This place just had a really neat look. The bar area was long and it looked like they had a pretty big selection. There was also a long row of tables/booths that were comfy to sit in and talk to friends. However, there was only 1 stall in the restroom which could be bad at a busy time. I was there early in the evening but definitely would like to visit again at night!
Review Source:I frequent Japp's fairly regularly and had a hard time deciding how to review it.
When Japp's first opened it was superb- great drinks and great service. However, with its growing popularity I feel that both have declined- mostly on the weekends. Friday's and Saturday's can be a nightmare and getting a drink can sometimes take a good 15 minutes. This past weekend I had a particularly bad experience with a friend and rude staff. It was my first really negative experience, but was bad enough to make me question returning. I definitely won't be visiting as often as I have in the past.
But Japp's is good for an after work cocktail during the week.
We went to Japp's twice during our visit - my first visit was five stars all the way, the second ,barely a one, so I will meet in the middle with a three.
Friday- We went to Japp's which has two different sides- a more relaxed trendy bar, and a dancing area with a giant screen playing classic cartoons. The drinks seem very interesting, lavender, exotic fruits etc. and the prices were very reasonable (they had a selection of $5 interesting cocktail specials). I prefer more low-key bars but I have to admit we had a blast Saturday night and the lady-DJ was awesome!
Saturday- The place felt like a locker room, stuffed to the brim with no AC, it smelled putrid, like a thick fog of sweat..just gross. Besides the faulty AC, many of the overhead fans were not working properly either. Â the foul scent was so noticeable to me I would have immediately turned around if it were just me, but I was with a group. Thankfully we did not stay long. Â People were overly-intoxicated, and several people were sloshing drinks around and bumping into us. The women's restroom was downright atrocious. I was literally stepping in glass and a spilled drink on the floor of my stall. I understand it happens, but this was to the extreme. I honestly feel bad to the person who was stuck cleaning that disaster.
I am not sure if I just happened upon a bad night the second night, but this place had a serious case of split-personalty disorder!
Molly the proprietor is amazing. Great craft cocktails, but it can take a few minutes to get a drink on the weekends because of the nature of the cocktail and the crowd. But well worth the wait. The updated annex next door gives you dance party feel and you can sneak over to the Japp's lounge side to sit and chat if thats your thing.
Review Source:Hands down the best martini in the city. I like mine with Tito's. The drinks take a long time but that is because they take the care it needs to make them properly so don't be a whiner.
I would like a bigger wine selection but I know that's not what this place is all about. I would just go more often if they did. I like the atmosphere and they have a little patio outside which is also nice.
The staff is very knowledgeable. If you tell them what you like they will help you decide on an interesting drink you could add to your list!
Japp's is one of my favorite bars in OTR. I get a new drink their every time. All of their specialty drinks are delicious. I especially love the cider in the winter. They also have a great selection of beers. I tried a new one last weekend that I loved - a cranberry one I think. It is a great place to relax and catch up with friends.
If you feel like dancing the annex is the place to go. Just next door, but also connected, it is my favorite place to go dancing in the city. It's not a club, as much as a wedding reception - except no one got married. The music is typically older but the kind everyone likes dancing to.
Last weekend the DJ wasn't as talented in the annex and the main bar was super packed. Maybe it's just like that on Saturday nights. I prefer to go there on Fridays.
I needed to update this review a bit. I have been to Japp's nearly every time I come home to Cincinnati for the past year now. It's hands down the best bar we go to, and we've been to our fair share of nice bars this year across the east coast and mid west. The cocktails never fail to amaze us - it's really just a treat to get to watch them make it, especially if you manage to nab Molly to make your drinks. Always delicious and creative, I can't help but want to go home and make my own cocktails the second I leave. We have ended up at Party Source thinking of our own crazy things the day after going here a few times. Inspriing and delicious.
The atmosphere is just so comfortable and adorable. I love sitting in this place. It's well upkept, inviting, and just a nice place to sit down and talk. The music is never too loud and you can go dancing if you want, or stay away from it too. Never does this place fail to amaze me and make me an incredibly happy person.
Find Andrew. Bearded, handsome, probably in plaid. If youre lucky enough to grab a seat at the bar, he will whip you up a fine libation on the spot inspired by any liquor you choose from the massive selection. Talented mixologist and amiable bartender, very conscious of "who's next" in an hopping, crowded establishment. Â Wishing I could export the entire place (including Andrew) to my hometown. Â One can dream, right? Â Enjoy!
Review Source:Love it! I've been to both Japp's and the Annex for various things. On the weekends it's always hopping as you'd come to expect. Try and pop in on a weeknight for the same great service and knowledge with a lot less elbows in your ribs.
They have a rotating menu of neat crafty cocktails that are ready for your tasting pleasure. The staff are all friendly and knowledgeable. Not to mention that the actual establishment is one of the most beautiful interiors in OTR.
i just moved here from santa cruz, ca - and this is the first place my bestie, angela c., brought me to. she knows what's up, and so does japp's.
if it's true that cincinnati / ohio / the midwest are ten years behind california, japp's is far ahead of schedule. first of all, the set-up and atmosphere were extremely chill and laid back. molly was friendly, sweet and welcoming and after learning of my move, assured me that cincinnati was much more happening than it was when i moved away 10 years ago. she said it with such genuineness that i didn't even need a drink to believe her! oh yeah, and the drinks. she could put motiv in santa cruz mixologists to shame!
if you live in or around cincinnati (or are just passing through!) and you've never been here, please go!
you will not be disappointed!!!!
I am a weekday Japp's attendee. Japp's on the weekend is totally crazy, but during the week it's a lovely place to share a few drinks with friends.
One of the things I like about Japp's is the drink I get there and nowhere else. It's called the Brunswick Sour, which was suggested to me my first time in by a bartender (and most of the other bartenders know how to make it). It's rum and sour with a float of red wine--perfect cocktail for me, primarily a wine drinker. Â Now that drink does cost $7, but I understand that included in that price is ambiance and bartender education in esoteric drinks.
There is lots of seating, and the long tables make it suitable for larger groups to all sit together. Also, the music isn't terrible or so loud to hinder conversation.
I have been here twice now and I remember it 1.5 times. The second time wasn't my birthday so that explains the first .5 visit.
So my review will describe my second visit. This was the next stop after my taco stop, so we wanted to continue our fun. Japps is a great place for this. You can enter in two sides, and they are two very different sides. There is a dance floor side, which has a really cool feature of screening old school muted movies dubbed over with music and then there is the classier side. This is the place where you can sit down at the bar, set aside tables, or the booth that runs across the entire side opposite the bar. Regrettably, I did not get a cocktail, which from what I hear and from what seemed pretty obvious, is their specialty. I'll have to go back and get one of these.
I haven't been to this joint in the right state of mind either time, yet I am giving it 5 stars because I know if I was, I would have a blast at Japps. The dynamic of the bar is so cool that I can't resist rating it so highly.
Vast improvement with the opening of the Annex. Â Why?
1. Old music
2. Large dance floor
3. Simplified menu
4. Drinks that taste good
5. Waitstaff doesn't take FOREVER
6. You don't have to fight to get to the bar or order a drink
7. Not understaffed
Done and done. Â I'll gladly go to the Annex anytime. Â You can keep the main bar.
How have I not reviewed Japp's yet? It is one of my favorite bars, and not just in Cincy. When you walk in the door, you know that you are not walking into some frat boy bro bar. It is a place where you can get an excellent craft beer or an amazing cocktail.
The cocktail special board always has something, usually an interesting twist on a classic. On my last visit I had a Watermelon Rickey and a George Washington Pimm's Cup - both deliciously refreshing for the summer.
The patio, while not huge, is a special little getaway in the city. You can hear the sounds of OTR around you, yet it still seems somewhat peaceful and indulgent. The annex is a beautiful space where there are dance events. As a nondancer, I have been there for some fun private events.
Parking is available in the back. This used to be our secret Japp's/Neon's parking lot, but with Neon's landlord now charging for parking on busy nights, it seems that others have discovered it. But it is still a nice perk despite it being busier.
Go to Japp's, bring a friend, chat, imbibe on some fabulous drinks and you will have a beautiful evening.
You can win my heart in the first five seconds, and if you don't win it within that time frame, it typically takes a long time to work your way in. Â Luckily, Japp's saved itself many minutes by playing The Temptations' "Aint too Proud to Beg" upon my entrance into the Annex; that's when I knew that Japp's was the one. Â
The best bars, in my mind, have an area quiet enough to have a non-shouting conversation as well as an area to get your dance on. Japp's has both, and does both well - especially considering their music selection, which ranges from early 50s swing-style to late 80s funk. Â My favorite decade just so happens to be the 50s, mainly because I imagine that everyone then would swing-dance into barbershops, TJ Maxxs', and everywhere in between. Â So to be taken back into that period is always a weekend treat. AND they project video clips of old movies ("Singing in the Rain," "Wizard of Oz," etc) onto the wall while everyone dances! It's the perfect scene for anyone who also likes the following:
1) swaying their long dress side-to-side while dancing
2) bowties and suspenders
3) Midnight in Paris
The only downside of Japp's is that the dance area is SUPER hot; the kind of hot I imagine a human would feel if he were forced to somersault around the equator while wearing all of Burlington Coat Factory's inventory. Â But if you're into that kind of heat, then hell, you're home.
Came here on Friday after Final Friday for my first visit ever. Japps was packed with hipsters and YP's. Â Our group watched a bartender make a mai thai adding everything and even tasting the drink thru a straw to see if the flavor was perfect.
I ordered a Tom Collins as the night called for one, it was OK, most of my drink was comprised of soda water.
Since it was Friday, a few people were dancing on the floor, I like that they have old school music, but I would like some current hits.
Also saw the girls from the show "Queen City"
If I am on Main again in OTR I would stop in and try it again.
In a magnificent burst of synergy, I recognized the proprietress from Mr. Alex S' Weekly Yelp starring said proprietress. I may have made mention of this. She may have smiled uneasily. I may have 'done it again.' While my social norms may be in question, the quality and awesomeness of the lounge is not. Perfectly crafted to a speakeasy/prohibition mentality, it's little wonder why the name harkens back to times past. I felt positively Dillingeresque as I sat in the bar, perused the menu baring names and ingredients that were older than Madonna (and that's *old*). As a wizened old crone once bellowed, "Money can't buy you cla-a-yass." It can't. But class can be impugned by sipping on the right cocktail in the right setting.
As for me? I ordered the Communist Cocktail and earned a place on the national watch list. It was worth it.
Japp's is the best bar in Cincinnati. I have no problem saying this. The service and quality has no match in the city. With good prices and a wonderful environment, no bar makes me happier.
I would argue that it isn't even right to call Japp's a bar. Its a lounge, a gin joint, a social club. Japp's skips many of the cliche's that annoy me about most bars these days. It is possible to meet friends and have conversation without dealing with party girls and bros. I feel comfortable in Japp's, like a home away from home.
My favorite feature hands down are the cocktails. The mixologists are very knowledgeable, without being condescending, and will help you get the drink you have always dreamt of. Just a quick description of your tastes will yeild some truly special. I have been turned on to several variations and new drinks that make the whole experience truly unique.
I love Japp's. It is the best. A++++++
Fantastic drinks, fantastic quesadillas, fantastic crowd.
Best bar in Cincinnati. The decor is, well, old, but it fits this place so well. The music isn't too loud (making it the closest thing to a lounge that downtown has), but the playlist is enjoyable. If you're there when Fallon is you're guaranteed a great quesadilla, though I hear rumors she'll be out on her own soon (good for her!)
If you're a cocktail drinker this is your place.
Molly is such a sweetheart!! Â I love her bubbly personality - she's definitely a power player of Over the Rhine.
This place is really cool - they have an extensive selection of craft cocktails, many of which you've never heard of. I really enjoy their one-of-a-kind Bourbon Latte!! Perfect as a half-way point for bar hopping to get your caffeine fix to continue. They also are masters of their trade - I went up to molly, told her what I liked, what I didn't like and said, "Got it!" Â She went to work, and came back with the Brunswick Sour - It. Was. PERFECT. Exactly what I was looking for.
There is one downside to this place, and the reason I only give them 4 stars instead of 5. They. Are. SLOW!!! Â I know it's the whole atmosphere of it all, but you can still be an old school bar, with old school drinks, with a new school attitude and speed.
"Shut the front door" How many times have we heard that at Japp's?
If you haven't been to Japp's and met Molly Wellmann what are you waiting for? She's the ultimate mixologist and has the most intoxicating personality. You can't not be happy being around her and having one of her specialty drinks in your hand. Â Every week there's some new drink that she has created and always delicious.
I think I like the idea of Japps more than I actually like the bar. The only reason I say that is the drinks are a little pricey and on the weekends it's always crowded, but I love the feel and atmosphere of the bar. Japp's is usually where I want to start my night when in OTR before a night of debauchery. When I can still enjoy my $8 drink before I've had too many to care.
So I really want to like this place. Â It's the kind of place that makes you feel cool just by being there. Â The ambiance is great, the servers are quirky but friendly, and the place is historic. Â So yes, I want to love it. Â
But maybe I'm not creative enough. Â Last Saturday night I went there with several friends. Â It was appropriately busy, but the service was still fairly quick given that the drinks take a long time to make. Â I gave some hints as to what I would want my drink to be, and the bartender went to work. Â He came back with a drink that was fairly tasty, and fair given the amount of information he'd had to work with, but it was impossible to drink because there were seeds everywhere. Â Maybe seeds are in, and I'm not hip - but I don't enjoy drinking through my teeth to avoid choking on a seed, or WORSE growing a fruit in my womb (kidding... but seriously.)
Anyway, I'll keep going back here, but perhaps have to get more specific about things that I think should be implied, i.e. seeds in my drink or wrapper left on my straw.
Every time I have been to Japp's, I wake up the next morning with big black holes in my memory and a red hot credit card.
Which is why I come back, because I got to find out what happened, and next morning I am not a step closer to finding out. Kind of feel like the guy in Momento...
But I really like this place, the drinks are good and the crowd is very diverse!
From what I do remember I usually stick to Hendricks and tonic, but have had a couple of their signature drinks, which was really good.
Only reason it does not get 5 stars, is the DJ/music style, I just don't think it is very good music!
Since music taste is different to each person, this is just my point of view.
But I have been a DJ for over 10 years and would probably go another musical-route, but what do I know, I am from Denmark! Â
I highly recommend this to anyone in the OTR looking for a good time accompanied by some good, slightly expensive but not over priced, drinks!
see you there...
I'm not much of a liquor person...wine or a nice craft beer are usually my drinks of choice, but when you visit japps you just need to have a cocktail. The amount of creative choices at this bar are just fantastic. I basically told the bartender what I like (something that doesn't taste too strong but is also not sweet) and he made me an absolutely delicious drink with muddled cucumber and rose water.
Another thing I noticed right away is that the bartenders taste everything. A chef would never send food out without tasting it so I was very impressed that they were making sure everything was perfect for every drink. The mulled cider was also delicious!
1. Thou shall not come here planning to get drunk.
2. Thou shall not come here planning to grab a quick drink.
3. Thou shall not order a bud, miller, or coors of any type. Â
4. You will try an amazing concoction crafted by Molly and her minions, they are meant to be savored, not chugged.
5. You will enjoy a rousing conversation with your friends about Philosophy, Art, Music, and Wrestling
6. You will impress a date, especially if they are new to the city, or they will roll their eyes because every smooth operator knows this place.
7. Â You will come here while you wait for a table to be ready at A-tavola or Senate, (hour wait? no problem)
8. Â Just trust us, the place is good!
New first name for the first born: Lillet. It's pretty right? Go ahead, take it. I don't mind. But first you must promise me -- and the world -- something. You will direct your attention, effort and travels to Japp's, and order a Wellmanian (anyone, anyone?) cocktail that considers Lillet to be a substantive and essential ingredient. Afterward one (meaning two) of the drinks, rest assured Lillet will be your daughter.
Lillet: a French bourdeaux-blend apertif wine. Lillet: the perfect name for a daughter.
Gin, Lillet, house-made walnut syrup, orange bitters (egg white optional, always encouraged). Served neat.
There are two reasons to go to Cincinnati, well three: 1. Japp's 2. Meeting a very dear friend and awesome gent Alex S (gadfly of epic proportions) and 3. the drive & time with Kristen Y (girlfriend, future hot mom of Lillet). Cart before the horse? Chickens before the hatch? Lillet before anything.
I was said to see the espresso Tazza Mia partnership no longer in operation -- which means the coffee cocktail menu was kaput. Bummer. I suppose it's a boat load of work for not many folks who drink coffee cocktails. Having said that... I'm down for the entire no menu situation. Well, handheld menu. There's a glorious chalkboard of drink concoctions that you've never seen or had before. Then, if you have staples or new creations they'll go for it.
If you look below... you'll find my most proud review I've ever written... gist: Japp's is the most important and finest bar in America. PDT? The Aviary? Bourbon & Branch? No, no and no. Japp's.
A wonderful, kind man arrived with a suitcase record player and a stack of Ragtime jazz. And Cole Porter. If I had to choose any music to listen to endless revelry it's Cole Porter.
The finest places on the planet inspire procreation -- of friends, of more cocktails, of more Lillet, and more beautiful children.
JAPP'S SUCKS!!! Â LET THE FIRESTORM BEGIN...
Okay, okay, Â I will finally say what the rest of you are all thinking: and that is, Japps
truly sucks the big one. Â It is time to slay the sacred cows, slay them until they are no more. Â Don't be afraid anymore. Â Say it. Â Feel that release. Say it. Â Japps sucks..Japps sucks...Japps sucks. Set yourself free.
Someone's gotta tell Molly Wellman that the emperor has no clothes: and that someone is this latest Hamster comin' outa the 8. Â Hey, Japp's....ummmmm...dark, brooding, dark corners, subdued lighting, lots of cool,dusty bottles, right? Shadows! Shadow people, right? Hipsters, porkpie hats, you got it, right? A very special place for mixology and for those who demand elitist, hard to pronounce cocktails.
Well here's what, fellow hamsters:  Please do not confuse the dead eyes of the retarded bartenders for the eyes of living, breathing, thinking hipster drinkmakers.  No, after waiting 45 minutes or so just to try to get a little drink, and just meeting dead eyes and blank stares punctuated with indifferent shrugs, cold reality will grab you by your parched throat, as you come to understand. Epiphany! Japps, you suck, and suck hard.  Couldn't even figger out how to make my lousy absinthe drink (here's a lil hint...try adding water, ya goofs). Every instinct that drew you to Japps now drives you hurriedly home, safe from the would-be hipsters, safe from the dead eyes, safe in my li'l kitchen drinking glasses of murky green La Perroquet, sharpening the knives for the long overdue  slaughter of the sacred cows.
Japps is the latest addition the burgeoning Main Street district in the rapidly revitalizing Over the Rhine neighborhood. Situated in what used to be Japps Hair Store, the bar eagerly embraces its heritage as the famous Molly Welman serves up her latest craft cocktail.
I'm going to say right out that there's a perception that this place is upscale and pricey but that's a lie. The drink prices are exactly the same as they are at their sister bar Neon's around the corner.
The cocktails though...they are definitely worth it!
The bar hosts a seasonal rotating menu, so it's really pointless for me to recommend a specific drink (plus if I did it would be all of them). The furnishings are classic and the interior space creates an open and inviting atmosphere. It's the best place to go to relax after work and on the weekends.
Unfortunately, the bar loses a star because they got rid of their coffee drinks that were developed in a partnership with Tazza Mia. Although I understand why things didn't work out, I LOVED those drinks...all of them and now I wonder the streets like an addict looking for my next fix...but it will never come! Okay so exaggeration aside, I would recommend this place to anyone without hesitation.
I do really like this place and will certainly continue to support Molly's amazing bar, but I do have to comment on some things that slightly sour the otherwise great experience. Call me impatient, but there seem to be times, even on a slower weeknight, when the bartenders take f---o---r---e---v---e---r to make your drink. Granted, I know that craft cocktails take a heck of a lot more time than a beer, but there probably are some steps that could help streamline things (unfortunately if the bartender gets in a conversation with a customer, the line of people waiting for a drink grows exponentially). Some of the pacing could be the result of an understaffed bar. I know that I've overheard other gripe about waiting, but like the saying goes, "good things come to those who wait".
Okay, enough negativity. The variety of drink options are awesome. The clever names and ingredients are a direct result of Molly's hard work and love of mixology. I love that Turophilia Quesadillas are sold here. Wow is that stuff amazing. I attended a trivia night (I think it was Tuesday?) and had a great time proving to myself and others once again, that I really don't know everything. Once it warms up, you can bet yer bottom dollar I'll spend some time in the patio chillin' with friends.
*I remember that there is supposed to be a parking lot associated with this place, does anyone know if that is still the case. Usually I have little trouble finding street parking anyway...
In the end, this place has enough of a following and loyal customer base, I am quite hopeful that it will be here for many  years to come. Thanks to Molly for introducing Cincinnati to specialty drinks in a great setting.
Love the atmosphere. It is obviously a bar that is all about the cocktail. An abnormally large percentage of the seating is right at the bar. Love it. It encourages people to actually sit next to each other and interact with the bartenders. The cocktail list was unique and they let us try one of the specialty drinks as well. I went with a nice cider that they would put with the liquor of your choice. It paired quite nicely with a dram of bourbon. While it was only a bit chilly out it was nice and warm, flavorful, and well balanced.
Also busy, but not slammed. We did manage to get a table which was nice since we had a little too big of a group to take advantage of the bar seating. Very classy bar.
Japps has revived two artful traditions when it comes to bars--The art of mixology and the art of conversation.
Opened by the amazing Molly Wellmann, Japps has numerous mixologists of only the highest caliber behind the bar, backed by the best choice of alcohol around. Yes, you can come here to get your "usual" but the best thing to get here is something new. Honestly, the best way to get a drink here is to choose your alcohol of choice and just let them surprise you. Or, if you're in the mood for something, just explain to them what kind of flavor you want, and let them work their magic. Once they've done their thing and hand you you're drink, they even go into telling you what is in it and the history behind your drink.
Once you have your drink in hand, sit down with some of your closest and have a good ol' conversation. Yeah, I said it...a conversation. You see, there are no TVs in Japps. None. At. All. And that is a great thing in my opinion. I always hate going to a bar, trying to talk over the tv, or the band, or the DJ. It's a giant pain in the ass. Now, it's not silent in Japps. If you get past the white noise of people chatting it up, there is music playing and they even have a jukebox, but I've never seen anybody use it. I don't blame them one bit either. I would much rather sit down with friends and enjoy their company.
So if you've grown weary of the typical bar with bud light everywhere and you want a classic bar, with proper drinks and amazing conversation, go to Japps. You will not be disappointed.
I don't have a really long winded review, but more of a suggestion:
Find the bartender with the beard (I should have gotten his name) and ask him to make you a TurquoiseJeep. Â It is quite easily the best cocktail I've ever had in my life. Â The depth of flavors, the balance, it was the perfect libation. Â This is a recipe of his own creation, so the other bartenders probably won't have the recipe. Â If/when I go back for this beverage, I'll make sure to get his name and update this review. Â
THAT'S some good Turquoise Jeep!
I think the only thing that could make Japp's better in my mind is if they had kept some of the wigs and you could wear them while you enjoyed your amazing cocktails. I'd really love to see a bunch of tipsy people sitting around with wigs askew on their heads, deep in conversation in the soft light of the room that feels full of Prohibition era nostalgia, gesturing with a French 75 in hand, and possibly smoking candy cigarettes in those long holders.
But, even without all that Japp's is one damn fine place to have a damn fine cocktail, no matter your poison of choice.
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