Dive Bar

I think I would have liked it better if I was here on a different night.  

I was a first time visitor in Cincinnati for a NYE concert...came by to check out the venue location and wanted to stop for a drink somewhere nearby.  I had high hopes after reading the great reviews, but when I walked in the place was flat - granted, it was a Sunday night.  There were about 5 of us there, plus the bartender.  Now I will never fault a place for being slow - even the best spots have their down nights.  Instead, I was hopeful that this would be a place that would give me real local flavor.  As I parked my bottom on a barstool, visions danced in my head of a quick witted, chatty bartender and friendly regulars who would be eager to welcome me to their spot and share their suggestions for "must-dos" while I was in town.   Not so much.

The bartender quickly poured me a small, weak drink (Note:  this is likely the type of place where ordering a beer is your better bet), took my money and returned to doing stock.  Two drunk girls played 90's hits on the electronic jukebox, and the two gentlemen at the bar sipped their beers with eyes firmly glued to the football game on screen.  It's cool...maybe just one of those nights where no one wanted to be bothered.  But everyone was doing their own thing, there was nothing really fun going on.  An attempt to chat with the bartender fell flat...so I finished my drink and left.  

If I was back in town though, I'd probably try here again, maybe on a busier night.  Rereading the great reviews, I just feel like I was missing out.  I must echo previous reviewers in saying that this not a true dive, but is some steps up.  Still, I loved that the interior and vibe was, to quote Alex S., "dark and shady yet warm and inviting."  From the looks, it seems like exactly the type of spot I'd love hanging at.  

Next time I'm in Cincinnati, I'll try again...hopefully with better results.

Awesome bar and great food coming soon.

No more Vinyl night on Mondays!!!! Boo!!