Pike Street Lounge

I haven't been around the Cincinnati area for very long but I did know this bar originally as Blue Bar. Since it now operates under new owners, here's how i feel:

I love the space and what they have done with it. Dating a Metalsmith, I can appreciate the steel sculptures on the walls and also the sign that hangs out front, even though the lettering is quite hard to read from a distance. While it may feel a little dark to some, I for one think that's how a bar should feel-dark and cozy. I have never been in to try any of their coffee, which I am told I MUST do. So it's on the list.

They run a pretty decent happy hour throughout the week, which I have attended on several occasions. Happy hour pricing on everything plus the occasional special from time to time. Can't beat it. They also have a pretty awesome outdoor space which I would suggest taking advantage of.

It is worth noting that the bar closes at 1am. Not a big deal, but if you're anticipating closing down the bar, just know that it will be about an hour sooner here.

Overall I have never had a bad experience here. Good bartenders, good people, good drinks. Oh-and clean bathrooms-5 stars for that!

Pike Street Lounge is my neighborhood. They have great coffee - so it is a great place to start the day.

One evening I had the Phoenix Wicked Latte - that means there is some liquor involved. It is chocolatey, with a hint of cinnamon and a tiny little kick of cayenne. SO yummy for a cool, rainy evening.

The beers are great, the owners and staff are welcoming.

Try it out - it will become a favorite.

My husband and I went to Pike Street Lounge on a Friday evening for a post workout drink.  We ended up staying until the bar closed.  Ooops.  

The bar is small and cozy.  I love that Pike Street Lounge is non smoking.  I usually cross the river for that luxury.  There is a very nice courtyard in the back for smokers.  The walls are sparsely decorated and would be a great place to display some local art.  There are several couches in the back that were crowded when we arrived.  It looked like a cool place to hang out if you had a big group of people getting together.  

Everything on tap was local and the bartender made it sound like that is the owner's intent.  (Yay, I love local!)  But that means if you are looking for a super cheap draft beer, you're out of luck.  I think they carry crappy bottle beer but no one was ordering that stuff.  My Jameson and club soda was perfect - tasty, not too weak, and not too strong.  The bartender was friendly and even when it got crowded, remembered what I was drinking and a simple nod was all I needed for a refill.

Pike Street Lounge was a super fun, laid back place to hang out.  It was advertised to us as gay friendly and it was definitely both of those things.  They had the TVs on, and though I wouldn't have expected it, this might be my favorite place to watch basketball.  (Maybe because Duke got beat...)

The one star is taken off because I wish they served food, for two reasons.  1) I would've ordered a snack once I realized we were going to hang out all night. 2) If they served food they could've stayed open longer.

Oh, I should also mention that this is a coffee shop during the day.  But I haven't been for coffee so I can't comment on that.