My friends and I took the Pedal Wagon Tavern Cruise and this was the first stop. It ended up being our favorite! The outside area was very large and there were lots of tables to sit at. They had 2 areas set up for Jenga games with large stones that looked like a lot of fun! We got our beer for $2 (our Pedal Wagon discount) so I'm not sure how expensive it usually is but if I lived in the Cincinnati area I could definitely see myself being a regular there!
Review Source:It's probably the fact that I'm kind of done with overcrowded bars and music so loud that I can't have a conversation that I give this place four stars. Â I like it best in the summer (awesome patio) and on weeknights or before 9 on weekends... basically when it's less crowded. Â Beer selection is good; I can't speak for the cocktails as I'm not generally a cocktail drinker. Â Definitely a "hipster" scene, which I'm indifferent to, but I know a lot of folks don't care for it. Â I've never had a bad experience though!
Review Source:I am not from Cincinnati, just in for the weekend to see family. Â Bar hopped in OTR, multiple people suggested we go to Neons because it was a nice night and they have a great patio. Â When we entered the patio, not knowing what to expect, we were blown away with how cool this place was. There are multiple fire pits and we even played giant jenga. Â Did not get the opportunity to play bocce ball, but will definitely be back next time I'm in town. Â When I walked inside to go to the restroom, I was side tracked by a beautiful lab laying on a couch. Â Besides all that, the bartenders were awesome! Â The one who helped me most of the night had shorter dark hair and I gave her the oppotunity to pick my beer selection each time I ordered and got a different seletion everytime. She was great. Â By the end of the night I ended up meeting a pretty cool group of people and made great new friends. Â Easily one of the best times I've had in a long time. Â Thank you Neons for showing me a great side of Cincinnati I haven't seen before!
Review Source:I am making a sincere effort to get here more. I am one of your local suburbanites that is not afraid of OTR. And frankly, there's little reason to be. Plentiful parking within a half a block radius, wonderful yet FANCY ASS drinks, affordable bar eats, entertainment (giant jenga, bocce ball, shuffleboard, pool), people watching, DOG FRIENDLY! What more can you want people?!
Review Source:In the summer, there is no other place I'd like to be for happy hour than the patio at Neon's. Â I love it that people can bring their dogs and the giant Jenga sets. Â It makes me almost want to have a house so I could have a sweet patio. Â However, it is most decidedly NOT summer currently, so I'm giving it 4 stars. Â I know, it's not very fair to rate a place lower than usual because of the weather. Â I'm doing it anyway.
Neon's has really great drinks; I'm a particular fan of the hot apple cider with bourbon (the one positive thing coming out of this frigid weather). Â This place is always busy on any given weekend, but in the summer there are more places to go so it doesn't seem quite as crowded. Â Last night in my attempt to maneuver to the bathrooms (of which they do not have enough of, PS) I very nearly was crushed to death by the sea of bodies moving through the very narrow bar downstairs. Â However, this place is one of my favorites; I'm not going to let a near-death experience stop me from returning frequently.
Love Neons Unplugged's atmosphere and all the amenities it has to offer, i.e. boccie ball, giant Jenga, free pool tables, dog friendly courtyard, fire pits, delicious grilled food items served to you by a Saddam Hussein look-alike and the comfy leather sofas on the second floor.
Unfortunately, I have a few gripes. Â Having made this one of my frequent stops the past few years, I became a familiar face to the staff. Â So familiar, apparently, that one of the female bartenders felt it her personal duty to "warn" my dates (possibly when I left for the restroom) that I have, in fact, been known to bring other dates there, in the past. Â Isn't there some sort of unspoken bartender to client confidentiality agreement? Â Haters gonna hate, right?
Another, even more bizarre experience occurred when after the one single time I didn't tip couldn't be forgiven by the entitled clique that is the staff. Â Come to think of it, I'd always gotten the stink eye and hairy eyeball from at least three of the male staff whenever I'd bring a date there, but I digress.
Warning: Long ass rant
Long story, I returned a drink for my girlfriend that had a lot of something floating throughout it from the previous patron's drink (I suspect it was the horseradish sandwich spread, that seems to be a substitute for what should be just horseradish, used in Bloody Marys there).  The bartender didn't seem too happy I was asking for a new drink, but complied when I pointed out the gross stuff floating in the unclean glass.  No, I was not the least bit rude.  Later, upon receiving my bill, I noticed I was charged for the full drink I returned.  Since, after giving me the bill she disappeared to attend to other duties (?), and after a while of  waiting to correct the mistake, I simply wrote on the bill something along the lines of, but not verbatim, "no tip due to charging me for the returned drink."  Yeah, I probably should have dealt with it differently, but we were in a hurry to leave and I wasn't thinking clearly.  Honestly, I rationalized it by thinking she could just correct the bill and give herself what I paid over, because I did pay for the returned drink.  Fast forward a week later, I noticed my bank account was charged an unusual sum of money by Neons Unplugged.  Looked at my receipt for that day and realized the bartender doubled the whole amount the bill was for and charged me for it.  She gave herself a %100 tip.  Guess this was my punishment for not tipping.  I called to correct it and the manager on the phone acknowledged the "mistake" and asked me to come in with my card to rectify the problem.  Same day, stopped in on my lunch break and the first and foremost issue the manager on duty wanted to address was why I didn't tip, not the incredible inconvenience of being double charged and having to take time out of my day to fix it.  At first I didn't catch on to what she was getting at, due to her subtle sarcasm, the fact that I tend to give freely the benefit of a doubt to just about anyone, and the fact that all I could think of was getting reimbursed and quickly getting back to work.  After drilling me and berating me for 10 minutes in front of her staff, I put it all together.  The overcharge was retaliation for not tipping, and I had the audacity to show up to get my money back. Â
Having gotten the problem solved, and although against my girlfriend's wishes, we continued to frequented Neons Unplugged many times thereafter. Â Months later, while patronizing Neons Unplugged with a large group of friends, I was confronted by an over-weight ruddy faced bearded fella claiming to be the new manager. Â He told me I was not allowed at Neons Unplugged, and was not suppose to be there. Â He cited the above scenario as just cause, having been a witness to it. Â He even went so far as to have me escorted (pushed) out of the bar when I said I needed to collect my friends. Â As I was standing outside the bar waiting for the party I was with, this same manager, with two employees standing a few feet behind him walked up to me, pushed out his chest and got inches within my face to smirk and let me know, once again, that he was the new manager and that he was going to get a photo of me and post it in the bar to let everyone know I wasn't allowed inside. Â I was thoroughly weirded out. Â I felt like I was in one of those after school television specials about bullies. Â I haven't been back.
Neons is great for a number of reasons, but the two best ones are 1) humongous patio 2) DOGS!
While it's true that there is bocce ball and giant jenga, and that there are multiple fire pots with firewood provided to keep you toasty...and yes, it's true that there is an outdoor grill that a dude sometimes serves yummy burgers, veggie burgers, and brats from; and yes its true that there is a full length outdoor bar with a covered patio in addition to the full-size indoor bar. And yes, it's true that the bartenders are friendly and down to do a shot with you if in the mood...but seriously! It's all about the DOGS and humongous patio!
The patio is really gigantic. And it's framed in by nice brickwork and metal fencing, as opposed to by cheap wood fencing, like most patios you find. There are tons of oversized picnic tables for large groups of friends to sit or for smaller groups to make new friends. The patio is so big, there is room for the aforementioned bocce ball court. And still room for giant jenga, giant picnic tables, an outdoor grill, lots of fire pots, firewood, and a full outdoor bar.
Did I mention there are dogs at this bar? I love dogs, and I love dog-friendly establishments almost as much. This isn't just a "let your dog on the patio" bar, dogs are welcome inside too. A leash seems to be appreciated, especially indoors, but I've never not seen a dog here, and there have been as many as four or five at once. Great bar.
I still like Neon's. It's been two years since my first time there. OTR has changed a lot (for the better) since then. Way more people hang out down there and it's more "hoppin'" than it used to be. I remember going down to OTR for final Fridays when I was in high school, and the change from even then until now is pretty dramatic.
I'm taking off one star for Neon's, though, because the bouncers on the weekend at Neon's have been super rude to me on multiple occasions recently. I get that it's crazy busy on the weekend, but bouncers shouldn't act rude to people who aren't causing problems. You're more likely to find me at Neon's on weeknights now.
Awesome atmosphere inside the bar or outside the courtyard, sometimes a little cramped during summer weekends. Beer/craft cocktails are always top notch and ever changing. During the week they host events like trivia, bocce league and Yelp friends host a game night, I believe. Dog friendly (but i'd avoid weekend evenings). Their burgers/brats on the patio grill are actually super tasty and reasonably priced!
Review Source:What can you say about Neon's? If your living room was a huge courtyard with a huge craft beer selection and the most inventive craft cocktails around, it would be Neon's. And it does feel like you're in your living room most days around happy hour.
The bartenders are friendly and eager to please. There are always a plethora of drink specials that showcase their creativity. Even better is to give them a liquor preference and have them come up with something for you. What makes their bartenders special is not only their extensive knowledge of mixology but their commitment to creating incredible creations through their infusions, using a variety of fruit, herbs, spices and other things to infuse liquors. In fall and winter, there's always warm cider to which you can add your favorite liquor, as well.
Of course, the most unique aspect about Neon's is that it is dog-friendly all year 'round. Hard day at work? A cocktail and a little pet therapy can push that memory of that lazy co-worker or aggravating boss right out of your head.
There's always something to do at Neon's (if drinking wasn't enough). There's a trivia night, life-sized Jenga, free pool, movie nights, and so much more. And with Apple TV and Netflix, even inside, it's a great place to kick back.
Seriously, how can a bar this awesome not get five stars. The bartenders are all very knowledgeable. I love how if someone orders a drink that is run-of-the-mill, they recommend something new and exciting!
Let me highly suggest that you try the specialty drinks, they usually have a few mix drinks specials and there are always beer specials.
And to top it all off, YOU CAN BRING YOUR PETS! How cool is it that you can you have your pooch sitting with you at bar or on one of their couches.
Super cool. Def check it out.
I've been putting off writing this review because I don't know how to write it. Â I realize I'm in the minority of people who don't totally swoon over Neon's, but I'm just not in love with it. Â Don't get me wrong-- my companions and I had a fine time at Neon's, but there was just something to be desired.
A group of us went there to get a drink after having dinner nearby, and having never been to Neons but hearing all the fantastic things about it, I was excited to go. Â It was really packed that night, so moving around was a bit of a challenge. Â That didn't ruin it for me though. Â I actually wouldn't say that there was anything ruinous that happened that evening, but something was just off. Â The atmosphere was weird. Â I think we went on hipster night, and that's not really my thing.
That being said, the drinks are worth coming back for. Â So crafty! Â I strongly believe that if I catch Neon's on a good night, I could learn to love it.
Neon's is great! Well, as long as the patio's open.
Things I love about Neon's:
1. I can always find something interesting and delicious to drink. Be it from a long list of crazy beers/ciders to seasonal craft cocktails.
2. Patio grill. Too often patios don't offer a giant grill with a kind person there waiting to serve you a dog or burger to order. Neon's, thank you.
3. Games. Bocce ball, giant Jenga, yes please.
4. People watching. Some of the best people watching around. Your regular OTR suspects, college kids, live music groups with strange instrument collections, people who bring their dogs.
I love this place, and as happy as I am that it's becoming more and more popular for the owners, I'm a little sad that it's no longer a hidden gem. It's so crowded on the weekends! Regardless, there's always a great group of people there, the most adorable dogs and puppies, and friendly new folks to meet. Plus, if you're feeling a little competitive, you can always play giant Jenga (so awesome) or bocce ball.
Additionally, if you're a huge beer fanatic, go check out the awesome selection that have in the giant fridge inside. Basically, all the beer goodness you could ask for will be there. PLUS, they also have food to order on the patio! Beer, burger, bocce. Sounds like a perfect evening.
My buddy and I stop here before going to Reds games. I know it is not necessarily close to the park but I love the patio and it is usually not to busy when we are there before the game.
It was a bit odd this past Friday night as they were out of beer on tap. I don't know if the system was not working or what. This  is very strange for a bar. I was disappointed as they normally have a good selection
Instead of a bottled beer, we got Rasberry Long Island Ice Teas. They were delicious.
I know a lot of people commented about the quality of the crowd. I don't pay much attention to the crowd as I am just catching up with the people I am with.
The patio rocks. I will be back the next time I have Reds tickets.
Went here this evening with some friends for the tap takeover. I wasn't sure what exactly that meant, but I ditched the idea of beer anyway after my first sip of overly hoppy IPA mixed with 102 degree heat. Ended up going with their drink of the day - Jane's special - and got suckered into downing enough glasses to get a cavity.
I'd been here before, usually just for a nightcap after Japps or the Drinkery. Â I didn't mind it, but it seemed too busy and surprisingly smokey for an outdoor bar. Daytime, however, did not disappoint. Even with the blistering heat (seriously, is this what a Midwest summer is like?), we had a lot of fun. Drinks were good and reasonably priced. My determined micro-brew buddies seemed ecstatic to be trying a few new beers. And the grill was available with $5 sirloin burgers.
I did wonder about the couple who decided to bring their newborn to the bar. A dog... hmmm, maybe. But a toddler, shots, and cigarettes? Seems like a bad combination.
At least with my group of friends, Neon's seems to always come in tandem with Japps. And that's frickin cool with me, because you get two new atmospheres to drink. Japps gives you the classy-sit-down-cocktail/spend-your-wad part and the dance-your-buns-off part. Neon's checks off the drink-and-embarrasingly-play-bar-games(pool, bocce, giant Jenga) part and the smoke/eat-and-mull-conspiracy-theory-in-
the-garten part.
Neon's is like a classier version of Christy's that people seem to graduate to after graduating college. There is some delicious looking food at a grill there. There are a couple of bars and a couple of beer karts as well. And they have all those extra games. It seems like it'd be tough to not be entertained here, although it seemed a bit pricey. Luckily, I didn't have to buy either time I went here!
I'm slowly warming to Neon's.
I think a big part of this, and I hate to say it, is the change in the crowd. Â It has gotten less hipster, and though it's a Greek Tragedy to the hipster crowd, it's a Roman Holiday for me. Â It's nice to see some variation: you don't want all your blueberries on one side of the muffin.
The patio being open for the summer is also a big plus. Â Not everyone has to cram into the tiny bar space and it's much easier to get drinks and delicious food outside. Â
And Giant Jenga? Â
Game on.
The first few times I went to Neon's I really liked it. They have a great beer selection, an awesome open outdoor patio area, more games to play while drinking than Dave & Buster's (okay that's an exaggeration but it's a pretty ridiculous amount for real), and just an overall general cool vibe.
However, every time I come here I like it less and less.
Number one, it's always packed to the point of not being fun. Now that the summer is here it's a bit more open but even the patio is filled to the brim. And the worst part about being outside is everybody is smoking. I don't really mind some cigarette smoke but it's seriously like Marlboro night at the biker bar outside.
Number two, enough with the dogs. When I go out to drink I'm pretty much down for whatever. However, there are a couple things I'm not trying to do. Step in dog crap is one. And have a stupid mangy mutt growl at me is two. Who brings their dog to a bar anyway? Assclowns, that's who. Which brings me to number three.
The crowd at Neon's has continued to get worse and worse. I understand that OTR generally attracts a certain punk/emo/hippie crowd but this place attracts the lot of them. If you're out trying to meet a girl who hasn't showered since last week or a dude with more piercings than a voodoo doll then this is your place. Me personally, I love all people, I really do, but I have a limitation on how much arrogance coupled with douchebaggery I can withstand. Seriously, every time I go here it's guys trying to act all hard and then later puking like lightweights or girls acting like they look like Katy Perry when they really look more like Tyler Perry. And don't get me wrong, not everyone is being shitty, but everyone is drunk and acting like it's their 21st birthday.
I'm honestly over it and as much as I love OTR I think I've had my fill of the negativity and nonsense that is Neon's for an eon.
As another reviewer noted, it's great in theory, but the douche level is over the top. Â OTR has turned into a gentrified hipster mecca, and places like Neon's get the brunt of it. Â I imagine that the owners are nice, the place has been around awhile and has a cool feel to it. Â The damn people, though. Â Yuck.
Review Source:Simply put, in the summer, Neons is my favorite bar in Cincinnati.
They easily have the best patio in the city - so make the effort to stop by on a nice day!
The bartenders are great. Â Service is normally quick (unless it is really busy) and they are friendly. Â When choosing a new beer they often give me samples and explain the different kinds they have on tap.
The atmosphere is great. Â Very relaxed.
The best thing about this place is the outdoor space. Â LOTS of outdoor seating, a laid back environment, bocci ball and giant Jenga, firepits when it is cold... what more could you ask for?
PLUS: their specialty drinks are completely amazing. Â Fabulous blends and concoctions and we always look forward to trying something new!
Definitely put this on your ToDo list!
It has been far too long that I have not reviewed Neons. It seems like everyone and their mother has reviewed this place, so you really won't hear anything too different from me.
Best part of this bar, of course, is the patio that is three times the size of the inside bar.
They also have a great collection of Jenga-normous sets to play around with. The weekends get really busy, but if you go in the middle of the week it is just right!
I would like to take this moment though, if you don't mind, to pat myself on the back and tell you a little story about how I saved Neon's Life...
...The year was 2011. As a new resident to the neighborhood I decided to take a stroll on a lovely Sunday afternoon to Joe's Diner and enjoy some pulled pork and watch the end of the Bengals' game since I don't have TV. I turn on to 12th Street and notice something is off. I pass by the neon's parking lot and notice a plume of smoke coming out of the dumpster! I call the non-emergency number and report the burning dumpster. 30 seconds later I hear the fire trucks coming and a little kid on a bike comes up next to me and says, "Did you set that on fire?" A little confused, I look at her and say, "Yes." An awkward moment passes where she just looks at me, unable to comprehend my sarcasm. She turns around and rides her bike away. The fire truck shows up and puts out the fire.
And that my friends, is how I saved your beloved Neons! I will gladly accept free Hudepohl Amber Lager as a token of you appreciation!
I will start this review by saying that I love the idea of Neons. Â I love the large patio. Â I love listening to Tracy Walker play and sing. Â I love OTR. Â I love giant Jenga. Â I love fire pits. Â I love bocce ball. Â I love the interesting drinks and the knowledgeable, chill bartenders. Â I love all these things.
But...I dislike the actuality of Neon's. Â There are just too many d-bags, especially when it is 1. warm or 2. the weekend. Â If you are wondering: will I see dudes in practically see-though, deep v-neck tshirts? Â Yes. Â Dozens of wispy ironic mustaches on dozens of wispy ironic dudes? Â Yes. Â Shiny lime green 1960s cigarette pants? Â Yes. Â Misbehaving dogs off leashes? Â Yes. Â American Spirit cigarette smoke choking the air and filling your lungs? Â Yes--definitely (Remember when people could smoke in bars? Â It is like that on the patio).
I don't necessarily hate hipsters.  In fact, all this would be fine if it didn't seem like some sort of performance of a terrible play called  "I am the Most Emo of All (boo hoo hoo)."  There is sooo much posturing.  Moreover, many of the hipsterest hipsters are obviously 21 years old and they don't know how to act in public; it is amateur hour.  They get sloppy drunk, they puke, they are needlessly rude, they act like tools when they are ordering drinks.  The women's bathroom is amongst the most foul I have visited in OTR.
I will go to Neons again. Â I will probably go many times because I like the idea of it so much and because my friends like it. Â But, when I am there I will make fun of it and I will probably wish that I was somewhere else.
Blah, blah, blah.... Â I thought about just using the word blah 134 times to review Neons Unplugged as I am sure any positive things I have to say about Neons have been said it one of the other 134 reviews written about it.
Neons is a great chilled hipster bar. Good drinks, out door drinking area with Boccie ball, and Big Jenga (not sure if it can be called Jenga as Jenga is a copy written name) Â Blah, blah, blah.... Go to Neons and have a good time.
Neon's can be a great bar. The drinks are good and reasonably priced. The decor is warm and the patio is the best in Cincinnati. A lot of the time Neon's is perfect.
All of the other times this place is a Hipster apocalypse wasteland. On Friday and Saturday night Neon's is the last place I want to be. It is for real packed!
I do like Neon's a lot though. It is an incredible place to sit outside, enjoy a cocktail and chat with friends. When it is a neighborhood place, OTR for life or as long as I can afford it, it's perfect. Plenty of seating, a delicious grill, bocce ball, huge jenga, a decent juke box and a great craft beer and cocktail menu really do make Neon's awesome.
I'm happy they are so popular, but this is a week night stop for me!
We didn't start off so well, Neon's and I. It was late afternoon and I was ignored by the bartender, my shoes were stepped on by ironic hipsters and the placed was packed beyond a comfortable capacity. Despite the cheap beer (and impressive beer list), I was eager to get outta dodge.
And, then I came back at night time.
Game changer -- a completely awesome game changer.
Instead of being stuffed like a sardine inside, the party was most definitely outside. Same bar and beer offerings, but so much more space. And the best thing about that space was - hands down - the grill. Yep, you heard me right. At an OTR bar with a huge beer list and great energy, you can also have your pick of grilled burgers, dogs and sausages. And, these aren't your Oscar-Meyer dogs. These are gourmet dogs with fancy schmancy toppings. Same goes for the burgers. There's something that can't be beat about eating a cheeseburger under the night sky and drinking a craft beer for less money than I would do back home. I didn't want to leave that moment. It was fantastic.
After a while, the chill (and smoke) in the air got to be a bit much, so my crew took the action back inside and upstairs. The lower level was still uncomfortably full but the upstairs had plenty of room, big tables and the type of decor that blended English pub with college frat house - think brick walls and lots of wood. This is a good thing. There's no bar upstairs which is a pain in the butt when it comes to keeping yourself properly sauced, but that's what drinking games are for (making the loser physically get the next round). Neon's is a perfect spot for 2 am bar merriment, no matter whether the weather is hot or cold (fire pits and puppies are excellent for snuggle weather).
This is a pretty cool place! Â It's great for any time of the year, but it's absolutely awesome in the spring & summer because of their large outdoor area!! They have boche ball there, but I regret to tell you that I've never played it there because there's always someone else playing! Â They also have, what is best described as Jenga on steroids. Â The pieces are made from 2x4s and it towers about 3 feet tall (6 feet depending on how far into the game you get).
There's food, but only when it's nice out - they have a grill, but I think it's cash only. Â I rarely eat there, so I'm not so sure.
There is also an upstairs room with a pool table, and television. Â My company and also a group that I'm in have reserved it for events in the past. Â For a smaller group, up to maybe 20/25, it's a perfect location with comfortable seating. Â They even allow you to use the television for presentations or whatnot.
Over all, great place, and you'll be sure to find me there throughout the up-coming summer!!
I have to say I used to love Neon's before everyone else discovered how awesome it is. Or maybe I should say I used to love it on the weekends. Â
During the week it's still great, drinks are a little pricey but the bartender is always friendly and ready to suggest a new drink to try. Â It's even better when Fallon from Turophilia Quesadillas is there making her delicious Quesadillas. And it's even better in the summer when you can comfortably sit out on the patio.
Now the weekends are a different story. Trying to walk in after 8pm is a challenge, you're lucky if you can push your way to the bar and once you do finally get a drink it may take another 10 minutes to find a place to stand cause you won't find a place to sit if you get there too late.
I can't say that I don't like Neon's because I really do but I can do without it being so popular and crowded that you can't  have a conversation or move.
As long as it's not super-crowded, this is one of my favorite bars in the city. The drinks are great and the atmosphere is even better. During the summer I absolutely love hanging around outside, and if we're lucky getting in a game of bocce ball. I also enjoy the ability to get a brat or cheeseburger without having to leave the bar - it really hits the spot! In the winter, there's a pool table and tabletop shuffleboard to keep you occupied when you don't want to just sit around. And the best part of this bar: they allow dogs. On any given night there is at least one dog waiting for the affection of strangers.
So why the glowing review with only 4 stars? Too many people have discovered the amazingness of Neon's and on weekends it gets very crowded very quickly. If you're getting there late make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes!
This is a bittersweet review for me. What began as my #1 place where I could go with a small group of friends or just my husband for a drink and some decent times, has become a mecca for too many people. On a busy night it is almost impossible to get to the bar let alone order a drink. Congrats on being a successful bar. I am not sure if there is a reason that they don't have one more bartender on hand for the busier times, but this is a repeated pattern and it has led me to not return for some time. Don't get me wrong, the bartenders are great and make some wonderfully unique drinks. I used to love the outdoor patio and chatting with other people there, but with the crowded setting, and all the unleashed dogs everywhere, I have unfortunately refrained from a return visit. If I do return, and I probably will, I'll go on a weeknight when the crowd will surely be smaller.
Maybe an upstairs bar would help spread the crowd out to manageable levels. Who knows?
This place is great. Not only are dogs allowed, but the bartenders with cater to your four legged friend's need.
Live music, giant Jenga and a bocce court make this place even better.
The crowd is diverse and everyone seems friendly. Although I haven't been here late at night, the atmosphere seems to stay pretty mild.
I've been heading here a lot lately. Â
nice weather + bike rideable = beers @ Neons
The Good
- Outdoor area is nice and big ... lots of doggies/ bring yours along :)
- Bicycle Friendly
- Lawn bowling
- Giant Jenga
- FOOD Burgers and Hotdogs to fill the hunger from within.
(decent eats)
The Bad
- Indoor area is super small and gets very crowded... good luck walking through to the bathroom (hint go around outside)
- Hard to get a drink on a crowded night but what bar isn't.
- Can attract some of the "Bros"
- Lawn bowling
- Giant Jenga
Ok. The bar itself, I love. I mean, what's not to love really? Great mixologists are behind the bar. Great beer selection. Their patio is simply amazing. Giant jenga, pool & bocce ball for your entertainment. Dog friendly. I mean, what's not to love about this bar?
I love grabbing drinks here, I really do...up to a certain time. Once a certain time hits (around 11ish), drunks and hipsters all seem to converge here. Sadly, I'm allergic to both drunks and hipsters. I mean, they are everywhere around this bar.
If you're a drunk or a hipster, or better yet, a drunk hipster...you will love this bar. If you're a normal person, get here before 11 and enjoy this great place while you can.
I hate to do this, as Neon's was my favorite hang-out for my first year here in Cincy. But I just can't give them 4 stars anymore, and that is for the one thing I can't stand in a bar:
Drunk people.
If you've read any of my reviews, you will know that I can't abide drunk people in my bars. And unfortunately, whether a whole bunch of kids just turned 21 or a new fake ID supplier opened up; Neon's is now full of sloppy drunk kids. Not only this, but apparently there aren't enough people to serve this new influx of drunk people because getting served (or worse yet, trying to close out a tab when you are trying to leave) can take 20 minutes. :(. My husband was in there a couple weeks ago with an out of town guest, waited 20 minutes at the bar to order two beers, then gave up in frustration. This was at about 7pm.
Neon's...I still love your porch, and I can still enjoy you before, say, 6pm --but I just won't be back in the evening unless there is some event I need to attend.