!
Definitely check the place out!
I've been here a bunch of times and it seems that it gets a little worse each time. Last night I ordered two over priced vodka and pineapple juice drinks. The bartender waited on 2 other people after taking the order and then finally got to my drinks. The Absolute bottle was almost empty but instead of opening a new bottle he poured a half shot in to each glass that was filled as full of ice as possible and then filled the rest with all pineapple juice. Can you say RIP OFF? I'm done with this place, the desire to make the customer has been replaced with the attitude that they don't have to try anymore.
The drinks blew, the music was the best of 4 years ago and the people were mostly old people and screamy college girls.
Below Zero Lounge was my introduction to OTR, and I couldn't have felt more welcome to the absolutely wondrous neighborhood than here. I love this bar. And I don't love it like a great pair of shoes--I love it like a dear family member. Ok, maybe a dear family member wearing a great pair of shoes.
The people who work at Below Zero are all kind, helpful, happy people. No surly barkeeps here. The bartenders are quick with a smile and a recommendation from their prodigious liquor selection. If 100 flavors of vodka don't suit your tastes, they offer local beers as well. Nigel, the owner, takes a vested interest in not only his customers, but the livelihood of the entire neighborhood and the propagation of the arts in his community. I first came to Below Zero because he opened up the bar (on a day he's regularly closed) to our choir for rehearsals and concerts--all for OTR.
There is lots of seating: little nooks with couches, a long bar, and high top tables. Upstairs, the cabaret does drag shows, which I have yet to see but look forward to. There is also Musical Theater Karaoke on Sunday nights. I like that you can hold a conversation without shouting, and the video jukebox is always entertaining.
Everyone is welcome at Below Zero regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or whatnot. Definitely check it out, and say hi to Nigel!
Fun music, plush seating, and great drinks. Below Zero is a fabulous place to hang out on the weekend in OTR if you're looking to avoid the crowds on Main Street.
There are plenty of TVs in the downstairs bar area, but don't expect to watch any sports. These televisions are for music videos, primarily of the 80s genre, Cher, Glee, Spice Girls and other old school pop music. What's more fun than grabbing your best girlfriends to dance and croon along with Posh Spice? Brings back youthful memories!
I also enjoyed their frozen drinks spinning in the dispensers behind the bar. I had the Mango Margarita, made with fresh fruit. Very refreshing and served in a big, cold mug. Perfect for summer.
There's a crowd here, but it's far from crowded. There's room to dance, room to sit with your friends, room to walk up to the bar. It's the perfect mix of people to make for a spectacular night!
I was going to a Fringe show at the art academy, and decided to stop into Below Zero for a drink. Â Reading some of the other reviews, I can understand the reluctance about it based on it's outside appearance, but it is different once you go into it. It is a really nice relaxed space. Â I have only been upstairs for a fringe show in the early days of the fringe, so I cannot comment on that. Â The Martini's there are great. Â It is a classy place, but not pretentious. Â Yes, it is a primarily a gay bar but you will only feel uncomfortable if you are not comfortable with that, no one there especially the staff will make you feel the least bit out of place.
Review Source:Below Zero Lounge has quickly become a home away from home for me. Walking by, you may be a bit intimidated by the heavy tall black doors and door bell instructing you to ring to enter (I've never had to use the bell, pretty sure this is just for non-business hours). However, once you enter you are sent to another world entirely.
The downstairs is spacious with a long bar, performance area and giant big screen TVs surrounded by tons of lounge seating. The upstairs is a cabaret that features many alternative shows (as you ascend the staircase you're greeted by pictures of some truly divine drag queens).
I have volunteered at Gay Bingo here several times and recently have been going on a weekly basis for rehearsals for Young Professional Choral Collective. The own Nigel is a doll and let us use his space for rehearsals and our very first performance on Valentine's Day. He's so kind and is always hosting all kinds of great events at the space (did someone say musical theatre karaoke?!)
So, don't let the outside scare you. Come in and meet some truly kind people and have a drink at a great local establishment that is giving back to the community!
Beth and I were celebrating our 6 months of dating, so why not finish the night off at a cabaret! This was actually my 3rd time here, and i love this place!
The second floor is where the cabaret is. Shows are normally at 1115 and midnight. Shows are free and you can reserve tables on the row. There is some nice couch seating in the back and a great bar tending and wait staff. If you don't get a reservation on a table don't worry, about 10 minutes before the show starts they open it up to whoever is left. Just get upstairs early, they cut off the crowd to just 200 people. Once the show starts drink service slows so make sure you have enough drinks to make it through! We really loved the show, and the appletinni and snicker shots were fantastic!
The downstairs has a very normal club feel to it. Nice seating, some couches, small dance floor, great music from the dj. But what really makes this place is the martinis. The bar tending staff here defiantly knows how to make a great martini, and at just $4 who can go wrong! We spent the last hour of our night here, while i tried to show Beth that i don't have the moves like jagger.
I love this spot.
I spend rather a lot of time in the Below Zero. Firstly, it's a great spot for a cocktail after putting in a few hours grading at the Coffee Emporium around the corner. Secondly, I know participate in a choir (Young Professionals Choral Collective, huzzah!) that rehearses in the upstairs space--that would be where you can also take in a great drag show on Sunday nights.
Nigel, the owner, is a lovely man. I mean, he's named Nigel. So obviously, lovely.
Alex S. is completely right about the unexpected awesomeness of the space--the couches, the lovely long bar that's not so long you can never get a bartender's attention, the stage that doesn't demand you watch, the cool nooks and open room. And there are loads of great events--karaoke, show tunes singalong, drag shows, etc. In addition, this place is rarely crowded, so it's a fun option if you've got a big group and need space, or want to find a place you can drink, feel hip, have fun, but still sit comfortably and hear one another.
I highly recommend the Below Zero to one and all. The drinks are good, well-priced, the service friendly, and the environment spot on. Don't miss it!
oh below zero lounge. that night was a great escape from the week with the in-laws...
$4 drink? yeah! keep it flowing.
karaoke night! awesome!
more drinks!
singing with random guys!
bathroom...
a guy's phone number in my pocket. yay for friendly crowd!
love this place. as an out-of-towner at least.
I've been here most recently for Santacon and had a drink here along with a bunch of crazy Santa clad people. The bartender served us all quickly and the music playing had most of us dancing. I like how they play the video of the music as it reminds me of when Lodge Bar used to do the same.
There are occasional theatre related events that can be quite entertaining. As Alex mentioned, this isn't the best part of town (I was once witness to an attempted mugging outside the front door), so travel in groups and be alert, keep your head out of your phone and look around.
Definitely one of the best martinis I've ever had. This bar is fun, bright, and has good music (with accompanying TVs and music videos: think cheesy 1980s). It's a gay bar too which I didn't know going in. But it only made me love it even more. Cabaret (drag show bar) is on the second floor, with shows Thursday through Sunday. One of the best drag shows I've seen.
Make sure to check into Foursquare, Yelp, etc. because I got my pricey martini for half-off.
The crowd in here has gotten pretty old and busted. The last time I was there it was depressing, there was a hideous tranny parade in the upstairs bar, and my bill was all screwed up. It's sorta funny that so many of the 4-5 star reviews are by straight people (mostly women). All the cool kids go to Roxy's nowadays.
Review Source:I love Below Zero - the special events are hysterical and it is a great place for people watching. Â The drinks are good and the bar staff is considerate and quick. Â Good Karaoke...
I only wish the place would book more local music because Below Zero used to be Alchemize and that was it's primary use - the upstaris was a music venue. Â
It's been turned into a nice little dance club now and then which, once again, plays into it's roots - before Alchemize it was DV80's.
So still being relatively new to most of the "cool" things in Cincy--I've only lived here for 5 years, and most of that was spent in West Chester, I'm experiencing a lot of things from a fresh perspective. Â And I like it. Â
I found myself at Below Zero Lounge the other night, for only the second time. Â I was informed by my girlfriend--who is a Cincy lifer--that Below Zero is known for two things: Â 1) the 100 different types of vodka they store in a special cooler and 2) a great gay bar.
The gay bar I figured out pretty quickly. Â Listen, when you've been a professional actor for over 15 years and you walk into a place that has big screens full of Lady Gaga and Beyonce, then walk upstairs and see every different version of the movie posters from Dreamgirls, it does not take you long to figure out what type of place you have entered.
So if you are a guy/girl looking for a one-night heterosexual pick-up, this is not the place for you. Â Also, if you are someone with serious homophobic tendencies, you need not apply either. Â But if you are someone that likes to relax and enjoy good drinks in an environment where you can actually hear those you are speaking with, this is the place for you.
The best thing I like about Below Zero is the service. Â I opened up a tab and ordered my Moerlein OTR. Â Every time I went for another round, the bartender not only recognized me, but most of the time had the drink already pouring before I even had to ask. Â For a minute I started to feel like Norm from Cheers!
That's what good bar service is supposed to be. Â Oh, and I was there for a special event. Â So it wasn't like it was deserted in the joint. Â There was quite a crowd, and yet my server still managed to make me feel like a regular.
Let's face it. Â We all want to feel that little bit special when we are out for the evening, right?
Below Zero Lounge is a great place to hang out. The Bartenders are amazing especially Matt! He practly know what you want be for you tell him. He's more than a bartender he's a mixologist!!. The lounge itself is pleasent and has a very welcoming atmosphere! Â Half price wine on Wednesday, Â Karaoke o. Thursdays, showtunes on Sundays, VJ on Friday and Saturday nights! Halloween is always AMAZING!!!! Never been disappointed with any events they have hosted.
Review Source:Anybody can be Judy Garland after a stiff drink.
Below Zero is the place to go if you're looking for both - the opportunity to sparkle like a star and sip like a celebrity. The Over-the-Rhine venue offers around a hundred varieties of vodka, all stored at a chilly zero degrees Celsius, hence the bar's name.
Bartenders here are quick but pour heavy, so be mindful as you sip those cocktails. Knock back a few, and you'll be ready for karaoke, which is regularly offered on Thursdays and occasionally other times in the week.
I love this bar because they feature a couple massive flatscreen televisions that are dedicated to tunes by Madonna and Lady GaGa, as well as Judy Garland, Julie Andrews and other show tunes.
Everyone is welcome at Below Zero, so if you come harboring some kind of prejudice, hatred or other malcontent, please go somewhere else.
If you are prepared to be fabulous, fun and free - this bar would love to have you.
Below Zero is a perfect ten for a number of reasons. Â One through one hundred are the bottles of vodka -- as mentioned elsewhere -- but I happened in on a Friday night, where it was markedly a little slower, but it really gave me a chance to take in the atmosphere and get to enjoy it a little.
The drag queen-slash-DJ put up all the songs that everyone knows the words to but refuse to admit it in public, a strong plus. Â There's a large plasma TV behind the bar showing off a complete random mix of some of the old favorite videos. Â Warning: There is a heavy rotation of Cher and Madonna and Donna Summer, but a vodka martini with those disco lights going full-blaze would be incomplete without a selection of divas to lip synch to.
Staff is super friendly -- J.C. and Tori were mixing the cocktails to perfection all night long. Â It was definitely an experience, one that I am anxious to go back and enjoy again. Â Be sure to ask about the Halloween party because you cannot go wrong with drag queens, vodka, and a Willy Wonka theme no matter how you look at it. Â I can't wait to see the dance floor and the laser lights going full force to make the party complete.
Reasonably priced, chic, and definitely not what you would expect from the exterior. Â There is retro sheet metal hanging in the windows so you can't really get a good peek inside unless you venture in, but it's well worth the risk.
It is technically a gay bar, but everyone is welcome if you just want to stop in for a drink and take in the atmosphere. Â It's seems a little out of place in OtR but I do have to say that I am pleasantly surprised it's there and will be going back for sure.
I believe their claim to fame is their unending selection of vodka. Or depending on who you talk to, it might be drag queens. ;)
While I guess they are predominantly a gay bar, it's not a hit-you-in-the-face or get-out-of-here-you-straight kind of place. It's got a cool, swanky atmosphere and a laid back vibe. They have a couple "venues" on premises, which means you can either take in a specific show/spectacle or simply have a quiet conversation with friends.
They have a variety of cool events like Glee night. If you love the show and want to watch it with a drinking crowd, stop by. They often have intimate events where local theatre performers come in for a behind the scenes kind of glimpse into their talent and quirkiness.
Plus they have been consistently highly rated locally, and the bartenders really know how to put a drink together.
This place had me at vodka.... Over 100 bottles of vodka!!!!
Not only that, but Below Zero has a hip vibe, cool decor, and disco lighting everywhere!!
I had the pleasure of going on karaoke night. Â Apparently they were slower than usual, but best believe the Cincinnati theater scene was there! It was like a pro show!
The bartender, Matt, had me trying all sorts of different vodkas (try the caramel).
The place only got better when I found out they have Glee night!!! Â
I can't wait to go back when there's more people there!
I walked into Below Zero last night not knowing quite what to expect. Â I mean, I had heard it was a primarily gay bar, but really it was a good mix of all sorts of people. Â It is a very welcoming space, with plenty of room to mingle or hang out. Â The drink I had was fantastic and the bartender was friendly and welcoming, willing to answer my questions despite how busy he was. Â I will certainly be going back.
Review Source:Below Zero Lounge is not the friendliest space to walk by. One might say it's downright cold (har har) - this is a shame, because once you get in, it's actually one of the cooler spacer in Cincinnati (hey look, I made another pun!)
This bar in the heart of OtR has big black doors with thick metal handles on the outside and windows covered up with shiny silver paper. You're not quite sure what this place is - is it a bar? A dance club? Somewhere that a dude punches you in the stomach as soon as you open the door? Could be! They also have paper flyers attached to the outside wall advertising events at the space, which doesn't inspire confidence or class.
Again, this is rather unfortunate, because as soon as you enter, you forget all about the sketchines. I was invited here for a Southern Ohio Filmmakers Association mixer and went in with skepticism. But as soon as I got through the doors, I realized how wrong I've been.
This is a one-room wide-open space with exposed brick, comfortable couches and chairs around the room, crazy-cool artwork tacked up on the wall and projectors streaming video onto bed sheets. It's got this very awesome, arty, boho feel to it. Yes, in Cincinnati. Yes, in OtR. I was as surprised as you were.
I got a beer, which was a bit overpriced but that was fine, this was clearly not a dive bar (no matter what it looked like outside). I was sitting and sipping with my friend Val, who mentioned she loved this gay bar. Which gay bar?
"Um, this one. Here," she said, laughing. Really? This is a gay bar. It was at that moment I noticed some telltale signs. The Moulin Rouge poster on the wall. Judy Garland smiling at me. Shiny, bottle-shaped disco balls stacked up on the other side of the room. A gay bar it was! Very cool, this place is full of surprises.
I would give this spot five stars because of it's unexpected awesomeness, but I just can't get over the outside weirdness, so it's going to be four. Even knowing full-well what's in there, I still walk by giving it the skeptical-eye. Sorry Below Zero, you've just left me out in the cold.
99 bottles of beer on the wall? F that - they've got 99 bottles of vodka.
I found myself with a free evening that conveniently coincided with a Southern Ohio Filmmakers Association mixer at Below Zero. Not having been there, I Googled it and immediately thought "Ugh... Awesome... A stuffy lounge." Being a dive bar girl I immediately started dreading and trying to synch up my arrival time with friends.
I walked in to see a giant wall of vodka - immediately things were looking up. I ordered a cherry vodka with cranberry and had a seat along the wall. As I stared down at my Blackberry® waiting for friends my ears caught a familiar voice singing "clang clang clang went the trolley..." - "Wait - is that Judy Garland???" I thought to myself. I looked up to see Judy Garland on the projection screen singing the Trolley Song from "Meet Me In St. Louis."
My fingers rapidly texted, "If a bar plays the Trolley song does that make it a gay bar?" to one of my gay friends for confirmation. "Yes." he texted back. "Below Zero?" I texted. "Double yes." he responded.
Here's a list of some of my favorite things:
Puppies
Gay Men
Vodka
Seriously, Below Zero (I totally get the name now, guys...), you're only puppies away from 5 stars.
After a drink I started to mingle and my friends arrived shortly thereafter. We went up to the bar and the adventure began. I asked Matthew, the vodka mixing guru tending bar, for something new. He quickly mixed up a memory from childhood - an alcoholic version of the Flintstone push-up pop. A series of amazing concoctions followed and by the end of the night I had a new favorite bartender. A bartender that can mix a quality girly drink without shuffling through a box of index cards is truly a find.
The environment is beautifully designed, the couches welcoming, the staff friendly and skilled and the crowd was definitely not the typical stuffy lounge type. Plus, over 100 types of vodka.
The only way I could love this place more is if I were a gay Russian sailor. And maybe if they added puppies.
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,607 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,970 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,306 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,904 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,983 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
