Geez'L Pete's Spirits and Eats

I have lived in the Cincinnati area since the summer of 2009, and as a guitar player I have to admit I am ashamed of myself.  I have been going to some little rinky-dink bars for open mic nights and local cover bands all this time, and one night I got invited to join some bluegrass players at Geez'l Pete's for a Wednesday night open mic.  The level of musicianship among the players there was miles above what I had been experiencing, and when I went back a few nights later for a couple of pro bluegrass bands I was blown away.  Newport/Covington is like the New Orleans or Nashville of Bluegrass, and Geez'l Pete's deserves to be on the list of must-see places.  The owner is always present and friendly to meet his patrons, as are the regulars.  I now go to Geez'l Pete's at least a couple of nights a week!

Boy, do I wish you couldn't smoke in KY because I would have loved this bar otherwise!  

Drinks are strong, prices are reasonable, clientele is friendly and casual.  We didn't order food, but the menu looked great.  It would have been the perfect weeknight hangout bar.  Unfortunately, the air is very heavy with smoke!

I loved the time I spent here... Great conversation with a great group of people and the name of the bar just lent itself to a how many times can you interject "Geez'L Petes" into conversation. Kentucky- Why can't you go nonsmoking?

Sorry folks but this review for a bar is based solely on food.

We stumbled here on a Saturday afternoon looking for somewhere new to eat.  We were studying all day and any adult soda would not do us.

We went inside and the decor screams dive bar meets a cleaned up old west saloon.  We found a seat at the bar and started chatting with the barkeep for what to eat.  Turns out he basically made the menu and is currently attending culinary school at Cincy State- score!  The Girlfriend was craving a chicken sandwich and he rattled off a list of different buffalo varieties and ended with the specialty "Geez'L Pete Sauce."  Gotta go for it.  I on the other hand got the conservative Reuben.

The chicken sandwich was mighty good.  The sauce itself was a hybrid that had a persistent tang and at the end had some heat to it.  Worth checking out for sure.  My Reuben was, well a Reuben, however, it was served on a hearty marble rye and the corn beef was tender and fresh.  All in all an enjoyable lunch that set us back about 16 bucks or so.

Like other reviewers have said, there is not much really going on around that part of Madison, so I am not sure when I will be back.  Also the whole smoking thing is a bummer, but in the afternoon it wasn't that bad.  But on a positive note- parking also is free on the weekends- way to go Covington.  Regardless, I do look forward to returning and trying some new menu items and maybe and even getting a drink to boot.